Fujifilm Fujicolor 200 Review: Daylight Winner, Low-Light Risk
If there’s one thing that stands out from user reports, it’s that Fujifilm Fujicolor 200 Color Negative Film is beloved for its vivid greens and blues—yet multiple photographers warn it can falter in low-light or cloudy conditions. Across hundreds of reviews, it earns an average score of 8.7/10, with praise for affordability and fine grain, but recurring notes about its “cold” tone profile and limited ISO flexibility.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Highly recommended for daylight and outdoor shooters, less ideal for low-light or mixed weather.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vivid greens, blues, and reds | Limited performance in cloudy/low light |
| Fine grain with good sharpness | Cold/greenish cast not to all tastes |
| Affordable entry-level film | ISO 200 restricts indoor flexibility |
| Excellent skin tone rendering in daylight | Muted results without direct sun |
| Wide exposure latitude | Can lose saturation if pushed incorrectly |
| Good availability worldwide | Not offered in 120 format |
Claims vs Reality
Fujifilm markets this film as having “color reproduction of great vividness” and “beautiful, natural skin-tone rendition.” Digging deeper into user reports, these claims hold true—in the right conditions. A verified buyer on Trustpilot noted: “Images in bright daylight or with flash are crisp and colorful, but this emulsion’s mucky green cast is no good for cloudy or shadowy conditions.” This highlights the gap between the brand’s “wide exposure suitability” promise and actual field performance.
Another core claim is “excellent sharpness” paired with fine grain for enlargements. According to Reddit discussions, this is accurate for sunny outdoor shots. One photographer explained how shooting landscapes in Japan’s spring gave “depth of colour and definition” on clear days, but admitted overcast shots “were just not adaptable” with this stock.
Finally, Fujifilm emphasizes “accurate color reproduction even under fluorescent lights.” While some Walmart buyers confirm good indoor flash use, Trustpilot reviews suggest mixed outcomes without supplemental lighting, especially when relying solely on ambient indoor illumination.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Users across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Amazon consistently commend Fujifilm Fujicolor 200 for its outdoor vibrancy. The film’s rendering of greens and blues is a recurring theme—perfect for nature and travel photography. Trustpilot’s “my favorite Fuji” reviewer raved about “the Fuji greens and reds in heaps, along with a lower grain and clearer image than Superia.”
Portrait shooters benefit too. A verified buyer on Amazon reported “pleasing skin tones” that avoid the overly warm or magenta bias common in budget films. This makes it a reliable choice for group shots in daylight, where its wide exposure latitude forgives minor metering errors.
Budget-conscious hobbyists are also vocal fans. One Indonesian Trustpilot user praised its affordability at “about 60,000 rupiah,” noting that despite not understanding grain structure fully, they “like the simple colors” and found it held up well even after multiple airport x-ray scans.
Common Complaints
The most frequent criticism is its cold tone bias, particularly in muted light. Trustpilot’s “watch your shadows” reviewer warned that without a warming filter, cloudy-day shots can turn “mucky green.” Another buyer echoed that “sharpness isn’t that good” compared to alternatives like Kodak ColorPlus, though they still captured some favorite shots in overcast weather.
ISO 200 speed is another limitation. Multiple users point out reduced flexibility indoors or at dusk without flash. The Japan travel account on Reddit found mixed April conditions exposed this weakness—beautiful results under blue skies, lackluster under grey.
Pushing the film is divisive. One Trustpilot user found that pushing “one stop” boosted saturation and warmth, giving it “a more Ektar look,” while another cautioned that pushing “loses both saturation and beauty.”
Divisive Features
The “Fuji look” itself—cooler greens and blues—is loved by some and disliked by others. Trustpilot’s “cheap & cold” reviewer admitted they had to “learn to appreciate this one” compared to warmer stocks. This tonal profile makes it ideal for certain landscapes but less so for desert or sunset scenes where warmth dominates.
Even its affordability draws differing responses. While many celebrate its low cost as enabling frequent shooting, others weigh slightly higher-priced alternatives like Kodak Gold for their warmer palette, accepting less savings for preferred color balance.
Trust & Reliability
On Trustpilot, no patterns of scam or misrepresentation emerge. The film is widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces, with consistent product quality. Long-term shooters on Reddit report stability: one noted using this stock “ever since I’ve got a hold of it,” with predictable results each roll.
Durability under travel stress is mentioned positively—surviving multiple x-ray scans without obvious degradation. However, Fujifilm’s own handling guide warns against airport baggage scanners, suggesting manual inspection for critical rolls.
Alternatives
The most frequently compared alternatives are Kodak ColorPlus 200 and Kodak Gold 200. Trustpilot reviewers often contrast Fujicolor 200’s cooler tones with ColorPlus’ warmer, more saturated palette, preferring one over the other depending on subject matter. One user claimed Fujicolor 200 was “way better than ColorPlus or Gold (at least for me!)” for reds and cold tones, while another preferred ColorPlus for sunsets and warm scenes.
For those seeking more ISO flexibility, Kodak Gold offers ISO 200 with a warmer bias and potentially better low-light adaptability when paired with a flash. However, Fujicolor 200’s fine grain and sharper greens give it a unique niche.
Price & Value
Current eBay listings show 3-packs ranging from $21.49 to $42.43, with Amazon pricing at $38.39 plus shipping. Walmart lists it at $30.49, aligning with mid-range market rates. Resale value holds steady for fresh-dated stock, while expired rolls drop significantly unless sought by experimental shooters.
Community buying tips include stocking up when prices dip below $25 for a 3-pack and checking expiration dates carefully to avoid aged film unless intentionally seeking altered tones.
FAQ
Q: Is Fujicolor 200 good for indoor shooting without flash?
A: Not ideal. Multiple users report muted colors and reduced sharpness indoors without flash. With flash, skin tones remain natural and vibrant.
Q: Does Fujicolor 200 have a green cast?
A: Yes, many describe a cooler, greenish bias, especially in cloudy or shaded conditions. Some embrace this for creative effect; others use warming filters to offset it.
Q: Can I push Fujicolor 200 for better results?
A: Mixed results. One Trustpilot user found pushing one stop improved saturation and warmth, while another said it degraded color quality.
Q: How does it compare to Kodak ColorPlus 200?
A: Fujicolor 200 offers cooler tones and sharper greens, while ColorPlus leans warm. Choice depends on subject matter—nature vs. sunsets.
Q: Is it safe for airport travel?
A: Generally yes, as per user accounts, but Fujifilm advises requesting manual inspection to avoid x-ray fogging.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a daylight shooter—landscapes, travel, or portraits in good light—and appreciate cooler tones. Avoid if you rely on low-light shooting without flash or want consistently warm palettes. Pro tip from the community: pair it with a warming filter for cloudy days to maximize versatility.
