EP277: A Pilgrimage, with Regret — Minolta AF-C 35mm f2.8 with Lomography LomoChrome Turquoise 100–400

Roll 277

Film: Lomography LomoChrome Turquoise 100–400 @100
Developed & scanned by Li-lai Photo 2025/8/7
Camera: Minolta AF-C 35mm f2.8

-

During this trip to Chicago, I was mostly shooting Kodak-based color negative film, including US-market Fujifilm stocks manufactured by Kodak. Even before shooting, I had a feeling it might start to feel repetitive. But at the time, I was overwhelmed with work and had no mental space left to think about photography. I went into the trip without much planning, just taking whatever I had.

Looking back, I regret that decision.

I should have thought more carefully about what films and cameras to bring.

This roll of Lomography LomoChrome Turquoise 100–400 was purchased at Central Camera. Established in 1899, it is a historic camera store in Chicago. I remember thinking the background alone made it worth visiting, like a kind of pilgrimage.

But the reality was disappointing.

The store felt sparse and disorganized. There was none of that sense of discovery you get in Japanese camera shops, where everything is neatly arranged and endlessly varied.

There was so little there that I did not even know what to ask about. There was simply nothing that caught my attention.

Still, since I had made the effort to go, I felt like I had to buy something. So I picked up a few rolls of film, noticeably more expensive than usual, just in case I needed them. This Turquoise film was one of them.

Fortunately, I did.

Because this roll added a different kind of variation to my Chicago photos.

-

 

#1
Near Central Camera. It is located right next to a train station.

 

#2
I simply wanted to test what this Turquoise film would do when pointed at the sky. I still do not quite understand why this yellowish tone is called “turquoise.”

 

#3
Arriving at Central Camera. At first, I thought it might be a lab because of how little there was inside. But it is not. It is a camera store by origin, just one that also happens to offer film development.

 

#4
I am not very familiar with street parking in the US. I actually got a ticket in Chicago, around 1,500 NTD. The reason was simple: I did not pay in advance. In Taiwan, you park first and pay afterward. Here, you are expected to estimate your parking time and pay upfront. If you do not, you get fined. At first, I even thought the ticket on my windshield was just a payment notice. That was a bit embarrassing.

 

#5
The Central Camera sign proudly shows 1899. I do not really know much about cameras from that era.

 

#6
Chicago’s transit system is not particularly accessible. Sometimes, like here, it is just a staircase. If you want to take it, you climb. But considering how old the system is, it makes sense.

 

#7
Parking prices in Chicago.

 

#8
There are many old buildings in Chicago. Seeing these external fire escapes in person is fascinating.

 

#9
This scene also appeared in the previous roll. I deliberately shot it again with this film to compare the color rendering.

 

#10
A museum we did not go into. If I had been traveling alone, I probably would have. But realistically, solo travel may not happen in this lifetime unless I make a conscious effort. Maybe that should become a goal.

 

#11
I like looking at street signs in different cities.

 

#12
Chicago is full of high fuel-consumption vehicles.

 

#13
Street performers. This scene also appeared in the previous roll, again for color comparison.

 

#14
Are you someone who often thinks about life goals? I think I am. I have always believed that how you want to be described in your eulogy is what you should be working toward.

 

#15
During this trip, I visited a college friend who told me that if you are interested in architecture, you will love Chicago. That turned out to be true. Still, I feel like I have not seen enough of the world to make a fair comparison. Europe is probably worth exploring in depth someday.

 

#16
Waiting for the bus.

 

#17
This scene also appeared in the previous roll. We were on an articulated bus.

 

#18
Willis Tower. We were about to go up and see the skyline.

 

#19
The Minolta AF-C 35mm f2.8 is a compact camera with manual film advance and a sliding cover. For me, the downside is that there is no flash at all. In low light situations like this, camera shake becomes unavoidable.

 

#20
The view from the Willis Tower Skydeck, surrounded by clouds.

 

#21
I think I have taken quite a few photos of “exits.” Maybe that could become a small project someday.

 

#22
A large glass wall, with cardinal directions marked on the columns.

 

#23
It is rare to see vertical English text like this. Probably a last resort.

 

#24
Again, a comparison shot from the previous roll.

 

#25
Another color test. Without the fog, each window would probably offer a beautiful view.

 

#26
An extremely expensive sushi place, but we did not have many alternatives.

 

#27
Various street signs in Chicago.

 

#28
Chicago’s public transit system, CTA. In marketing, CTA stands for “call to action,” referring to what you want the user to do. For an online store, it is making a purchase. For a YouTube channel, it is subscribing.

 

#29
Buildings in downtown Chicago are packed closely together, and there are very few overhead wires, which makes the streets visually clean. This photo also documents a common type of vehicle here. Jeeps are everywhere, almost like Mitsubishi Delicas in Taiwan.

 

#30
Still waiting for the bus.

 

#31
A rare selfie.

 

#32
It started raining. People in Chicago do not seem to use umbrellas that often.

 

#33
I do use an umbrella. I am from Taiwan.

 

#34
If you want to experience local life, taking public transportation is one of the simplest ways.

This is the full set from this roll, shot with the Minolta AF-C 35mm f2.8 and Lomography Turquoise. Thank you for viewing.

(Although I do not really see much “turquoise,” to be honest. Harman Phoenix II 200 might be more deserving of that name.)