Down the Road

Photographs and stories by Jim Grey

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Chicago’s Union Station on Kodak T-Max 400

Jim Grey
30 comments on Chicago’s Union Station on Kodak T-Max 400
1 minute
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Chicago Union Station

I’m a fan of Chicago’s gorgeous Union Station. I wish they still built buildings like this! On our recent trip, our plans took us by, so we went in.

Chicago Union Station

I had loaded my last roll of film, Kodak T-Max 400, into my Olympus XA. I think T-Max 400 is my favorite black-and-white film. I love its smooth look, and I enjoy the rich range of tones it delivers. I also enjoy being able to shoot inside handheld, as I did here, as it’s a fairly fast film. T-Max 400 never disappoints me.

Chicago Union Station

We didn’t stay long, as we had places to be. But in the fifteen minutes or so we were inside, I made all of these images. On the one below, I was trying to bring in as many details in as I could. I can see now that its not the most coherent composition.

Chicago Union Station

But I made up for it, I think, on all of the other images. There’s a great deal of symmetry to play with inside Union Station, and I deeply enjoy symmetry. The XA’s viewfinder is accurate enough to frame that symmetry and mostly get it on the finished scan.

Chicago Union Station

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Comments

30 responses to “Chicago’s Union Station on Kodak T-Max 400”

  1. J P Avatar
    J P

    We once took a family vacation to Chicago by train. There are a lot worse ways to do Chicago than to have Union Station be the first and last things you see in the city. It is indeed a beautiful place.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      I’d love to take a train vacation someday. Sure seems like a romantic way to travel.

      Reply
  2. Mike Connealy Avatar
    Mike Connealy

    An XA loaded with TMAX seems like an ideal combination for big city shooting. Your results makes me think I should give my little Olympus more opportunities to show its stuff.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      It was very easy to carry compared to the Nikon F3 I used earlier on the trip – and still plenty capable. I find myself using this camera more and more on trips.

      Reply
  3. P Avatar
    P

    These are all beautiful photos, Jim. You gotta love that T-MAX 400. Interestingly, the image you think isn’t the “most coherent composition” is in my opinion the strongest image of the bunch. It’s very, very well balanced. Compositionally, it’s actually divided nicely into thirds on multiple fronts and each is in a truly unique manner. And the tonality is exceptional. The XA clearly nailed the exposure and put the focus exactly where it needed to be to really set this image apart. I think you’re cutting yourself way short with this one, Jim, because it’s a phenomenal shot. I mean that.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      You’re not the first person to say so. Someone who follows me on Flickr praised this one too. I still don’t see it but I love getting your perspective as it helps me see my work differently!

      Reply
      1. P Avatar
        P

        Maybe when you come back to evaluate this image after a few weeks, months, or years you’ll be able to see it in a new light. I hope so. It’s a wonderful photo.

        Reply
    2. fishyfisharcade Avatar
      fishyfisharcade

      I agree with P. For me it’s the strongest of the lot. It’s interesting and pleasing to the eye.

      Reply
      1. Jim Grey Avatar
        Jim Grey

        Well I’m just going to reverse my position on this photograph then. If all of you like it, it must be good! :-)

        Reply
  4. Michael McNeill Avatar
    Michael McNeill

    The XA is a great little camera – perfect to carry around. Nice images – B&W works well in Union Station.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      That it does! B/w lends grace and gravity to the subject. I do like my little XA. I hope it lasts for years yet.

      Reply
  5. DougD Avatar
    DougD

    Nice station. I read a Peter Egan quote somewhere that the line between prewar and postwar architecture is easy to see. Back then we cared, now we don’t.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      That’s pretty much a fact. And a shame.

      Reply
  6. Rob B Avatar
    Rob B

    Beautiful shots, Jim. I found a XA at my local Kenmore Camera for $99, far less than KEH or eBay, so I snagged it.

    Sadly, I haven’t gotten around to shooting it yet, but your post has inspired me to get it out for a stroll.

    I love TMax 400, but it has been in short supply here in Seattle. I did buy a brick of Tri-X in December before the price went up, so that will have to do.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      I got my XA before prices went nuts – I paid less than $50 for it. It has been a fine performer for me! T-Max 400 is the b/w I shoot most often.

      Reply
  7. Olli Thomson Avatar
    Olli Thomson

    Lovely shots and a grand building. I’ve never tried T-Max 400, but I assume it is similar Delta 400 which I have used and like.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      I’ve only shot one roll of Delta 400 so I can’t say for sure. But I believe the Delta line and the T-Max line are cut from similar cloth.

      Reply
  8. dionyb Avatar
    dionyb

    You’re making me want to visit Chicago again but the soonest I can get there is in December. My son will be graduating from college at that time and some time in the Windy City is part of the plan.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      My wife and I love Chicago in December! It’s our favorite time to be there.

      Reply
  9. Dan Cluley Avatar
    Dan Cluley

    One of my favorite places. Those are all very nice pics, but I like the staircase the best.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      Those columns are so strong. I photograph that scene every time I go in.

      Reply
  10. brandib1977 Avatar
    brandib1977

    Agreed. I also wish they still built buildings like this! Wonderful images of a gorgeous place!

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      Thank you! It’s worth a visit every time we pass.

      Reply
      1. brandib1977 Avatar
        brandib1977

        Isn’t it wonderful having those places you can revisit and always enjoy?

        Reply
  11. Ward Fogelsanger Avatar
    Ward Fogelsanger

    On my last airline layover in downtown Chicago I explored Union Station and also what had been Dearborn Street station. When I was a little kid we occasionally rode the C&EI from Terre Haute to Chicago..

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      What fun it must have been to take the train to Chicago! I wish there were a train from Indy to Chicago — our frequent trips would be so much nicer not having to deal with our car.

      Reply
  12. Sam Avatar
    Sam

    I miss Chi-Town. Nice shots! Gotta go back some day, hopefully when all this coronavirus madness subsides.

    Reply
    1. Jim Grey Avatar
      Jim Grey

      I love going up there for photography!

      Reply
  13. Around The World In Analogue. – Katie Shoots Film

    […] new finds)– @nowordsinvolved: Berlin, Germany– @yasurou90: Ibaraki, Japan– Down the Road: Union Station, Chicago, United States (SO GOOD)– Fine Film Days: Manila, Philippines – Vortilogue: Gdańsk, Poland (found while […]

    Reply
  14. Around The World In Analogue. – Katie Shoots Film

    […] Berlin, Germany– @yasurou90: Ibaraki, Japan– Down the Road: Union Station, Chicago, United States (SO GOOD)– Fine Film Days: Manila, Philippines – Vortilogue: Gdańsk, Poland (found while […]

    Reply

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