My Boota.

November 9th, 2025

I’ve been wanting to get into film photography for a while now and couldn’t decide on what camera I should buy. I have a Ricoh TF-500 point-and-shoot that I have put some rolls of 35mm through and had some okay results. the auto-focus on that camera is very hit or miss. I had picked up a Canon EOS Elan II off of Facebook Marketplace which has been a mechanical nightmare to shoot with. the light meter does not work properly and the shutter will go off when it wants to after hitting the shutter button. Don’t think I will be using that one anymore.

While deciding on what I would actually want to purchase for my first real film camera that isn’t just an experiment, I started to really fall in love with the look of medium format film. Typically, the average photographer would not start at medium format, but I decided why would I get something for 35mm when ultimately what I want to shoot and experience is 120mm. So I jumped in headfirst and bought myself a Mamiya 645 with the Sekor C 70mm f2.8 lens.

I took it out with my co-worker and friend, Luis, for a day of photography at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. I have never been there before, and it really wowed me with how well the gardens are kept. for those in the Chicago-land area, this place is a must-visit for a nice afternoon. I put two rolls of Kodak Gold 200 through the camera and I am fairly happy with the results. The shooting experience with the camera is unlike anything I have ever shot with and I had a great time. It is quickly becoming an all-time favorite purchase. Here are a few of my favorites images, others will be shown below.