Any experiences with new Velvia 100 sheet film ?

[Alexz]

A while ago I was hearing a rave opinions about Fuji's new Velvia 100 (not the 100F) - but then it was Japan localized film only, wasn't available outside the country of origin. I has yet reached my country either.
Just noticed a bunch of 100 sheets of such (2x50 boxes) of fresh one on Ebay for verty attactive pricing - snatched it almost immediately.
However have naver heard anything about this one in sheets. I shoot 4x5, albeit used to regular Velvia 50 in 35mm format (my regular landscape film in 35mm), once getting into 4x5 I once came across an excellent deal on Kodak 100G (3x50) so shot nothing but Kodak. Pretty much satisifed but it, but new Velvia is too tempting...
So, I'll be gald to hear your opinion abotu this one, especially from LF shooters.
Is it as contrasty as its older "brother" (ISO 50) ? Color rendition ?
Exp lattitude ? How it responds to slight over/under exposures ?

Thanks, Alex

 

[roteague]

I shoot almost exclusively Velvia 100 these days (although I am saving a stash of 50 for an upcoming trip). Some people seem to like it quite well, others don't - either way, it is not the same film as the old 50. I don't see much difference in contrast, color seems to be more accurate, and the film is more forgiving than the old 50 for long exposures.

FWIW, Velvia 50 is gone when the current stocks run out. You need to get used to using something else.

 

[Alexz]

Hey Robert, nice to hear from you.
In fact, as long as talking 4x5 - I have never shot anything but Kodak 100G so far. This is in contrast with my 35mm habits where Velvia 50 used to be my main landscape film as I mentioned already. I really hope to hook up with this new Velvia (will be shooting few sheets of each (Kodak vs this Velvia) side-by-side to a comparison) as my Koda stock will be finished (though this isn't going to happen anytime soon bearing in mind my current shooting rate...)

BTW, what is your experience at long exposures with Velvia (50 and 100) ? I'm was considering to start doing some twilling/night photography with my LF, however have yet prepared to consider long exp. aspects of particular film (Kodak do not advertise 100G's rec. exp. failure tables, didnt't check Fuji's either yet).

 

[roteague]

Velvia 50 does have a bit of a color shift, in addition to requiring you to deal with reciprocity affects. Velvia 100 is much more forgiving. I don't shoot much in low light conditions, although I am working on a couple of projects that will require it. Anyway, if you go to the Resources page on my website (http://www.visionlandscapes.com/Resources.aspx?Resource=Datasheets) I have links to most of the Fuji datasheets.

Hope this helps,

 

[wildbill]

Try rating it @125. It's a good film and better for longer exposures if you don't like reciprocity failure which i often do. Having the extra speed is often handy and the 50 won't be around much longer as they say. Keep an eye out for expired stuff on ebay. I've been shooting expired stuff exclusively.

 

[Prospero]

I tried this film in 35mm a couple of years ago when it was first released in Japan. My results were good - more saturation than 100F, truer colours than 50. That being said, I have bought a lot of 50 in all formats to put off the evil day...

 

[Alexz]

Thanks guys.
I pulled the trigger and snipped the set of two 50 sheet boxes (100 sheets in total) off Ebay - just 99.95$ for all (not including S&H of course) and it isn't yet expired - dated to 11/2006....
Once will get it - will conduct a shootout test of all I have: Kodak 100G, Kodak 100G VC (or similar) and Velvia 100 at both 100 and 125..

 

[Uncle Bill]

I play with Velvia 100 in 35mm and I really like it as a slide film.