I’ve been wanting to create a new Velvia recipe for awhile now. The previous version is bold, but sometimes produces too much contrast. This recipe is actually a little closer to my original Velvia recipe, but with even less contrast yet with more saturation. This Velvia v2 recipe doesn’t closely mimic any specific version of Velvia film, yet it still retains an overall Velvia-like aesthetic.
Velvia is a high-saturation, low-ISO color reversal (slide) film introduced in 1990. I’ve shot many rolls of it, mostly the original ISO 50 version, but also the “new” Velvia 50, Velvia 100F and Velvia 100 emulsions. Of those films, this recipe is probably closest to Velvia 100, but not exactly like it.
This film simulation recipe is intended for the Fujifilm X-T30 and X-T3 cameras. If you have “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, you might consider Color Chrome Effect Blue set to Weak, Grain set to Weak and Small, and Clarity set to +2 perhaps. If you have an X-Trans III camera, which doesn’t have Color Chrome Effect, you can still use this recipe, but the results will be slightly different. Those with GFX cameras can also use this recipe, and it will look very close but not exactly the same.
Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -1
Color: +4
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: 0
Grain Effect: Weak
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
White Balance: Auto, 0 Red & 0 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs, captured using a Fujifilm X-T30 with this Velvia v2 film simulation recipe:
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Hi Ritchie, another very interesting recipe. I use Velvia a lot and have tried various settings. Just wondered why you set noise reduction to -4, what are you trying to achieve?
Mark
I feel as though Fujifilm applies Noise Reduction a little too heavy-handed. Using -4 NR achieves slightly sharper results. But for web viewing, and really, even prints that are 18″ x 24″ or smaller, it’s difficult to notice the difference between -4 and 0 NR, and even from -4 to +4 it’s not a huge difference. I appreciate the comment!
Thanks for your reply. I hope you realise how much more people get out of their cameras because of you. Thank you.
I appreciate your kind words so much! Thank you!
This is going to be a great recipe for when the dull grey German winter is over ;-)….seriously can’t wait to try it out in the Royal Parks nearby with the green lawns, colorful flower beds and the baroque and romanticist buildings.
Sounds amazing! Wishing a quick end to winter for you!
Do you think the recipe is not suitable for shooting in winter? Why?
I think Velvia is best used to accentuate colors. Here everything is kind of grey outside. But sure you could still use it I guess.
I need help. How do i put these recipes on my xs10 and do they add to the simulation list as a choice or take away a standard simulation from the list? How many are possible to add as choices?
Thank you
The “standard” simulations are just defaults: everything set to 0 or Off. They’re no big deal to erase, but you can always restore them pretty easily if you’d like.
This video might help:
https://youtu.be/RHMZJ0hV49I
Hi Ritchie! For autumn, do you prefer this version or the old version? For my taste, this it’s a little better because the old sometimes, as you said, have too much contrast. Do you agree on this selection, or do you prefer other recipe for autumn?
Thanks a lot as always!
I would probably go with this one. I think either will do well, but this one is maybe a little better, especially if it isn’t a low-contrast scene that you are photographing.