I have to admit that I was disappointed with early my 35 mm E100 results. I felt that the film was cold and realized that it was based on the old E100G, a film I only used with a warming filter. My favorite of the old Kodak E-6 films was E100GX, the warm toned film. I used it extensively in Patagonia and mourned its loss. You can also check out our first Patagonia Calendar.
But I digress. Let’s get back to the purpose of this study: Kodak E100 versus Fuji Velvia 50. After my E100 doubts I happened upon this old Velvia 50 image of Boreas Pass and thought about a comparative test:
So I set up my two Mamiya 6X7’s for the test. There was one difference: The Velvia 50 camera had a 43 mm lens and the E100 camera had a 50 mm lens. We can debate if that makes a difference, but for Showdown Part II, I’ll be using matching camera set ups. So hold your argument for later.
Here are the side-by-sides: Think about which is which and I’ll tell you at the end.
Details regarding what I learned from this Owl are discussed in my next posting…………
In all cases the top image is Kodak E100 and the bottom image is Fuji Velvia 50. There were no adjustments made to color balance. You may note that the Velvia 50 images are more color saturated and have some purple or pink in the sky. The E100 is less saturated and has a colder sky. Now it’s up to you. Which do you prefer? Keep in mind that this is an overcast sky. So I’ll add one more pair. I wanted to capture my purple house, but in the morning the house was too dark. But you can see that with a clear sky the Velvia 50 (bottom image) has the saturated blue sky:
The snow is still holding that purple cast in the Velvia 50 image. E100 has a truer presentation of the snow. Comments, perspectives appreciated.
Next, we’ll take a look at my Garden Flowers using my Mamiya 645’s both with 80 mm macro lenses.. Since I have something blooming all summer, I’m shooting two rolls of each film throughout my gardening season, and I’ll post as I go……..
myvintagecamerasblog 
Hi, I prefer the Kodak. The color is truer, if cooler.
LikeLike
I actually found that Kodak Portra 400 had the truest color……That post coming on Saturday. But I still like the general brightness of Vlevia, although it does not seem to so well in overcast skies.
LikeLike
On blance, and specifically the phot’s you’ve presented, I’d choose the E100 (although the Velvia “wins” on the Coke sign). I think Velvia’s purple tint can be a huge benefit in certain scenes where a cooler palette would lead to a less saturated result, but in situations where it adds a cast (such as the snow in the picture above) it can be distracting.
I don’t think ANY colour film really works well on overcast days though. Some situations may be ok but often you can end up with muddy, mushy colours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting. I would have assumed the Velvia would be way more saturated than the E100. But not so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Velvia 50 was never my favorite. I used Kodak E100GX, which was a warm film. The new film is based on the old E100G, which I always used a warming filter with.
Going on a raod trip soon and I will try the New E100 with a warming filter……
LikeLike
I liked the Kodak better in every shot except the Coke sign. That, as they used to say on public radio (I think) is from our what-it’s-worth department. Enjoy your road trip!! I’m sure after all this time, it will be lovely.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
There will be 2-3 more comparative postings……I think you may feel differently about each case.
LikeLike
I prefer the Ektar in almost all shots except for last one. The sky is incredible! I have been wanting to try Velvia 50 for primarily landscape shots. I live in Albuquerque and we get almost 300 sunny days a year so I think that film would be nice with our blue skies.
LikeLike
The other film is not Ektar, it is the revamped Kodak E100 Transparency film (E-6) Built from the old Ektachrome 100G. I think you should try a couple of rolls of the Velvia 50 for Landscapes. That is where it really shines, not street art…..
LikeLike