New Velvia 100 (non-F)

[nwcanonman]

Has anyone else tried the new Velvia 100 (non-F)? A friend in the UK sent me two rolls and I just got back the first roll from the lab.
WOW 😀 !
Really sharp, fine grain and great colors (it's real Velvia).
Here's a shot taken with non-RF Nikon F3HP/T - Kiron 105mm macro lens.

 

[StuartR]

Jeez, it is taken Fuji long enough. I first tried velvia 100 (not F) in Japan 2 years ago. I used a good amount last summer as well. Despite the extra speed, I have found that I like Velvia 50 better. now that it is available in the US, I might try to do a head to head comparison.

 

[nwcanonman]

Stuart,
Are you sure you mean the newest Velvia? The 100"F" has been around for almost 3 years and was not all that good, IMHO.
The "new" (been announced non-USA only about 6 months) "100 professional" is finer grained than the 50asa and almost as color enhanced.

 

[StuartR]

Yes, that is why I have expressed my surprise. I either lived in or traveled in Japan for each of the past two summers and they have had Fuji Velvia 100 Professional available both times -- as well as Fuji Velvia 50 and Fuji Velvia 100F and Fuji Fortia 50. They had big color photo posters up explaining the differences (in Japanese) between the emulsions. As I said, I have shot a few rolls of Velvia 100, and so far I have not liked it as much as Velvia 50. Somehow, it seems almost too sharp and contrasty. It could have been the situations I have been shooting it in, but it just struck me as very clinical as compared to Velvia 50.

But now that it is widely available in the U.S., I will probably pick up some rolls to test it directly against Velvia 50. I don't know what made Fuji Japan wait so long to make it available outside Japan.

 

[nwcanonman]

StuartR,
If you find it available anywhere in the USA, let us know. That's why I mentioned that a friend in the UK sent it to me, as it still hasn't arrived in North America "yet". It's due to be out in July 2005 here.
Thanks for the update.