Something that Fujifilm introduced on the X-T3 and included on the X-T30 (and is also found on the GFX line) is Color Chrome Effect. This is not a new film simulation, but an effect that can be added to any film simulation. What exactly is this new feature? How does it change your photos?
The inspiration for Color Chrome Effect came from one of Fujifilm’s films: Fortia 50. Fortia was a short-lived color reversal (slide) film that was basically Velvia on steroids. It had more saturation and more contrast than Velvia 50, which is saying a lot because Velvia is known for its saturation and contrast. What the engineers at Fujifilm did to create Fortia was deepen the color shades so as to retain tonality in highly saturated areas. That’s essentially what Color Chrome Effect does.
Take a look at these pictures to see how Color Chrome Effect changes the image:
Color Chrome Effect Off
Color Chrome Effect Weak
Color Chrome Effect Strong
I don’t think that Color Chrome Effect is actually adding saturation or contrast (if it is, it’s only a little), but by deepening the colors and retaining color gradation, it appears to be doing just that. It’s a neat trick, especially when you have bright colors in a scene. It’s definitely useful, and I find it pairs with the Velvia film simulation particularly well. I like to also use it with Acros+R when shooting landscapes with a blue sky.
There are two Color Chrome Effect options: Weak and Strong. I like Strong more, but occasionally it is too strong, so I will go with Weak instead. I find that Weak looks nice with Classic Chrome, and so I have been using it with that film simulation. Each picture and shooting situation should be looked at individually to determine if Color Chrome Effect will benefit the photograph, and if Weak or Strong is the better choice.
While Color Chrome Effect is a slick feature, it’s not a game-changer. It’s not something that I imagine I will use with every image, but more when the situation calls for it. And perhaps the beauty of this effect is the subtle way it changes a picture. There’s not a dramatic difference between Off and Strong, let alone Off and Weak or Weak and Strong. I appreciate that. I’m still trying to decide how Color Chrome Effect might change any of my film simulation recipes. Once I figure that out I will let you know.
Below are some photographs I captured using Color Chrome Effect:
Snowfall In Downtown Park City – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Red Mesa – Castle Valley, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Red Hill – Castle Valley, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Balance Rock Evening – Arches NP, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
North Window Arch – Arches NP, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Rock Castles – Castle Valley, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Monochrome Mesa – Castle Valley, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Dead Desert Tree – Moab, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
See also:
Fujifilm X-T30 – New Feature: D-Range Priority
Fujifilm X-T30 – New Feature: Eterna
Fujifilm X-T30 – New Feature: B&W Toning
Nice shots! Though I can’t see any difference in any of the 3 top ones. I have old eyes though so that may be the reason.
Thanks! Pay attention to the shade of red (and to a lesser extent the yellow-orange), and that’s where the difference is most noticeable. It is quite subtle.
Ok (emperors new clothes methinks 🤣) I’ve had a look not sure if I’m seeing the subtleties or just convincing myself!
Maybe. I notice the effect most in reds and blues, which turn a tad deeper. It’s not a huge difference. Like I said, this isn’t a game changer. But I can see for some pictures it can be beneficial.
Looking at your test photos, my wife and I think the effect is too subtle. Neither of us could tell the difference between off and weak. Strong appears to produce more contrast in the image.
It’s definitely subtle. Thank you for the input!
Nice to see this blog is almost FujiX2dayly.com. 😉
besides, never had I thought of using in BnW (nice finding!)
Well, thanks! My intentions from day one were to post no less than once per week. There have been times when I have done that, but I’m happy to post more often when time allows.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Color Chrone effect. It is certainly one thing i am truly looking forward to with my purchase of XT30, i havnt got it yet as they are out of stock at my retailer with a specific package.
However, I am glad that the effct is not overdone, which I absolutely do not like in my photo.
Being very into Macro photogrwphy at the momment. I think Color Chrome Effects is a winner imo for me.
Thanks for sharing. And look foreard to your next article.
Jack
You are welcome! I appreciate that it is a subtle effect. In the right situations it is a nice feature. I think you will like your X-T30, whenever it is in stock…
I wonder how I should interprete “+2/3 Exposure Compensation”?
FYI, I take meter reading based on the ETTR concept, in other words I take the exposure value just before highlight blinkies appear as my base exposure. My workflow demands a conflicting scenario, i.e. (1) maximum data acquisition at the time of capture for conventional Raw editing, and (2) I don’t want to give up Fuji-native JPEG processing using X RAW STUDIO.
Thanks,
Don
I suppose you can interpret it however works best for you. I think every picture must be looked at individually, that’s why I add the word “typically” because there is no one-size-fits-all exposure compensation setting. If you have a method that works for you, I would stick with that. Thank you for commenting!
Thank you for your prompt reply. The recipes you are suggesting seem to be viable when converting RAW files with Fuji X RAW STUDIO. In that sense, I can understand why every recipe includes “Exposure Compensation”. Your clarification would be highly appreciated.
I think, those recipes that have a + exposure compensation, just know it might need to be brightened in post, and if it is a – exposure compensation, just know it might need to be darkened in post.
Hi! do you know how/if the color Chrome Effect will be added buy a Raw converter like C1 or LR if it is on in camera? 🙂 Have a great day! 👍🤓📷
Honestly I have no idea, as I don’t use C1 or Lightroom. Sorry that I can’t be more helpful.
Fujifilm doesn’t add the color chrome effect on the RAF (RAW) file, so C1 or LR won’t read them
shame as it sure looks pretty!
so they dont add the color chrome effect to FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO either? that is raw..
That’s too bad, but good to know.
I’m struggling to get accurate highly chromatic photos with my X-T30. I’ll try this next time I head out. Are you using a polarized filter for those landscapes? That atmosphere is so clear!
No polarizer! Just clear clean sky, I suppose.
Kind of a bummer Fuji never released this on the other fujis with X-Trans 3 sensor. Love the effect.
I agree! Would have been a nice thing for Fujifilm to do.