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View Full Version : Velvia 50 makes a comeback?


Harley Goldman
16-Nov-2006, 11:10
Looks like Fuji is bringing back Velvia 50. Check out the press release from Fuji UK.

http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/presscentre/news/index.php?id=1312
Brian Vuillemenot
16-Nov-2006, 12:01
That's good to hear. Does anyone have any opinion on the Velvia 100 compared with the Velvia 50 in terms of color rendition, grain size, reciprocity characteristics, etc.? I have been using up my stock of the Velvia 50, but recently ordered a bunch of the Velvia 100. I tried the Velvia 100F in the past, but was not pleased with it.
roteague
16-Nov-2006, 12:55
We've been talking about this on APUG for a couple of weeks or so. Here is the full press release, as posted on APUG:

Official News Release from Fujifilm Professional
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Release Date: 7 November 2006

Fujifilm announces re-introduction of Velvia 50

Fujifilm Professional is delighted to announce that the company is planning to re-launch Fujichrome Velvia 50 into the UK market.

Production of Velvia 50 was halted at the beginning of 2005 when vital raw materials used in the production of the emulsion became unavailable. The re-launch of Velvia 50 is a further illustration of Fujifilm's continued commitment to the production and promotion of professional film.

Russ Gunn, Fujifilm Professional Product Manager, made this comment: "We have received many requests from photographers to restart manufacturing, as they had used Velvia 50 for many years and consider it unmatched in terms of quality and character. One of Fujifilm's main priorities is to nurture the culture of photography, so we have been reviewing the possibility of restarting production."

Gunn continued: "In response to these requests our research and development teams have been working hard to develop substitute raw materials and new manufacturing technologies that enable us to restart production of this famous emulsion. We are planning to re-introduce the new Velvia 50 in the spring of 2007. The characteristics of the new emulsion will mirror that of the previous product. Many photographers were understandably upset when we were forced to withdraw Velvia 50, and we are delighted to be able to announce its re-introduction."

An announcement of specific details, including price, formats and availability schedule will be made as soon as they are available. The existing range of Fujifilm Professional films will remain unaltered.
Patrik Roseen
16-Nov-2006, 13:05
That's good to hear. Does anyone have any opinion on the Velvia 100 compared with the Velvia 50 in terms of color rendition, grain size, reciprocity characteristics, etc.? I have been using up my stock of the Velvia 50, but recently ordered a bunch of the Velvia 100. I tried the Velvia 100F in the past, but was not pleased with it.

Brian, There is some nice information on these pages about the 100F and 100 compared to velvia 50.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/velvia100.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/velvia100f.htm
Greg Miller
16-Nov-2006, 13:32
The press release is interesting. I don't recall Fuji ever mentioning raw material availability as a reason to discontinue Velvia 50. Did I miss that or is it just a clever way to say they made a crappy marketting decision?
Harley Goldman
16-Nov-2006, 13:46
I don't recall any mention of raw materials either. They had to put some kind of spin on it and this must be what they decided on. Sounds good, even if it is bullshit.
CXC
16-Nov-2006, 14:36
Well if they are changing the formula, I guarantee there will be folks who can see a difference, and won't like it.
BrianShaw
16-Nov-2006, 15:45
I still don't like the new Classic Coke. It tastes different than the old classic Coke.
Renee Galang
16-Nov-2006, 15:54
I just wish that one of the formats will be 11x14, please, please, please....
steve simmons
16-Nov-2006, 16:01
I ws told by a Fuji rep that the UK and Japan would be the first places to get this film. As of a couple of days ago it has not been announced for the US.

I will try and stay on top of this.

steve simmons
Bruce Watson
16-Nov-2006, 16:13
Well if they are changing the formula, I guarantee there will be folks who can see a difference, and won't like it.

Seemingly a universal truth. Most people don't like change. Good thing it's not a product for cats because cats really don't like change.
Thalmees
16-Nov-2006, 16:48
Its really good news.
But, I'm still in doubt if they will re-introduce it in formats bigger than 135mm.
Any clarification?
Rory_5244
16-Nov-2006, 17:05
Seemingly a universal truth. Most people don't like change. Good thing it's not a product for cats because cats really don't like change.

Believe me, I know what you mean :rolleyes:
roteague
16-Nov-2006, 21:41
The press release is interesting. I don't recall Fuji ever mentioning raw material availability as a reason to discontinue Velvia 50.

That is the answer I heard. In fact, the Fuji rep at this year's APUG conference told me the same thing.
Don Hutton
17-Nov-2006, 12:33
I ws told by a Fuji rep that the UK and Japan would be the first places to get this film. As of a couple of days ago it has not been announced for the US.

I will try and stay on top of this.

steve simmons
It was in fact announced on the 14th - it is expected on shelves in late Spring 2007 - US press release here: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/PRNewsDetail.jsp?DBID=NEWS_860801
chris_4622
17-Nov-2006, 15:07
You might still find some of the old RVP 50 at Helix in Chicago. I found they have the best price the last time I bought some, around $85.00 for a box of 50.
Lazybones
17-Nov-2006, 15:16
No, no, no! Film is dead! Dead, I tell you!
DEAD!

This is good news.
BrianShaw
18-Nov-2006, 08:51
Time for your medication, my friend. Your symptoms are starting to overwhelm normal behavior.
Sergio Caetano
18-Nov-2006, 17:05
Lazybrain
Film is not dead, you are . (almost)
Velvia 50 again, very very very good news.
Bill McMannis
18-Nov-2006, 17:28
I was slow to make the change to Velvia 100, but on a job earlier this year, I made some A/B comparisons of Velvia 50 to Velvia 100. The subject was theater with the exterior being predominately various shades of blue EFIS. The blues on the Velvia 100 appeared more accurate to me.

Based on that test, I used up my Velvia 50 and happily began shooting exclusively Velvia 100. The extra stop with Velvia 100 also seems to come in pretty handy lately as much of my interior shooting is in very low light. Even if Velvia 50 becomes readily available, I will not be switching back.