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Fujifilm Pro 160C Review: A Film Loved by Photographers
December 1, 2024
Did you know that even in the age of digital photography, film like Fujifilm Pro 160C still holds a special place among photographers? Despite being discontinued in 2010, this professional color negative film continues to captivate enthusiasts with its fine grain, vibrant colors, and versatility in various lighting conditions.
Key Takeaways:
- Pro 160C: Known for fine grain, vibrant colors, and versatility in portrait, commercial, and architectural photography.
- Exposure: Ideal for shallow depth of field but requires careful exposure management.
- Storage: Best stored in cool conditions; performs well even if expired.
- Discontinued: Phased out in 2010, with limited availability since then.
- Competitors: Competes with Kodak Portra 160, Ektar 100, and Pro 400H.
- Development: Processed using the C-41 standard, great for scanning.
- Reception: Praised for color consistency, fine grain, and natural skin tones.
01.
What is Fujifilm Pro 160C?
Fujifilm Pro 160C is a professional color negative film that’s loved for its fine grain and vibrant colors. Although it was discontinued in 2010 under the name Pro 160NS, it’s still a favorite among photographers because of its unique qualities and versatility, especially in varying lighting conditions [2]. With an ISO of 160, it offers a shallow depth of field, but you’ll need to manage exposure carefully, particularly in bright sunlight [9].
How is the Fuji Pro 160C Film Used?
Pro 160C is versatile and works well for various types of photography:
- Genres: Ideal for architecture, travel, and portraits.
- Color Performance: Known for vivid yet natural colors, suitable for a wide range of subjects.
- Shaded Areas: Performs well, providing even color representation.
- Direct Sunlight: Colors can appear stronger, but not overly saturated.
- Dynamic Range: Offers great flexibility, especially in changing lighting conditions like weddings.
- Exposure Latitude: Tolerates overexposure and underexposure, making it easier to capture spontaneous moments [10].
How Should Pro 160C Be Stored?
For best results, store Pro 160C in cool conditions. Even expired film can still perform well:
- Proper Storage: Essential for maintaining color accuracy and quality.
- Expired Film: A roll that expired in 2009 still yielded vibrant colors and no visible grain in standard-size prints, showcasing its durability [9].
Why Was Pro 160C Discontinued?
Pro 160C was gradually phased out due to various reasons:
- 2010: Rebranded as Pro 160NS, with the 135 format discontinued.
- 2016: 220 and sheet film formats ceased production.
- 2017: 120 format discontinued in the UK, but still available from existing stock into 2018.
- 2018: Discontinued in Germany.
- 2021: Official discontinuation in Japan.
- 2022: Expected end of supply [2].
02.
What Are the Main Uses of Pro 160C?
Fujifilm Pro 160C is known for its versatility across a wide range of photography applications, thanks to its medium speed and fine grain. It’s an excellent choice for:
- Portrait Photography
- Commercial Photography
- Fashion Photography
- Architectural Photography
- Interior Photography [11].
What Makes Pro 160C Unique?
Pro 160C stands out for its color accuracy and fine detail. Here’s why it’s a go-to for many photographers:
- Enhanced Saturation: Delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors.
- High Sharpness: Ensures crisp detail from highlights to shadows.
- Superb Gray Balance: Provides smooth gradation across all tones.
- Wide Exposure Latitude: Gives flexibility for handling overexposed or underexposed shots, making it ideal for varied lighting conditions [11].
How Is Pro 160C Used in Photography?
Photographers trust Pro 160C for its reliability and natural tones. It’s especially popular for:
- Portrait Work: Produces flattering skin tones and vibrant colors in close-ups.
- Landscapes & Interior Shots: Its fine grain quality captures fine details, making it perfect for both outdoor and indoor settings.
- Fashion & Architecture: Performs well in capturing intricate details and stable colors, making it ideal for fashion shoots and architectural photography.
How Does Pro 160C Compare to Other Films?
Pro 160C excels in several areas when compared to other films, such as Kodak Portra:
- Superior Image Stability: Offers better longevity for color images and improved scanning quality [11].
- Truer Color Rendition: While Kodak films might evoke a nostalgic feel, Pro 160C provides a more accurate and modern color palette that many photographers prefer [10].
03.
How to Develop Pro 160C Film?
Developing Fujifilm Pro 160C requires specific processes to maintain its vibrant colors and fine grain. Here’s what you need to know:
| Step | Details |
| Development Process | Pro 160C uses the standard C-41 process, widely available at most labs. |
| Temperature | Must be developed at approximately 100.4°F (38°C) for optimal results. |
| Scanning & Printing | After development, Pro 160C negatives can be scanned or printed traditionally. |
| Home Development | Can be developed at home with C-41 chemicals, though temperature control is critical. |
By understanding the development process, you can ensure that your Pro 160C rolls are processed correctly and yield the best possible results.
04.
What Do Photographers Think About Pro 160C?
Fujifilm Pro 160C has earned rave reviews, especially among fine art and wedding photographers. Here’s why photographers love it:
- Consistent Color Rendition: Professionals appreciate its reliable color accuracy, even in varying lighting conditions and across different subjects.
- Fine Grain: Many note that the film’s fine grain adds a level of quality and sharpness that is ideal for high-end imagery.
- Flattering Skin Tones: The film’s ability to produce rich, natural skin tones is a favorite among portrait photographers [1].
- Soft, Dreamy Look: Photographers also love the soft, dreamy quality it lends to images, making it perfect for weddings [7].
How Is Pro 160C Used Creatively?
Pro 160C is more than just a technical tool—it’s a creative asset. Here’s how photographers are using it:
- Film Simulation Recipes: In photography communities, some users even create their own film simulation recipes based on the characteristics of Pro 160C, offering personalized digital editing options [8].
- Adaptable for Various Genres: Whether it’s weddings, landscapes, or fashion, photographers love how Pro 160C adapts to different creative needs.
Why Do Photographers Still Use Pro 160C?
While other films, like Kodak Portra, have their own appeal, many photographers continue to choose Fujifilm Pro 160C for its:
- Reliable Performance: Photographers often return to Pro 160C for its dependable results and color accuracy.
- Color Palette Options: The film offers both natural color (NC) and vivid color (VC) options, catering to different creative visions [3].
Overall, Pro 160C is not only valued for its technical qualities but also for the creative possibilities it provides to photographers across various genres.
05.
How Can You Get the Best Results with Pro 160C?
Here are some practical tips for using Fujifilm Pro 160C to its fullest potential:
Best Exposure Techniques
- Use a Light Meter: For the most accurate results, always rely on a good light meter.
- Sunny 16 Rule: You can also follow the sunny 16 rule or other exposure guides to determine the right exposure settings.
- Bracketing: If you’re unsure, take three shots: one at the recommended exposure, one stop overexposed, and one stop underexposed. This gives you options to choose from later.
- Low-Light Conditions: When shooting in low light, use a tripod and a cable release or self-timer to prevent camera shake, ensuring sharp images [15].
Choose the Right Lens
- Portrait Photography: Use a lens with a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or f/1.4) to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background.
- Landscape Photography: Opt for a smaller aperture (e.g., f/16 or f/22) to get a wider depth of field, keeping the entire scene in focus [15].
Filters for Different Lighting Conditions
- Bright Sunlight: A polarizing or graduated neutral density filter will help reduce glare, enhance colors, and improve contrast.
- Cloudy or Overcast: Use a warming filter to add vibrancy to your photos, especially for greens and blues [15].
Fuji Pro 160C’s Film Characteristics
- Fine Grain and Natural Color Palette: Perfect for a range of subjects, including landscapes and portraits.
- Low-Light Alternatives: If you need faster speeds in low light, consider Fuji Pro 400H, which offers similar colors but with better sensitivity [14].
By following these tips and understanding Pro 160C’s characteristics, you can make the most of this exceptional film and create beautiful, detailed images.
06.
What Are the Pro 160C Competitors?
Fujifilm Pro 160C faces competition from several other color negative films that offer similar characteristics, such as fine grain, vibrant colors, and wide exposure latitude. Here are some of its main competitors:
1. Kodak Portra 160
- Overview: Kodak Portra 160 is one of the most popular color negative films, often compared to Pro 160C due to its similar ISO rating and fine grain.
- Key Features: Known for its natural skin tones, fine grain, and excellent dynamic range, making it ideal for portrait and wedding photography.
- Competitor Strength: Portra 160 has a slightly warmer color palette and is more widely available, making it a favorite among many photographers.
2. Kodak Ektar 100
- Overview: Kodak Ektar 100 is a high-saturation color negative film, often favored for its vivid colors and sharpness.
- Key Features: Offers extremely fine grain and high contrast, making it perfect for outdoor and landscape photography, though it has a higher ISO of 100.
- Competitor Strength: Ektar 100 excels in situations requiring high color accuracy and sharp detail, especially in bright light.
3. Fujifilm Pro 400H
- Overview: Another Fujifilm product, Pro 400H is a high-speed color negative film that offers a more vibrant color rendition than Pro 160C. You find the Pro 400H review here.
- Key Features: Known for its wide exposure latitude and natural colors, especially in portrait photography. It also handles underexposure better than some other films.
- Competitor Strength: Pro 400H has better low-light performance due to its higher ISO rating, which makes it a versatile option for various lighting conditions.
- Achieve the iconic film look with Fujifilm Pro 400H Presets.
4. Ilford XP2 Super 400
- Overview: Ilford XP2 Super 400 is a black-and-white film that can be developed using C-41 chemistry, similar to color films like Pro 160C.
- Key Features: Offers high sharpness and a wide exposure latitude, though it lacks the vibrant colors of Pro 160C. It is preferred by photographers who want the convenience of C-41 development but still desire a black-and-white aesthetic.
- Competitor Strength: XP2 Super 400 provides unique black-and-white results while being processed in the same way as color negative films, which offers flexibility.
5. Cinestill 50D
- Overview: Cinestill 50D is a daylight-balanced color negative film designed for fine art and landscape photography.
- Key Features: It provides exceptional sharpness, low grain, and high color fidelity, though it is ISO 50, meaning it’s better suited for bright, outdoor conditions.
- Competitor Strength: Cinestill 50D excels in color accuracy and fine details, making it a favorite for landscape photographers, though its lower ISO limits its versatility in low-light situations.
These films, each with its unique characteristics, compete with Pro 160C in various ways, depending on the photographer’s needs—whether it’s for portrait work, landscape photography, or shooting in various lighting conditions.
07.
Reviews of the Fujifilm Pro 160C analog film
1. Rich Color and Fine Grain
A user reminiscing about their experience with Fuji Pro 160C noted its vivid colors and extremely fine grain. They appreciated the film’s ability to capture delicate nuances in bright light while providing powerful saturation in low light conditions. This reviewer particularly enjoyed the film’s performance in evening light, where the saturation levels were notably high, especially in blue tones. They concluded that this film remains one of their favorites due to its overall quality and color reproduction capabilities. (Source)
2. Softness and Lighting Sensitivity
Another reviewer shared their experience using Fuji Pro 160S, which is often compared to Pro 160C. They found that while the film produced acceptable indoor shots, outdoor photos sometimes appeared dull, possibly due to the camera’s automatic exposure settings. The reviewer described the film as having a soft look, which they attributed to camera shake, but noted that it could still deliver sharp images under good lighting conditions. They recommended careful consideration of lighting when using this film. (Source)
3. Contrast and Saturation Comparison
A discussion on a photography forum highlighted the differences between Fuji Pro 160C and Pro 160S. Users noted that Pro 160C tends to be more saturated and contrasty compared to its counterpart. One user shared their experience shooting both films on the same day, emphasizing that the color differences were quite striking, suggesting that those looking for richer colors might prefer Pro 160C over Pro 160S. (Source)
4. General Positive Feedback
A general sentiment from various forums indicated that Fujicolor Pro 160C is regarded as a very good film for professional use, especially in portraiture and commercial photography. Users emphasized its high contrast and vivid color reproduction, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. (Source)
5. Storage Considerations
Another review pointed out the importance of proper storage for Pro 160C, recommending that it be kept at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius to maintain its quality. This advice reflects a common concern among users regarding film longevity and performance degradation over time if not stored correctly. (Source)
Fujifilm Pro 160C Reviews Summary
| Reviewer Focus | Key Points | Overall Sentiment |
| Rich Color and Fine Grain | – Vivid colors and extremely fine grain.
– Excellent performance in bright and low light. – High saturation in evening light. |
Highly Positive |
| Softness and Lighting Sensitivity | – Soft look; acceptable indoor shots but dull outdoor photos.
– Camera shake may affect sharpness. – Lighting considerations are crucial. |
Mixed |
| Contrast and Saturation Comparison | – More saturated and contrasty than Pro 160S.
– Striking color differences between the two films. |
Positive |
| General Positive Feedback | – Very good for professional use, especially in portraiture.
– High contrast and vivid color reproduction. |
Very Positive |
| Storage Considerations | – Importance of storing below 10 degrees Celsius.
– Proper storage is crucial for maintaining quality. |
Cautionary |
08.
The Fujifilm Pro 160NS and Pro 160S
Pro 160NS
- Overview: Successor to Pro 160C, offering improved color reproduction and a wider dynamic range.
- Key Features: Vibrant colors, excellent skin tones, and better overexposure handling, ideal for portraits and weddings.
- Availability: Discontinued, with limited access in the U.S. and phased out by 2017.
- Get Pro 160NS presets that will help you achieve stunning edits in seconds
Pro 160S
- Overview: The original Pro 160 film, known for its neutral color tones and fine grain.
- Key Features: Great for commercial and fine art photography with color accuracy.
- Availability: Discontinued after being replaced by Pro 160C.
- Upgrade your photos with Fuji Pro 160S Lightroom presets
While all three films have been discontinued, they each offered unique qualities, with Pro 160NS excelling in mixed lighting and Pro 160S providing neutral color balance.
09.
Where to buy Pro 160C Film
Fujifilm Pro 160C, a professional-grade color negative film, was discontinued in 2010. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a sought-after choice among film photography enthusiasts. To acquire Pro 160C, consider the following options:
- Online Retailers: Some online stores may have remaining stock of Pro 160C. For instance, Adorama offers Fujifilm Fujicolor Pro 160C 35mm Negative Film, 36 Exposure citeturn0search0. However, availability is limited, and it’s advisable to check the current stock before purchasing.
- Specialty Film Shops: Certain specialty stores, such as DutchFilmShooters, have listed Pro 160C in their inventory citeturn0search1. Availability may vary, so contacting the store directly is recommended.
- Second-Hand Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay or local photography forums often have listings for discontinued film stocks. Purchasing from these sources requires careful consideration of the film’s expiration date and storage conditions.
- Alternative Film Stocks: If Pro 160C is unavailable, consider similar films like Kodak Portra 160 or Fujifilm Pro 400H, which offer comparable color reproduction and fine grain.
Given the limited availability of Pro 160C, it’s advisable to explore these alternatives or consider purchasing expired rolls from reputable sellers who can provide information on storage conditions.
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 400H Presets
Fujifilm Instax Presets
Fujichrome Provia 100F Presets
Fujichrome Sensia 200 Presets
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