EP273: Penny Wise, Pound Foolish — Minolta AF-C 35mm f2.8 with Fujifilm 200 (US Version)

Roll 273

Film: Fujifilm 200 (US version)
Developed & scanned by DEP Lab 2025/8/5
Camera: Minolta AF-C 35mm f2.8

-

Recently, I saw someone on Threads asking again about the difference between “Japan-made Fujifilm” and “US Fujifilm.” I almost replied, but decided not to.

To me, US Fujifilm is essentially Kodak film at a lower price point. That said, not every retailer sells it cheaper than Kodak, so it still comes down to comparing prices yourself.

The reason I ended up with this roll of Fujifilm 200 was because the film I ordered from Amazon US never arrived. I nearly ran out of film in Chicago, and had to drive 40 minutes to the nearest store to buy some in a hurry. Physical stores there are extremely expensive. This roll alone cost around 440 NTD, while Kodak UltraMax 400 was selling for about 508 NTD.

Considering that I had previously bought Fujifilm 400 online for under 300 NTD per roll, I honestly did not want to buy anything at those prices. But since I had already asked, it felt awkward to walk away without purchasing. In the end, I forced myself to buy one roll of Fujifilm 200 and one roll of UltraMax.

The lesson here is simple. If possible, bring enough film with you when traveling. Buying locally might seem like a backup plan, but it comes with its own risks. Trying to save a little can sometimes cost you more in the end.

-

 

#1
A rare, perfectly focused point-and-shoot selfie. It looks like it was taken wide open at f2.8. This is the bathroom I go in and out of several times a day.

 

#2
My mom cooking. If you look closely, you might notice how high the stove is. This is standard in the US, but for many Asians, it can feel slightly uncomfortable to use.

 

#3
We went into downtown Chicago that day. After parking the car, I saw one of my favorite views, the elevated train turning a corner, and felt I had to take a photo.

 

#4
Can you tell how old these structures are? If something like this were built in Taiwan, I wonder how well it would hold up during earthquakes.

 

#5
A train passing along the elevated tracks, caught just at the right moment.

 

#6
In Taiwan, road signs are almost always designed for drivers, not pedestrians. I sometimes wonder if that is part of the reason people walk less.

 

#7
You can probably tell what they sell just from this.

 

#8
Chicago’s version of the little green pedestrian figure.

 

#9
At the Museum of Illusions in Chicago. This is one of the exhibits.

 

#10
The same exhibit from the previous frame.

 

#11
Another exhibit, a static tunnel that creates a strong illusion of motion and dizziness. Very interesting.

 

#12
I forgot to look at the camera and ended up seeing my own eyes.

 

#13
An American-style restroom. The kind of floating sink you see in movies, where someone gets slammed into it and it bursts.

 

#14
I am curious what Chicago looks like in winter, covered in snow.

 

#15
The US also uses very straightforward traffic signs. Taiwan has tried similar designs before, explaining one sign with another. Some people think it is unnecessary, but seeing it here, I think it serves a purpose. It is a form of universal design, for those who might not fully understand traffic rules.

 

#16
The Trump Tower in Chicago has a very strong presence.

 

#17
One of Chicago’s tourist spots is the McDonald’s headquarters. At the flagship store there, you can order menu items from different countries. I do not remember what I ordered, though.

 

#18
We just ordered randomly and ate. In the US, McDonald’s fries are already large by default.

 

#19
A city with almost no overhead wires.

 

#20
In downtown Chicago, even during the day, there are very few homeless people, and it feels relatively safe to walk around. At a café we visited, there was a man standing by the door, opening it for customers and greeting them politely, rather than asking for money. He seemed confident and even enjoyed what he was doing. That left a strong impression on me, so when we left, I gave him a small tip.

 

#21
Looking at buildings in Chicago always makes me wonder about their earthquake resistance.

 

#22
Maybe I just do not understand it, but sometimes that is exactly what makes it feel like art.

This is the full set from this roll, shot with the Minolta AF-C 35mm f2.8 and Fujifilm 200 (US version). Thank you for viewing.