I've pulled Velvia 50 with good results. It somewhat extends the dynamic range in both dark and light regions of the curve (reduces contrast). Colour saturation also decreases a little, which is usually okay with Velvia. Here are some results:
Dead Link Removed (use your creativity with the file names. The numbers are ISO settings at camera.) Scanned with Nikon Coolscan V ED. Processed in Tetenal E6 3-bath kit.
I found that 20 ISO is a good exposure setting when the first developer time is reduced by 2 minutes. After scanning, I've matched the gamma of the following two to show the increased dynamic range in both dark (less noise from scanner) and light (more local contrast!) parts of image:
Dead Link Removed Exposed 50 ISO, normal development.
Dead Link Removed Exposed 20 ISO, -2 min first dev.
You can notice a difference in the bright wall. Even with more than doubled exposure, still there is more contrast in highlights when underdeveloped! So the charasteristic curve expands in both directions, giving a little less contrast in midtones but giving more definition to shadows and highlights. Or at least I thinks so based on this test
.
I recommend this, if you have enough light to shoot at one stop lower speed and if you process your slides by yourself (you even save your valuable time by 2 minutes!
.)