Neopan 1600 in Japan Part 1
Fujifilm's high-speed B&W favourite
One of the highlights of my recent trip to Japan was meeting Bellamy Hunt, Japan Camera Hunter.
We had a good chat for an hour or so, then he gifted me a roll of Fujifilm Neopan 1600, a much loved and missed high-speed film.
I loaded the film in my Fujifilm Natura Black F1.9 and shot the film over 2 nights in the beautiful city of Onomichi.
Many of the photos were shot in and around a shotengai, or covered shopping arcade.
You’ll find shotengai in many cities and towns in Japan. The older ones offer a window into the past as many signs and shops are decades old.
Bellamy said he wasn’t sure what the film would be like, but given it’s 16+ years expired, I think it’s held up very well.
I also took many photos here with my Ricoh GRIII, so look out for more instalments from my latest trip here and on my other Substack, Japan Pics (link at the bottom).
I’ll also do a podcast soon on this Substack and feature more photos, but if you want to see them all now, there’s a link below to my latest YouTube video.
See you next time!
Cheers
Matt
Watch on YouTube
See 24 photos from this roll in my latest YouTube video.
Very nice series, Matt.
I bought a pack of this stuff which, at the time I got it was about a month past its expiry date. I'd heard people rave about it so I decided to give it a go. It was interesting but, if I'm honest, a bit too grainy for my taste. I actually like grain but this was a bit beyond my preference.
I think I shot about 5 rolls and traded the remaining five for (if my memory serves me) Ilford XP2 Super - which is still my favourite mid-speed B&W film.
It’s really great to hear your voice again, Matt. I’m so glad to know you’re back in good health and doing what you love—both the photography and the podcast. Your photos from Japan turned out fantastic, and I’m excited to see and hear more from you. If you’re up for it, another photo contest would be awesome—maybe a nifty fifty portrait challenge? Those cheap pano themes are always a good time.
Cheers,
Casey