Abandoned Dream – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”
Ken Rockwell likes to say that Fujifilm cameras aren’t good for landscape photography because the JPEG colors aren’t “wild” enough for him. Even on his review of the X100V, he says, “The as-shot JPG color palette and contrasts are quite sedate,” and, “the X100V won’t amp-up colors if they aren’t strong to begin with.” He adds, “The Velvia film simulation modes don’t look any better; certainly not like real Velvia.” He’s entitled to his opinion, but I think he just hasn’t used the “right” recipe, and he might change his mind if he did. This recipe is one that Ken Rockwell might approve of, as it’s inspired by him, and that’s why I call it The Rockwell.
Ken mentions that the Velvia film simulation isn’t like real Velvia, and he means Velvia 50. There are, in fact, a few different films that share the Velvia name. Straight out of the box, the film simulation differs a little from the film. My X-T30 Velvia recipe is intended to get the film simulation closer to actual Velvia 50 film. “The Rockwell” recipe is also in the ballpark of Velvia 50 film, although it might actually exceed it. I’ve heard it said that Fujifilm’s short lived Fortia film (which Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome Effect Blue are inspired by), which is like Velvia 50 on steroids, was a mistake. Supposedly it (or at least the original Fortia 50) was a botched Velvia run, but instead of trashing it Fujifilm sold it as a new film. This recipe isn’t as crazy as Fortia, but it’s every bit as crazy as Velvia 50 and perhaps slightly more. Another film that is in the general vicinity of this aesthetic is Kodak’s Ektachrome 100VS, which was essentially Kodak’s closest film to Velvia, but this recipe is a little off from that film. No, “The Rockwell” isn’t an exact match to any film, it’s just a recipe that Ken might use on his X100V if he ever read this article.
Gibbon Falls – Yellowstone NP, WY – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”
This film simulation recipe is definitely not for everyone. Just like the person it was named after, it’s bold yet sometimes over-the-top. Many of you will find it to be much too much for your photography. But some of you are going to love it. In the right situations, this recipe is stunning! It uses Clarity, which slows down the camera considerably, but this is a recipe that you might want to work slow with anyway, so it should be alright. This recipe is only compatible (as if this writing) with the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4.
Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -1
Color: +4
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: +4
Clarity: +5
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Strong
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -1 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “The Rockwell” film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:
Lake McDonald Shore Trees – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Driftwood Shore – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
McDonald Lake & Rocks – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Lake McDonald – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Flathead Lake – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Clear Blue Water – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Tree & Snake River – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X100V
McDonald Creek Behind Pines – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Trees Obscuring the River – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
McDonald Creek – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Green Trees – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Forest Flowers – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Lake Daisies – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Blossomed Bush by the Lake – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Upper Red Rock Lake – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Red Lake Light – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Morning Rays – Canyon Ferry Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Sunset Through The Trees – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Aspen Sunstar – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Johnny Sack Cabin – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Hanging Flower Pot – Big Sky, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Mountain Wildflowers 1 – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Mountain Wildflowers 2 – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Rural Blossoms – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Mountain Springtime – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Blossom by the River – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
River Grass – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Grassy Hills – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Pine in the Field – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Abandoned Rural Building – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Pop of Color Cabin – Polebridge, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Birdhouse Fence – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Playground at the Edge of Nowhere – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Hot Water – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V
Blue Eye – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V
Red Rock Turtle – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Colorful Pallets – Bozeman, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Westfield – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Pink – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Stop for the Pink Bus – Silos, MT – Fujifilm X100V
18 – Silos, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Stop Here – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V
Blue Trailer – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Grease Work – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V
See also: Film Simulation Recipes
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I never have, and never will, pay any attention at all to Ken Rockwell. Plenty of gear reviewers take bad or uninspired photos, but Ken’s photos are so awful I can’t take him seriously. I’d be inclined to do the opposite of anything he suggested. Rant over.
Who cares how bad his photos are. His gear reviews are spot on.
He certainly has some good information and opinions on his site, but you have to wade through some nonsense, as well. He’s very successful at what he does, so it works well for him.
Lol! That’s very funny. I’m not a big fan of many of his photographs or much of his writings, but it’s not all bad and he does have some good information and opinions. You have to weed through a lot to find them. Certainly his controversial website does well for him (no such thing as bad publicity, right?).
LOL
Beautiful set of images Ritchie. I think “Rockwell” Velvia 50 was an excellent choice. So vibrant. I think Ken is correct. Fuji’s Velvia film simulation is a bit “pale”. Of course, a film first photographer like yourself would recognise that.
Some day I’ll make it out to Yosemite. I love the flowing water shots.
Thank you! I appreciate the input! It’s a great simulation for maximizing the camera’s ability for bold color pictures.
Thanks Ritchie!
I just tried the adapted Velvia in my Xpro 3 and the result is just gorgeous!
Awesome! So glad that you like it!
Haha, spot on. The man has probably been shooting for longer than I’ve been alive but his taste in colors really is eye-watering. I do love the extra tonal gradation (?) the Color Chrome effect provides here. Personally, Astia is already a touch punchy to my eyes but I could see using Velvia if I decide to get into landscape work.
For landscapes this can be a good recipe. To tone it down, Astia instead of Velvia might be a good option (nice suggestion!). Thank you for the input!
Ken Rockwell adores Velvia 50 for sunsets. That would be the place to try this setting. Said that nice landscapes, they are soothing : )
I need to find a good sunset to try it on! 🙂
I’m on the side of “loving” this recipe! I just recently found out about this process as a relatively new photographer and Fuji owner. Sadly, I have an “older” body (X-T2) and I see that the majority of these recipes are only compatible with those bodies have Clarity and the Color Negative presets.
Do you have any recommendations on how to get adjacent recipes for older systems?
Thank you for feedback! The recipes fully compatible with the X-T2 are here:
https://fujixweekly.com/2020/08/05/film-simulation-recipe-compatibility-x-trans-iii/
There are a number of X-Trans IV recipes that are mostly compatible with X-Trans III, kind of feel-free-to-try-but-it-won’t-be-exactly-the-same. X-Trans II and Bayer recipes also work but the results will be a little different. Hopefully you find something that you like.
Thanks so much, Ritchie!
You are welcome!
Nice photos! But if you really wanted to mimic the Rockwell vibe you should have included a close up of a wrist watch haha
That’s funny! Maybe a shot of a national park restroom, too?
LOL 🙂
Thanks a lot for this recipe!
I love many recipes on this website (and thanks a lot for that!), but for landscapes and nature I love this style, contrasted and vivid, I wish more like this!
You are welcome! I’d like to get Ken Rockwell to try it. Believe it or not, I actually talked to him about it, but I’m not sure that he’s particularly interested…..
Maybe you can change his mind about Fuji for landscapes hehe. I hope he can try it!
It’s a funny story. So I was in a Snap Chick youtube video, and Raymond from that channel asked, “You ever share this recipe with Ken?” I answered, “No, I don’t know him; he probably wouldn’t be interested anyway.” Well, Raymond says, “I know Ken personally, let me get you two in touch.” The next thing I know Ken Rockwell and I are emailing each other back-and-forth. He seems like a very nice guy, but he said that he doesn’t like to dig too deeply into the Fujifilm menu, which I took as he wasn’t interested in trying the recipe. But who knows, maybe he will.
It’s a pity, I’m sure that he would enjoy it!
Hi again Ritchie!
I have tried this recipe with Astia film and the result it’s lovely. For example, in some landscape scenarios with a lot of green, the Rockwell recipe it’s so saturated that sometimes feels unrealistic, and with Astia film, it’s perfect, a lot better than default Astia for landscapes.
I’ll have to try that! It’s always good to “season to taste” any recipe and make it work for you. Thank you for sharing!
Good advice. That’s worth a try.
I was also wondering about Ken. R.s statement, so this is a super good initiative.
Thanks for this, Ritchie
I have just bought the X100V and shooting the very first test shot.
I’ve been following Ken R. since 2003 and at the same time Lloyd Chambers – 2 very different approaches to photography and cameras – quite interesting to follow the 2 at the same time, but Ken is the most entertaining to follow 😉
I once read on a forum where people really humiliated him (he was not at the thread).
Suddenly, someone appeared on the forum thread and told that he was previously a neighbor of Ken Rockwel, and he told that Ken R. was one of the nicest and most helpful people he knew.
Then people stopped.
To:
Carlos López (clopezi)
Should I understand it this way, Lopez:
Velvia changed to Astia and then the same:
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -1
Color: +4
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: +4
Clarity: +5
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Strong
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -1 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
I’ve only had very little interactions with Ken, and never in person, but he has only been kind to me. Seems like a nice guy, and maybe his Internet personality is a little different to his real personality. Maybe he has been judged too harshly by those on the web? I’m sure that we all judge each other too harshly, and the world could use a little more grace and a little less anger.
Hey Richie: I am sure he is judged too harshly. I have enjoyed some of his reviews and thoughts – and his website overall. One thing to remember is that Ken makes money by reviewing many different camera manufacturers – and he has to be positive with them all. The praise that he gave the x100v (Fuji) was way up there. If he hadn’t of said something that he thought Fuji was “lacking”, then his readers would give up on their Nikon, Cannon, and Sony, cameras and all be buying Fuji! He would be shooting himself and his website in the ($) foot! He knows what he is doing!
BTW… Thank you so much for all you do with these recipes!!
I think he definitely knows what he is doing, and he’s very successful (financially) at what he does, and there’s no arguing against that. I appreciate your message!
Hi
I used “The Rockwell” recipe in my XT4 with 18F2. But I had a big problem. There are too many image noises in the photo with ISO 160. If you can give the email, I will share it. Thanks.
The minimum ISO for The Rockwell should be ISO 320, because that’s the minimum ISO for DR200. As far as artifacts, that’s likely a side-effect of the sharpness and Clarity settings. Lowering them some should improve it.
Thanks Ritchie. You are right – your Fortia like simulation is wild. I like the suggestion to base it on Astia as well. I always like to read Ken Rockwell’s comments – I think he is very astute. He has his biases just as we all do and it is good to realise that some of his opinions do not necessarily matter for you, but others are very pertinent. I found your site, Ritchie by reading an excellent review Ken made about the Fujifilm X-S10.
When I created this recipe, I never thought in my wildest dreams that Ken himself would try it, and I was shocked when he did! He reached out to me, and asked why I didn’t share it with him at the time that I published it. Turns out that he is very friendly, kind, helpful, and encouraging. I think the “real” Ken Rockwell is much less controversial than his online persona. Thanks for the input!
Ken Rockwell is a funny guy. Just check his rewiev of Fujinon Zoom 50-140 mm! And especially what he writes about the abbreviations on the lens i.e. R and LM.
I was shocked when he actually tried this recipe. We ended up chatting via email a little bit. Nice guy.
Merry Christmas Ritchie,
I was thinking, just for a laugh, you should ask users to change their settings to Basic JPEG quality for this one recipe as that is what Ken preaches (since early 2000’s). One minute he is praising a camera for having more resolution over another camera (in his otherwise excellent reviews) then he sets the higher megapixel camera to basic JPEG and says no JPEG Fine or RAW is needed. He’s a stubborn guy I’ll give him that.
The colours really pop in this recipe just like Kens images so well done for your effort. I am sure Kens fans will enjoy it, I hope they consider sending you a donation to support your ever growing family.. The dark blues hurt my eyes I’m afraid so I will give this one a miss. If only Fuji would let us program more recipes into our cameras I would perhaps add it for a try out one day.
I recently came back to Fuji and have purchased an XH2 and the new 56mm. I was looking at your X-Trans V Recipes and although you are adding more daily, I have noticed they all seem to be better suited for outdoor daylight or summer. Do you recommend any X-Trans IV recipes that would work well indoors? My pictures are coming out too warm and almost orange. It’s dull here in Scotland but I don’t want to change the white balance in case I ruin the recipe as it was intended.
Merry Christmas!
Ken actually tried out this recipe. I was shocked! He used Normal JPEG quality….
Of the recipes currently listed for X-Trans V, Timeless Negative is one to try. Otherwise, for X-Trans IV recipes, try Kodak Brilliance (except set CCEB to Off) or Fujicolor Super HG v2 (except set CCEB to Weak). See if those work for you.
Thank you for your comment!
I simply replaced Velvia by Astia in Ken Rockell recipe. It kills the excessive saturation and is more forgiving. My daily recipe now !
That’s cool! Ken, as you probably know, likes crazy vivid colors. Not everyone has that same taste. Glad you were able to make it work for you. 😀