On the day when the Nikon Zfc was announced, I placed my preorder for it. I’m a sucker for retro-styled cameras, and I used to shoot with Nikon DSLRs many years ago, so I was very curious about the Zfc. When it arrived I eagerly removed the packaging, and was very soon disappointed. The camera looked beautiful, but was bigger, heavier, and cheaper (as in quality, not price) than I had anticipated, and with questionable design decisions (such as PASM). Still, I put it through its paces, and published an article comparing the Nikon Zfc to Fujifilm cameras, which was more-or-less my review of it. Then I put the Zfc back in the box, which is where it remains today. I might dust it off and give it another chance, or maybe I’ll just sell it—I haven’t yet decided. For certain, I was unimpressed by Nikon’s efforts, and my advice to them would be to try again, but this time don’t be afraid to take the extra steps to give their customers a unique experience. I feel like they had the right idea, but didn’t have the guts to really see it through, and instead produced a mediocre camera dressed in lovely styling—kind of the lipstick-on-a-pig thing, but that’s a little harsher than I mean.
There was one bright spot with the Nikon camera: Picture Control (and the Creative Picture Control subset). While Fujifilm’s Film Simulations are inspired by film, Nikon’s Picture Controls are inspired by feelings and mood. It’s a much different take, and not necessarily better or worse—simply a divergent approach that’s worth noting. Fujifilm infuses an analog soul into their digital images, while Nikon infuses emotions that may or may not be analog-esque into their images. I found this to be intriguing, and I excitedly created some Film Simulation Recipes, which are JPEG camera settings, for it (like I do for Fujifilm cameras)—I crafted 11 Film Simulation Recipes for the Zfc before I boxed it back up.
I never did anything with those recipes, other than store them on my computer. Nobody knew that I had even made them, yet, because of my Zfc article, a number of people have requested that I publish Nikon Z Film Simulation Recipes. I briefly considered making a website and app, like I did for Fujifilm and Ricoh, but decided that I really don’t have the time, energy, or desire to do that, at least for now. Instead, I decided to simply publish those 11 Film Simulation Recipes for Nikon Z in this article—you’ll find them below! These recipes are fully compatible with the Nikon Zfc, Z50, and Z30 (the APS-C models). They are likely also compatible with the full-frame Z cameras—Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II, and Z9—but I’m really not 100% sure, and most likely they’ll render just a little differently—if you have one of those cameras, give it a try and see what happens.
For those who don’t own a Nikon Z camera, you might find the similarities and differences between these and Fujifilm recipes to be fascinating. I hope that those who come to this website for Fujifilm-related articles aren’t too disappointed by this post, but instead find something about it worthwhile. Likely a few of you have both a Fujifilm and Nikon Z camera, so this article should be beneficial to at least a handful of people. If it is, let me know in the comments! Also, if there’s a certain recipe in this list that you are drawn to, let me know!
Nostalgic Print
Resembles the aesthetic of classic Kodak prints that have been stored in a box for many years.
Picture Control: Dream
Effect Level: 90
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: -0.50
Mid-Range Sharpening: -2.00
Clarity: -4.00
Contrast: +3.00
Saturation: -2.00
Active D-Lighting: Normal
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Natural Light Auto
WB Adjust: B2.0 G0.5
ISO: up to 3200
Silver Slide
Some similarities to color transparency film with the bleach step reduced (but not skipped).
Picture Control: Dramatic
Effect Level: 70
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: +2.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: +1.00
Clarity: +1.00
Contrast: -1.00
Saturation: +3.00
Active D-Lighting: High
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Direct Sunlight
WB Adjust: A3.0 M1.0
ISO: up to 3200
Weekend Negative
Inspired by inexpensive consumer-grade color negative film, printed at the one-hour lab.
Picture Control: Sunday
Effect Level: 60
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: -2.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: 0.00
Clarity: +3.00
Contrast: +1.00
Saturation: -3.00
Active D-Lighting: Normal
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: 6500K
WB Adjust: A/B0.0 G2.0
ISO: up to 3200
Tungsten Dawn
Great for mixed light situations, with some similarities to Tungsten film—also, great for toning down the intensity of warm “golden hour” light.
Picture Control: Morning
Effect Level: 70
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: -2.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: +2.00
Clarity: -2.00
Contrast: +1.00
Saturation: +2.00
Active D-Lighting: High
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Day White Fluorescent
WB Adjust: A2.0 M1.0
ISO: up to 3200
Fujichrome
Color palette reminiscent of Fujichrome Astia but with vibrancy more similar to Fujichrome Provia.
Picture Control: Somber
Effect Level: 90
Quick Sharp: -2.00
Sharpening: 0.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: 0.00
Clarity: -3.00
Contrast: -3.00
Saturation: +1.00
Active D-Lighting: Extra High
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Direct Sunlight
WB Adjust: A2.0 M1.25
ISO: up to 3200
Classic Slide
Some similarities to Kodak Elite Chrome emulsions.
Picture Control: Pop
Effect Level: 30
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: 0.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: +1.00
Clarity: +2.00
Contrast: +1.00
Saturation: -2.00
Active D-Lighting: Normal
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: 5200K
WB Adjust: A/B0.0 M0.75
ISO: up to 3200
CineFilm
Resembles the aesthetic of low-saturation cinema film.
Picture Control: Silence
Effect Level: 70
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: +1.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: +2.00
Clarity: -2.00
Contrast: +1.00
Saturation: +3.00
Active D-Lighting: Auto
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Auto (0) Keep White
WB Adjust: A5.0 M0.50
ISO: up to 3200
Cinema Color
Produces a cinematic filmic look.
Picture Control: Bleached
Effect Level: 60
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: +2.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: +1.00
Clarity: -3.00
Contrast: -1.00
Saturation: +3.00
Active D-Lighting: High
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Direct Sunlight
WB Adjust: A5.0 M1.00
ISO: up to 3200
Vintage Color
Reminiscent of color pictures from the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Picture Control: Melancholic
Effect Level: 90
Quick Sharp: -1.00
Sharpening: +1.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: 0.00
Clarity: -2.00
Contrast: +1.00
Saturation: -1.00
Active D-Lighting: Normal
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Daylight Fluorescent
WB Adjust: A3.0 G2.25
ISO: up to 3200
Analog Film
Resembles classic negative print aesthetic, particularly underexposed frames.
Picture Control: Pure
Effect Level: 80
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: -1.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: 0.00
Clarity: +2.00
Contrast: +1.00
Saturation: +3.00
Active D-Lighting: Low
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Auto (1) Keep Overall Atmosphere
WB Adjust: A3.0 G0.50
ISO: up to 3200
Aged Analog
Similarities to color negative film prints that have aged and slightly discolored.
Picture Control: Denim
Effect Level: 80
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: +2.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: +1.00
Clarity: -2.00
Contrast: +1.00
Saturation: -2.00
Active D-Lighting: Low
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Direct Sunlight
WB Adjust: A4.0 G0.50
ISO: up to 3200
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Nikon Zfc Amazon B&H
Nikon Zfc + 28mm f/2.8 Amazon B&H
Nikon Zfc + 16-50mm Amazon B&H
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It is a nice looking camera, but nothing about it inspires me to purchase it over a Fuji. You took some fantastic looking photos with it though!
Thanks! I’d definitely choose Fujifilm over it.
These recipes feel your handwriting)))
Thank you!
“If they ever tell my story let them say that I walked with giants. Men rise and fall like the winter wheat, but these names will never die. Let them say I lived in the time of Ritchie, tamer of cameras.”
It is amazing (but absolutely believable considering your work), it is another camera, another brand, and you get to extract from it very specific renderings, Fujichrome feels to me quite accurate, my favorite is Classic Slide. When I think in Nikons I feel the photographer that makes me think more in it is Steve McCurry, in fact I purchased a Sony R1 because he was in the advertisement x) Said that I think the only weak part is the lens, it looks technically sharp, very professional; but it looks too neutral, without character. I am not a Nikon user but I think a lens like their Nikkor 58mm f1.4 G would add that small I-don’t-know-what which would turn the photos even more unique. Or maybe I am biased and my eyes see Nikon always quite neutral.
Lol!! Love it! The lens is definitely the weakness. If I try again, it will be with different glass, and not the 28mm.
I love Fuji and have the Xpro3 as my everyday carry. Prior to that I used my Nikon Z 50 (which I still have). I always wished for similar recipes for Nikon. OMG ! You made it happen! I love my z50 with my Voigtlander 40mm | f2 and 58mm | f1.4. This is going to Be amazing 🤩. I will say the Nikon z50 truly is an underrated camera … not sexy but put some good glass on it like the Z 24-70| 2.8S and the images will sing! Can’t wait to try your offering👊🏾💪🏿
I think that 28mm lens is the weak point. If I try the camera again, it will be different glass. Thanks for your comment!
Maybe some vintage lenses with adapter, as I will do it soon 😉
I ended up using a TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4, and that was much better. Vintage lenses would be another great option.
https://fujixweekly.com/2022/07/16/i-got-it-wrong-how-to-use-the-nikon-zfc-the-right-way/
When Nikon release the Df in 2014 I was so excited for a full-frame retro styled DSLR experience. A few months after release I rented one for a weekend. I was disappointed.
The Df was released with the same full-frame sensor as the one used in the ageing Nikon D4. It’s limited to 16 megapixel and was released at a time when many higher end camera had 20 megapixel sensors. It is bulky and heavy. I think the Zfc is similarly disappointing.
But even if it was more like the Fuji X-Tx series I still wouldn’t buy one. In the 12 years I was Nikon shooter Nikon released may one firmware update for the cameras I owned.
I should spellcheck what I type on my iPad. 😂
I don’t even remember ever hearing the words “firmware update” when I shot Nikon DSLRs….
Odd that. They’ve released (multiple) firmware for every DSLR imaginable… Maybe you use a modern yet retro 90s browser who’s java simulation intentionally underexposed google search results? 😉 ;P
I looked back because of this comment and found a couple interesting things. My first DSLR apparently had one firmware update released while I owned it (which improved the accuracy of the battery life indicator). My second DSLR did not have a single firmware update released while I owned it. I think, back then, firmware updates were pretty exclusively released to fix flaws or add compatibility with new lenses, so if your camera didn’t have any flaws (or you were unaware of the flaw, like with my battery life indicator) or you didn’t buy that newly released lens, there was no reason to update the firmware. So I can see how one could “slip through the cracks” on firmware. As I looked back, I discovered that I had been in digital photography for several years before the first “significant” firmware was released on a camera that I owned (by this time, my 4th digital camera)… but I never knew about it—I suppose because I wasn’t on photo forums or searching for such a thing. I do remember when I was about to buy my first Fujifilm camera, an X-E1, that I read in an article to make sure that the firmware was updated. I didn’t even know what the word meant (I knew software and hardware, but not firmware), so I had to Google it to even know. Will Rogers said, “Everyone is ignorant, only on different subjects.” Before I purchased a Fujifilm camera, firmware was a subject that I was ignorant on.
The Zfc looks really interesting, especially considering the availabiility of these custom film simulations. Nikonpc.com contains plenty of them.
I never tried the Nikonpc stuff because it involves downloading files, adding them to an SD Card, etc., almost a similar hassle to updating firmware. It doesn’t seem especially convenient or intuitive, and maybe that’s why it hasn’t really “caught on” so to speak. I was just with seven Nikon shooters, and only one of them had ever heard of it (but never tried). Ask seven Fujifilm shooters, and even if they don’t use Recipes, likely every single one has at least heard of them. I appreciate the comment!
This is great, thank you! Just loaded a few onto the Nikon and it was super easy. Love this website, so simple yet so effective. Any other sources?
That’s certainly not the case lately. About a year ago they even released a firmware for a 9ish year old camera.
Hey there, been lurking this blog for half a year since I got my Fuji X-S10 and first of all, thank you for providing so many recipes and a great place to learn more about them, you’ve really helped me in my transition to the Fuji system. 🙂
I don’t quite have the hang of creating my own simulations yet, but while these are for Nikon-Z cameras, do you think the simulations of CineColor, CinemaFilm, Aged Print and Vintage could also work on a Fuji camera? They all offer a kind of aesthetic I would enjoy in my photos and I often feel the Fuji simulations tend to focus on warmth a bit too much.
Thanks for any input and keep it up, you’ve created an awesome info resource here. Best wishes from Germany 🙂
CineFilm could be replicated with Eterna, Cinema Color with Eterna Bleach Bypass, Aged Analog… I don’t think you could replicate that blue shadow, and Vintage Color… it might be possible, but my initial feeling is that there isn’t a current film simulation with that color palette. I appreciate your comment!
Can do you do the same recipes of fuji for Nikon Z?
It’s a different philosophy (and color science…), but there might be a little crossover here and there. Mostly it’s different aesthetics from each brand.
Richie, I had one of those Nikon ZFc’s on order, but I got tired of waiting for it and cancelled it. After reading your article I’m glad I did. Sounds like the Z-50 is a better camera. I had one of those as well, and liked it, but sold it and my Z-6II when I went all in on Fuji. Not sorry I did. I love my X-Pro2 and my X-E3 cameras! Recently picked up the XF 16-80mm and XF 70-300mm lenses and wow, they’re terrific. I still like the light weight of my little primes, but for zoom lenses these two are surprisingly sharp!
I think going all-Fuji was a solid decision. Thanks for the input!
Hello Ritchie, you know that I appreciate all your efforts and good work. So this is not a personal remark. I think all these pictures are really flat and without depth. Is this the trademark of Nikon or am I spoiled by Fuji-colours…?
I think it might be largely due to the 28mm lens, which is surprisingly mediocre. I think the sensor and (especially) processor might also be to blame, but mostly I believe it’s the lens.
Thank you very much for the work you have done.
I have both Nikon and Fujifilm cameras. It will be very interesting to look at all the settings. It will be great if there are people who are also interested in settings for Nikon Z
Awesome!
Thank you very, very much for the Nikon recipes. I am using both Fuji and Nikon (Z-fc) and I will be very glad to try it out !
Awesome!
Hello Ritchie, I cannot find the download link below the article as mentioned. I already donated and still not appearing any option to download the 11 film recipes. Am I missing something? Looking forward for your reply. Regards !
There’s nothing to download. They’re all within the article itself. For example, the Nostalgic Print recipe is this:
Picture Control: Dream
Effect Level: 90
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: -0.50
Mid-Range Sharpening: -2.00
Clarity: -4.00
Contrast: +3.00
Saturation: -2.00
Active D-Lighting: Normal
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Natural Light Auto
WB Adjust: B2.0 G0.5
ISO: up to 3200
You can find all 11 within the article for free.
If you want to download the article as a PDF, it’s pretty easy, just follow the direction in this article:
https://smallpdf.com/blog/save-webpage-as-pdf
Hello Again Ritchie,
Really sorry for my lapse I have totally misread the text before.
Also, thank you for the prompt reply and most important really appreciate for the film recipes.
Great job,
Kind Regards !
Thanks for your kindness!
Hi Ritchie,
Can you add recipes directly in camera or only through nikon picture control?
Thanks
Marek
I do it in-camera. On the Zfc it is only one recipe at a time, though (kind of like Fujifilm Bayer cameras).
Has there been an update since this comment to the Zfc firmware allowing for 9 separate slots for custom picture controls? C1 through C9 are there for your use.
I have not updated the firmware, no. If I use it again, I’ll look into that. Thanks for the tip!
HI ; do you think any of these film sims could come close to Classic Chrome ? I love it , it would be great to have a “nikon ,s classic chrome ” . I am a Nikon shooter who happens to own a Fujifilm X 70 . Your work is incredible . Thanks for sharing.
It might be possible. I definitely have to dig deeper into Nikon’s settings. I appreciate the input!
I really hope the Classic Chrome picture control can be achieved. Been trying to get one for years now for my Nikon, but haven’t had success
Man, a Fuji “Classic Chrome” on Nikon would be so cool, I agree with the above poster! Wish I had your eye, great work.
😀 I appreciate your kindness!
Great work! Going to be fun to try out.
Have had a blast trying out both your fuji and ricoh recipes.
Awesome! 🙂
Hi Ritchie,
I’m a Nikon and Fuji shooter and I really appreciate your efforts to add a film sim flavour to the Nikon picture controls!!! Sadly, customizing the PC’s doesn’t seem to create the same buzz in the Nikon user community compared to the Fuji community, even though there are quite a few customization options, the capability to save different PCs and the presence of software (NX Studio) which allows you to tweak PC settings and then load them into your camera. Are you aware of the browser app developed by a third party that has a whole host of PCs which emulate different filmstocks and cameras? You can test them out with sample photos and adjust the settings (https://nikonpc.com/) .
I’ve been using Omar Gonzales’ “recipe” for Nikon Noir on my Z&ii and actually prefer the SOOC results over Acros on my X-T4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn3xpKTcbNM).
I’m looking forward to your ongoing efforts to add more Nikon “film sims” and I’m especially interested in how you might try to approximate the Fuji Classic Chrome look on your Zfc. BTW, I totally agree with your assessment of the limitations of the Zfc. I’m actually quite disappointed with Nikon’s efforts (even though I have a Zfc). To me, the Nikon df camera was a much more robust and serious attempt at creating a vintage feel with a digital camera.
Thanks again for all of your efforts–for both Fuji and Nikon shooters.
I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness!
I’m aware of nikonpc and think it’s a wonderful resource—something for Nikon shooters to celebrate—but I’ve never tried it myself. It’s my understanding that you have to download a file onto your SD-card and transfer it to the camera. I’ve actually cut out the computer from my photographic workflow (which has been amazing, btw—I should have done it sooner), and so if I can’t do something completely in-camera, I don’t do it at all. It’s a limitation that I have imposed upon myself… I wouldn’t expect others to do it. I appreciate the tip, though. 😀
I do follow Omar but I typically don’t watch his non-Fujifilm videos, so I’ll give that one a watch today. Thanks!
I’m not sure how far I’ll go with the Nikon film simulations. I’m still contemplating selling the Zfc. It just doesn’t seem to fit well for me—I haven’t figured out the benefit of keeping it, other than being too lazy to list it. So it’s more like: since I have it I might as well use it occasionally. But that can’t go on indefinitely, so I need to figure out where it fits or part ways. And if I part ways, that will be the end of my venture into Nikon recipes. If I do keep it, I’ll remember your suggestion for sure—I appreciate the input!
Thanks again!
These are really cool. Do you ever create recipes like this for RAW image editors like Lightroom? I really like the way that the Vintage Color and Nostalgic Print photos came out.
I don’t. I did partner with one of the top experts in photo editing software with the intention of doing that, but it didn’t work out for several reasons. One was that it matters how the picture was captured—the JPEG settings—because the software will apply some of those settings to the RAW… even if you disable that feature, it doesn’t disable everything. That means a Lightroom preset doesn’t look the same for everyone, the outcome is dependent on several factors, such as camera used and the settings programmed into that camera. It is impossible to get consistent results for everyone. With SOOC JPEGs, the results are highly consistent, and there’s no need to even use photo-editing software or even a computer.
I’m starting with my Zfc and these recipes are really great. Thank you very much!
You are welcome!
I just got my hands on a ZFC, and a friend recommended I check out this page! Excited to try things out, but I am confused about if I can save the following settings for each sim or if I have to change these manually with each recipe.
Active D-Lighting
High ISO NR
White Balance
WB Adjust
Yes, those need to be adjusted as necessary when you change Recipes. On the ZFC, I feel it’s best to shoot with just one Recipe for a given time or situation. I hope that makes sense.
Sure does. I appreciate the response and have bookmarked this page on my phone!
Hi , Ive just switched from fuji x-t2 to Nikon z-fc (budget constraints for a new camera !)and I miss the classic chrome… I see you mentioned above you might get chance to see if thats possible on the Nikon ? p.s if you ever do find the mojo for a Nikon z-fc recipe page Id subscribe !
Probably won’t be any new Nikon Recipes, but I appreciate the enthusiasm 😀
Hi Ritchie- Which of these settings if any is closest to the Fujifilm Velvia setting?
None are really like Velvia, but Fujichrome is the closest.
Thanks for this good and informative article. I have a Nikon zfc and have enjoyed using it. I often retouch photos using NXStudio. I’ll try these recipes for different looks.
You are welcome!
Hey Ritchie, just wanna let you know that I’m just new to the hobby. And even tho I wanted a fuji so badly, I couldn’t get one because stock is hard to get and second hand is insanely expensive. Had no choice but to get the z fc just to scratch the itch. I loved the look of the z fc but i knew deep down that i was gonna miss out on the fujifilm experience. Film simulations and the community’s creative framing and composition are what’s lacking in the nikon community.
When the timing is right, I’m definitely gonna get myself my dream fuji. Hopefully the x100 but for now, i just wanna thank you for creating these recipes. It’s just what i needed.
I’ll just need to get a prime lens and some glimmerglass for that extra oomph!
I wanted a Fuji when the original X100, X-Pro1, and X-E1 were brand new. I’d see them in magazines and drool. It wasn’t until years later that I was able to afford a used model. You’ll get there eventually.
Strangely enough, these feel more like film than anything from fuji, which just looks digital with a thin veneer of “film” vibes attached to it.
“Fujichrome” and “Aged Analog”!, maybe also “Analog Film”. For the rest, Nikon needs an X-Trans sensor, or a much better jpeg tuning engine.
Yeah, it is clear to me that Fujifilm has invested more into their JPEG processor than Nikon has. Doesn’t mean the results can’t or won’t be good, just that there is a difference. Nikon also has a divergent approach to their profiles.
Hey there,
Having trouble understanding what the WB adjust setting is? I’m a camera newbie, but I managed to adjust the other settings to create the presets.
Do you mind giving me a breakdown of the WB adjust setting?
For the Nikon Zfc, you’ll want to look at pages 155-156 of the Owner’s Manual. It’s called “Fine Tuning White Balance” and it says (when in the White Balance menu) to press the down arrow when a WB is highlighted to fine tune it. I hope this helps!