Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Meike 35mm
This film simulation recipe, which I’m calling Dramatic Classic Chrome, is the first that I’ve created for the Fujifilm X-Pro2. Up until this point all of them have been for the X100F; however, what I’ve discovered is that these settings are 100% compatible with all X-Trans III cameras. I figured that this was the case, but it wasn’t until my X-Pro2 arrived in the mail a few weeks ago that I was able to verify it. Any of my recipes will work on the X100F, X-Pro2, X-T2, X-T20, X-E3 and X-H1, even though the title says, “My X100F Film Simulation Recipe” or “My X-Pro2 Film Simulation Recipe.” Use this on any and all X-Trans III cameras, including the X100F.
I was experimenting with the JPEG settings on my X-Pro2, and specifically I was attempting something that looked vintage-film-like, perhaps similar to cross-processed slide film. I didn’t have a specific film in mind, just a certain look. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to achieve exactly what I had in mind, but what I did create I like, and I think it’s actually a good Classic Chrome recipe. It’s a little bit grittier and dramatic than my standard recipe.
Interestingly enough, the look changes a bit depending on the light and lens. In high contrast situations, you’ll get a high contrast image, with dark shadows and bright highlights. In low contrast situations, you’ll get a good amount of contrast with shadows and highlights that retain their details. This film simulation definitely has a film-like quality, but not any specific film or process. Perhaps it’s in the neighborhood of Agfa transparency film that’s been cross-processed, but that’s not really accurate. Maybe Ektar that’s been push-processed a couple stops? I’m not sure about that, either.
Securely In Father’s Arms – Mount Rushmore, SD – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Meike 35mm
One thing that I did different with this film simulation recipe is set Dynamic Range to auto. In auto the camera almost always chose DR100, so you could just set it to DR100 instead of auto and get the same results. I did not use DR200 because I wanted more contrast, although on a couple occasions, in really high contrast scenes, the camera chose DR200. I’ve yet to find a situation where the camera chose DR400.
Something else to point out is, while I have the saturation set to 0 in this recipe, on some photographs I changed it to +1 and some other photographs I changed it to -1, situation specific. I think 0 is good for most pictures, but some seem to look better with just a little more or a little less color saturation.
Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR-Auto
Highlight: +3
Shadow: +3
Color: 0
Noise Reduction: -3
Sharpening: +1
Grain Effect: Strong
White Balance: Auto, -1 Red & +1 Blue
ISO: Auto up to 12800
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 or +2/3 (typically)
***Update***
The correct white balance shift for this recipe should by +1 Red & -1 Blue.
Example photos, all camera-made JPEGs, using my Fujifilm X-Pro2 Dramatic Classic Chrome Film Simulation recipe:
Monumental – Mount Rushmore, SD – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Meike 35mm
Starry Nites – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
Waiting To Arrive – SLC, UT – Fuji X-Pro2 & Meike 35mm
National Drink – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
Red Drum – Unitah, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
Bike Flag – Uintah, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
Empty Carts – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
Yellow Door – Uintah, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
Train of Thought – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Meike 35mm
Instamatic – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 16-50mm
White Flower Blossoms – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Meike 35mm
Yellow Pots – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
Radius Lines – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
Slow – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm
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Great! Thank you!
Mine CC setting:
DR auto
Highlights +2
Shadows +1
Colour +2
Grain weak
NR -3
Sharpness 0
WB red +2, blue -4
Interesting that the very same settings work great with Provia if you want a more natural colours with the exception of Colour wich I set to -3
I will give it a try, thanks for sharing!
made a slight adjustment to this profile replacing CC for the astia and then reducing saturation to -2 in my X-E1, it’s less contrasty that your recipe but still very pleasant results.
I might just give that a try on my XF10.
Hey Ritchie,
I just got my first Fuji camera last week and found your really interesting recipes. I am wondering if I can quickly switch between different recipes/custom settings or do I have to adapt the setting manually everytime I want another look/recipe? I am familiar with switching between the film simulations.
Best
Jan
You can set custom recipes to the Q menu. The white balance shift must be manually adjusted each time.
Thanks 🙂
Thanks 🙂
Hi
I’m lost.
When i watch https://fujixweekly.com/2019/11/02/film-simulation-recipes-that-use-auto-white-balance/ Classic Chrome and Dramatic Classic Chrome seem to share the same white balance shift but when i read your recipe the shifts of red and blue are opposites.
Which is the right one ?
Wow. It’s been three years since I published that recipe, and I never noticed the error. It is indeed supposed to be +1 Red & -1 Blue. Hmmm, now how do I fix this? Thank you for pointing it out!
Loving all your recipes, this one looks very interesting but I own a X100V & A XE-4. Can this be used in either camera with the color chrome effects turned off. thanks in advance.
Yes! You have to decide on Grain size (Small or Large). CCE and CCEB Off, or you can try Weak and see if you like that. Clarity 0, or try up to +/- 2 to see if you like the results.
Thank you, I’m heading out today with this recipe. I have a few subjects in mind that will look good with this sim. 🙂
Awesome!
This recipe inspired me to make a version for my XE-4 and I love it. But where can I post it for X trans 4 users. I have used my new one in dramatic photos and posted them on the Facebook Fuji film Simulations page under the name Drama Queen. But I wish to acknowledge that the idea was born by reading this page and admiring the recipes photos from it.
Awesome! You can always share here:
https://community.fujixweekly.com
Hey Ritchie
How do I adapt the Dramatic Classic Chrome recipe to the X-T4 and X-T5?
That’s a great question! Select a Grain size (Small or Large, I recommend Small but Large is fine if you prefer), Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and Clarity to 0. Blue will render slightly deeper on the X-T5 than the X-T4.
OK, great! Thank you for the quick response.