_See __The Railway Station_
I wandered into the Grand Central Station in New York City with a new
camera—a Speedex 2¼×3¼. It had been given me as a present by my partner
in photographic and other joys, who was tired of seeing me lug around an
8×10 view camera and plates. I thought the light looked interesting in
the big station and opened my little box. Appeared on the scene the
station detective. “Not allowed to make photographs without a permit.”
“Where do I apply for it?” “At the stationmaster’s room.” I walked half
a mile and interviewed a pretty stenographer. She said, when I showed her
the tiny camera, “Certainly you can make snapshots with that little thing.
What we don’t like is putting up a big camera on a tripod.” I went back
in triumph, showed my permit, and shot. F4.8 Zeiss lens, wide open, one
second exposure. Enlarged on P. M. C. No. 5, to 11×14 with Smith lens.