Agfa Ultra 50

Color NegativeISO 50Discontinued

Characteristics

  • Grain: fine
  • Contrast: high
  • Latitude: moderate
  • Formats available: 35mm

Agfa Ultra 50 is a discontinued ultra-saturated color negative film from Agfa-Gevaert — produced from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s and discontinued when Agfa exited the consumer film market. Ultra 50 was Agfa's answer to Velvia in the C-41 category: extremely saturated colors at low ISO with very fine grain, marketed as a "supersaturated landscape film" before Kodak's Ektar 100 occupied that niche.

Key features

  • ISO 50 rated; very fine grain
  • Extremely high saturation — more aggressive than Velvia 50; greens and blues especially intense
  • Narrow latitude for color negative (±1 stop)
  • C-41 process
  • Discontinued circa 2005-2007; freezer stock only in 2026
  • Available historically in 35mm and 120

Workflow

  • Box-speed exposure at EI 50; standard C-41
  • For maximum saturation, slight underexposure (~¼ stop)
  • Tripod required at base ISO 50 in most lighting
  • Polarizer enhances saturation further

Practical notes

  • Modern alternative: Kodak Ektar 100 is the closest current product (slightly slower than Ektar but in the same saturated-C-41 niche)
  • Freezer stock of Ultra 50 from 2005-2007 is sought-after for the distinctive Agfa color rendering
  • Cold storage extends shelf life

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