Fujifilm Velvia 50
The landscape photographer's holy grail — unmatched color saturation in a slide film.
Color Palette
Maximum saturation — the most vivid film ever made
Specifications
| Full Name | Fujifilm Fujichrome Velvia 50 Professional (RVP 50) |
| Manufacturer | Fujifilm (Japan) |
| Film Type | Color reversal (slide film) |
| ISO Speed | 50 |
| Process | E-6 |
| Grain | Extremely fine — virtually invisible with outstanding sharpness |
| Exposure Latitude | Very narrow (~1/2 to 1 stop) |
| Contrast | High |
| Available Formats | 35mm, 120, 4x5 |
Reciprocity Failure Calculator
When exposures exceed one second, Velvia 50 requires additional time to compensate for reciprocity failure. Fujifilm's official specification notes correction begins at 4 seconds, but the formula below provides a safety margin by applying correction above 1 second.
For all 22 films, see the reciprocity calculator.
Push & Pull Processing
Slide film has an extremely narrow exposure latitude of approximately 1/2 stop — far less forgiving than negative film. Push and pull processing with E-6 is possible but significantly more challenging than with C-41 or B&W films. Even small adjustments in development will noticeably affect contrast and color saturation. Bracket your exposures and communicate clearly with your lab.
| Rating | Effective ISO | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EI 32 | 32 | −2/3 | Pull ½ stop — slightly lower saturation, more shadow detail |
| EI 50 | 50 | 0 | Box speed — optimal Velvia saturation and contrast |
| EI 40 | 40 | −1/3 | Many photographers prefer EI 40 for a slight safety margin |
| EI 100 | 100 | +1 | Push 1 stop — increased contrast and saturation; usable |
With slide film, even 1/3 stop of exposure error is visible. Bracketing in 1/3 stop increments is strongly recommended, especially for critical landscape work. A handheld incident meter or a dedicated metering app like TLR Companion is essential for consistent results.
Character & Personality
Grain
Extremely fine grain with outstanding sharpness. Velvia 50 features one of the finest and sharpest grain structures of any color slide film. The grain is virtually invisible, producing images of remarkable clarity and detail. The combination of ultra-fine grain and high resolving power makes it legendary for detail-critical applications like large-format landscape photography.
Exposure Latitude
Very narrow — approximately 1/2 to 1 stop of total usable range. This is the tightest latitude of any film in this guide, and it is characteristic of slide film in general. Accurate exposure is essential. Slight underexposure (1/3 to 2/3 stop) produces the most saturated results and is the preferred approach for landscape work. Overexposure quickly destroys highlight detail with no recovery possible. Many photographers shoot Velvia at EI 40 to add a slight safety margin. Unlike color negative film, which tolerates 3–5 stops of overexposure, slide film demands precision.
Color & Tonal Character
The most saturated and vivid color rendering of any film ever made. Velvia 50 produces intensely vivid greens, rich blues, and deep, luminous reds. The saturation is far beyond what any color negative film produces. Contrast is high with a neutral gray balance and extended detail in highlights and shadows when exposure is precise. The current RVP 50 formulation is said to be slightly milder than the original 1990 version, but it remains the most vivid slide film available. The “Velvia look” is one of the most imitated aesthetics in digital photography.
Best Suited For
- Landscape photography — the definitive landscape slide film
- Nature and wildlife photography
- Macro photography (flowers, insects, close-ups)
- Outdoor scenes with strong natural color
- Any application where maximum color impact is the goal
Available Formats & Pricing
| Format | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 35mm (36 exp) | ~$18–25 USD |
| 120 (5-pack) | ~$70–90 USD |
| 4x5 (20 sheets) | ~$80–100 USD |
Velvia 50 is the most expensive 35mm film currently in production. E-6 processing adds approximately $10–15 per roll on top of the film cost. Prices as of early 2026.
Development & Processing Notes
E-6 process only — Velvia 50 is not compatible with C-41 labs. E-6 processing is becoming increasingly rare and expensive. Many photographers mail their film to specialized E-6 labs rather than relying on local processing.
The tight exposure latitude means bracketing is strongly recommended for any critical work. For long exposures above 4 seconds, reciprocity correction becomes necessary per Fuji's specification. Pushing 1 stop increases contrast and saturation further, while pulling 1/2 stop slightly reduces saturation for a softer look.
Slides should be stored in cool, dry conditions to prevent color fading over decades. The medium is archival when stored properly — slides from the 1990s still retain excellent color.
Sources & Further Reading
Manufacturer Data
- Fujifilm Velvia 50 product page (I Shoot Fujifilm)
- Fujifilm Velvia 50 Technical Data Sheet
Sample Photos
Reviews & Resources
Shoot Velvia 50 with TLR Companion
TLR Companion is a free light meter app with built-in reciprocity correction for Velvia 50 and 21 other film stocks. Precise metering is critical with slide film — load Velvia as your active film and the app will automatically correct your long exposures. Track every frame on your roll and never lose count again.