Fujifilm HR-20, HR-21 and FM33 Discontinued: Replacement Guide

In short: Fujifilm took its final factory orders for microfilm on 26 December 2025 (Japan time). Micrographics Data, a Singapore microfilm specialist since 1989, supplies LE-500 silver-halide replacements: 35MGD-HR for Super HR-20, 16MGD-HR for Super HR-21 and MGD33 for FM33 archive-writer media.

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Which film replaces which

Each Micrographics Data film keeps the roll format of the Fujifilm product it replaces, so it loads in the same cameras, archive writers and processors.

If you used	Replace with	Format	Used in
Fujifilm Super HR-20	Micrographics Data 35MGD-HR	35 mm × 30.5 m (100 ft)	Planetary and rotary cameras, COM writers
Fujifilm Super HR-21	Micrographics Data 16MGD-HR	16 mm × 30.5 m (100 ft)	Planetary, rotary and step-and-repeat cameras, COM writers
Fujifilm FM33 (and FM66 users)	Micrographics Data MGD33	16 mm × 30.5 m (100 ft)	LED archive writers, including Fujifilm AR-1000 series and Kodak i9600 series

What Fujifilm discontinued, and when

Fujifilm has ended microfilm production. Its US microfilm page states that the final order to FUJIFILM Corporation (Tokyo) was on 26 December 2025, Japan time, and refers customers to their dealer for details. The page covers its Super HR camera films, Archive Media for archive writers and its duplicating films.

The change was signalled early in 2025. On 17 February 2025, UK microfilm supplier Genus told its customers that Fujifilm would discontinue microfilm production starting in 2026. Any Fujifilm stock still on the market is what dealers bought before the final order date.

Specifications of the replacement films

All three films are silver-halide microfilm rated LE-500. The values below are Micrographics Data's published specifications.

Specification	35MGD-HR	16MGD-HR	MGD33
Replaces	Super HR-20	Super HR-21	FM33
Format	35 mm × 30.5 m	16 mm × 30.5 m	16 mm × 30.5 m
Base	PET polyester, 5.0 mil (about 125 µm)	PET polyester, 5.0 mil (about 125 µm)	5.0 mil
Resolution	850 lines/mm	850 lines/mm	850 lines/mm
Dmin (base + fog)	0.07	0.07	0.07 (Dmax 1.1)
Life expectancy	LE-500	LE-500	LE-500
Archival test	ISO 18917 methylene blue	ISO 18917 methylene blue	ISO 18917 methylene blue

LE-500 is a life-expectancy rating of up to 500 years for silver-gelatin film that meets ISO 18901, is processed to the residual-thiosulfate limit tested under ISO 18917, and is stored to ISO 18911 conditions. The rating depends on all three: film, processing and storage.

In the United States, NARA regulation 36 CFR 1238.14 requires federal agencies to use polyester-based silver gelatin film that conforms to ISO 18901 for LE 500 film in all applications, for permanent and unscheduled records.

Switching to Micrographics Data film

For 35MGD-HR and 16MGD-HR, Micrographics Data specifies the same roll format and base thickness as the Fujifilm films they replace, with no change to processing chemistry or camera settings. For MGD33 on Kodak i9600 series archive writers, set the exposure time to 36–42 ms. The recommended processing temperature for MGD33 is 32 °C, not exceeding 37 °C.

Before you change film in production, run one roll through the full workflow and check it:

Shoot a test roll on your usual camera or archive writer, including an ISO 3334 resolution test chart, following the operating procedures in ISO 6199.
Process it in your normal chemistry, or in Micrographics Data MD18c developer and MF18c fixer.
Inspect it for density and resolution as set out in ANSI/AIIM MS23, the practice for inspecting and controlling the quality of first-generation silver microfilm.
Test residual thiosulfate with the ISO 18917 methylene blue method within 14 days of processing.
Record the results as your baseline for the new film, then switch production.

Standards referred to on this page

ISO 18901: stability specifications for processed silver-gelatin black-and-white film.
ISO 18911: storage practices for processed safety photographic film.
ISO 18917: determination of residual thiosulfate (methylene blue method).
ISO 6199: operating procedures for microfilming documents on 16 mm and 35 mm silver-gelatin microfilm.
ISO 3334: microcopying resolution test chart No. 2.
ANSI/AIIM MS23: inspection and quality control of first-generation silver microfilm of documents.
NARA 36 CFR 1238.14 (US): microfilming requirements for permanent and unscheduled federal records, including LE 500 polyester silver gelatin film.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still buy Fujifilm Super HR-20, HR-21 or FM33 microfilm?

Only from dealer stock bought before the final order date. Fujifilm took its last factory orders for microfilm on 26 December 2025, Japan time, and refers customers to their dealer for remaining supply.

Which Micrographics Data film replaces my Fujifilm film?

35MGD-HR replaces Super HR-20 (35 mm), 16MGD-HR replaces Super HR-21 (16 mm), and MGD33 replaces FM33 archive-writer media (16 mm). Each comes in the same 30.5 m (100 ft) roll length.

Do I need to change my chemistry or camera settings?

For 35MGD-HR and 16MGD-HR, Micrographics Data specifies no change to processing chemistry or camera settings. For MGD33 on Kodak i9600 series archive writers, set the exposure time to 36–42 ms. Run a test roll before switching production.

Is the replacement film LE-500 rated, and how is that checked?

Yes. All three films are rated LE-500. Residual thiosulfate is tested with the ISO 18917 methylene blue method within 14 days of processing, and the 500-year rating assumes storage to ISO 18911 conditions.

Does the film work in Fujifilm and Kodak archive writers?

MGD33 is specified for LED archive writers, including the Fujifilm AR-1000 series and Kodak i9600 series. 16MGD-HR and 35MGD-HR are specified for COM writers, planetary and rotary cameras and standard microfilm processors.

Can government agencies buy through GeBIZ?

Yes. Micrographics Data is a GeBIZ-registered supplier, and a GeBIZ quotation is available on request. Tick the GeBIZ option on the quote form.

Do you supply outside Singapore?

Yes. Micrographics Data supplies archival microfilm and chemistry from Singapore to institutions in other countries. Include your delivery country in your quote request.

Request a quotation

Tell us which Fujifilm film you used, your camera or archive writer, and your annual roll volume. We reply with a written quotation; public-sector buyers can request a GeBIZ quotation.