Film Simulation Recipe app

Summer of ’59 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) FXW App Patron Early-Access Recipe

*Stop Time* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Summer of ’59

This Film Simulation Recipe began as an attempt to recreate the aesthetic of some of Saul Leiter’s color photographs from the 1950’s and early-1960’s, particularly images like Paris 1959, Foot on El 1954, Bus 1954, San Carlo Restaurant 1952, Taxi 1957, Near the Tanager 1954, Phone Call 1957, and Pipes 1960—among others—with the greatest emphasis on Paris 1959. While I don’t think it’s possible to faithfully reproduce that look exactly on Fujifilm cameras, this Summer of ’59 Recipe is definitely at times pretty darn close. Also, some of Saul’s other photographs from that same era had a divergent aesthetic, and this Recipe isn’t good for replicating those.

During this time, Saul Leiter was using the first era of Kodachrome film. Something interesting that I learned while researching this is that Saul preferred shooting Kodachrome that was past the expiration date. He liked the way the film looked when expired, and especially the serendipity of not knowing what the precise aesthetic was going to be. An alternative name for this Film Simulation Recipe could be Expired Vintage Kodachrome.

Saul Leiter liked reflections, shooting through glass, and using layers. He kept his eyes out for catchy colors. He wasn’t afraid of shadows. His favorite lenses were telephoto, particularly 90mm and 150mm. If you are really trying to replicate his look, those are things you’ll want to consider. Vintage lenses might help, too.

*Mint Chocolate Shake* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Summer of ’59

This Summer of ’59 Film Simulation Recipe is an App Patron Early-Access Recipe. If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, you have access to it right now. If not, no worries, as it will eventually be made available to everyone, once it is replaced by a new Early-Access Recipe. It is fully compatible with X-Trans V cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI.

One consideration is White Balance Shift: I wen’t back-and-forth on both Red and Blue, and I think +5 Red could alternatively be used, and/or -7 Blue could be alternatively used. All of the sample pictures in this article are with the WB Shift as published, and not the divergent options mentioned above.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Summer of ’59 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Hanging Glass* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Falling Water in a Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Lion Water* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Pet Waste Station* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Red & White Blooms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bougainville & Palm Tree Trunk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Summertime Feelings* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Founder’s Day Weekend* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Blue Flags* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Power Lines* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*An Arizona Home* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Yellow Car* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bougainvillea Along a Sidewalk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*CVS Pharmacy Sign* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Next Time* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunlit Lamp* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Fake House Plant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bedroom Plant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*1000 Record Covers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Fountain Pot* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Jo in the Backyard* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bench End* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Twin Seats* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Outdoor Potted Plant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Desert Cactus Landscape* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*The Boys* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Red Hots* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Protection* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Pick Up* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in January 2024

Posted on February 6 by Ritchie Roesch

*Icy Morning at the Rim* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor C200 v2

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 25 most-viewed Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website last month (January 2024).

Most of the time these lists are pretty predictable. Those with Kodak brand names in the title—Kodachrome, Portra, Gold, Tri-X, etc., etc.—are the most popular. Classic Chrome is the king of film simulations, as the majority of the most-viewed Recipes are based on that film simulation. X-Trans IV Recipes, especially for the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras, tend to be the most popular.

This time, however, I was a surprised by many of the rankings. The top two—Kodachrome 64 and Kodak Portra 400 v2—did not surprise me at all. Those particular Recipes are far-and-away the most popular. Third place, which made this list despite being so new (released towards the end of the month), is a good deal behind the top two. Reala Ace is now the most popular Classic Negative Recipe, edging out Pacific Blues. Kodak Vision3 250D is the only Recipe that uses Eterna, and Kodak Vision3 250D v2 is the only one that uses Nostalgic Neg.. There’s also only one PRO Neg. Std Recipe and one Acros, while five use Classic Negative and 16 (of the 25) use Classic Chrome. By far the most popular X-Trans II Recipe is Classic Kodak Chrome, which ranks 21st. Fujicolor C200 v2 is the only App Patron Early-Access Recipe that I’ve ever seen make it into one of these lists.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Recipes of last month!

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of January 2024

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Kodak Vision3 250D v2

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Fujicolor Super HG v2

Find these Film Simulation Recipes and many more on the Fuji X Weekly App!

Kodak Emulsion — Fujifilm X100V (X-Trans IV) FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 5 by Ritchie Roesch

*Blooms by the Pavilion* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Emulsion Recipe

I love this new Kodak Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe, even though it was a happy accident. I was trying to replicate the aesthetic of some Kodak ColorPlus 200 film scans that someone shared with me, but I was unsuccessful; however, in the process of failing, I discovered these settings, which are absolutely great!

Even though this Recipe doesn’t accurately mimic any specific emulsion (as far as I’m aware), it still looks very analog-like, and highly reminiscent of a few different Kodak negative stocks. I bet you could convince some people that you actually shot with film, and not a modern digital camera. While I used my Fujifilm X100V to capture these pictures, if I were to choose an interchangeable-lens model paired with vintage glass, I’m certain it would be even more convincing.

This Kodak Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all “newer” X-Trans IV cameras (X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II), but not the X-T3 or X-T30. Technically it is compatible with X-Trans V models, but, because X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on some film simulations, it will look slightly different (try it anyway!). I’m sure that you can also use this Recipe on newer GFX cameras; however, I don’t have any personal experience with that, and I’m sure it will render slightly different (again, give it a try, as you might like it).

*Fallen Giant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Emulsion Recipe

This Kodak Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe is an App Patron Early-Access Recipe. The Fuji X Weekly App is free, yet becoming a Fuji X Weekly Patron unlocks the best App experience! One benefit of being a Patron is that you get early access to some new Film Simulation Recipes. These Early-Access Recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time, including this new one. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no App. So I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons!

If you are a Fuji X Weekly Patron, it’s available to you right now on the App!

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodak Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

*Autumn Sun* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Autumn Tree Leaves on a Shrub* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Minolta SLR* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Homework* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Flash On

*Vines Along a Shaded Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Sunlit Table & Chairs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Potted Flowers & Pavilion* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Flowers at a Neighborhood Park* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Palm Tree & White Building* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Hanging Lightbulbs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Flag in the Wind* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Bougainvillea Branch on a Bright Day* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Yellow Wildflowers in the Desert* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Yellow Flowers Blooming* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Tall Saguaro Behind Dead Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Reaching Saguaro Fingers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Damaged Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*A Desert Landscape* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Dirt Road After Rain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

1971 Kodak — A Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 1 by Ritchie Roesch

*View of the North Rim from the South* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – 1971 Kodak

I was flipping through the pages of a photo album that my grandma had put together a long time ago, when I saw something interesting. Most of the pictures in this book were captured before I was born, and some when I was very young. I came across a group of color prints that all looked similar. They were warm—very yellowish—with fairly subdued colors, kind of flat-looking, yet with a decent amount of contrast. Blown-out highlights was a commonality among many (but not all) of the prints. A month and year were printed on the border, along with a red fox. Kodak is faintly visible on the back of the paper.

I was very intrigued by the aesthetic of these photographs. There was an obvious resemblance to my 1970’s Summer Film Simulation Recipe, although not quite identical. So I set out to recreate it with my Fujifilm X-T5.

*Grand Dome* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – 1971 Kodak

From the clues, I determined that the film was most likely Kodacolor-X, which was a popular color negative film from that era. It required the C-22 development process, which was a predecessor to C-41. The prints likely are a bit discolored and faded due to age, and probably looked slightly different when they were newly made. Many of them were square, and those were likely shot on a Kodak Instamatic camera and on 126 format film; the rectangular pictures are from 35mm film. Most of the prints were developed in 1971, although some had dates in 1972 printed on the border. The red fox indicates that it was developed at Fox Photo, which at the time was a popular one-hour photo lab. Interestingly, in the iconic mall scene in Back to the Future, it’s a Fox Photo that get’s destroyed by the VW van.

I made a scan of one of the prints, and it really messed up the look. I did my best to correct it to closely match the print, and I did get pretty close; however, it’s not 100% identical. I didn’t use this scan, but the prints themselves, to create the 1971 Kodak Film Simulation Recipe. I think you can still get a pretty good idea of what the prints look like from the scan.

*A scan of one of the prints from 1971.*
*The kid on the right with the trombone is my dad when he was 15.*

The aesthetic that the 1971 Kodak Recipe produces is very similar to Kodacolor-X film printed on Kodak paper in the early-1970’s, and viewed today after aging. The most similar Recipe to this is 1970’s Summer, and I’ve included a comparison at the bottom so that you can see the difference. This Recipe is compatible with fifth-generation X-Trans cameras from Fujifilm, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20 (yes, the X-S20), as well as the upcoming X100VI. I’m sure that you can use it on the latest GFX models, too; however, I don’t have any personal experience with that, and it’s likely to render slightly different (try it anyway). This Recipe pairs very well with vintage glass (or inexpensive third-party lenses with character), and is best for sunny daylight scenarios.

The Fuji X Weekly App is free, yet becoming a Fuji X Weekly Patron unlocks the best App experience! One benefit of being a Patron is you get early access to some new Film Simulation Recipes. These Early-Access Recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time, including this new one. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no App. So I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons! If you are an App Patron, be sure to look for this new Recipe in the App!

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this 1971 Kodak Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*BM&LP RR 6001* – Williams, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Standing at the edge of the Canyon* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Four Kids at the Canyon* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Sunlight in the Canyon* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Garden Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Last of Autumn* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Backlit Backyard Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Leaf Pile* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Autumn Tree and Grey Sky* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Construction* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Old Saguaro Reaching High* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Pinyon Pine at the South Rim* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Lookout Store Sign* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Swift* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*No Teasing the Horses* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Comparison:

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 300 more in the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Fujicolor C200 v2 — Fujifilm X100V (X-Trans IV) FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on January 12 by Ritchie Roesch

*Cold Morning at the South Rim* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor C200 v2

The original Fujicolor C200 Film Simulation Recipe is great! This isn’t intended to replace that Recipe—there’s no need to replace it, since it’s excellent—but instead provide an alternative option for those looking for something slightly different. One film can produce many different looks, depending on a host of factors, including how it was shot, developed, and printed or scanned. In this case, a Fuji X Weekly reader wanted a Recipe that more closely matched his particular Fujicolor C200 scans. Oh, and it needed to be compatible with the Fujifilm X100V and X-Pro3, which the original version is not.

Fujifilm introduced Fujicolor C200 in 1990 as a low-budget, consumer-grade color negative film. I’ve shot a few rolls of it over the years, although it was never my go-to option. Fujifilm gave it a small refresh in 2017. Sadly, in late 2021, Fujifilm began selling rebranded Kodak Gold 200 as Fujicolor C200. Even though C200 is a cheap color film, it has a cult-like following, and many people enjoy its aesthetic and choose it over more expensive emulsions.

*Bougainvillea Peeking over Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor C200 v2

This Fujicolor C200 v2 Film Simulation Recipe is an App Patron Early-Access Recipe. If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, you have access to it right now. If not, no worries, as it will eventually be made available to everyone, once it is replaced by a new Early-Access Recipe. With the exception of the X-T3 and X-T30, it is fully compatible with X-Trans IV cameras: X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. For fifth generation models, simply set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Strong.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Fujicolor C200 v2 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X100V and Fujifilm X-E4:

*Main Street* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Dim Light & Neon Reflections* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Coffee Shop Christmas Tree* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Backlit Potted Palm* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Afternoon Jo* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Sitting on a Backyard Bench* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Swinging Seat* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Potted Blossoms* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Artificial Flowers* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

AC – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*The Grinch that Stole a Golf Cart* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Autumn Path* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Autumn Canopy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Bird on a Cross* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Icy Morning at the Rim* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Canyon Between the Pines* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Morning Shadows* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

Comparison:

*Original Fujicolor C200 Film Simulation Recipe (Fujifilm X-E4)*

*This new Fujicolor C200 v2 Film Simulation Recipe (Fujifilm X-E4)*

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Pro Neg — Fujifilm X-T3 & X-T30 (+ X-Trans III) FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on November 21 by Ritchie Roesch

*Small Clouds Above the Roof* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30 – Pro Neg Recipe

This Film Simulation Recipe is one that I’ve been working on and have had programmed into my Fujifilm X-T30 for some time now. It’s been through a lot of iterations, with small tweaks here and there over the last several months, before I landed on the final settings. The idea was to create a generic Kodak-ish color negative film aesthetic, perhaps something similar to ColorPlus 200 or Pro Image 100. While I did look at both of those emulsions a number of times during the development of this Recipe, I didn’t set out to strictly emulate either of them. I think there can be similarities at times to those two film stocks, but generally speaking this Recipe isn’t a replication of either. I hope that makes sense. I do think it does a good job at producing a generic color negative film aesthetic that is by-and-large Kodak-like, with occasional similarities to both ColorPlus 200 and Pro Image 100.

Pro Neg is a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access Recipe. The Fuji X Weekly App is free, yet becoming a Fuji X Weekly Patron unlocks the best App experience! One benefit of being a Patron is you get early access to some new Film Simulation Recipes. These Early-Access Recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time, including this new one. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no App. So I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons!

*Beautiful Bougainvillea Blooms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30 – Pro Neg Recipe

This Pro Neg Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-T3 & X-T30, plus all X-Trans III cameras, which are the X-Pro2, X100F, X-E3, X-T2, X-T20, and X-H1. For newer cameras, you’ll have to decide on a Grain size (Small or Large), set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and Clarity to 0. This Recipe can also be used on the “older” GFX models (50R and 50S), but will render slightly differently.

Find the Pro Neg Recipe in the Fuji X Weekly App! If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, it’s available to you right now.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Pro Neg Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T30:

*Empty Schoolyard* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Backyard Wall View* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Hidden Triangle* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Gila River Hat* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Tree by Field 4* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Bougainvillea Petals* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Little Cloud Between the Trees* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Twin Palms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Palm Behind Bougainvillea Blossoms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Suburban Colors* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Bougainvillea in the Sky* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Basketball Hoop at Dusk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Hoop & Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Court Cycle* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Dusk Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*One Fallen, One Standing* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Window Reflection* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Yellow Trumpet* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Backyard Rose Blossom* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Backlit Bud* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

Kodak Gold 200 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on October 24 by Ritchie Roesch

*Field of Gold* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold 200 Recipe

A favorite Film Simulation for the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30, plus X-Trans III cameras, is Kodak Gold 200. I published this Recipe about two-and-a-half years ago, and have had many requests to adapt it for newer models, something that I just recently got around to doing. I took the opportunity to see if I could improve it, utilizing the options that have come out since. While it is still quite similar to the original, I really like how this Kodak Gold 200 Film Simulation Recipe came out.

Kodak introduced Gold color negative film in 1986, and it is still around today. It was originally called Kodacolor VR-G, then Kodacolor Gold, and finally Gold. It replaced Kodacolor VR, which actually (and interestingly) still exists today as ColorPlus. While the film has been improved a few times over the years, it still looks pretty much the same today as it did in the 1980’s. The film is prone to color shifts, and results can vary significantly depending on how i was shot, developed and printed or scanned. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to emulate all of the possible aesthetics of Gold in one Recipe, so this is only a facsimile of one particular Kodak Gold 200 look.

*Sonoran Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold 200 Recipe

This Kodak Gold 200 Film Simulation Recipe, which will work best in sunny daylight situations, is intended for and is fully compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20 (yes, X-S20). Because X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on some film simulations, setting Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak (instead of Off) will make this Recipe compatible with newer fourth-generation X-Trans cameras—specifically, the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. This Recipe is not compatible with the X100V and X-Pro3; however, you can either try this one with Highlight set to -2 and Shadow set to +1 (and maybe increase exposure by 1/3 stop), or adapt the old Recipe by selecting Grain size Small, Color Chrome FX Blue Off, and Clarity set to 0. Those with newer GFX cameras can use this Recipe, too, but it will render slightly different (give it a try).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Weak
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: Daylight, +4 Red & -5 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -1.5
Shadow: +0.5
Color: +3
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodak Gold 200 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Evening Hoop* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Jon on the Gold Coast* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Wave Crashing* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rainbows & Palms* – Buena Park, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Vines & Cage* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Trumpet Blossom Day* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sun Pouring Over Tree Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rays & Leaf* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Happy Thoughts* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Hour Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bougainvillea Arm* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Mission Inn & Flag* – Riverside, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dodge Van Steering Wheel* – Buena Park, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bird on a Twisted Dead Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Leaf Alone* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Red Leaves* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Trees* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Yellow Forest* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Autumn Woods* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Aspen Leaves* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Aspen* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

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Expired Kodak Vision2 250D — FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe for X-Trans IV & X-Trans V

Posted on September 27 by Ritchie Roesch

*Dry Fountain Evening* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Expired Kodak Vision2 250D Recipe

A Fuji X Weekly reader shared with me some scans of expired Kodak Vision2 250D motion picture film that he shot on a Canon camera and had developed using the ECN-2 process. The pictures were very interesting, and I thought it would be fun to recreate the aesthetic for my Fujifilm cameras. I don’t feel that this is a 100% perfect match, but it’s pretty darn close, and definitely has the right vibe.

Kodak made Vision2 250D, a daylight-balanced color negative film, from 1997 to 2005. It was replaced by the very similar Vision3 250D. I have a Recipe already for Kodak Vision3 250D, which renders noticeably different than this Expired Kodak Vision2 250D Recipe. The Vision3 Recipe is one of my favorites, and you should definitely try it if you haven’t already. This Vision2 Recipe probably won’t be anyone’s go-to option, but it is fun to use on occasion, especially if you like warm pictures.

There are two versions: one for “newer” X-Trans IV cameras—specifically, the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II—and another for fifth-generation cameras, which are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20 (yes, the X-S20, even though it has an X-Trans IV sensor). Those with newer GFX models can use it, too, although it will render slightly different.

*Neighborhood Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Expired Kodak Vision2 250D Recipe

Find this Expired Kodak Vision2 250D Film Simulation Recipe in the Fuji X Weekly App! If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, it’s available to you right now.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Expired Kodak Vision2 250D Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4 and Fujifilm X-T5:

X-Trans IV

*Sun Below the Trees and Above a Building* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Waterless Fountain Detail* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Fountain Corrosion* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Reflection & Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Architectural Abstract* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Four Trumpets* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Sunlight through Tree Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*End of the Road* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Cactus Moon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

X-Trans V

*Fresh Blooms, Fading Blooms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Electric Wheels* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Empty Pathway, Empty Chairs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Indoor Joy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Concrete Shapes* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sun-Kissed Shrub Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Stucco & Spanish Tiles* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*CVS Pharmacy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunlit Bulb* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Red Vans* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Watering Pot* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Backyard Girl* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Happy Boy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bougainvillea & Blurry Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Pink Oleander Blossoms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cactus Spikes* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Curious Dog* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Enjoying the Outdoors* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunstar through Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Arizona Sunset & Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Kodachrome Blue — Fujifilm X-E4 (X-Trans IV) FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on August 21 by Ritchie Roesch

*American Paint Horse* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodachrome Blue

Kodak made Kodachrome color-reversal (slide) film from 1935 through 2009. There are three era’s of Kodachrome: 1935-1960, 1961-1973, and 1974-2009. Each era has its own look; the second and third eras are probably the most similar. Kodachrome is actually a B&W film, with color dyes added during development. It was a unique and complicated process. Because of how the film works, it’s the most difficult emulsion to scan, often producing a blue cast that doesn’t exist when viewing the slides through a projector or on a light table.

Professional labs will have a profile to color correct Kodachrome scans, but even that’s not usually a 100% match. As it used to be said, “There’s nothing like projected Kodachrome!” If the scans aren’t carefully corrected, the results are often significantly more blue than the slides. The feeling that all the world’s a sunny day (as Paul Simon sang) is completely gone. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to spot these incorrectly color corrected Kodachrome images, and they’re prevalent.

*Rebels* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodachrome Blue

Over the last few weeks I’ve stumbled across several sets of these incorrectly color corrected Kodachromes while perusing the web, mostly from the second era of the film. I thought that the look was interesting, so I set out to recreate it on my Fujifilm X-E4; however, the process was more challenging than I had anticipated. I had assumed that Classic Chrome would be the best film simulation to base this new Film Simulation Recipe on—it was the obvious choice, right?—but I couldn’t get it to look right. It was actually the fifth film sim I tried before I decided that I was finally on the right track.

After four different modifications, I felt I got it as close as I could, and had a reasonable facsimile of the film when not appropriately color corrected. Interestingly, I compared my Recipe to some incorrectly colored Kodachrome 64 film scans in my collection—some frames I captured on a Canon AE-1 back in 1999 that (when I later had them scanned) the lab rendered too blue—and the resemblance was striking. I made one more small change to the Recipe to get it even closer, and called it good. One thing that I wish was possible is a little more color saturation, but +4 is the highest option; if +5 or maybe +6 were available, I’d have bumped Color just a tad higher.

*Actual Kodachrome 64 film — improperly color-corrected scan*

This Kodachrome Blue Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras. For X-Trans V models, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak. You can use it on newer GFX cameras, but it will render slightly differently, and I recommend setting Shadow to +1. This isn’t a Recipe that I suspect will be anyone’s go-to for everyday use—I’d look at Kodachrome 64 or Kodachrome II for general photography—but it’s a fun one that I think some of you will really appreciate in certain circumstances. I personally like the retro feelings that Kodachrome Blue produces.

The Fuji X Weekly App is free, yet becoming a Fuji X Weekly Patron unlocks the best App experience! One benefit of being a Patron is you get early access to some new Film Simulation Recipes, such as this one. These Early-Access Recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no App. So I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons!

Find Kodachrome Blue in the Fuji X Weekly App! If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, it’s available to you right now.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Kodachrome Blue Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:

*Play Garden Tools on a Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Stormy Day Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Growing Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Bougainvillea Day* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Bougainvillea Blue* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Building Storm over Street Lamp* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Three Palms over Building* – Buckeye, AZ. -Fujifilm X-E4

*Palm Lights* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Corner Tower* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Neighborhood Roof* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Concrete Roof Tiles* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Sunlight From Above* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Little Blue Rainbow* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Red Umbrella on a Sunny Day* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Water Angels* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Fake Flowers on a Table* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Potted Palm Plant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Fresh Flowers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Two Way Stop* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Underpass* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Taillight* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Two Shoes* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Unexpected Portrait* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Guitarist* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Attic Window* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Yellow Honeysuckle Trumpet* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Fuji X Weekly is now Available on Apple Watch!!

Posted on July 24 by Ritchie Roesch

The Fuji X Weekly App is now on Apple Watch!

For those with an iPhone, you can access Fujifilm Film Simulation Recipes right on your wrist! With the latest Fuji X Weekly update for iOS (1.6.0), the App is available for Apple Watch. If your iPhone didn’t automatically update the App, be sure to manually do it now.

Why might you need Film Simulation Recipes on your Apple Watch? First, for some it will be easier to enter a Recipe into your camera with the parameters on your wrist, rather than trying to do it while holding a phone (especially when out in the field). Second, if you left your phone behind (say, in the car), you can still access a particular Recipe if you have an Apple Watch on your wrist—a scenario that actually happened during the process of creating this update. Third, the Random Recipe selector is more readily available, and can make your photo outing even more fun. Fourth, the Fuji X Weekly Apple Watch App has a unique feature.

On the Apple Watch, the Fuji X Weekly App will display the five most recently-viewed Film Simulation Recipes (it will begin tracking this once the App has been updated). If you viewed a particular Recipe, then maybe looked at a couple others, but now want to go back to the first, it’s easy, because the App keeps track of the last five viewed—this is whether the Recipes were opened on the Apple Watch or the iPhone. This is also for the Random Recipe selector, so you could have the Fuji X Weekly App pick (for example) three different Random Recipes to use on a photowalk, and you’ll find all three in the Recently Viewed list on your watch. Cool, right?! This is the new feature that’s only available on the Apple Watch.

If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron subscriber, whatever Filtering you have on your iPhone will carry over to the watch App. So if you have (for example) Filter by Fujifilm X-T4 and Filter by Black & White selected, the watch will only display B&W Film Simulation Recipes that are compatible with the X-T4. The Apple Watch mirrors whatever Filter options are currently selected on the phone App. Also, multi-colored Stars for Favorite Recipes behaves the same on the Apple Watch as the iPhone; you cannot add or modify a Star on the watch—only the phone—but it will display the same on the Apple Watch as the iPhone. Oh, and any Custom Recipes you’ve created in the phone App will be displayed in the watch. The best App experience—including the best Apple Watch App experience—is reserved for Patron subscribers!

Any notes that you have added underneath the Film Simulation Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly iPhone App will be displayed in the Apple Watch; you cannot type any notes on the watch App, only on the phone, but you can view the notes you’ve already added.

The Recipes on the Apple Watch are sorted A-Z. Whatever Sort option (Z-A, New-to-Old, etc.) you have selected in the phone App will not carry over to the watch. The logic behind this is that you’re not likely going to use the Apple Watch to browse Film Simulation Recipes, but are most likely seeking a specific Recipe, and it’s probably going to be significantly easier to find when displayed in alphabetical order. For this reason, the watch will only Sort A-Z, and the other options are unavailable.

When you update the Fuji X Weekly App on your iPhone (if your phone didn’t automatically do it), be sure to open the App on your phone first. The Fuji X Weekly App should automatically be added to your Apple Watch, but if not, here’s the fix: open the Apple Watch App, tap My Watch, scroll to Fuji X Weekly, and select Install. If that doesn’t work, ensure that the iOS on your iPhone and Apple Watch are up-to-date. For those on Android phones or with a third-party watch, this update doesn’t affect you, but I am looking into the feasibility of potentially adding that compatibility in the future; however I’m not sure at this time if it will happen, and (if so) when. For those with an iPhone and Apple Watch, I hope that you enjoy this update!

Don’t have the Fuji X Weekly App? Download for free today!

1981 Kodak — FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe for X-Trans IV

Posted on June 25 by Ritchie Roesch

*Vintage Barn* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V – 1981 Kodak Recipe

My wife, Amanda, recently ran across some old family pictures in her mom’s photo box. These prints were made in July of 1981—a date stamped on the back—and printed on Kodak paper. The other technical details are unknown, but most likely they were captured with a cheap point-and-shoot of some sort (possibly even a 110 camera) with Kodacolor II color negative film, which was the most popular amateur emulsion of that era. Due to age and improper storage, the prints are fading, with a pronounced orange (sometimes yellow, sometimes red) cast, and colors overall less vibrant than they once were. The set was mostly personal family pictures, and many of them were scratched and damaged, but I did scan two of the prints, which you’ll find below.

I thought that the aesthetic was interesting, so I began to develop a Film Simulation Recipe inspired by these photographs. It took a couple of days, and a few compromises, but I was able to create a look that mimics the general feel of those old pictures made in 1981 and printed on Kodak paper—the reason why I call this Recipe 1981 Kodak.

This 1981 Kodak Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with “newer” Fujifilm X-Trans IV cameras: Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. For X-Trans V, because some film sims render blue more deeply, it will look slightly different. For the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30, ignore Grain size and Color Chrome FX Blue, and use a diffusion filter (such as a 10% or 20% CineBloom) in lieu of Clarity.

The Fuji X Weekly App is free, yet becoming a Fuji X Weekly Patron unlocks the best App experience! One benefit of being a Patron is you get early access to some new Film Simulation Recipes. These Early-Access Recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time, including this new one. In fact, many Early-Access Recipes have already been publicly published on this Blog and the App, so now everyone can use them. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no App. So I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons!

Find 1981 Kodak in the Fuji X Weekly App! If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, it’s available to you right now.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this 1981 Kodak Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

*Coastal Hills* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Dilapidated Barn* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Rural Rancher* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Tree Fallen on Abandoned Car* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Old Ford* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Classic Grill* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Tree-Covered Road* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Light over Fallen Tree* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Sawed Log* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Cliffs of Pismo* – Pismo Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Ken Rockwell & ’61 Pontiac Tempest* – Cayucos, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Old Van* – Cayucos, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Classic Rear Fender* – Cayucos, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Beach Boys* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Mrs. Peacock* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Guitar Neck* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Drummer* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Corner* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Suburban Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Orange Car* – Laveen, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Biting Horses* – San Simeon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

Fuji X Weekly App in Spanish — Bug & Solution

Posted on May 21 by Ritchie Roesch

I recently released an update to the Fuji X Weekly App, and for Apple devices, it added support for Spanish language. If the language on your device is set to Spanish, the Fuji X Weekly App will automatically translate to Spanish.

Very quickly I began to receive reports that the App was only displaying Spanish and not English, despite English being the language the iPhone was set to. After some sleuthing and testing, we were able to isolate the issue to this: there’s a bug in iOS 15 (maybe 14, too, I’m not certain) that Apple fixed in IOS 16.0. So if you haven’t updated the operating system on your iPhone or iPad in a long time, now might be the time to do so. By updating to iOS 16.0 or newer (16.5 is the latest), the problem will be resolved, and the Fuji X Weekly App will display in English (as long as the language on your device isn’t set to Spanish).

For those who really just don’t want to update the iOS on their device, a patch is currently being developed to circumvent the bug, which will also fix the problem; however, it might take a few days or more to become available.

I’m really sorry about this issue, and I hope that it hasn’t been too big of a problem—I apologize if it has been, and for any frustration it has caused.

Fuji X Weekly App Update

Posted on May 20 by Ritchie Roesch

The Fuji X Weekly App has been updated for both Apple and Android! Aside from some small maintenance items that you’re unlikely to notice, the big improvements are Widgets for Android and Spanish Translation for Apple. Your phone likely already updated the App for you, but if it didn’t, simply visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the most recent version.

If you don’t already have the Fuji X Weekly App on your phone or tablet, be sure to download it for free today! Consider becoming a Patron to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Widgets for Android

Widgets have been available for Apple users since October, but now they’re finally finished for Android! It was a bigger project than anticipated, and that’s why it took so long.

What are Widgets? Larger than app icons, Widgets give you quick access to information or provide a different way to interact with the app. My phone has literally been taken over by Fuji X Weekly Widgets, and it’s transformed how I interact with the App, turning my home screen into a Film Simulation Recipe launchpad!

Once you’ve opened the Fuji X Weekly App at least once since installing the update, Widgets are available to add to your home screen (click here if you are not sure how). Fuji X Weekly App Widgets greatly improves the user experience, and I bet they will take over your phone just like they did mine.

Spanish Translation for Apple

Thanks to the help of Fuji X Weekly community member Lucía Wiesse, the Fuji X Weekly App has now been translated into Spanish on Apple devices! Hopefully this will be available for Android, too, in the near future. I’m also hopeful that the Fuji X Weekly App can be translated into even more languages someday, since it is used worldwide. For now, I just think it’s really awesome that a Spanish translation is available for iOS users. If your iPhone’s Language is set to Spanish, the App will automatically translate; set your phone to English for the regular English version. Thanks, Lucía, for all your help!

Check out this video!

Photographer Tim Northey, known as TKNORTH on YouTube, posted a really cool video using the Random Recipe Selector in the Fuji X Weekly App while in Tokyo. This is exactly how I envisioned Random Recipe being used—such a fun way to use Fujifilm cameras and Film Simulation Recipes with your friends! Check out the video (above) if you haven’t yet seen it.

Nostalgic Emulsion — Fujifilm X-Trans III (+ X-T3 & X-T30) FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on May 8 by Ritchie Roesch

*Bougainvillea Blues* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – Nostalgic Emulsion Recipe

My 15-year-old daughter, Joy, approached me and asked, “Can I make a Film Simulation Recipe?”

“Sure,” I happily replied. I handed her my Fujifilm X-H1, gave her a quick tutorial on the menu and settings (she hadn’t previously used this model), and off she went.

A couple of hours later Joy returned. “I’m not sure this is right. Can you help me?” She showed me her pictures.

“What look are you trying to create?” I asked.

“Well,” she replied, “it’s this aesthetic that’s dark with deep greens.”

“Where did you see it?” Joy then proceeded to show me some music videos, including Daylight by David Kushner. “That’s the aesthetic I want to make,” she told me, while stopping on a forested scene.

*Rose of Sharon Backlit* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – Nostalgic Emulsion Recipe

The camera settings she had chosen weren’t all that far off, so I suggested a few adjustments. After more testing and review, another couple changes were made, and then even more testing was done. I asked, “Are you happy with this look?”

“Yes!” Joy excitedly responded. “This is the aesthetic I wanted.”

After she was done capturing pictures, I shot with her settings for a little while myself. I really like the moody and nostalgic feeling that this Film Simulation Recipe produces. It has a retro negative film look, maybe along the lines of Fujicolor Super HQ or Agfa XRG or something like that. You can expect dark shadows and a cool cast that leans green. It’s not a Film Simulation Recipe that everyone will love, but I bet it will be an instant favorite for some of you. It requires a White Balance setting that I had not previously used for a Recipe; for those trying to avoid adjusting the WB Shift when switching between C1-C7, this is another option for you to try.

*Concrete Vine* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – Nostalgic Emulsion – by Joy Roesch

The Fuji X Weekly App is free, yet becoming a Fuji X Weekly App Patron unlocks the best App experience! One benefit of being a Patron is you get early access to some new Film Simulation Recipes. These Early-Access Recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time, including this new one. In fact, many Early-Access Recipes have been publicly published on this blog and the App, so now everyone can use them. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no App. So I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons!

This Nostalgic Emulsion Patron Early-Access Recipe is compatible with all Fujifilm X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 & X-T30. For those with newer X-Trans IV cameras, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Clarity to 0, and I’d suggest Grain size Small. Those with “older” GFX cameras can use it, too, although it will render slightly different (but try it anyway!).

If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, the Nostalgic Emulsion Recipe is available to you right now on the App! Don’t have the Fuji X Weekly App? Download for free today! Consider subscribing to unlock the best App experience and to support this website.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Nostalgic Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-H1:

*Water Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Concrete Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Little Vine Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Backlit Green Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ -Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Hidden Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Spring Window Reflection* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Fallen Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bougainvillea Sprouting* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bougainvillea Sage* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bougainvillea Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Bloom Small* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Backyard Trumpet Blossoms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Rose of Sharon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bright Green Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bush & Blocks* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Pouring Sunlight over Honeysuckles* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Garden Gate* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Pink Oleander Blooms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Dark Blooms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Wall and Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Joyful Josh* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Architecture & Jon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Blue Glass* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Three Bright Ideas* – Buckeye, AZ – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Dusk Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Green Leaves at Dusk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Veiled Lightbulb* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Blue Hour Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Disabled Parking* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Illuminated Plant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Night Corridor* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and nearly 300 more in the Fuji X Weekly App!

Help Fuji X Weekly

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New Fujifilm X-Trans II FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe: PROvia

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*O.K. Corral* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X70 – PROvia Recipe

Omar Gonzalez posted a hilarious YouTube video called Do You Suffer from Fujifilm Sim Depression?, which is a parody of pharmaceutical commercials, except that it’s about Fujifilm film simulations and not prescription drugs. It’s incredibly well done and funny! I don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t watched it, but the conclusion is that Omar likes the Provia film simulation. So watch the video if you haven’t yet seen it, and if you are suffering from “Fujifilm Sim Depression” let me offer you are this cure: the PROvia Film Simulation Recipe. Perhaps Omar someday will see it and try it; if so, I hope he likes it!

Provia is one of the film simulations that I personally like least… well above Sepia, but towards the bottom of the list nonetheless. Ouch. As it turns out, I was never meant to like it, yet it is the “Standard” film simulation on all Fujifilm cameras. This PROvia Recipe is my take on a “better” Provia, and is intended to not only look good, but also be versatile so that it could be one’s go-to Film Simulation Recipe (that’s why “PRO” is capitalized in the name). It is compatible with all X-Trans II cameras; those with X-Trans I and Bayer models can use it, too, but it will render slightly different on those models (try it anyway!).

*Car Care* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70 – PROvia Recipe

This PROvia Film Simulation Recipe is a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access recipe, which means if you are an App Patron, you have access to it right now. The Fuji X Weekly App is free, yet becoming a Patron unlocks the best App experience! One benefit of being a Patron is you get early access to some new Film Simulation Recipes, such as this one. These Patron Early-Access Recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time, including this new one. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no App, so I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons!

If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, I invite you to give the PROvia Film Simulation Recipe a try today! Don’t have the Fuji X Weekly App? Download it for free today! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience, to gain Early-Access to this Recipe, and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this PROvia Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X70:

*Sabino Creek* – Summerhaven, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Saguaro Behind Palms* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Palm Branches* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Green Ocotillo* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Gunfight Site* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Reach for the Sky* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Bird Cage Theatre* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*One Way Alley* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Cloudy Saguaro* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Prickly Pear Pads* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Sunlight Through the Forest* – Summerhaven, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Snowy Hillside* – Summerhaven, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Rainy Desert at Dusk* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Indoor Fireworks* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Used Bookmans* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

Kodachrome 25 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Green Hills* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

This Film Simulation Recipe is intended to mimic Kodachrome 25 color transparency film, which was introduced in 1974, replacing the similar Kodachrome II emulsion. I was fortunate to shoot a few rolls of Kodachrome 25. It was a beautiful film, and probably the sharpest color film ever made, but its low ISO made it difficult to use. Kodachrome 64, which was still a low-ISO film, was significantly faster. The major differences between the two Kodachrome emulsions is that the ISO 25 version was sharper and less grainy, while the ISO 64 version was more contrasty, vibrant and a hair warmer. Both were very similar, though, and it would be hard to spot the differences without a close inspection. Some people preferred the slightly more subtle tones and finer detail of Kodachrome 25, and some preferred the faintly punchier pictures rendered on Kodachrome 64. Kodak discontinued Kodachrome in 2009.

This isn’t a new Film Simulation Recipe, but simply a tweak of the X-Trans IV Kodachrome 25 recipe to make it compatible with X-Trans V cameras. Because blue in Classic Chrome is rendered deeper on X-Trans V than X-Trans IV, Color Chrome FX Blue needs to be set to Weak instead of Strong. Otherwise, this recipe is identical to the X-Trans IV version.

*No Lifeguard at 8* – Oceanside, CA – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

This Kodachrome 25 Film Simulation Recipe is intended for Fujifilm X-Trans V models, which (as of this writing) include the X-H2, X-H2S, and X-T5 cameras. It’s compatible with newer GFX models too, but will likely render slightly different on those cameras. Those with an X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, or X-T30 II, try the Kodachrome 25 Recipe for those models (click here).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: Daylight, +2 Red & -4 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +0.5
Shadow: -0.5
Color: +1
Sharpness: +3
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: +3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “Kodachrome 25” Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Dormant Trees Reflected* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*White Flowers Faux* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunrise Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Pink on a Grey Day* – Oceanside, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Backyard Joy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Wet Haired Boy* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Raymond Photographing Flowers* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cholla Arms* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rock Ridge* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Flowers in the Dry Desert – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Remnants of a Tree* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Prickles* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Desert Cacti* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Tall Cactus* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

***Note: When this Kodachrome 25 Film Simulation Recipe was first published, this article mistakenly listed Auto instead of Daylight for White Balance. In the Fuji X Weekly App it has always been correct.***

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and nearly 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly — Film Recipes App!

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Try These 5 Fujifilm Film Simulation Recipes Today for a Color Negative Film Look

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Abandoned & Trashed* – North Salt Lake, UT – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor Reala 100

Getting an analog color negative film look from your Fujifilm camera is super easy! Pick a Film Simulation Recipe, program it into your camera, and photograph with it. You can get straight-out-of-camera analog-like results that don’t require any editing. But with almost 300 Recipes published on this website and the Fuji X Weekly App, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose. If you are not sure, let me suggest to you the five below. Yes, there are many others that will also get you a color negative film look, so this list is by no means definitive, but it might be a good starting point.

I’m doing more to suggest to you Film Simulation Recipes to try in various situations and for different aesthetics. This article is simply a short suggestion of Recipes that will give you a color negative film-like look. If that’s what you want to achieve, I invite you to try these today!

Fujicolor Reala 100

Fujicolor Natura 1600

Fujicolor Pro 400H

Kodak Portra 400

Kodak Gold 200

Fujicolor Reala 100 is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II; for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak. Fujicolor Natura 1600 is compatible with the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II; for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak. Fujicolor Pro 400H and Kodak Portra 400 are compatible with the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II; for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off. Kodak Gold 200 is compatible with X-Trans III plus the X-T3 and X-T30; for newer X-Trans IV models, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, set Clarity to 0, and choose a Grain size (I recommend Small).

Find these Film Simulation Recipes and so many more in the Fuji X Weekly App! Download for free today; consider becoming an App Patron to unlock the best experience and support the work of this website.

Try These 3 Film Simulation Recipes, No Matter Your Fujifilm Camera (almost, anyway) + When To Use Them!

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Flock of Cranes* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

I’m constantly asked which Film Simulation Recipes should be used in what situations. With approaching 300 Recipes to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones to program into your camera, and what situations to use them in. I’m trying to be more helpful with that, and this article will hopefully provide you with some good guidance.

You might ask why just three. Why not seven Recipes, since there are seven Custom Settings presets? First, it would make this article much too long. I would need to separate it into a handful of parts, published over a couple week period. Second, I think it might discourage discovery. If I said to use these certain seven, one could try them and perhaps even like all of them, and then they might stop searching for others; in doing so, they could miss out on discovering one or two that would become their favorites. So if I suggest just a few, then the opportunity to discover others later is still wide open. I have already published recently a number of articles to encourage discovery—and I plan to post many more—each with a unique approach, which hopefully will resonate with some of you, and be helpful in your quest to find which ones you like to use in various situations.

Another question you might have right out the gate is how can there possible be three Film Simulation Recipes that will work on almost all Fujifilm cameras. There’s not. So what I’ve done instead is suggest three for each of the different sensors or generations. You’ll find something for X-Trans I, II, III, IV, and V, as well as Bayer and GFX. I even included three for the X-T3 and X-T30, as well as three for the X-Trans II cameras that don’t have Classic Chrome. Almost everyone is covered, but for certain there are some cameras that got left out. If that’s your situation, I’m sorry. For the vast majority reading this, you will find below three Recipes to try on your Fujifilm camera, with some brief commentary on when to use each of them. I hope there’s at least one that you try and like; if not, there are so many others to choose from on this website and the Fuji X Weekly App.

X-Trans V

Fujifilm X-T5, X-H2, X-H2S

Kodachrome 64

Use the Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe for outdoor daylight photography. Can produce good results in overcast weather, shade, natural light indoors, and even sometimes nighttime photography, but is most ideal for sunny daylight and golden hour situations. Use for documentary, street, travel, landscape, still-life, and portrait photography.

Kodak Ultramax 400

Use the Kodak Ultramax 400 Film Simulation Recipe for almost any situation, as it is a highly versatile option. Sunny, cloudy, indoor, nighttime, landscapes, portraits—it’s good for them all and more.

1970’s Summer

Use the 1970’s Summer Film Simulation Recipe on sunny days. It produces a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of American New Color images, and is good for street, travel, and documentary photography.

X-Trans IV

Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II

Kodak Portra 400 v2

Use the Kodak Portra 400 v2 Film Simulation Recipe for outdoor daylight photography. An excellent option for golden hour or sunny situations. Use for portrait, travel, documentary, landscape, or still-life photography.

Pacific Blues

Use the Pacific Blues Film Simulation Recipe for a sunny summer day at the beach. Is also good for dreary overcast, fog, or most any natural light situation. Produces dramatic landscapes and portraits.

Fujicolor Superia 800

Use the Fujicolor Superia 800 Film Simulation Recipe for natural light situations, whether indoor or outdoor. Good for street, travel, documentary, and portrait photography.

X-Trans IV (Part 2)

Fujifilm X-T3, X-T30

Kodak Vision3 250D

Use the Kodak Vision3 250D Film Simulation Recipe for street, travel, documentary, still-life, and portrait photography. Excellent for sunny daylight conditions, but does well in overcast, shade, natural light indoor, blue hour, and some artificial light situations, too.

Kodak Gold 200

Use the Kodak Gold 200 Film Simulation Recipe in daylight conditions, especially golden hour. Is best for sunny situations, but also does well in overcast, shade, and indoor natural light. Use it for landscapes, street, documentary, travel, still-life, and portrait photography.

Classic Kodak

Use the Classic Kodak Film Simulation Recipe for sunny daylight and golden hour photography. Is good for street, travel, documentary, and landscape photography.

X-Trans III

Fujifilm X-Pro2, X100F, X-E3, X-T2, X-T20, X-H1

Ektachrome E100GX

Use the Ektachrome E100GX Film Simulation Recipe for daylight photography. Is best for sunny situations, particularly golden hour, but is also good for overcast, shade, and indoor natural light. Use for landscape, street, documentary, and portrait photography.

Kodachrome II

Use the Kodachrome II Film Simulation Recipe for daylight photography. Is best for sunny situations, particularly golden hour, but is also good for shade, overcast, and indoor natural light. Use for street, travel, documentary, still-life, portrait, and landscape photography.

CineStill 800T

Use the CineStill 800T Film Simulation Recipe for nighttime and artificial light photography. Excellent for street and urban scenes after dark.

X-Trans II

Fujifilm X100T, X-E2, X-E2S, X-T1, X-T10, X70, X30, XQ2

Classic Kodak Chrome

Use the Classic Kodak Chrome Film Simulation Recipe for almost any situation, as it is a highly versatile option. Sunny, cloudy, indoor, nighttime, landscapes, portraits, street, travel—it’s good for them all and more.

Kodak Color Negative

Use the Kodak Color Negative Film Simulation Recipe for daylight photography. Does especially well for golden hour, but is good for any natural light situation. Use this for landscape and documentary photography.

Ektachrome 100SW

Use the Ektachrome 100SW Film Simulation Recipe for almost any situation, as it is a highly versatile option. Sunny, cloudy, indoor, nighttime, landscapes, portraits—it’s good for them all and more. Produces vibrant results.

X-Trans II (Part 2)

Fujifilm X100S, X20, XQ1

Color Negative Film

Use the Color Negative Film Film Simulation Recipe for daylight photography. It is great for sunny situations, but is also good for overcast, shade, and indoor natural light. Use this for landscape, portrait, and documentary photography.

Fujichrome Slide

Use the Fujichrome Slide Film Simulation Recipe for outdoor daylight situations. Good for dramatic landscape photography.

Astia

Use the Astia Film Simulation Recipe for sunny daylight photography. Great for landscape photography.

X-Trans I

Fujifilm X-Pro1, X-E1, X-M1

Reminiscent Print

Use the Reminiscent Print Film Simulation Recipe for daylight photography. Great for sunny situations, but also good for shade, overcast, and indoor natural light. Use it for street, travel, documentary, landscape, still-life, and portrait photography.

Vivid Color

Use the Vivid Color Film Simulation Recipe for vibrant color images. Ideal for sunny daylight and especially golden hour photography, but also good for overcast, shade, indoor natural light, artificial light, blue hour, and sometimes nighttime situations. Use for landscape, travel, and documentary photography.

Color Negative Film

Use the Color Negative Film Film Simulation Recipe for daylight situations. Great for sunny daylight, but also good for overcast, shade, and indoor natural light. Use for landscape, travel, and documentary photography.

Bayer

Fujifilm X-A3, X-A5, X-A7, X-A10, XF10, X-T100, X-T200

Golden Negative

Use the Golden Negative Film Simulation Recipe for sunny daylight situations. Great for landscape, travel, and documentary photography.

Classic Chrome

Use the Classic Chrome Film Simulation Recipe for daylight photography. Excellent for sunny situations, but works well in many different light conditions, including sometimes indoor artificial light and nighttime. Use for street, travel, documentary, landscape, still-life, and portraits.

Analog Cool

Use the Analog Cool Film Simulation Recipe for sunny daylight conditions, or overly warm light such as indoor artificial light. Good for landscapes and documentary photography.

GFX

GFX-50R, GFX-50S

Classic Negative Industrial

Use the Classic Negative Industrial Film Simulation Recipe for dramatic landscapes, portraits, and documentary photography. Ideal for sunny daylight, it is also good for overcast, shade, and indoor natural light situations.

Ektachrome

Use the Ektachrome Film Simulation Recipe for daylight situations, including sunny, overcast, shade, and indoor natural light. Good for landscape, travel, documentary, and portrait photography.

Provia 400

Use the Provia 400 Film Simulation Recipe for sunny daylight situations, especially golden hour. Use for landscape and travel photography.

There’s an Easier Way — JPEG Photography for a Faster Workflow

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Arches National Park, Utah — iPhone 11 — RitchieCam App — Analog Gold filter*

“I’ve been working on my photos from October rather than reviews….”
—Ken Rockwell, February 2, 2023

I just stumbled upon that quote from Ken, which was followed by an iPhone photo from October (that’s why this article begins with an iPhone picture). I bet a lot of you can relate to his statement. When you photograph a lot, your post-processing workflow can get backed up quite a bit. I have thousands of unprocessed RAW files that have been sitting on a now-obsolete computer’s hard drive for at least seven years now. I get it: you’ve got stuff to do, and your limited time is being pulled every which way, so something’s got to give.

I discovered that there’s a better way. There’s no need to get four or five months behind. There’s no need to let your photographic work back up so much. You can can accomplish so much more with the time that you’ll save. What is this better way? It’s really simple: shoot JPEGs, and skip the picture editing step (called One Step Photography, as explained by Ansel Adams in his book Polaroid Land Camera). More and more photographers are embracing this approach.

*Sitting Above Horseshoe Bend* – Horseshoe Bend, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Pergear 10mm – “The Rockwell” Recipe

Ken Rockwell knows this. Not only does he often shoot JPEGs, but he once tried one of my Film Simulation Recipes on a Fujifilm camera. He shoots with a lot of brands, and Fujifilm isn’t his main make. I have Film Simulation Recipes for Fujifilm cameras, I have Recipes for Ricoh GR cameras, and I have an iPhone camera app called RitchieCam; if you don’t shoot with Fujifilm, Ricoh, or iPhone, your options are much more limited (I did make a few Recipes for Nikon Z, too, but it’s a pretty small number).

The reason why it’s important to shoot with Recipes is because the settings have been fine-tuned to produce a particular aesthetic that doesn’t require editing. The images look good straight from the camera, as if they had been post-processed or perhaps were even shot on film. Except they weren’t, which saves you a ton of time, money, and hassle. If you aren’t shooting with Recipes, you are most certainly doing some amount of post-processing, whether you shoot RAW or JPEG. There are some people who do still edit their camera-made-using-Recipes JPEGs, but they’re doing much less editing than they otherwise would be. The point of using Film Simulation Recipes is to edit less or (preferably) not at all, which has a huge upside, but it does require Recipes that produce excellent results, and a little extra care by the photographer in the field, since “I’ll fix it in post” isn’t really an option.

If Ken had used a Fujifilm camera programmed with Fuji X Weekly Recipes, surely he would not be busy right now post-processing pictures captured way back in October. Instead, he’d be writing those reviews that have been delayed, or out on some other photographic adventure. The October exposures would have been completed in October, or maybe early November at the latest. If he had used RitchieCam, there would be no need to process his iPhone images with Skylum software, because they would have been ready-to-publish the moment they were captured. Ken, you should try my iPhone camera app. And you should shoot with Fujifilm cameras more often.

*Captured at the end of October, posted to Instagram the next day, and published on this website November 8th.*

With the Canikony brands, shooting awesome straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) JPEGs isn’t as easy or prevalent. Sure, it can be done, but it is much more often done with other brands because of things like the Fuji X Weekly App, which contains approaching 300 Film Simulation Recipes for Fujifilm cameras, so no matter your desired aesthetic, there’s a Recipe for you. Download the Fuji X Weekly App for free today (Android here, Apple here), and consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience. Ken is sitting at a computer right now fiddling with files, since he didn’t shoot with Fujifilm cameras programmed with Film Simulation Recipes.

People seem to either love or hate Ken Rockwell. To be clear, this article is not bashing him. I’ve actually had correspondence with Ken, and he seems like a very nice guy. I think his “real” personality is much more kind and genuine than his online persona, which can sometimes come across as abrasive and perhaps even offensive. If you hate him, I would suggest that you reach out to him with an open mind and heart, and try to get to know him a little, because your mind might get changed, even if just a bit. Personally, I have found some of his articles, insights, and commentary to be quite helpful; however, I certainly don’t agree with everything that he says, and I take his words with a grain of salt (as you should with mine). He’s very successful at what he does, so he’s obviously doing something “right” even if I don’t fully agree with what it is.

All of that is to say, if you don’t want your workflow backed up for months because you have so many exposures to edit, and you’d rather spend your time doing something else—including capturing more photographs—then SOOC JPEGs might just be the thing for you. If you don’t own a Fujifilm camera, consider picking one up. Download the Fuji X Weekly App. Select a few Film Simulation Recipes to try. Let your RAW editor subscription expire.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-E4 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X-E4 in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

The 10 Best Film Simulation Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly App

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 90mm f/2 + Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe*

“I’m new to Fujifilm,” I’ve heard about 20 times over the last two weeks or so. “Which Film Simulation Recipes are the best?”

With over 250 (and quickly approaching 300!) Film Simulation Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly App, it can be difficult to know which to use. There are so many to choose from! This, of course, is a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless—especially for those new to Fujifilm cameras and recipes. Where do you start? Which recipes should you try first? Which are the best?

Best is a subjective term, and what I might like best you might not. One person’s favorite might be another’s least favorite. I cannot tell you what you will like, but I can suggest recipes that you might like, because these are recipes that I like. The list below are some Film Simulation Recipes that I believe are the best. Your opinion of them might vary, and that’s just fine because we each have our own tastes and styles. Aside from these, there were probably 25 others that I strongly considered choosing, and I had to reluctantly skip. If your favorite didn’t make this list, please let me know in a comment; if one of these is a favorite of yours, let me know that, too!

If you haven’t yet downloaded the Fuji X Weekly App, be sure to do so for free today!

The 10 Best Film Simulation Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly App

Fujicolor Natura 1600

Vintage Color

Kodak Tri-X 400

The Fuji X Weekly App is free, but becoming a Patron subscriber unlocks the best App experience. There are several Patron benefits, including Filtering the Film Simulation Recipes by camera or sensor, film simulation, color or B&W, and more. Patrons can Star their favorite recipes and use Colored Stars to organize them into groups. Also, Patrons get early-access to some new recipes months before anyone else (currently, as of this writing, there 13 Early-Access Recipes on the App). Besides all of that, Patrons financially support the work of this website, and it’s a great way to assist current and future projects.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-E4 in black: Amazon   B&H  Moment
Fujifilm X-E4 in silver:  Amazon B&H  Moment
Fujinon 90mm f/2: Amazon   B&H  Moment