EP280: No Plans — Konica Big mini HG BM-300 35mm f3.5 with Kodak UltraMax 400

Roll 280

Film: Kodak UltraMax 400
Developed & scanned by Li-lai Photo 2025/8/7
Camera: Konica Big mini HG BM-300 35mm f3.5

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Since returning to Taiwan from Chicago in early August 2025, a lot has happened. More than I can easily keep track of, and I am not even sure if I will be able to write everything down while the memories are still fresh. Perhaps that is what is driving me now, trying to catch up on all the entries I owe myself.

If we are only talking about film cameras, I have picked up quite a few during this period. From the Ricoh GR21, GR1s, and GR1, to the first-generation Fujifilm Klasse. I even came across a Leica Minilux by chance. Most recently, I managed to get a Ricoh GR IIIx at retail price, only to sell it within 24 hours of using it.

There are many things to talk about. I will leave those for later.

For now, I will continue writing about Chicago.

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#1
About to leave Chicago. My mom said she wanted to take us out for Peking duck that day. It was expensive. I do not even remember how much the meal cost in the end.

 

#2
We were taking the bus again. My son has gotten used to exploring cities with us using public transportation.

 

#3
A passenger’s perspective. When photographing abroad, a quiet camera matters. Staying low-profile is important. I always assume that people do not want to be in the frame, and try to respect that from the start.

 

#4
Warnings on a Chicago bus, including not playing music or audio loudly.

 

#5
My six-year-old son and me.

 

#6
That day, we tried to see if we could find a kids’ basketball jersey somewhere in downtown Chicago.

 

#7
Nike installations always impress me.

 

#8
There seem to be more Starbucks locations in Chicago than convenience stores. In the distance is the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.

 

#9
There was a line just to enter the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. It was so crowded inside. I remember waiting around 20 to 30 minutes.

 

#10
Packed with people.

 

#11
Multiple coffee machines running at once. It looked like ordering would take another 30 minutes, so we decided just to take a look and leave.

 

#12
Well, it is Starbucks.

 

#13
After leaving the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, we looked for lunch. We passed by a place that looked old and interesting, Pizzeria Due, and decided to go in.

 

#14
The interior had the character of a long-established restaurant. After checking the reviews, we realized we had walked into a well-known place.

 

#15
Pizzeria Due, established in 1955. You can tell from the layers of paint that the space has been repainted many times over the years.

 

#16
Chicago deep dish pizza, halfway through.

 

#17
That day was just wandering around downtown Chicago. We like days without fixed plans like this. We even walked into a local drugstore.

This is the full set from this roll, shot with the Konica Big mini HG BM-300 and Kodak UltraMax 400. Thank you for viewing.