Fujifilm F-64D 8522 Colour Negative Motion Picture Film Review
Fujifilm F-64D 8522 Colour Negative Motion Picture Film Review
Analog Film Review
Fujifilm F-64D 8522 Colour Negative Motion Picture Film Review
Film photography has a timeless allure, an almost magical ability to capture moments with a warmth and depth that digital sensors sometimes struggle to match. Among the myriad of film stocks out there, Fujifilm F-64D 8522 is something new to explore for those who cherish deep tones and Fujifilm’s colour palette. It reminds me of Kodak Ektar and Fujifilm Provia 100F with the magenta blended into the tone. Whether you’re a seasoned film shooter or a digital photographer dipping your toes into the analog world, here’s why you might want to load a roll of F-64D into your camera: it was used to shoot the films “The King’s Speech” and “Slumdog Millionaire.” It’s a rare film stock and I was lucky to try a few rolls from Reflx Lab.
Get Latest Update!
Stay up to date with my latest videos, photos, and news updates by following me on Instagram and YouTube. And don’t forget to subscribe to my website’s pop-up form or bottom of the page for exclusive updates and news. Head over to @tahusa on Instagram, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and stay in the loop!
Expired Film Stock
The Fujifilm F-64D 8522 motion picture film was discontinued in 2013. The batch of film was well-preserved and stored. Although the box speed of it is ISO 64, this film stock is recommended to be shot at ISO 50. I would recommend ISO 50 and overexposure ⅓ stop if you want a bit more of a pastel and brighter look on your film. I shot all at ISO 50, so you can see the film latitude still holds up there, but the shadows have a more purple tint. All images were processed in ECN-2. Remember, this film stock cannot be processed with C-41, and not all film labs can perform ECN-2 service.
A Close Look into the Grain and Colour
Fujifilm F-64D is a colour negative film originally designed for cinematic purposes, which means it offers an aesthetic that can bring a cinematic quality to your still photography. With a box speed of ISO 64 and after expiry rating it at ISO 50, it’s a slower film that demands plenty of light or a steady hand (or tripod), but the payoff is well worth it. I would say it is best for those who are looking not just for finer grain but for a rich, deep palette, even though after expiry, the film grain could become more irregular and coarse.
When there is enough light, the green transforms into a mesmerizing mint green. The colour palette on this film is where it really shines. Expect to see some nice greens and reds pop slightly towards cooler tones since it’s a daylight balanced film, and more magenta, probably caused by its expiry, suitable for urban street photography where the cool and purple-ish tones dominate. The greens are outstanding, which is quite like the Fujifilm film stock profiles. At first glance, I thought this was Fujifilm Superia Premium 400 with a much narrower latitude. Compared to Kodak Vision 3 50D, the Fujifilm fits my appetite more with much richer saturation and on-point saturation. Kodak Vision 3 50D exhibits a flatter tone, best for cinematographers to post-process it and adjust to their desired colour. I highly recommend you shoot this film for colourful scenes to make it stand out.
Remjet Layer
I always hear about Remjet, so what is it? The main difference between cine film and normal colour negative film is the Remjet. It is an extra protective layer sitting on the base of the film that serves a lubrication purpose to prevent halation of highlights, static, unwanted light exposure around the edges of the film, and scratches on the film. This layer is required for motion picture film to move through a camera at very high speeds. Remember this film has Remjet layer, please check with your local lab before processing.
Fine Grain for Exquisite Detail
One of the most appealing aspects of the F-64D is its fine grain structure. At ISO 50, the grain is still fine so that images appear smooth, which is great for capturing intricate details whether you’re shooting landscapes. I shot most of them with the Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4, which increased its contrast, and some were shot with the Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS lens. The sharpness still holds up. The image really pops when you pair this film with aspherical lenses!
Light Sensitivity and Exposure
Being a slow film, F-64D 8522 requires a good amount of light to truly perform well. As it’s a well-preserved expired film, Reflx Lab recommended me to shoot at ISO 50. It excels in bright, natural light but can also produce wonderfully moody and atmospheric shots in lower light conditions with the right settings. When shooting on overcast days, the colour will be a little muted and washed. Metering correctly is crucial because the film does not have a wide exposure latitude due to its expiry. Overexposure tends to handle better than underexposure, preserving details in the shadows without blowing out the highlights too severely.
When and Where to Use F-64D
I tried to shoot it under different situations. I think the best scenarios for using F-64D would be during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft yet abundant. It’s perfect for capturing the soft glow of sunrise or sunset, enhancing the golden hues to naturally offset its daylight film nature. Urban landscapes and street photography can also benefit from its sharp detail and vibrant colour rendition, especially on bright days. Also, pairing it with softer lenses like the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.5 Type Z21 gives you a different profile while the high-contrast Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95 ASPH gives you that punchy flavour. I would recommend you use a fast lens at f/1.4, leveraging the advantage of the slow ISO rating to be able to shoot during the day without an ND filter.
Final Thoughts
The Fujifilm F-64D 8522 is not just another film stock; it’s something that could enrich your palette. When you are already shooting a lot with Kodak and CineStill, you need something different. If you are a fan of any Fujifilm film stocks, I recommend you try this. Its demand for light and the need for careful exposure may not make it the most versatile film for every situation, but for those special occasions when the light is just right, it can help create unparalleled images with a classic analog feel and preserve your memories in a different way. I am planning to shoot a few more rolls to try to benefit from its slow shutter speed with my fast lenses during the day. It’s available at Reflx Lab’s webstore.
All images have been resized to optimise webpage loading speed. For the highest resolution images, please refer to my Flickr account.
New to Film Photography?
Support this Community
Follow us on Instagram
Recent Posts
Thypoch Simera 21mm f/1.4 Review — A Fast, Affordable 21mm for Environmental Portraits and Street
Read More »
