One major disadvantage of 35mm films compared to their medium format equivalents is their tiny size. A 35mm frame is only 1/3 the size of a 6X6 medium format frame. As a consequence, they are restricted in their capability to be enlarged to large sizes. To compensate for this shortcoming, most photographers resort to using slow-speed fine grained film. Kodak has always claimed the distinction of the finest-grained slide film around - the Kodachrome 25. However, Kodachrome 25 with all its glory of fine-grain and colours has two  major disadvantages, namely the ridiculously low ISO of 25, and the fact that it has to be sent overseas for processing (it is not an E-6 process film). The finest-grained E-6 films are the Ektachrome 64 and Fujichrome 50.

Since then, Fuji has replaced Fujichrome 50 with a brand new emulsion - Fuji Velvia. Velvia is a super fine-grain, colour-saturated E-6 process film. It is a total remake of the previous emulsion, rather than some tweaking performed. Velvia is a professional film, which means that it offers accurate colour consistency in the same batch, but must be stored in refrigeration. It is available in 35mm and 120mm format. Most major photo stores such as Cathay and Foto Guide has them.

The major "features" of the film are ultra-fine grain and saturated colours. Indeed, Fuji Velvia has such intense colour rendition that one would never see in any other film. Some people say that Velvia's colours are too "Walt Disney", meaning that they are so saturated that they don't look real anymore. Just a friendly reminder - from my own experience, Velvia is not a good film for portraiture shoot. The skin tones are way too warm and saturated. However, for landscapes and architecture photography, Velvia is virtually unbeatable. The ultra-fine grain structure means that you could easily blow up your 35mm prints to beyond 8R without any objectionable grain. The colours are vibrant and has a certain snap to it. Use Velvia with a polarizer for architecture with blue skies, you'll never use another film again.

For "normal" Velvia results, you can rate the film at ISO 50. For slighter higher saturation of colours, you should rate it at ISO 64. Some photographers rate it at ISO 40 because they do not like the overkill of saturation of colours. It is all a matter of personal preference, and much depends on your personal calibration of equipment. In fact, some people love pastel colours so much, they hate Velvia for it's "gaudy" colours. Not me.

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