What is going on with Fujifilm Velvia and Provia availability?

[armadsen]

At the current exchange rate, that's slightly cheaper than in the US. B&H lists 35mm Provia at $35.95, which is €30.29 right now. Velvia 50 in 120 is $75.95 (€63.98), but they haven't had it in stock for months.

 

[Dr. no]

I’m heading to Japan next month…any recent first-hand news n film availability and pricing there?

 

[mshchem]

I have quite a bit of Fujichrome in stock. If I had a wish it would be Velvia 100 in 120.

 

[brbo]

I’m heading to Japan next month…any recent first-hand news n film availability and pricing there?

In bigger cities you can easily find a place that sells film, they have a wide selection. Prices similar or 10-20% more expensive than in Europe. You can't buy more than 2 or 3 rolls of Fuji film at a time.

 

[armadsen]

Provia in 4x5 has just come in stock at one of my local stores for the second time in the last 2 or 3 weeks. I randomly checked B&H just now, and they have it in 35mm. The last time I got it from B&H was about 4 weeks ago. The local store I frequent most has had Provia in 35mm the last few times I've been there, too. I wonder if supply is loosening up just a little bit?

 

[ChrisGalway]

I just ordered 2 boxes of Provia 100f in 120 size from Retro in the EU. No idea of the expiry date, will update when I get them in 7-10 days time.

 

[miha]

@armadsen Would you mind sharing the expiration date on the Provia you got from B&H?

 

[armadsen]

@armadsen Would you mind sharing the expiration date on the Provia you got from B&H?

It’s in the freezer with other rolls, but I believe it was 09/2027.

 

[miha]

It’s in the freezer with other rolls, but I believe it was 09/2027.

Thanks. My past experience buying Fujichrome was similar, usually around a year and a half before expiration. I always thought that was a bit short. I seem to remember that slide films back in their heyday often had longer shelf lives, if I’m not mistaken.

 

[Taylor K Nankervis]

About to head off to Big Town (and methinks in a hurry...) to collect two packs of RVP50 in 120, both with an expiry of 01/2027; I anticipate one pack will definitely be consumed next month, the other will go into deep freeze storage.

Have not seen any Fujifilm here Downunder with 9/2027 expiry as mentioned in this thread — all considerably earlier stock.

 

[abruzzi]

Last weekend I bought 2 boxes of 4x5 Provia from Badger Graphic. They had more and they had it in 8x10 as well, but not for long. I got a bit worried because it took them a bit to ship, but they got it in the mail yesterday, so I'm good. I wasn't looking for it and haven't been, but I stumbled across it while pricing an 8x10 wide angle bellows for my Canham, so I couldn't help myself..

 

[armadsen]

Regarding 120 Fujichrome, which I haven't seen in stock for a long time now (unlike sheet and 35mm), I've had a backorder at Adorama for some pro packs of Provia in 120 since June, 2024. They send an email every few weeks saying it's still on backorder. Today I got this email (emphasis mine):

Thank you for placing an order with Adorama.

Regarding the following item:

Item Number FJRDP31205 - FUJICHRM PROVIA RDP-III 100F 120 5-PACK

We were notified by the manufacturer that the product you ordered will
not be available for another few months, therefore we are canceling
your backorder. Please check with us at a later date to see if it is available and reorder at that time.

Might just be boilerplate, but anyway, it's new.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Keep kicking the dead horse. You never know.

 

[Taylor K Nankervis]

Regarding 120 Fujichrome, which I haven't seen in stock for a long time now (unlike sheet and 35mm), I've had a backorder at Adorama for some pro packs of Provia in 120 since June, 2024. They send an email every few weeks saying it's still on backorder. Today I got this email (emphasis mine):



Might just be boilerplate, but anyway, it's new.

In the absence of availability of RDPIII, you could substitute Ektachrome 100 — it is a more versatile emulsion with an interesting palette that can be modulated in strength. Provia is now a dated emulsion and while it is favoured for its natural rendition of nature (particularly) and push-pull characteristics, along with being reciprocity-free at very long exposure , in many applications it has been overtaken by E100. Mind you, neither Kodak or Fuji's offerings are reasonable in price now, and foretold price rises later this month could tip yet more dedicated users off E6.

 

[armadsen]

In the absence of availability of RDPIII, you could substitute Ektachrome 100 — it is a more versatile emulsion with an interesting palette that can be modulated in strength. Provia is now a dated emulsion and while it is favoured for its natural rendition of nature (particularly) and push-pull characteristics, along with being reciprocity-free at very long exposure , in many applications it has been overtaken by E100. Mind you, neither Kodak or Fuji's offerings are reasonable in price now, and foretold price rises later this month could tip yet more dedicated users off E6.

I have shot Ektachrome a fair amount. I strongly prefer Provia. Personally, I have years worth of frozen Velvia and Provia, so so far the infrequent supply hasn’t caused a problem for me. I post here because the whole story around Fuji and their weird film marketing and distribution these days is interesting.

 

[loccdor]

Velvia and Provia work very well with milkier vintage lenses due to their extra punch. I could see the more neutral and subdued E100 pulling ahead with very contrasty modern lenses, and Sensia works well with those too. I'd guess I have 5 years worth of Sensia and maybe 2 years worth of the other stuff all put together.

I abhor Provia when used with for example 2010s lenses made for digital cameras, unless the lighting is soft you get no midtones.