I wanted to make another recipe that uses the Fluorescent 2 (or “warm white fluorescent”) white balance. Why? Because this is a very underutilized and under appreciated option. I have only four other recipes that use it—Provia 400, Fujicolor Super HG, Super HG Astia, and Fujichrome Sensia 100—and those are all very good recipes. I didn’t have any specific film in mind when I made this, I was simply attempting something that looked good.
After shooting with it awhile, and looking at the pictures, the results looked familiar, but I couldn’t put a finger on it. I started digging through my old pictures, and wasn’t finding anything. Then I stumbled on a few Kodak Ektachrome E100GX frames, and the results were similar.
Ektachrome E100GX was a color transparency film made by Kodak from 2001-2009, and is what replaced E100SW. It was known for vibrant saturation, a warm color cast, and fine grain. It wasn’t quite as warm, vibrant, or sharp as E100SW, but overall very similar, yet with finer grain. Some people thought it was better than E100SW, some people thought it was worse. I liked E100SW a bit better, but E100GX was still a good film, particularly if you wanted something warm, colorful, and contrasty, but not overly so.
Intelligent Children – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – “Ektachrome E100GX”
The Fuji X Weekly app is free, yet becoming a Fuji X Weekly Patron unlocks the best app experience! One benefit of being a Patron is you get early access to some new film simulation recipes. These early-access recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time, including this new one. In fact, many early-access recipes have already been publicly published on this blog and the app, so now everyone can use them. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no app. So I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons!
This recipe is compatible with Fujifilm X-Trans III, X-T3 and X-T30 cameras. If you are a Fuji X Weekly Patron, it’s available to you right now on the app!
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this “Ektachrome E100GX” film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X-T30:
Yellow Glow of Iowa – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Sunlight Reflected on Window – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Dark Red Tree & Partly Cloudy Sky – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Dead Leaves in a Dry Drinking Fountain – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Small Waterfall – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Forest Graffiti – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Growing Out of the Side – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Two Boys Going Down a Trail – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Yellow Bike – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – “Porto 200”
The name of this recipe is not a typo. Awhile back I was asked to make a film simulation recipe for Fujifilm X-Trans II cameras that mimic the aesthetic of photographer João Falcão. I was able to create an X-Trans II recipe that was fairly close, although perhaps not exact. Certainly if you like João’s aesthetic, you’ll appreciate those settings. I called that recipe Porto 200 because Porto is the city in Portugal where João is from. While Porto means “port” I think it has a nice film-stock-like name, similar to “Portra” for example. While there is no film called Porto 200, I decided to use the name anyway.
This Porto 200 recipe is an adaptation of the X-Trans II settings for X-Trans III, plus X-T3 and X-T30, cameras. It’s got a great Kodak-like print-film analog aesthetic. If you have a Fujifilm X-Trans III camera, or the X-T3 or X-T30, I invite you to give it a try. This recipe was one of the original Patron Early-Access recipes on the Fuji X Weekly App, but now it is available to everyone, since a different Early-Access recipe has replaced it—if you are a Patron, be sure to look for it on the App!
Winter Trees – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – “Porto 200”
PRO Neg. Std Dynamic Range: DR200 Highlight: -1 Shadow: 0 Color: 0 Color Chrome Effect: Off or N/A Sharpness: 0 Noise Reduction: -4 Grain Effect: Weak White Balance: Shade, 0 Red & -4 Blue ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Sample photographs, all camera-made JPEGs, captured with a Fujifilm X-T30 using this Porto 200 film simulation recipe:
Monumental – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Bike in Waiting – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Yellow Jacket – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Studio 10 – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Brick Reflections – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Opposite Directions – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Reflecting on Empty Spaces – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Windshield Bokeh – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Nobody pays me to write the content found on fujixweekly.com. There’s a real cost to operating and maintaining this site, not to mention all the time that I pour into it. If you appreciated this article, please consider making a one-time gift contribution. Thank you!
The Fuji X Weekly App is a free mobile film simulation recipe library containing over 175 recipes for Fujifilm cameras! It’s available on both Apple and Android. This is an essential tool to accompany Fujifilm X cameras, so if you don’t have the App, you should go download it now.
Coming very soon is a large update to the Fuji X Weekly App, and I want to give you a sneak peek of what’s in store for you!
There are two reasons why I bring this up. First, many of the App update improvements apply to Patron features, and those using the App for free won’t have access to these. The update is big for Patrons, and small for those who are not. Second, I’ve had several people tell me that I need to do a better job selling the Patron subscription because they were unaware of how much better the App is when you become a Patron. “I didn’t know what I was missing,” a couple people recently told me. If you want to get the most out of the Fuji X Weekly App, including the things we’re going to talk about below, you should become a Patron today!
That’s the entirety of my sales pitch (I’m a terrible salesman). Now to the App update sneak peek!
Favoriting & Filtering
One really great upgrade that’s coming is Favoriting on steroids. Before, when you tapped the Star to Favorite a recipe, it came in one color (yellow). But very soon you will be able to choose between five different colors: yellow, red, green, blue, and purple.
The benefit of this is that you can use colored Stars to organize recipes. Maybe yellow represents the recipes currently loaded into your camera, red represents the recipes you want to try next, and green represents the ones you tried in the past and really liked. Or maybe yellow is your favorite portrait recipes, green your favorite landscape recipes, and blue your favorite street recipes. Use the colored Stars to categorize the recipes however is meaningful to you. This will be a great organizational tool, and, for some, this is going to make the App a significantly better experience.
Another awesome App improvement that’s coming is Filter by White Balance. For many, this will be a game-changer. This is going to be the feature for some that makes the Patron subscription worthwhile! Why? Because if your Fujifilm camera is older than the X-Pro3, you cannot save White Balance Shift within C1-C7 Custom Presets, and each time you change Presets, you have to remember to adjust the WB Shift. It can be a little annoying. However, for each White Balance type, the camera will remember one WB Shift, so if each of your C1-C7 presets uses a different White Balance type, when you switch Presets, you won’t have to adjust the WB Shift.
In the App, select Filter by Camera and choose your model—let’s say you have an X-H1. Then Filter by White Balance. Start with Auto, and choose one of those recipes to be your C1 Custom Preset. There are a couple of these recipes that share the same WB Shift, so you could, if you wanted, use more than one, just as long as the WB Shift is the same. Then choose Daylight, and pick one of those recipes to be C2. Again, there are a couple that share the same WB Shift, so you could pick more than one, just as long as the WB Shift is the same. Next is Shade, and there’s just one recipe (right now, anyway) to choose from, so that could be C3. Then select Kelvin, and pick one of those recipes to be C4. Fluorescent 1 is next, and there’s only one recipe to choose from, so that could be C5. Same for Fluorescent 2, and that could be C6. Ditto for Incandescent, and that could be C7. If you picked two Auto and two Daylight recipes (that shared the same WB Shift), then you could skip two of the White Balance options that only have one recipe.
Using Filter by White Balance to help you select recipes for your C1-C7 Custom Presets will make your shooting experience more enjoyable because you won’t have to remember to adjust the WB Shift each time you change to a different Custom Preset.
Custom Recipe (Blank Recipe Cards)
If you’ve ever created your own film simulation recipe, or if you’ve found some elsewhere that you like (perhaps on the Fuji X Weekly Community Recipes page), you will soon be able to add them to your App! A new feature will be blank recipe cards that you fill out. You will even be able to add your own pictures from your camera roll! At some point down the road the idea is that you’ll be able to export, import, and share these custom recipes (that ability won’t be in this update). Several of you have asked for blank recipe cards, and soon you’ll have them! This will be a fun new feature that some of you will really appreciate.
There are, of course, a number of other smaller improvements that are coming with the App update—this is just a sneak peek at three of the bigger ones. With any luck, the update should be out before the end of the month. Oh, and we’ve already begun working on the following update (for sometime next year) that will include a number of other great new features and improvements.
Fujifilm recently released the new Instax Link Wide instant film printer. This is the first printer for larger Instax film, called Wide Instant Film. For those who shoot Instax, this is pretty big news!
A lot of people never print their pictures, and most images are quickly forgotten. A fun way to get tangible photographs is to print them on Instax film. Keep them in a photo book. Display them on a cork-board or refrigerator. Give them to friends and family. You can even print the pictures with a QR-code on them, and turn your images into unique business cards!
A great thing that you can do with this printer is use film simulation recipes on your Fujifilm X camera, and then print those pictures on Instax film. Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry did just that (which you can see in the image below)—she used my Agfa Optima 200 recipe on her Fujifilm X camera, and then, using the Instax Link Wide printer, made instant film prints from the images that she captured with the recipe. Amazing!
Photo by Nathalie Boucry
Some of you might be surprised to learn that I have an Instax Mini 40 that I occasionally use. Instant film photography is fun, but I don’t consider it a “serious” endeavor; however, the Wide printer does make for the intriguing union between recipes and instant film. There’s certainly the prospect of a compelling art project.
Nathalie and I discussed the Instax Link Wide printer in SOOC Episode 04. A short excerpt of this segment can be found in the video below. If you are interested in this printer, be sure to watch the video!
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
The Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer retails for $150. B&HAmazon
This is actually an excerpt (“SoundBite” is what we’re calling it) from SOOC Episode 04. In addition to film simulation recipes, this is the kind of stuff that we discuss during our live broadcast. If you haven’t yet tuned in—well, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do! They’re long videos, but hopefully there’s something, perhaps even multiple somethings, in each episode that make it worth your time. Nathalie and I do this for your benefit—something positive for the community, with the goal of simply helping other photographers. Whether you are new or experienced, I hope that each episode of SOOC has something for you.
Also, SOOC Episode 05 is this Thursday (November 18th) at 10 AM Pacific Time, 1 PM Eastern Time. This is an interactive program, so, in addition to tuning in, we need you to participate. Mark your calendar now, and I’ll see you on Thursday!
I want to give a big “Thank You” to everyone who tuned in to Episode 04 of SOOC, a collaboration between myself and Fuji X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry. This video series is live and interactive, so I’m especially grateful to all who participated! You are the ones who make these episodes great!
In the video above are the viewer’s photographs, captured using the Kodacolor film simulation recipe, that were shown during the show. It’s a short clip, so be sure to watch! I love seeing your pictures, and I’m honored that you submitted them for us to view.
The SOOC Episode 05 “recipe of the month” is Agfa Optima 200. Shoot with that recipe, and upload your pictures here to be featured in the next video! Episode 05 will be on November 18 (this Thursday!), so mark your calendars, and I look forward to seeing you then!
If you missed Episode 04, you can find it below. Also, below that, I’ve included Episode 05, so that you can set a reminder to ensure that you don’t miss it.
One of my absolute favorite lenses is the Fujinon 90mm f/2! It’s super sharp, plenty bright, great bokeh, and just lovely image quality. Technically speaking, the lens is near perfection, and practically speaking, it does nothing but produce lovely pictures. You can read my full review of the Fujinon 90mm f/2 lens here. I don’t want to rehash what I’ve already said, but instead convey why this is one of my absolute favorite lenses.
I purchased my Fujinon 90mm f/2 about three years ago. I had read that it was one of Fujifilm’s best portrait lenses, and I was going to be doing some portrait photography, so I bought it for that purpose. I had intended to sell it afterwards, but after I used it there was no way that I was going to sell it—it was love at first click! All of the great things that I read about it turned out to be completely true.
90mm is full-frame-equivalent to 135mm, which once was a very common focal-length, but it’s not really in vogue anymore. It’s not quite long enough for sports and wildlife photographers, and it’s too long for a lot of other purposes. Even portrait photographers might prefer a shorter focal-length with a larger maximum aperture. 135mm can be a bit challenging to use, but also very rewarding.
Robert Capa coined the phrase, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” Robert probably wasn’t advocating the use of longer lenses, but actually taking a few steps closer; however, the Fujinon 90mm lens allows you to get closer without actually getting closer. It forces you to remove unnecessary elements from the frame, because they simply won’t fit—you can’t get it all in, so you have to be more purposeful with what you do and don’t include. That’s the challenge, but better pictures are the reward.
When Fujifilm introduced the 90mm f/2 in 2015, they likely had in mind that it would be popular among portrait photographers, and for sure it is! But I’m not a portrait photographer—at least not usually. While the lens is optimized for portrait photography, it is great for still-life, nature, urban, and many other circumstances. I use it most frequently for landscape photography.
The only negative comment that I have to say against the Fujinon 90mm f/2 is that it is a little hefty. It balances better on a camera like the X-T4 than X-E4, but I still use it frequently on smaller bodies. It’s not comfortable to carry around all day long. Aside from that, the 90mm lens is the epitome of the Fujinon quality that Fujifilm is renown for. I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with the images captured through this glass.
The Fujinon 90mm f/2 can be challenging to use because of its focal-length, but if you take on that challenge you will be rewarded with wonderful photographs. That’s why I love it! If you are not a portrait photographer, this lens might not be on your radar, but it is worth owning anyway, as it is useful in many circumstances, and not just portraits. If you are a portrait photographer, this should be one of your top considerations. It retails for $950.
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
The GFX Challenge Grant Program, sponsored by FUJIFILM, is a grant program that awards 5 Global Grant Award and 10 Regional Grant Award to help aspiring creatives bring their imaging projects to life. It is designed to nurture and develop the skills of emerging/promising content creators, giving them the opportunity to create content on topics that have significant meaning to them, while gaining experience using FUJIFILM GFX System gear. Proposed projects may be submitted as still photography or in a movie format. At the conclusion of the production period in August 2022, the award recipients’ final content will be showcased on the fujifilm-x.com website.
The Fuji X Weekly Creative Collective is a new aspect of this website that begun just a couple days ago, and it’s something that you might have noticed but don’t know what it is. I’ve been asked several times now, “What exactly is the Creative Collective?” Here’s my explanation of it…
The Creative Collective is a bonus-content subscription, where you get access to extra articles. What kind of content is a part of the Creative Collective? These articles are largely exercises in creativity. They’re experiments, focused on trying new things, and they’re invitations for you to do it, too. We dive deeper into settings and techniques. We go down some rabbit holes just to see where they go. This is a journey, and it will be interesting to see what we discover together. Whether you are an experienced Fujifilm shooter or brand-new to photography, there is something for everyone. If you want to adventure with me on this, the Fuji X Weekly Creative Collective is only $2 (USD) per month.
I usually post between 15 and 25 articles each month that are free to everyone—this includes film simulation recipes. I’m not sponsored by anyone. Fujifilm doesn’t sponsor this website, nor does B&H, KEH, or anybody else. I don’t get paid for the content that I publish, other than a little ad revenue, which isn’t much and barely covers the expenses of web hosting and such. These additional articles are bonus content for Creative Collective subscribers, and are in addition to the regular 15 to 25 articles that I will continue to publish each month. If you subscribe, there’s even more Fuji X Weekly articles for you to enjoy!
To join the Fuji X Weekly Creative Collective, simply click on any of the Creative Collective articles and select Subscribe. If this sounds interesting to you, I hope that you’ll join me on this journey!
In-camera double exposure using Fujifilm X-E4 & Ferrania Solaris FG 400recipe.
I love double exposure photography! If done right, you can cleverly create exceptionally artful pictures. But how do you do it on your Fujifilm camera? What are some easy techniques that give good results? In this article I’ll discuss this topic in detail and provide some useful tips to help you make your own artistic double-exposure photographs.
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Read more of this content when you join the Fuji X Weekly Creative Collective today.
Lately I’ve been really enjoying the new Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation found on the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras. It occurred to me that those with “older” cameras, like X-Trans III and the X-T30 and X-T3, are missing out, so I wanted to do something about it. Now back in May I created a recipe for these cameras called Chrome Bypass that sort of fulfills this, but it wasn’t an attempt necessarily at mimicking the Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation; however, I used it as a starting point for this recipe. After much adjusting and experimenting, I decided that this was the closest that I could get to Eterna Bleach Bypass for those without it.
The Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation is intended to resemble cinematic film that’s had the bleach skipped during development. It has low-saturation and high-contrast, and almost a silvery aesthetic. This recipe isn’t a 100% match to the film simulation, but it’s as close as you’re likely to get. And it produces some really nice results—I very much enjoyed using it!
This recipe is intended for those who have a Fujifilm X-Pro2, X100F, X-E3, X-H1, X-T2, X-T20, X-T30, or X-T3 camera. If you have an X-Pro3 or X100V, you can use this recipe, too, but you’ll have to decide what Grain size you want (either Small or Large). Those with an X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, or X-T30 II can also use this recipe (after deciding on Grain size), but I would recommend the Ferrania Solaris FG 400, Muted Color, Silver Summer, or LomoChrome Metropolis recipes instead, which use the Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation.
PRO Neg. Std Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: +3 Shadow: +3 Color: -4 Color Chrome Effect: Off or N/A Sharpness: 0 Noise Reduction: -4 Grain Effect: Weak White Balance: Incandescent, +8 Red & -9 Blue ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)
Sample photographs, all camera-made JPEGs, captured with a Fujifilm X-T30 using this “Eterna Bleach Bypass” film simulation recipe:
Warning Falling Bike – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Lost Mouse Hat – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
November Leaves – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Leaves Along the Autumn Path – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Path Covered in Autumn Leaves – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Fallen Tree Across the Gap – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Yellow Leaves in the Forest – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Red Leaves in the Forest – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Little Red Berries Dangling – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Nobody pays me to write the content found on fujixweekly.com. There’s a real cost to operating and maintaining this site, not to mention all the time that I pour into it. If you appreciated this article, please consider making a one-time gift contribution. Thank you!
I am the special guest today on Fujifilm’s Live Weekly Tech Webinar! If you have some free time today at 5PM Eastern, 2PM Pacific, please join us as we “talk shop” about Fujifilm cameras and settings. They describe the program as informal yet informative nerdiness for your photographic soul. If you are interested, click here for more information. I hope to see you in a few hours!
If the terms “analog” or “SOOC” make your ears perk up, you’ve found the right edition of Tech Talk Weekly Webinar. This week the Fujifilm tech team is joined by Ritchie Roesch of Fuji X Weekly. If you aren’t familiar check out the website https://fujixweekly.com or find the app available on Android and IOS. Join us to hear about this awesome community based project, built around Fujifilm cameras and designed to allow for some amazing in camera creativity. Bring your camera, your questions, and join us for this informal yet informative photo nerd session.
If you are looking for your first Fujifilm camera, it can be difficult to know which one to buy. Perhaps this will be your first “serious” camera. Or maybe you’ve had a different brand of camera for awhile, but you don’t use it all of the time, and you’re not all that experienced with it. It could be that you’re interested in a Fujifilm camera because you want to try my film simulation recipes. This article is intended to help you with your buying decision.
I’m making a few assumptions with this post: you’re in the market for a new camera, you want a camera that’s easy-to-use yet you can grow with, and you’re on a limited budget. Maybe those assumptions are incorrect for you, but I bet they’re true for many of the people who this article was intended for. My hope is that this post will give you some clarity.
So let’s look at a few Fujifilm cameras!
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujifilm X-S10
The X-S10 is a mid-range mirrorless offering from Fujifilm that’s great for both still photography and video. It doesn’t have all the typical retro stylings and controls that most Fujifilm cameras are known for, but if you have some experience (even if just a little) shooting DSLRs or mirrorless cameras from other brands, this camera will likely feel more natural to you, and the learning curve will be just a little easier. It’s an extraordinarily capable model, and will keep up with you as you become a better photographer. If you are looking for the best budget Fujifilm camera for video, look no further, as the video-centric X-S10 is well-regarded for it’s cinematic capabilities. The camera retails body-only for $1,000, or $1,500 bundled with the Fujinon 16-80mm lens.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X-S10 camera if: – You have some experience with a different brand and want the easiest transition to Fujifilm. – You will be doing a lot of videography.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X-S10 camera if: – You want the full Fujifilm retro experience. – You are on a tight budget.
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a great retro-styled mid-range mirrorless camera, but it is a couple years old now. Despite having the same X-Trans IV sensor and processor as all of the other models in this list, it is more like a previous generation camera. Don’t get me wrong: the X-T30 is an excellent option. I have this camera and use it frequently (you can read my review of the X-T30 here). Of all the cameras in this list, the X-T30 is the one I recommend the least, but I do still recommend it. It’s a solid option for both stills and video, but it is beginning to feel slightly dated. The camera retails body-only for $900, or $1,300 bundled with the Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens or Fujinon 18-55mm lens; however, it might be possible to find it discounted.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X-T30 camera if: – You like the retro-styling. – You can find it on sale.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X-T30 camera if: – Having the latest and greatest is important to you. – You’ll be primarily using it for video.
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a minor update to the X-T30, but if you plan to use film simulation recipes and/or use the camera for video, the new model has some important features that make it worth choosing. The X-T30 and X-T30 II share the same sensor and processor, but are basically two different camera generations. Not surprising, the new version is better. The camera retails body-only for $900, or $1,000 bundled with the Fujinon 15-45mm lens, and $1,300 bundled with the Fujinon 18-55mm lens; however, the X-T30 II isn’t out just yet, but it is available for preorder.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X-T30 II camera if: – You want the best mid-range retro-styled Fujifilm model. – You will be doing both still photography and videography.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X-T30 II camera if: – You need a camera right away. – You can find the original X-T30 on sale for significantly cheaper.
Fujifilm doesn’t currently have any low-budget entry-level models—the Bayer-sensor cameras, which serve this purpose, have all been discontinued, at least for now—so the X-E4 currently sits at the bottom of the roster, but, make no mistake, this is a mid-tier camera, similar to the ones above, and not low-end. While the X-E4 sits at the bottom, it is actually my top recommendation, with one exceptions: If you will be doing a lot of video, the X-E4 has some limitations that the X-T30 II and (especially) the X-S10 do not. Otherwise, my best suggestion for those in the market for their first Fujifilm camera is the X-E4. The camera isn’t perfect (you can read my review of the X-E4 here), and perhaps Fujifilm went slightly too minimalistic with it, but it is a pretty darn good option, and an excellent choice for someone wanting an uncomplicated camera that will grow with them as they become better and more experienced. The X-E4 retails body-only for $850, or $1,050 when bundled with the Fujinon 27mm lens.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X-E4 camera if: – You want the cheapest mid-range retro-styled Fujifilm model. – You want an uncomplicated option.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X-E4 camera if: – You will be primarily using it for video. – You think you’ll want a lot of programable buttons and dials.
Obviously, if this will be your first Fujifilm camera and you are on a tight budget, you are going to need a lens—a body-only option won’t likely be your best bet, as you will want a lens bundle. Unfortunately, the X-T30 II bundled with the 15-45mm is the only option if you don’t want to spend more than $1,000. The 15-45mm lens is decent enough for a cheap zoom, but there’s a reason it only costs $100 (when bundled). Also, the X-T30 II isn’t out yet, although you can preorder it if you don’t mind waiting. Your next best bet is the X-E4 bundled with the (excellent) 27mm f/2.8, which is $1,050. The rest of the bundles are $1,300-$1,500, which very well might be above your budget.
If these prices are outside of what you can afford, you might consider a used camera, perhaps an X-Trans II or X-Trans III model. Something like the X-T1, X100F, X-E3, X-T20, or a number of other older cameras are good options. The used route is a good way to get into the system without breaking the bank.
If, by chance, you can afford a $1,400 camera, I have one more recommendation for you.
Fujifilm X100V
The Fujifilm X100V is my “desert island” model—if I could only have one camera, it would be this! I love mine (you can read my review of the X100V here), as it’s such an excellent camera. The X100V has a fixed lens, so you don’t need to go out and buy one, although the lack of interchangeable capability is a limitation you’ll have to consider carefully. Of all of the cameras in this list, the X100V would be considered the most “premium” of the group. The camera retails for $1,400.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X100V camera if: – You want the most enjoyable Fujifilm experience. – You want a compact option.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X100V camera if: – You have a limited budget. – You don’t think you’d like the limitation of a fixed lens.
All Fujifilm X cameras have a feature called Film Simulation Bracket. Select three different film simulations, and the camera will process each exposure as three different images using whichever film simulations you selected. Unfortunately, with Film Simulation Bracket, you cannot change any other parameter, only the film simulation. This means that the camera will not apply three different film simulation recipes. When Fujifilm designed this feature, I’m sure that they were unaware of how people would be using their cameras, and Film Simulation Bracket definitely demonstrates that. Instead of what it is, it should be Custom Preset Bracket—you pick three different C1-C7 presets, and the camera will generate an image using each with every exposure. That would be amazing! But, sadly, that’s not an option. I’ve never really liked or used Film Simulation Bracket until recently, and I discovered that it can sometimes be a useful tool.
In this article we will look at what Film Simulation Bracket is, how to use it, and when it is a useful feature.
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In my article No Edit Photography: 7 Tips To Get The Film Look From Your Digital Photos, I suggested that you should sometimes use diffusion filters (Tip 3) in order to better achieve an analog aesthetic. In that article I stated, “You want the effect to be subtle.” I think that’s generally good advice, as in most circumstances subtleness will get you the best results. But what happens when you ignore the “rules” and get crazy? What happens when you use multiple diffusion filters together in order to get a bold effect? This article will explore those questions, and hopefully it will inspire you to do your own experiments with diffusion filters.
Ready to get crazy?
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I love getting an analog aesthetic right out of camera! Fujifilm X cameras offer many great tools to get film-like results straight-out-of-camera without the need to edit. By adjusting the JPEG parameters, you can create various looks that I call film simulation recipes—I have published nearly 200 of them! These settings save you time, simplify the photographic process, and make capturing pictures even more enjoyable.
“By making it possible for the photographer to observe his work and his subject simultaneously,” wrote Edwin H. Land, co-founder of Polaroid, “and by removing most of the manipulative barriers between the photographer and the photograph, it is hoped that many of the satisfactions of working in the early arts can be brought to a new group of photographers.”
Ansel Adams called it One-Step Photography, and added, “The effect of one-step processing on both amateur and professional creative photography has been revolutionary. As with all art forms, we must accept the limitations of the medium as well as revel in the advantages.”
Land and Adams were specifically talking about Polaroid pictures, but I think it applies similarly to Fujifilm X cameras and film simulation recipes. The “manipulative barriers between the photographer and the photograph” have been removed! Now you just have to decide which recipe you want to use, like picking which film to load, and start creating, without worrying about how you’re going to later manipulate the pictures, because the straight-out-of-camera pictures are pretty darn good, and don’t require manipulation. Sure, edit if you want—there’s nothing wrong with that—but you don’t have to if you don’t want to, and there’s nothing wrong with that, either. Ansel Adams called it “revolutionary” and said to “revel in the advantages.” There’s freedom in this.
All of the pictures in this article are unedited (except for perhaps some minor cropping) straight-out-of-camera JPEGs that I recently captured using a Fujifilm X camera and a film simulation recipe.
Soon you’re going to see more content published on the Fuji X Weekly blog. I usually post between 15 and 25 articles each month, but soon there’ll be even more than that. Shortly I’ll be typing with increased fervor!
As you might know, I’m not sponsored by anyone. Fujifilm doesn’t sponsor this website, nor does B&H, KEH, or anybody else. I don’t get paid for the content that I publish, other than a little ad revenue, which isn’t much and barely covers the expenses of web hosting and such. Going forward I’m taking a different approach, which I hope makes sense to you.
Very soon I will be launching the Fuji X Weekly Creative Collective. The Creative Collective is a bonus-content subscription, where you’ll have access to extra articles. What kind of content will be a part of the Creative Collective? These articles will largely be exercises in creativity. They’ll be experiments, focused on trying new things, and they’ll be invitations for you to do it, too. We will dive deeper into settings and techniques. We’ll go down some rabbit holes just to see where they go. This will be a journey, and it will be interesting to see what we discover together. Whether you are an experienced Fujifilm shooter or brand-new to photography, there will be something for everyone. If you want to adventure with me on this, the Fuji X Weekly Creative Collective will be only $2 (USD) per month.
I’m going to continue to publish 15 to 25 posts each month, which will be available free to everyone—this includes film simulation recipes, and much of the other content that you expect to find here. The additional articles will be for Creative Collective subscribers only as bonus content. If you don’t subscribe, not much changes for you. If you do subscribe, there’s going to be even more Fuji X Weekly articles for you to enjoy. Additional details coming soon, so stay tuned!
Light on the Rock – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Ferrania Solaris FG 400”
Ferrania is an Italian film manufacturer that’s been making photographic film since the 1920’s. For a long time they were owned by 3M. They were perhaps best known for producing films for “generic” brands, but they also had their own products that they sold. One Ferrania brand line was called Solaris, a color negative emulsion available in ISO 100, 200, and 400 varieties. The history of the Solaris line is a little vague. There have been a number of different versions produced from perhaps the 1980’s until very recently, and some of these had significantly different aesthetics. This recipe seems to be close to Ferrania Solaris FG 400, which was sold in the late-1990’s and early-2000s. It was known for having a lot of contrast (for a color negative film), low saturation, and a slight warm cast (a bit unusual for a European film). Ferrania Solaris FG 400 Plus, which came out later, definitely had a different look (more similar to Superia), and this recipe is not a close match for that emulsion.
I didn’t set out to mimic the look of Ferrania Solaris FG 400—it just so happens to look like it. This recipe is actually Kodak Portra 400 v2 (and also Vintage Vibes) except with the Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation (instead of Classic Chrome and Classic Negative, respectively). Those two recipes are personal favorites, so it’s not too surprising that simply changing the film simulation produces good results. This recipe does a good job of (unintentionally) mimicking Ferrania Solaris FG 400, but one flaw is that it’s a bit too warm (compared to the film), and it’s more like shooting the film with a warming filter attached to the lens (a common technique when shooting film).
Bike in the Steely Sky – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Because this recipe uses the Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation, it’s only compatible with the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras. As a reminder, Clarity slows the camera down considerably, as it takes a noticeable moment to save the exposure to the card. You could, alternatively, instead of Clarity, use a diffusion filter, such as the 5% CineBloom filter or 1/8 Black Pro Mist, with this recipe.
Eterna Bleach Bypass Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: 0 Shadow: -2 Color: +2 Noise Reduction: -4 Sharpening: -2 Clarity: -2 Grain Effect: Strong, Small Color Chrome Effect: Strong Color Chrome Effect Blue: Weak White Balance: 5200K, +1 Red & -6 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this new Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:
Wet Berries 1 – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Wet Berries 2 – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
BrightLeaves in a Dark Forest – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Pumpkin & Stem – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Leaves Around A Tree – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Leaves of Autumn – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Dead Leaf – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Blackberry Bush Under Tree Trunks – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Heart of Nature – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Girl in the Forest – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Girl with Pumpkin Head – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Plant on Books – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Shelf Decor – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Clouds Around The Mountain – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Hill & Storm – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Francis Peak Peeking – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
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One benefit of becoming a Fuji X Weekly App Patron is that you get early-access to some new film simulation recipes. There are, of course, a number of reasons why you should become a Fuji X Weekly Patron, including Early-Access Recipes—perhaps the best benefit might be the ability to quickly and easily find the recipes that are compatible with your camera. The best App experience is reserved for Patrons.
Currently there are 10 Early Access Recipes on the App. Right now these recipes are only available to Patrons, but they will eventually become free to everyone as new Early-Access Recipes replace them. Several are due to be replaced soon, so this list will probably look significantly different before the end of the year.
Let’s take a look at the current 10 Patron Early-Access Recipes!
This recipe is intended to resemble CineStill 800T film, which is Tungsten balanced. Film can have many different aesthetics, depending on how it’s shot, developed, scanned or printed, and viewed, and this recipe is modeled after one particular look from this film. It’s good for night photography, but can produce interesting results in other light conditions.
Snow on the Stormy Mountain – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Empty Harmons Fuel Stop – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Ready To Go Nowhere – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
This is essentially the same CineStill 800T recipe above, but adapted for use on the X-Pro3 and X100V cameras. They’re nearly identical, yet very subtly different. Those with an X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II camera can use it, too, and you get to decide if you like this recipe or the one above better.
This recipe resembles expired Kodacolor VR film. This film dates back to the early 1980’s, and is a predecessor to ColorPlus 200. A great option for a vintage analog aesthetic.
Inside City Creek – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Stones & Glass Ceiling – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
I described this one as an “artist’s recipe” because it produces a look similar to famed Hudson River School painter Albert Bierstadt, particularly his Yosemite paintings. It’s one of my absolute favorites!
Sentinel & Merced – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X100V
Yosemite Creek – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X100V
El Cap & Merced – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X100V
This recipe was modeled after some old photographs that someone shared with me. In the right conditions it can produce incredibly excellent vintage results.
Vintage Berries – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V
Water Tower – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X100V
Suburban Reed Evening – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V
The name is not a typo. Nor is there a film called “Porto 200.” But there is an X-Trans II recipe called Porto 200 (named after Porto, Portugal), and this is an adaptation of it for X-Trans III plus X-T3 and X-T30 cameras.
Golden Oak – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Agfa Optima 200
In the SOOC live video series, Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry and I discuss, among other things, film simulation recipes. If you’ve never watched an episode, we introduce a recipe to shoot with, inviting you to use it and share your pictures. In the last video (which you’ll find at the bottom of this article, in case you missed it), we announced that Agfa Optima 200 was the new recipe-of-the-month. Use this recipe, upload your favorite picture (link here) that you used this recipe to capture, and we’ll share it in the next episode! Be sure to submit before November 18th, which is when the next video goes live.
Nathalie and I, of course, don’t just ask you to try a recipe—we use it ourselves, too. This is a journey that we’re on together, all of us. I wanted to share with you a few fall photographs that I recently captured using the Agfa Optima 200 on my Fujifilm X-T30. This recipe isn’t usually my first choice for colorful landscapes, but trying recipes in various situations is a part of the fun of this—there’s a lot to discover! I’m learning along side you, and that’s a great thing about this project. I look forward to seeing on November 18th what you captured with this recipe. See you then!
Red Leaves in the Forest – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Agfa Optima 200
Vine Leaves in Autumn – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Agfa Optima 200
Pop of Color in the Canopy – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Agfa Optima 200
