This is the latest iteration of the Velvia film brand, made from different materials to the original. Fuji claims this film stock to have the worlds highest level of colour saturation and vibrancy with fine granularity. 

Amongst film photographers it is often promoted as the best colour positive film for landscape or nature photography however Fuji claim it can be used for wider purposes such as fashion, product, interior as well as artwork. 

Above all the film has been produced for photographers who are looking for accurate real life colour reproduction as well as incredible sharpness in the images. 

What Speed is Velvia 50?

This particular version of Velvia is set at a daylight speed of ISO 50. There is also Velvia 100 available for those looking to shoot a film with highly comparable results with slightly ‘slower’ ‘fast’ film.

I chose to shoot with this today as you can see the weather was exceptional - no need to worry about ISO 50! 

What Formats Is Velvia 50 Available On?

This film is currently available in 35mm and 120 formats, unfortunately, The 8×10 was axed in December 2021 and 4 by 5 is set for discontinuation in March 2023. 

Depending on what type of camera you are shooting on will inevitably give you a different number of frames. 

35mm you can get 36 frames although with practice you could easily get 37! In medium format, it can range from 6,8,10, 12 or 15 if shooting a roll of 120. 

Exposure Guide for Velvia 50

As you can see from these images, it was a very bright and sunny day. If you are out shooting casually in these conditions, perhaps on a beach or even snow, anything with large reflective surfaces, then set your aperture to f/16 and you’re good to go. Otherwise, f/11 is sufficient.

 In hazy sunlight consider moving down to f/8 and if there is considerable cloud coverage, then, f5.6. If you’re in the shade or shadows and your camera allows it, then f/4. 

Depending on your circumstances and experience with shooting slide films, you may want to adjust up or down ½ a stop during summer or winter. 

If you are shooting indoors, perhaps, backlighting a subject then you may need to go up or down 1 stop in your aperture adjustments. 

Want to not have to do all the maths? Then use a light meter such as the Sekonic L-308X. The amount of times I have mentioned this brand you’d think I’m cutting a cut! 

Best Filters To Use With Velvia 50

As you can see from my images, some of these have been exposed to extremely bright conditions. 

If you are shooting in seaside locations, snowy landscapes in Lapland or distant bright views as you can see from these images, it is advisable to use a UV filter Number 2C or Number 2B. 

For bright cloudy conditions, you can use a Wratten No.81A Filter and make an appropriate aperture adjustment plus 1 or 3 stops. 

For early morning or twilight portraits use a Number 82A or Number 82C filter and adjust aperture stops accordingly. I haven’t shot this film using flash so will get back to you on this on another video! 

If for some reason you are shooting long exposures on this film, then be warned that reciprocity failure will happen after 4 seconds so appropriate colour balance and exposure compensations will need to be put in place. 

Did I mention the Sekonic L-308X? 

Storing Your Film

Remember, a few weeks ago, Britain was going to melt off the surface, well we are still here but much of the grass is toast and well the reservoirs are pretty dry. 

I digress, you may remember I posted a video on how to store your film in extreme heat, if you haven’t, be sure to watch that after.

 In short, with anything that is valuable to you, look after it. With film prices these days, it’s not one you can play games with! 

Processing Film

For processing take it to a reputable film lab as they will able to give it some special E6 love. For those of you who have your own labs, you already know what to do! 

Scanning Your Film

This roll was developed in a lab with flatbed scanning on an Epson V600. However there are quite a few other cheaper alternatives from using the range of smartphone apps dedicated to film scanning machines such as the Plustek. 

Retouching/Editing Your Film Work

Is this even allowed with film? Might be a bit of a faux pas subject but a few tweaks here and there might get it to where you exactly want it. For the purists out there, I hope you had your fingers in your ears. 

Why Printing Your Work Is Important

If you do find that special shot in amongst the frames you have shot on 35mm or Medium Format, then get it scanned in Hi-Res and print it out! Stick it on your wall, enjoy the fruits of your labour otherwise it'll just end up in a folder. 

Final Reflections on Velvia 50

Taking a boat trip along the River Thames is one of the most fun things to do in London, particularly in the summer. What best 

If you haven’t taken a boat trip yet you can do so by jumping on any major node along the river such as Westminster or Tower of London. 

Loving these colours? Then that’s the review done for you! Go shoot some!  I have been shooting lots of Ektachrome and Provia on Medium Format. 

I have absolutely loved the saturation of colour but the fact you can see the image right out of development. It’s like being a kid in a candy shop, you just want more and more!

From what I have read on this film, as long as you are storing them well, such as archival boxes then these films will be able to last a lifetime. Who needs a hard drive? 

Want to learn more about photography or film then hit up my journal at ahsanabbas.com  

If you have shot with Velvia 50, thinking about it or have film photography gems to share then let me know in the comments below, punch the subscribe button. 

Check out my last video right here shooting a whole bunch of film stocks, see you there!