Which Velvia for medium format?

[Nomad Z]

I'm thinking of getting some Velvia to use in my Bronica ETRS (6 x 4.5). Main subject matter will be landscapes, nature and maybe some buildings/architecture. Velvia 50 is a bit dearer than 100F. What differences might I expect to see between the two types of film? (And what's the difference between Velvia 100 and 100F?)

Also, I'm considering getting a kit and doing the processing myself. Any suggestions for which kit? (AG Photographic in the UK offer the Tetenal 3-bath one, and the Fuji HUnt 6-bath.) 3-bath has its attractions, but how much difference, if any, is there between the two?

[Nomad Z]

I went with the 100F. Said to be highly saturated, more accurate colours than the 50, finer grain, and better reciprocity handling. Also, at Calumet, 2 quid cheaper per 5-pack.

Still thinking about processing. Any suggestions welcome.

[HHPhoto]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Nomad Z

I'm thinking of getting some Velvia to use in my Bronica ETRS (6 x 4.5). Main subject matter will be landscapes, nature and maybe some buildings/architecture. Velvia 50 is a bit dearer than 100F. What differences might I expect to see between the two types of film? (And what's the difference between Velvia 100 and 100F?)

the differences between the Velvias:
Velvia 50: Old formula from 1990 (reformulated in 2007 because of new raw materials, but with the same characteristics and performance as the 1990 formula).
Grain is a bit coarser than Velvia 100 and 100F. Resolution is a bit less than the other two.
Very high saturation, very high contrast. Not so good grey balance.

Velvia 100: Finer grain and higher resolution than Velvia 50 (more modern emulsion formula).
Same saturation and contrast as Velvia 50. Color reproduction is a little bit different.

Velvia 100F: Finer grain and higher resolution than Velvia 50 (more modern emulsion formula). Velvia 100 and 100F have the same level concerning grain and resolution.
Velvia 100F is optimised for accurate color reproduction and best grey balance.
It is a film with higher saturation (compared to Provia), but from all three Velvias it has the most neutral / natural colors.
Saturation and contrast are a little less (but very minimal) compared to Velvia 100 and 50.

Originally Posted by Nomad Z

Also, I'm considering getting a kit and doing the processing myself. Any suggestions for which kit? (AG Photographic in the UK offer the Tetenal 3-bath one, and the Fuji HUnt 6-bath.) 3-bath has its attractions, but how much difference, if any, is there between the two?

I get my E6 films processed by a professional lab, but a friend of mine is doing E6 by himself.
He prefers the Fuji 6-bath.

Cheers, Jan

[filmfan]

I prefer the 100F version by FAR.

[HHPhoto]

Well, just an addition:
Velvia 100F and Velvia 100 are the color films with the highest resolution on the market. Highest resolution both at low and high object contrasts.
Their resolution is a bit better compared to Provia 100F, Astia 100F, Sensia 100, Elitechrome 100 and Ektachrome 100G.
Fineness of grain is equal.

And all these ISO 100 slide films mentioned above have finer grain and much better resolution than ISO 100 color negative films like Reala, Ektar, Gold 100.
I have tested that with some photographer friends. We've analysed it both with a microscope and optical enlarging, and with drum scans.
And some scientific tests have been published by German test labs which got the same results.
The finer grain and higher resolution of slide film has been one reason of the domination of slide film in professional use.

Cheers, Jan

[kuzano]

shot in my GL690 Fuji/AE100 metered lens. Processed by Fujifilm labs for approx $8 per roll via Walmart "send out only"... ten days round trip and a call to tell me it's here.