The Luck gas station is a roadside landmark on North Carolina 209 is the crossroad of Luck. It is the halfway point between Hot Springs and Lake Junaluska. Despite no real parking area, this is likely the most photographed building on NC 209. In this case, I had my wife let me hop out of the car while she drove down the road and back while I grabbed some handheld images.

NC 209 in itself is a lovely road to drive and is being promoted as “The Rattler” as a twisty alternative to Deal’s Gap, aka The Tail of the Dragon on US 129 just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I purchased the Canon EOS 3 new shortly after Canon introduced the model, with its eye control focusing being the key reason for the EOS 3 over the prevailing EOS 1 model. I like the compactness of the Canon 40mm and in this case I shot with a yellow filter in place.

While I shoot film frequently, this is the first roll that I developed myself in more than a decade.

~ Bill

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About the author

Avatar - Bill McMannis

Bill McMannis

As a lifelong photographer, I continue to enjoy shooting film. In addition to 4x5s and 120/220, I have shot over 3000 rolls of 35mm. As processing slide film has become a challenge, I usually shoot black and white. Typically 100 ISO or slower.

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  1. Bill, I’ve always been fond of roadside architecture. In the 1970’s, I had a C-220 and did a lot of this work up here in New England. The negs & the subjects are long lost. I’m glad to see they still are found in the south.
    I use the compact 45mm Nikkor-P on my FE-2. Like you, l like the compact build and the angle of view.
    I must disagree with the other posting. I see a series of pics showing you ‘working’ the subject, much like an artist sketching different angles of a subject. You’re showing a visual thought process.
    Dan

  2. Bill, I don’t want one to be rude, but I want to speak my mind I’m afraid. Your images are good, but, there is no variety. The first three and the last two are pretty much the same. Please treat us to either better edited down images, or, a better insight into the subject.