The Fuji Natura 1600 film is probably one of the best color negative films you haven’t heard of or shot with.
Whether you’ve just started shooting with film or have been an ardent analog lover for years, you better make this rare film a top priority. Fujifilm’s Natura 1600 is legendary for all the good reasons. But if you want to experience it, you better be quick, because Fujifilm has recently axed this film and it will very soon be out of our grasps.
Even before the heartbreaking announcement by Fujifilm regarding its discontinuation, it’s been a challenge for film photographers outside Japan (especially those in the US), to get a hold of this famed emulsion. This is because the Fuji Natura 1600 was sold only in Japan. For the few lucky individuals who have snagged this film, like Simon Chetrit, it was truly a delightful experience.
A few years back, Simon actually strongly suggested passionately insisted we give it a try. It’s the stuff of film photography legends with its excellent color rendition and relatively fine grain considering it’s a high ISO film. Now, Simon is as impassioned about this film as ever, rallying together analog lovers to save Natura 1600 despite its impending demise come March.
In his latest video below, Simon also encourages film photographers to give this film a try, if by some stroke of luck they have a chance to grab some. He makes a pretty convincing case with all the sample shots, so make sure you watch until the very end.
There’s not a lot of time to get the Fuji Natura 1600. But, looking at the great results from this film (especially when loaded in the equally iconic and amazingly compact Fuji Natura cameras), it’s easy to see why it’s worth the effort and cash to grab a bunch. The colors, dynamic range, and grain – it has a certain character you just can’t get with digital filters and film presets.
If you’re itching to give Fuji Natura 1600 a try, Simon has kindly shared ebay and Amazon links where you can snag some, while they’re still around. You’re welcome.
Screenshot taken from the video.