Fujifilm Reala 100: The Film Fuji Should Have Never Killed
If you’re into expired film like I am, you’ve probably come across legendary film stocks that make you wonder: Why did they stop making this?!
That’s exactly how I feel about Fujifilm Reala 100. It was a unique color-negative film with stunning accuracy, fine grain, and a look that still holds up today.
I recently got my hands on 10 rolls of expired Reala 100, and in this post, we’ll dive into the history of this film, why it was discontinued, how much it costs today, five key things to know about it, and—believe it or not—how Fujifilm secretly brought it back in digital form.
A Brief History of Fujifilm Reala 100
Fujifilm launched Reala 100 in 1998 as part of their Superia lineup, but it wasn’t just another consumer-grade color film. Reala introduced a fourth color layer, setting it apart from most other films that relied only on red, green, and blue-sensitive layers. This extra cyan-sensitive layer helped produce incredibly accurate skin tones and true-to-life colors, making it a favorite among portrait photographers.
It had ultra-fine grain and sharpness that rivaled professional films, while still being forgiving enough for everyday shooters. Basically, it was the perfect balance between natural color, sharpness, and versatility—a go-to film for those who wanted great results with minimal editing.
Why Was Reala 100 Discontinued?
Sadly, Reala 100 met the same fate as many other legendary film stocks. Fujifilm officially discontinued it in 2012, and the reason was pretty obvious: film sales were plummeting, and digital was taking over.
By the late 2000s, fewer photographers were shooting film, and Fujifilm was shifting its focus toward Instax and digital cameras. Even though Reala was popular among pros and enthusiasts, it wasn’t selling enough to justify production. So, like Pro 400H, Neopan 1600, and so many others, Reala was axed.
How Much Does Fujifilm Reala 100 Cost Today?
If you’re hoping to get your hands on a roll of Reala 100 in 2025, be prepared to pay a premium. A single roll of Reala 100 can go for anywhere between $40 to $100, depending on its condition and location. You can only really find it on ebay.
I managed to snag 10 rolls for a very good price on Facebook Marketplace. i paid $90 for 10 rolls For the chance to shoot a piece of film history, it’s worth it, right?
Sample Images
5 Things You Should Know About Fujifilm Reala 100
If you’re lucky enough to get a roll of Reala 100, here are five things you should know before shooting it:
1. Ultra-Fine Grain
For an ISO 100 film, Reala has exceptionally fine grain. It was one of the sharpest color-negative films Fuji ever made.
2. The Fourth Color Layer Was a Game-Changer
Unlike most films that rely on three color layers, Reala’s extra cyan-sensitive layer made colors more natural and accurate, especially skin tones.
3. It Handled Daylight and Flash Exceptionally Well
Some professional films struggle under artificial light or flash, but Reala balanced colors beautifully in almost any lighting condition.
4. Rich but Natural Colors
Reala wasn’t as vibrant as Velvia and not as muted as Pro 400H—it sat right in the perfect middle, making it ideal for portraits and landscapes alike.
5. Expired Reala Holds Up Surprisingly Well
Unlike some Fuji films that shift heavily toward green or blue when expired, Reala tends to age more gracefully, especially if stored properly.
How Fujifilm Reala 100 Lives On in Digital Form
Here’s something interesting: while Reala 100 film is gone, Fujifilm actually brought it back in digital form.
In 2023, Fujifilm introduced a ‘Reala Ace’ film simulation in cameras like the X-T5 and GFX 100 II. Fuji claims that this profile is inspired by the original Reala 100 color science, designed to balance classic Fuji tones with modern digital clarity.
But does it really look like the original film? While no digital simulation can perfectly replicate the grain, depth, and character of real film, it’s still a cool nod to one of Fuji’s best color stocks.
Final Thoughts
Fujifilm Reala 100 was a special film that combined natural colors, fine grain, and incredible sharpness, making it one of Fuji’s most beloved stocks. It’s a shame it was discontinued, but I’m excited to see how my expired rolls hold up.
I still have 5 rolls left to shoot, so stay tuned for that! And if you’ve ever shot Reala 100, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience. Would you pay today’s high prices to shoot it again? Let’s talk!