Slide film and fall leaves are basically a cliché—a beautiful and extremely expensive cliché. But it works, so I took you along while I chased fall color on slide film across two formats: medium format on my 1965 Mamiya C3 (6x6) for a quiet leaf journey, then 35mm on my Leica MP in Portland, and I finished the last frames at sunrise in San Francisco. Along the way I talk through what makes slide film so satisfying when it’s right—crisp, saturated, and honestly just a little magical—and why it can also be unforgiving, especially for me on 35mm. On the Mamiya C3, I’m leaning into the slower pace: focusing carefully, watching the clouds, and trying to do the scene justice (while also learning the hard way what happens when you don’t check your f-stop). I also share a quick set of wedding highlights from the same weekend because my life has no continuity, and the C3 deserved a roll or two. Back in Portland, I’m picky with my frames on Velvia/Provia because 35mm slide film is hit or miss for me. I end up with one of my favorite fall photos ever—this little puddle with mystery, mood, blue sky reflection, and red maple leaves—plus a bright-but-beautiful Provia moment and a strong purple-leaning sunrise finish in San Francisco. Everything was developed E-6 at Blue Moon Camera in Portland.