Fujifilm Natura 1600 Review: Top Low-Light Film

Did you know that a film exclusively sold in Japan still commands premium prices worldwide? Meet the Fujifilm Natura 1600, a high ISO film that has captured the hearts of photographers for its vibrant colors and exceptional low-light performance. Let’s take a closer looh into the legacy and magic of this legendary film stock.

Every Fujifilm stock handles light differently, from the flat overcast performance of Pro 160NS to the punchy outdoor saturation of Velvia, see them all in the Fujifilm film presets collection.

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional Image Quality: Extremely fine grain for a 1600-speed film, Fujifilm’s own datasheet rates it at RMS 4, finer than many ISO 100 slide films.
• Versatile Sensitivity: Box speed is ISO 1600, with usable results from EI 800 up to EI 3200 when pushed.
• Distinctive Origin: Sold in Japan as Natura 1600, tied to the Fujifilm Natura S point-and-shoot’s automatic “Natural Photo” flash-off mode; sold outside Japan under the Superia 1600 name.
• A Real Trade-Off, Not a Universal Upgrade: Finer grain and more natural color than most 1600-speed film, though some photographers who’ve shot both still prefer pushed Kodak Portra 400 for its own reasons, see the “What Do Reviews Say” section below.
• Excellent Low Light Performance: Ideal for indoor events and sports photography.
• Positive User Feedback: Highly rated for reliability and versatility.
• Strong Community Support: Backed by photography clubs and Fujifilm initiatives.

What’s the History behind Fujifilm Natura 1600?

Fujifilm has been a cornerstone in the photography world since its founding in 1932 in Tokyo, Japan. Here’s a quick look at their journey and how the Natura 1600 came to be:

Early Beginnings and Rivalry

• Established in 1932, Fujifilm quickly became a major film manufacturer.
• Known for their friendly rivalry with Kodak, symbolized by Fujifilm green versus Kodak red.
• Competitors like AGFA and Ilford couldn’t keep up with Fujifilm’s advancements.

Post-World War II Diversification

• After World War II, Fujifilm diversified into adjacent industries.
• This strategic move was crucial for their long-term survival and prominence in the film market.

Partnership with Xerox

• In 1962, Fujifilm partnered with Xerox.
• This collaboration expanded their technological capabilities beyond traditional film production.

One Film, Three Names

• Fujifilm introduced the Superia line in 1998 to replace its Super G Plus range, spanning ISO 100 to 1600 [17].
• The ISO 1600 version was sold worldwide as Superia 1600. In Japan, it was rebranded Natura 1600, the exact same emulsion, just a different name and market.
• A near-identical professional variant, Press 1600, used the same formula but was kept refrigerated through production and distribution; it was discontinued separately in 2008.

Built Around the Fujifilm Natura S

• The Natura name comes from the Fujifilm Natura S, a Japan-only point-and-shoot with a fast 24mm f/1.9 lens, produced from 2001–2006.
• The Natura S had a dedicated “Natural Photo” (NP) mode that disabled the flash and applied +2 stops of exposure compensation automatically when ISO 800 or 1600 film was loaded, using ambient light as the main source while keeping the rest of the frame bright enough to read [17].
• The film outlasted the camera it was designed around and remained available in Japan for over a decade after the Natura S line ended.

A Slow Fade, Then a Petition to Save It

• Fujifilm discontinued the Superia 1600 name outside Japan in 2016. Natura 1600 held on in Japan for one more year before its own discontinuation in 2017.
• Fans started a change.org petition trying to save it, it didn’t work, but it’s a good measure of how attached photographers were to this specific stock.
• Since discontinuation, prices have climbed dramatically: rolls that sold for roughly $15 in 2017 now regularly fetch close to $100 on the secondhand market [8] [11].

Legacy and Continued Demand

• Natura 1600 achieved legendary status among analog photographers.
• Despite its discontinuation, it remains highly sought after and often commands high prices on the second-hand market.
• This enduring demand is a testament to its quality and the high regard in which it’s held by photography enthusiasts [6].

Fujifilm Natura 1600 Specifications

The Fujifilm Natura 1600 is a versatile color negative film that’s perfect for low-light photography, offering vibrant colors and reliable performance. Let’s break down its key features:

Film Type

• 35mm Color Negative: Designed for a variety of shooting conditions, especially low-light environments.
• ISO Rating: Exposed at ISO 1600, making it versatile for different lighting without sacrificing image quality [6].

Sensitivity

• ISO 1600 Standard: Perfect for most low-light situations.
• Up to ISO 3200: Offers flexibility when lighting conditions are even more challenging, ensuring good color reproduction [8].

Grain Structure

• RMS Granularity of 4: Fujifilm’s own datasheet rates Natura 1600 at an RMS granularity of 4, finer than Fujichrome Provia 100F and Ektachrome E100 (both RMS 8), and even finer than Neopan Acros 100 (RMS 7), despite being sixteen times faster than those films [11]. For comparison, Kodak Tri-X 400 registers RMS 17.
• Uneven Across the Frame: That fine grain is concentrated in the highlights and midtones. Shadows show noticeably chunkier grain, so scenes with large dark areas won’t look as clean as the RMS number suggests [11].
• Aesthetic Appeal: The grain is organic and pleasing, enhancing overall image quality without being distracting [7].

Color Reproduction

• Vibrant Colors: Known for its bright and punchy color reproduction, even in low-light scenarios.
• Consistency: Colors remain lively and don’t appear dull or washed out, a common issue with similar high ISO films.

Aperture Compatibility

• Optimal Lenses: Performs best with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster.
• Freezing Motion: Allows the use of faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions, effectively reducing motion blur [3].

Development

• C41 Standard: Easily processed at most labs, making it convenient to develop.
• Professional Services: While home development options are limited, professional labs can handle it without any issues.

Availability and Cost

• Pricing: Natura 1600 tends to be more expensive than some other films, but its unique characteristics justify the cost for many photographers.
• Alternatives: Films like Press Xtra 1600 offer similar results at a more affordable price point [6].

A Note on Air Travel

Because Natura 1600 is a high-speed film, Fujifilm does not recommend sending it through airport X-ray scanners,  the higher the ISO, the more visible the resulting fogging or streaking can be, especially with repeated scans on multi-leg trips [17]. If you’re traveling with a roll, request a hand inspection instead.

For photographers who love the Fujifilm look but work digitally, Lightroom Fujifilm presets offer an easy way to recreate those tones. Discover a wide range of options available at Legendary Presets. For a broader look at recreating Fuji’s stocks in Lightroom beyond Natura 1600, see our complete guide to Fujifilm Lightroom presets.

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How to Use Fujifilm Natura 1600?

Fujifilm Natura 1600 is celebrated for its outstanding performance in low-light conditions, allowing you to capture vivid colors and fine details without relying on a flash. To get the most out of this film, here are some essential tips and techniques:

Choosing the Right Light

Importance of Light: Good lighting is crucial for achieving the best results with Natura 1600. It’s often said that light is the most important element in photography, and this holds true here [9].

Optimal Conditions:

• Indoors: Utilize ambient lighting to enhance colors and details.
• Golden Hour: The soft, warm light during this time can make your photos pop.
• Low Contrast Scenes: Environments like foggy mornings or evenly lit areas help reduce graininess and improve overall image quality [11].

Mastering Exposure Techniques

• Over-Exposing: Try exposing the film by half to one stop. This technique can help reduce the appearance of grain in the darker areas of your photos.
• Using a Light Meter: A reliable light meter ensures you get the right exposure, capturing a dynamic range of around six stops for optimal results.
• Camera Settings: Familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings to make the most of Natura 1600’s capabilities.

How Much to Overexpose, According to Photographers Who’ve Shot It

Recommendations vary by source, which suggests the right amount depends on your scene as much as any fixed rule:

• One reviewer sets exposure compensation to +1/3 stop as a baseline, moving to +1/2 stop in scenes with plenty of ambient light, and up to +1 stop in city scenes with lamps and signage that tend to fool a camera’s meter [7].
• Another suggests up to a full stop of overexposure, but no more, when shooting indoors without flash [3].
• For scene selection, pick compositions with minimal deep shadow detail, Zone System users should favor scenes with little in Zones 0–III, since that’s where this film’s grain gets chunkiest [11].
• The Fujifilm Natura S automated all of this by applying a fixed +2 stops whenever ISO 800 or 1600 film was loaded, which is a reasonable starting point if you don’t want to meter manually [17].

Camera Compatibility and Settings

• Point-and-Shoot Cameras: Perfect for quick, spontaneous photography. For example, the Fujifilm Natura S camera is specifically designed for Natura 1600 and balances ambient light with flash effectively.
• Manual SLRs: Cameras like the Nikon N2020 offer more control, allowing you to tweak exposure settings for impressive results even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Lens Aperture: Natura 1600 performs best with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster. This allows you to use faster shutter speeds, effectively freezing motion and reducing blur [3].

Practical Tips for Photographers

• Be Ready: Keep your camera accessible to capture those spontaneous moments that Natura 1600 excels at, especially in low-light scenarios.
• Investment Worthy: While Natura 1600 might be pricier than some other films, its ability to deliver high-quality results in subdued lighting makes it a valuable addition to your film photography toolkit [11].
• Experiment and Learn: Don’t be afraid to try different settings and techniques to discover what works best for your style and the environments you shoot in.

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What Do Reviews Say About Fujifilm Natura 1600?

Fujifilm Natura 1600 has sparked a variety of opinions among photographers. Here’s a snapshot of what users are saying:

Vibrant Colors and Low-Light Performance

• Bright Color Rendition: Many photographers love how Natura 1600 delivers vibrant and punchy colors, especially in indoor settings.
• Solid Low-Light Performance: Its ability to perform well in low-light conditions makes it a favorite for indoor photography and events [13].

Saturation and Detail

• Balanced Saturation: The film maintains a nice balance of saturation similar to slower speed films, ensuring well-defined details.
• Fine Details: Users appreciate the clarity and detail that Natura 1600 captures, even in challenging lighting scenarios [8].

Exposure Sensitivity

• Less Forgiving with Exposure: Some photographers have noted that Natura 1600 can be less forgiving if underexposed, often losing shadow details quickly.

Color Rendition Issues

• Unusual Red Hues: A few users mentioned experiencing strange red hues under certain lighting conditions, which can affect the overall color balance [14].

High Demand and Pricing

• Discontinued Status: Since Natura 1600 is no longer in production, it has become a highly sought-after film, with remaining stocks fetching premium prices.
• Loyal Following: Despite mixed reviews, the film has maintained a loyal fan base that values its unique characteristics [15].

Personal Experiences

• Favorite Images in Challenging Light: Many photographers have shared that Natura 1600 enabled them to capture some of their best shots in difficult lighting conditions
• Event Photography Choice: Its high ISO makes it a go-to for events and indoor settings where lighting can be unpredictable.

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Notable Photography Projects Shot on Fujifilm Natura 1600

Fujifilm Natura 1600 has been the film of choice for various impressive photography projects, highlighting its versatility and exceptional performance in different settings. Here are some standout applications:

Astrophotography and Landscapes

• Stunning Nightscapes: Inspired by Murray Fredericks’ work, photographers use Natura 1600 to capture breathtaking images of the night sky and vast landscapes.
• Clear and Vibrant: The high ISO and low grain of Natura 1600 make it perfect for photographing celestial bodies and expansive scenes with exceptional clarity and color vibrancy [16].
• Equipment Example: Combining Natura 1600 with an Olympus OM1 and a wide-angle lens allows photographers to replicate extraordinary landscapes under the night sky.

Street and Portrait Photography

• Natural-Looking Images: Simon Chetrit, a renowned film photographer, praises Natura 1600 for its ability to create natural-looking portraits without the harshness of flash photography.
• Intriguing Street Scenes: The film’s unique characteristics add a layer of intrigue to street portraits, making them more captivating to viewers [2].
• Focus on Emotion: Natura 1600 enables photographers to concentrate on composition and the emotional essence of the moment, rather than getting bogged down by technical settings.

Evening and Low-Light Scenes

• Exceptional Low-Light Performance: Many photographers commend Natura 1600 for its ability to handle dusk and night settings exceptionally well.
• Vivid Yet Realistic: The film produces bright images that remain natural-looking, avoiding the overexposure issues common with other high-speed films [12].
• Authentic Night Scenes: Natura 1600 is ideal for capturing authentic night scenes, providing a realistic representation of ambient lighting without compromising on brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fujifilm Natura 1600

Is Fujifilm Natura 1600 the same as Superia 1600?

Yes. They’re the same emulsion, Natura 1600 was the Japan-market name, Superia 1600 was the name used everywhere else.

When was Fujifilm Natura 1600 discontinued?

Superia 1600 was discontinued outside Japan in 2016. Natura 1600 followed in Japan in 2017.

How much overexposure does Natura 1600 need?

Most photographers recommend somewhere between 1/3 and 1 full stop over box speed, depending on the scene, with more overexposure needed in mixed artificial lighting that tends to fool a camera’s meter.

Can you push Fujifilm Natura 1600 past ISO 1600?

Yes, Fujifilm rates it for push processing up to EI 3200 with good results .

Why is Fujifilm Natura 1600 so expensive now?

It’s been out of production since 2017, and demand from the film photography revival has pushed remaining stock toward $100 per roll on the secondhand market, up from roughly $15 when it was still in production.

Legendary Fujifilm Lightroom Presets offer a seamless way to replicate the timeless look of classic Fujifilm photography in your digital edits. Designed for photographers seeking vibrant colors, rich tones, and authentic Fuji-inspired aesthetics:

Fujifilm Pro 160NS Presets
Fujichrome Velvia 100 Presets
Dazz Cam Presets
Kodak TRI-X 400 Presets
Fujifilm Superia 100 Presets
Fujichrome Sensia 200 Presets

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