The X-T30 has Fujifilm’s latest film simulation: Eterna. The only other cameras that have Eterna are the X-H1 and the X-T3. This film simulation mimics the look of actual Eterna film, which was a motion picture film that also had a very limited run for still photography. You’ve likely seen movies and television shows that were captured on Eterna and just didn’t know it. I’ve never shot this film myself, so I have no personal experience with it.
I was quite excited to try the Eterna film simulation. It is the lowest contrast and lowest saturated color film simulation that Fujifilm offers, kind of the antithesis of Velvia. It definitely has a cinematic quality to it. It makes lovely pictures that have a softer feel, but I think it requires the right lighting and the right subject to really work. Below you’ll find a few images that I created using the Eterna film simulation. At some point, once I’ve played around with it more, I’ll make a film simulation recipe that uses Eterna.
Johanna Eating A Cracker – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Eterna
What Do You Want? – Layton, UT – Fujifim X-T30 – Eterna
Empty Church Pews – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Eterna
Last year I made an Eterna film simulation recipe, but one that doesn’t use Eterna. Instead, it uses PRO Neg. Std, and it’s designed for X-Trans III cameras that don’t have Eterna. It’s “Eterna” for those who don’t have Eterna. It was a guess, since I had not used the actual film or the film simulation, but had only seen some samples online. Now that I’ve had a chance to use the Eterna Film Simulation, I can say that it was close but not quite right. Below you’ll find my updated faux “Eterna” film simulation recipe:
PRO Neg. STD
Dynamic Range: DR400
Hightlight: +2
Shadow: -2
Color: -3
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: 0
Grain Effect: Weak
White Balance: Auto, 0 Red and 0 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3
Here’s a comparison of real Eterna and fake Eterna:
Eterna Film Simulation
Faux “Eterna” using PRO Neg. Std
I debated about the Highlight setting. I feel that +2 is too much but +1 is not enough (if only there was a +1.5 option). I went with the brighter option, but +1 is a legitimate choice, so you’ll have to decide which you like better. I also debated on the Color setting, as -3 is almost not saturated enough, but I felt that -2 was too saturated, so there’s another choice that you’ll have to make. Another thing I went back and forth on was the White Balance Shift, as I think -1 Blue or even +1 Red and -1 Blue could be justified, so there’s another thing to consider. There are different settings that can be fine-tuned to taste, but I think overall this is pretty close to actual Eterna for those who don’t have Eterna.
See also:
Fujifilm X-T30 – New Feature: D-Range Priority
Fujifilm X-T30 – New Feature: B&W Toning
Fujifilm X-T30 – New Feature: Color Chrome Effect
I wonder if adobe will add it to their LR Fuji collection. I will try your simulation on my T2 though, looks good.
I think Adobe should and likely eventually will. Let me know what you think.
Very nice film simulation recipe. I wish someday Fuji will add shift color function in shadow and highlight tone. it’s useful for old film simulation recipe.
That would be really cool! I would love to be able to change the color cast to be different in the shadows than highlights. Great suggestion!
You should to tell FUJI hehe
I only wish that they listened to me. Maybe someday they will.
Hi, I’ve got your app on my iPhone and can’t seem to find this version of the Eterna film simulation among those listed, even with the Patreon tier. Was is superseded by a newer one? BTW, love the app! I used to copy/paste your recipes in the notes app and it’s sooooooooo much easier with your app!!!
It simply got overlooked. I’ll add it. Thank you!