March 2025 — Film of the Month
Fujifilm 200 has long been a favorite among film photographers for its affordability, accessibility, and warm, natural color rendering. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use film or a seasoned photographer wanting a reliable everyday stock, Fujifilm 200 delivers consistent and pleasing results. However, around 2022, this beloved film underwent some notable changes, sparking conversations within the film photography community.
Overview of Fujifilm 200:
Fujifilm 200 is a daylight-balanced 35mm color negative film with an ISO of 200. It is known for its warm(ish) tones, slightly muted yet natural color reproduction, and a fine grain structure that makes it a great all-purpose film. Whether shooting portraits, landscapes, or street photography, Fujifilm 200 provides a balanced and nostalgic look that has remained popular for decades.
Key Features of Fujifilm 200:
Great Exposure Latitude: Handles overexposure well, making it forgiving for beginners.
ISO 200 Speed: Best suited for well-lit environments, producing vibrant and natural colors in daylight.
Warm(ish), Slightly Muted Tones: Offers a classic film aesthetic with subtle, natural hues.
Fine Grain: Delivers a smooth texture, making it ideal for scanning and printing.
C-41 Processing: Easily developed at most film labs (like Perfect Image, *wink wink*), keeping it accessible for all photographers.
How Fujifilm 200 Changed Around 2022:
In 2022, Fujifilm 200 saw a significant shift in production. It was widely believed that Fujifilm had ceased its own color negative film production and instead began rebranding Kodak-manufactured film under the Fujifilm name. Many film enthusiasts noticed changes in the color palette, grain structure, and overall look of Fujifilm 200 compared to its earlier iterations.
Some key differences post-2022 include:
Color Shift: The newer version appears to have a slightly warmer and more neutral color balance compared to the earlier Fuji-produced stock, which had a more distinct greenish tint.
Increased Grain: Some photographers have reported a more noticeable grain structure, likely due to differences in emulsion formulation.
Kodak Influence: The newer Fujifilm 200 now closely resembles Kodak Gold 200, leading many to speculate that it’s a rebranded version of Kodak’s film rather than an original Fuji formula.
Despite these changes, Fujifilm 200 remains a reliable and widely available option for photographers who love shooting film.
Ideal Uses for Fujifilm 200:
Outdoor Landscapes: Produces natural-looking greens, blues, and earth tones, making it great for nature photography.
Portrait Photography: Its warm tones create a flattering skin tone reproduction, perfect for capturing people in natural light.
Street Photography: The film’s balanced contrast and fine grain make it a great choice for candid city shots.
Travel Photography: Excellent for capturing the essence of different locations with rich, warm colors.
Tips for Shooting with Fujifilm Color 200:
Develop at a Trusted Lab (like Perfect Image!): Since the film is C-41 processed, most labs can handle it, but a high-quality lab will ensure accurate color rendition.
Expose for Shadows: Since the film handles overexposure well, try metering for the shadows to retain detail in darker areas.
Use in Bright Conditions: With an ISO of 200, this film shines in sunny or well-lit environments. If shooting in low light, consider a flash or tripod.
Compare with Kodak Gold 200: If you’re curious about the similarities, try shooting a roll of Kodak Gold 200 alongside Fujifilm Color 200 to see how they compare.
Store Properly: Keep your film in a cool, dry place to maintain color stability and prevent fogging.
