Visible crew/equipment: Just after young Clark Kent jumps in front of the train, there is a close up of the train speeding by with a very visible camera in its reflection. (00:30:00)
Visible crew/equipment: Near the beginning when Lois and Clark are walking out of the Daily Planet, Clark gets stuck in the revolving doors. But, look closely at the glass door, and you can see Richard Donner (confirmed in Superman expanded commentary) holding the door so that Christopher Reeve can get stuck.
Visible crew/equipment: During the first scene in the Daily Planet, after Lois exits Perry's office saying "You forgot my report", two big stage lights get reflected on the left glass door.
Visible crew/equipment: While Lois chats with Clark and says "three kids, two cats" a microphone is reflected on a glass on the lower right corner. (01:03:50)
Visible crew/equipment: When the cocoon cradle crashes and the Kents pull-over, lights and bulky object (camera?) are reflected on the driver's door, perfectly visible when he opens the door. Seconds later, rigs and filming equipment are visible on the fender.
Answer: He wanted to see for himself if the stories were true. Some reporters tend to exaggerate the facts and if he had any other weaknesses. He couldn't be sure the kryptonite would work.
While I don't exactly disagree that Lex wanted to see for himself how invincible Superman is, I don't think that's the main reason why he did it. The bullets and fire were simply a charade to make it look like this was his security system. Keep in mind, he wanted Superman to enter his lair because the real trap was the Kryptonite that he had in the lead box.
jshy7979