I actually set up my tripod on the stairwell, knowing full well that I would probably get into trouble. I had already taken a couple of handheld shots on Delta 3200, but wanted some on fine-grained film. So I set the tripod up halfway down the stairwell, placed the camera on it and checked the viewfinder, and thankfully, didn't need to move it. Took a quick ambient light reading and shot a 25-ish second exposure, and within about five more seconds a policewoman came almost running up the stairs and said "No tripods allowed, sir. If you want to use a tripod, you can get a pass from the stationmaster's office". So, I kind of gave up on the idea, but was glad I got one shot. But then I thought, why not get a pass and take some more. So I found the office and told them I would like a pass. The guy there phoned some lady, and he handed the phone to me to talk to her. She said I was in luck as it was after 10 am. She said I could shoot anywhere on the floor except in front of ticket windows, and not at all on the stairs. But if I wanted a high viewpoint she suggested that after 12, I could shoot from the Metrazor (? something like that, the restaurant on one end). She then said she hoped I have a lovely stay in New York. So then the guy asked how long I wanted the pass for, and I said two hours. A little later the same policewoman came back to me and asked if I got the pass, so I showed her, and she said "Put it on". Several other police and security-type people walked past and looked at me, saw the pass and left me alone. It is just called a "Special Pass" and has the time range written on it together with your name. I think it helped that I have an Australian accent. They may not be so nice to "locals". But I must say, I was very impressed.
A friend of mine from Sydney, a commercial photographer, sent me some nice panoramic shots of the Sydney Harbor taken last week or so; beautiful stuff, although he uses a D100 these days.
