EP272: Chicago River Cruise Observations (Part 2) — Konica Big mini HG BM-300 35mm f3.5 with Fujifilm 400 (US Version)

Roll 272

Film: Fujifilm 400 (US version)
Developed & scanned by Li-lai Photo 2025/8/7
Camera: Konica Big mini HG BM-300 35mm f3.5

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Continuing from the previous roll EP271, this is the second half of the Chicago river cruise.

To be honest, because too much time had passed before I sat down to write these entries, I had almost forgotten that this roll even existed. While writing the previous post, I initially thought I had only shot one roll during the cruise. It turns out I finished a roll quickly on the boat and loaded a new one on the spot.

When traveling, I try to alternate between different film stocks from one roll to the next. It helps me keep track of what might be on each roll, especially when I come back to organize and write about them later.

Lately, I have been waiting for something I truly want to say, something I could quietly embed into these film entries. But nothing has really surfaced. Life and work have been full, in a way that leaves little space for that kind of reflection.

That said, my insomnia has been getting worse again, to the point where it is starting to affect when I wake up the next day. That is probably a sign I should return to reading before bed. It has been a long time since I last did that.

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#1
My brother mentioned that the architect behind this building has a very distinctive style. Once you see more of his work, you can immediately recognize it.

 

#2
The tallest building in the distance is the Willis Tower, the tallest in Chicago at 442 meters. Taipei 101 stands at 508 meters, but Willis Tower was completed back in 1973 and held the title of the world’s tallest building for nearly 25 years. That contrast is part of what makes Chicago feel so remarkable to me. In Taiwan, the tallest building in 1973 was the Grand Hotel, at 87 meters with 14 floors.

 

#3
Street names in Chicago are generally quite easy to read. During the cruise, you constantly pass under bridges, with signs indicating the streets above.

 

#4
Other passengers on the deck. Once the main course was over, people came outside to enjoy the view and chat.

 

#5
A quick sharpness test using the Konica Big mini HG BM-300 for a selfie.

 

#6
Not entirely sure how to pronounce this one.

 

#7
This one I understand. “Do not anchor.” Interesting that “anchor” can be used directly as a verb.

 

#8
These pillars look almost like something from an ancient bridge.

 

#9
It is called a water taxi. I am not entirely sure how it operates in practice.

 

#10
A two-person selfie composition example with a 35mm f3.5 point-and-shoot.

 

#11
Randolph Street. The name reminds me of a former boss I had, named Randal.

 

#12
If you asked me what I enjoyed most in Chicago, I would say riding this elevated train system. Moving through the city among old buildings feels incredibly cinematic.

 

#13
Another easy-to-read street name. Shooting from the boat tends to attract attention from people on land.

 

#14
Wells Street. Also easy to read.

 

#15
You can probably guess which architect designed this.

 

#16
Someone in the distance waved at me while I was holding the camera. At least, I think they did.

 

#17
Part of this structure is a parking area.

 

#18
There are restaurants below as well. On the lower right is the well-known Smith & Wollensky.

 

#19
The Trump Tower. It has a strong presence.

 

#20
A major tourist area in the distance. The more pedestrians you see, the more tourists there are.

 

#21
The Trump Tower is not only visually dominant, but also strategically placed. Seen along the river, it sits right at the center. Its full name is Trump International Hotel and Tower, currently the second tallest building in Chicago, completed in 2009.

 

#22
The third tallest building in Chicago, St. Regis Chicago, completed in 2020.

 

#23
There was a party happening on the boat across from us, even though it was still brunch time.

 

#24
After the cruise ended, we could not find a restroom nearby for our child. We asked the security guard at the building where we had parked, and he kindly allowed us to use a restroom on an upper floor that had not yet been leased. It felt like something out of a movie.

This is the full set from this roll, shot with the Konica Big mini HG BM-300 and Fujifilm 400 (US version). Thank you for viewing, and thanks to Li-lai Photo for development and scanning, and to my brother for hosting.