Fuji Velvia 50 4x5

[Fredrick]

Hello. According to onlandscape.co.uk and a bunch of other sites, the fuji velvia 50 is back in sheet film. Now, I've been looking all over ebay to find me some of that sweet film, but the only ones I can find expires 10/2013. I want it for the autumn, and if it expires before that, well.. Won't have much use for it. I realize that I am a bit impatient, but I like having everything ready before I undertake something.

[LF_rookie_to_be]

Direct order from FujiFilm in Japan seems to be the best bet. I'd be interested in some as well. The ordering process and delivery time is apparently in months. Perhaps start a group European order?

[Tin Can]

Ok, as long as there is a thread, how long does Fuji Velvia 50 last? I have at least 4 unopened boxes of 4X5. I got it from an unknown free source, now in my fridge, expired 1999. I shot some 127 Ektachrome from a hot storage source older than that and it came out great to my crappy eyes.

I am in no hurry to shoot it, maybe this summer and fall, when color peaks.

Obviously I am a hobby shooter, nothing is critical. Except time, for me.

[Fredrick]

Yes, perhaps. I do however fear that I would have to order a big batch of film for Fuji to be willing to produce it. I only need 30 sheets for this year... If I get 15 good images on LF this autumn I would say that would be over all expectation.

[vinny]

I've been using velvia from the early nineties and I can't tell it apart from fresh film. That was frozen since the 90's though. This isn't milk we're shooting here. If it's a month or a year past date, you won't be able to tell.

[Fredrick]

I've been using velvia from the early nineties and I can't tell it apart from fresh film. That was frozen since the 90's though. This isn't milk we're shooting here. If it's a month or a year past date, you won't be able to tell.
Interesting. I might just buy some and freeze it then. I have som Velvia 100F that expires in August. I guess it will be good to go as long as I have it in the freezer. Btw, what is the difference between the 100F and the 100?

[Peter Yeti]

My suppliers don't carry the Velvia 50, but they have Velvia 100 in stock as 4x5". Would this be an option? Fuji claims it is even better than Velvia 50 and has the same colour characteristics. I'd be curious if anyone here has experience with this new film. In any case, I'm happy that Fuji is committed enough to develop and produce a new transparency film!

[EOTS]

Hi,

from my experience, V100 has more saturation and less "recordable" dynamic range compared to V50...

Best, Martin

[Fredrick]

I already have 20 sheets of velvia 100, but thanks anyway! There appears to be some difference in the films, particulary in the shadows.

This is a link to some samples. http://www.onlandscape.co.uk/2011/06/colour-film-comparison-pt-3/

[Peter Yeti]

Thanks a lot for this info. Martin, your personal experience is very valuable and seems in agreement with the interesting thread that Frederick posted. By the way, I'm always amazed about your landscape work.

A quick search pointed me to this shop in Germany, which might carry it:

http://www.photouniversal-online.de/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=306&products_id=10685&osCsid=7d5a41229195a97baf81c69d873172f5

I don't know this shop from own experience. Anyway, they call it "New Velvia 50". So, can we be sure that the current Velvia 50 has the same characteristics as the one before Fuji discontinued it? Just wondering.

[EOTS]

Thanks a lot for this info. Martin, your personal experience is very valuable and seems in agreement with the interesting thread that Frederick posted. By the way, I'm always amazed about your landscape work.


Thank you!




A quick search pointed me to this shop in Germany, which might carry it:

http://www.photouniversal-online.de/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=306&products_id=10685&osCsid=7d5a41229195a97baf81c69d873172f5

I don't know this shop from own experience. Anyway, they call it "New Velvia 50". So, can we be sure that the current Velvia 50 has the same characteristics as the one before Fuji discontinued it? Just wondering.

I don't know the shop, but it seems the article page is obsolete.
In the footer it says "Added in 2007", also the price tag is no longer realistic, and the packaging is 10 sheets (whereas 20 now).

Best, Martin

[Peter Yeti]

You are right, it looks suspicious. As long as I use Fuji sheet film, it came in 20 sheet packs, so I assumed this would be a change from 20 to 10 sheets with the new version. Really seems like nobody sells it right now.

[LF_rookie_to_be]

This looks up to date:

http://www.nordfoto.de/Analoge-Fotografie/Verbrauchsmaterial/Filme/Farbdiafilme-Profi/FUJI-Velvia-50-4x5inch-10-2x12-7cm-20-Blatt::109.html

[Fredrick]

I have excellent news. http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-x-FUJI-VELVIA-50-SHEET-FILM-4-x-5-Sheet-FILM-date-2014-new-send-from-japan-/300892264606?pt=US_Camera_Film&hash=item460e93989e

[SergeyT]

There is nothing wrong with Velvia 100. When the light is right and the exposure is spot on it is capable of delivering exceptional results. From my experience the major differences between 100 and 50 are:
1. Reciprocity failure. The 100 wins hands down as it can go without correction for around 2 mins
2. 100 is 1 stop faster (a big deal some times)
3. 100 tends to produce a slight Magenta cast in the shadows while 50 makes them slight Cyan

Scanning of either requires a good equipment and experience to figure out the correct technique but then either will do equally good.

[perfectedmaya]

I have excellent news. http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-x-FUJI-VELVIA-50-SHEET-FILM-4-x-5-Sheet-FILM-date-2014-new-send-from-japan-/300892264606?pt=US_Camera_Film&hash=item460e93989e

i think the price has doubled, it has become too expensive for me..

[Fredrick]

I have more good news. I've been browsing around the internet trying to find a japanese film stockist and I found this http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=147 At 113 USD I don't think it's too bad.

[welly]

I was lucky enough to pick up 8 packs of Velvia 100F (20 sheet packs) for $20 a pack. It expired last month, which is fine - I think the shop just wanted rid of them as I guess they were concentrating on digital. I've shot a few sheets of it and I think it looks great personally. Suits the vivid Australian landscape perfectly. I'll shoot it until I run out and then concentrate on B+W again.

[Fredrick]

I was lucky enough to pick up 8 packs of Velvia 100F (20 sheet packs) for $20 a pack. It expired last month, which is fine - I think the shop just wanted rid of them as I guess they were concentrating on digital. I've shot a few sheets of it and I think it looks great personally. Suits the vivid Australian landscape perfectly. I'll shoot it until I run out and then concentrate on B+W again.
You are indeed lucky. I paid 73 USD for one box of Fuji Velvia 100F. (What is the difference between the F version and the non F version anyway?) So I have 20 sheets for the autumn atleast.

[vinny]

https://www.google.com/search?q=velvia+100+vs+100f&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

[mijosc]

I found this: http://www.fotocare.com/FUJIFILM_RVP_50_4X5_20_SHEETS_p/60187.htm

No mention of an expiration date though. Does anyone have any experience with Fotocare?

[Jim Andrada]

It's listed online for about $85 per box of 20 at Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo (including sales tax of around 5%). They're one of the biggest camera stores in Japan. I don't think they have an English site though

[RJC]

http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=147

[Kuzano]

Most of my film in the freezer is expiration dated from 1996, through to relatively current. I still have some Velvia 50 Quickloads that I shoot occasionally. No problems. That film is dated 1996, and another box 1998. It's in the freezer.

If it was hamburger, or chicken, I probably wouldn't eat it... but it's film. Good to go. There was just a very good thread over on www.rangefinderforum.com about expired film. I can't remember the last time I actually purchased fresh dated film other than 135. Get all my film off eBay, expired usually, but I watch for sellers specializing in film, with tons of feedback, stated cold stored and all feedback over 99% positive. Last color shift I saw on color film was one 30 year old 110 cartridge NOT cold stored. PMO!!!

Granted, I do not derive income from my photography, but I am still a picky SOB.

[mijosc]

I found this: http://www.fotocare.com/FUJIFILM_RVP_50_4X5_20_SHEETS_p/60187.htm

No mention of an expiration date though. Does anyone have any experience with Fotocare?


I contacted Fotocare, they said the expiration date is 4/14. For $83.25 this is a pretty good deal (for Velvia.) I'll definitely be buying a box or two.

[skiers4life]

Looked at Fotocare, and was just about to buy some until I saw their shipping. For one box, New York to Tennessee, their cheapest option was over $17. That was a bit too much for me to stomach.

[tigger_six]

I got a 20 sheet box recently and the expiration date is 10/14 in case this is helpful information. (From ars-imago in switzerland)

[biedron]

I recently wrote to Fujifilm North America:

"Last year the announcement came that Velvia 50 would no longer be produced in 4x5 and 8x10. But more recently there have been reports that it will still be made: http://petapixel.com/2013/03/25/fujifilm-velvia-50-sheet-film-to-live-on-boxes-get-makeover-prices-to-rise-25/ So what is the true story, especially with regard to availability in the US. Stock at dealers has dried up, and most (all?) report no longer available"

To which they responded:

"Thank you for contacting FUJIFILM North America Corporation. Please allow us to assist you.

Please be advised that Fujichrome Velvia 50 4x5 and 8x10 sheet film have been discontinued. However, Fujichrome Velvia 100 film are currently still produced in 4x5 and 8x10 20 sheet. There are no current plans to reintroduce Fujichrome Velvia 50 in the 4x5 and 8x10 format."

This response doesn't seem to leave much doubt, but then Japan Exposures seems to have it in the new package. $423 for a 20 sheet 8x10 box though - yikes. Wonder if that includes shipping :)

[JMO]

I purchased 2 boxes of 4x5 Velvia 50 at the Yodobashi Store in Shinjuku District of Tokyo on Sept 25, 2013, with expiry date in mid-2015. There was lots of it available, and also in 5x7 and 8x10. Price for 4x5 was about US$85/20 sheet box. ...

[Kodachrome25]

I purchased 2 boxes of 4x5 Velvia 50 at the Yodobashi Store in Shinjuku District of Tokyo on Sept 25, 2013, with expiry date in mid-2015. There was lots of it available, and also in 5x7 and 8x10. Price for 4x5 was about US$85/20 sheet box. ...

If I could get it stateside for that much I might be inclined to pickup a few more boxes but otherwise, I'll have to call it good at 100 sheets in my freezer.