Fujifilm introduced the world to the X-Trans sensor in January of 2012 with the announcement of the X-Pro1 camera. Later that same year the X-E1 became the second camera with this new sensor, and a year later the X-M1 became the third and final camera to have the original X-Trans sensor. Even before the X-M1 was released, Fujifilm had begun selling cameras with the X-Trans II sensor, so the original sensor was already old news by the time the camera was released. It seems that, more-or-less, Fujifilm had some spare X-Trans I sensors laying around, so they put them inside of the X-A1, a Bayer sensor camera, and renamed it X-M1. There never was an X-M2.
Even though only three cameras have an X-Trans I sensor, I’ve had many requests for film simulation recipes that are compatible with the X-Pro1, X-E1 and X-M1. I used to own an X-E1 (two, actually), but I mostly shot RAW with it and never developed any film simulation recipes for it. Some X-Trans II and Bayer recipes are technically compatible, but produce slightly different results. I purchased a cheap, gently used X-M1 to create some recipes with, and this is the very first one!
The X-M1 only has one black-and-white option. There’s no B+Y, B+R and B+G. There’s just standard B, which is the abbreviation for the Monochrome film simulation. I wanted to create a B&W recipe that produces dramatic results, but the JPEG options are limited on this camera compared to the newer models, so I had to get creative with the white balance to get the look that I wanted. This recipe is intended for X-Trans I cameras, but those with Bayer and X-Trans II cameras can use it, too, but the results will be slightly different.
Monochrome
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +2 (Hard)
Shadow: +2 (Hard)
Sharpness: +1 (Medium-Hard)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Incandescent, -5 Red & +9 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs made using this Monochrome film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm X-M1:
See also: Film Simulation Recipes
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The X-M1 was my gateway drug into the Fuji system, great little camera with that beautiful X-trans I sensor! I’ve actually thought about getting one again recently to pair it with a 27mm lens and use it as a pocket camera.
The X-E1 was my gateway. The X-M1 seems pretty good so far, except that I keep trying to put it to my eye. The price was right, so it was a good time to buy. I think the 27mm pancake is a great idea! Thank you for the input!
X-M1 was the camera that inroduced me into the fujifilm world. What a gorgeous camera. a few years later I bartered it for the X-E2 only for having the viewfinder otherwise I would have kept shooting w/ that camera.
I’m really enjoying mine, even though I have newer models. Not having a viewfinder has been frustrating at times, mostly because I forget it doesn’t have one until after I’ve raised it to my eye. Thanks for the comment!
For the monochrome recipe on the X-Pro1 I cannot enter any value for White Balance: Incandescent, -5 Red & +9 Blue. The monochrome film emulation does not allow for a balance adjustment. What a pity. All the best to you all!
You can absolutely do this on your X-Pro1. You have to set the WB Shift from within the WB menu. (You have to “arrow to the right”).
https://fujixweekly.com/2020/08/19/fujifilm-white-balance-shift-what-it-is-how-to-use-it/
Thank you Ritchie, I found it! Thank you for your quick reply. And your website is awesome, I love it.
Awesome!