Now replaced by VELVIA 100 (NO F)

One thing that continues to amaze me about FUJI of Japan is that despite the inroads of digital technology into all areas of photography, that the company still improves its analog film products. In my opinion, the company should be lauded for its dedication to folks like me, who still shoot traditional film based media and especially slide film.

That having been said, I decided to post a review on this film, even though it has since been replaced by its newer, updated version, simply known as VELVIA 100.

The original VELVIA introduced by Fuji, now more than 15 years ago, was rated at ISO 50 and was introduced as a DIRECT competitor to KODAK's legendary and venerable KODACHROME 25. As an E-6 based slide film, it had the distinct advantage of being processed at far more labs around the USA. In addition, its eye-popping colors did much to attract photographers and prove to them that there were, in fact, viable alternatives to KODACHROME with its K-14 processing.

For professional photographers, convenience generally means less time and in every business, time = money. Since E-6 processing was more time efficient and the eye popping colors of the original Velvia 50 were so dramatic and breathtaking, many professional photographers switched. Soon, word got out and even photo enthusiasts who shot slides started switching. In the United States, where most casual photographers shot print film and only 2% of the market shot slide film regularly, the loss of customers by Kodak was noticeable and pronounced.

Despite the claims by Kodak to the Federal Trade Commission that Fuji was "dumping" film here in the USA below cost, the film buying public didn't care, they liked what they got back when they developed their film or slides.

As everyone knows, digital has made a significant dent in the number of professionals and amateurs shooting film based products. Despite that, less than three years ago, Fuji committed to continue to pour R&D money into film product development and while they too now realize that film may be a dying breed, they still improve their products.

This version of Fuji VELVIA 100F is one that prior to my deployment, I had stocked my fridge and freezer with. I use(d) it primarily for scenics, still life shots and architecture. It is an exceptional film when people are not the primary subject matter to be included within the frame.

When I deployed to the Middle East this last time, I brought approximately 75 rolls of VELVIA 100F with me and my two Nikon 35 mm film bodies. Despite having film cameras with me, I am also able to use government owned Nikon D1X and D2X digital bodies as well. For my personal photography here, I use my own cameras and for the most part, Fuji slide film.

Below are my observations of this version of VELVIA and how it has performed in the hot and dusty conditions I am in here.


COLOR SATURATION:

VERY HIGH! Despite the sameness of much of the the terrain and the dun coloring of many of the buildings here, this film does an exceptional job of capturing those colors found in clothing, posters, paintings, brightly colored buildings and distant topography. I do not fear using this film as much when photographing the Iraqis I come into contact because their fairly dark complexions do not pose problems for this film as can be the case with more fairly complected Caucasians.

This film captures every nuance of the tribal costumes I have seen the Kurds wear and it is also quite useful for detail work. On several occasions, I have provided slides to friends or the military for further enlargement and I have been told that the end users always appreciate the fine colors, the depth of detail and the overall accuracy of the imagery.

SHARPNESS:

Aside from Fuji's own ASTIA slide film, VELVIA 100F had the distinction of being one of the finer grained slide films available on the market. After having shot hundreds of rolls of this film, I must say that I agree with those claims. This is an incredibly sharp film and its reproducing qualities mean that even the smallest details are faithfully captured. Users of slide film always comment that there is an air of 3D that almost jumps off the slide when compared to a printed image. This film, renowned for its coloration should also be raved about for its incredible sharpness.

CONTRAST:

For a slide film, this is a high contrast film. It can go dark very quickly and it does not deal well with over and under exposure. Underexposing by more than 1 EV will result in very dark images very quickly. Over exposure will mean lost details in blown out areas. Contrast can be extreme and this is a film that is best used in daylight. I have found that contrast with this film is diminished when shot under an overcast sky. In Iraq, there are numerous sandstorms that can all but eliminate strong sunlight and shadows. During those events, I have found that the dust filled sky still provides enough light for this film while minimizing the negative effects of its contrasty nature. I have received back slides taken during these inclement weather events that have provided me with some very memorable images.

GRAIN:

The research labs will tell you that Fuji's ASTIA 100 has an RMS rating of 7 (lowest in the world). Well, that's wonderful, but the more vivid VELVIA is almost there with a second place RMS rating of 8, the same as the older and now discontinued VELVIA 50. I have found the grain in my finished slides to be almost non-existent. In fact, when I have printed enlargements from the original slides, the grain remains appropriate to the size of the enlargement without causing any loss of clarity or sharpness.

By now, most photo product retailers back in the world (the USA) may have used up their stocks of this older version of the world famous VELVIA. If you can find it, even if it's alongside its newer version, do not hesitate to buy it. It is still an exceptional slide film and the images you take with it will be memorable for years to come.