3 (More) Nikon Z Film Simulation Recipes

When the Nikon Zfc was announced in 2021, I preordered it, and waited a long time for it to come. When it finally arrived, I pulled the Zfc out of the box and began to use it, and I was quickly disappointed. I said that it was most similar to the Fujifilm X-T200, yet significantly bigger, heavier, and more expensive. Still, I put the camera through its paces, and even created 11 Nikon Z Film Simulation Recipes using the Zfc. Then the camera went back into its box, and I strongly considered selling it.

After months and months of none-use, and after moving to a different state, I decided to give the Zfc one more try, but with a significant modification: I ditched the lousy Nikkor 28mm lens in favor of the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4. Why? Because the TTArtisan lens has an aperture ring, and the Nikkor doesn’t. The TTArtisan lens is better optically than the Nikkor, too—I’m much happier with this setup.

Right now I’m working on my full-review of the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 lens, and that means using it. Initially on my Zfc I was using the recipes that I had already created, but then I decided to make a few new ones—I guess I couldn’t help myself. If you add these three to the 11 others, I now have 14 Film Simulation Recipes for Nikon Z cameras!

Obviously, I made these JPEG recipes on the Zfc, so it will render differently on the full-frame models, but I’m not sure exactly how differently, as I’ve never used a full-frame Z camera. The reports have been positive, though, so I assume that they work well, including on the more expensive bodies—I just have no first-hand experience.

For those who might not know what “Film Simulation Recipes” are, they’re JPEG camera settings that allow you to achieve various looks (mostly analog-inspired) straight-out-of-camera, no editing needed. It can save you a lot of time by simplifying your workflow, and it can make the process of creating photographs more enjoyable.

Vintage Teal

Nikon Zfc — Vintage Teal

Vintage mood with a deep-teal cast.

Picture Control: Sepia
Effect Level: 40
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: +1.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: +2.00
Clarity: -2.00
Contrast: +1.00
Filter Effects: Red

Toning: 7.00
Active D-Lighting: High
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Cloudy
WB Adjust: A1.0 G4.0
ISO: up to 3200

Nikon Zfc — Vintage Teal
Nikon Zfc — Vintage Teal
Nikon Zfc — Vintage Teal
Nikon Zfc — Vintage Teal

Redscale

Nikon Zfc — “Redscale”

Similar to Kodak Gold with the film spooled backwards (redscale).

Picture Control: Red
Effect Level: 50
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: -1.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: 0.00
Clarity: -1.00
Contrast: +2.00
Filter Effects: Green

Toning: 6.00
Active D-Lighting: Normal
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Day White Fluorescent
WB Adjust: B2.0 G4.0
ISO: up to 3200

Nikon Zfc — “Redscale”
Nikon Zfc — “Redscale”
Nikon Zfc — “Redscale”
Nikon Zfc — “Redscale”

Bright Negative

Nikon Zfc — “Bright Negative”

Reminiscent of brightly exposed color negative film.

Picture Control: Melancholic
Effect Level: 100
Quick Sharp: 0.00
Sharpening: 0.00
Mid-Range Sharpening: +1.00
Clarity: -1.00
Contrast: +3.00
Saturation: +3.00
Active D-Lighting: High
High ISO NR: Low
White Balance: Daylight Fluorescent
WB Adjust: A6.0 G6.0
ISO: up to 3200

Nikon Zfc — “Bright Negative”
Nikon Zfc — “Bright Negative”
Nikon Zfc — “Bright Negative”
Nikon Zfc — “Bright Negative”

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
TTArtisans 35mm f/1.4 — Amazon — B&H

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8 comments

  1. outkasted · August 17, 2022

    Thanks again Richie! I will test these out on my Nikon z50. I must say since you have created these recipes I have been using my z50 a LOT more for street photography and pairing it with Voigtlander lenses. Even the kit Z 16-50mm gives very good results depending on the recipe. However I, I paired it with the Nikon Z 24-70 |2.8s and the results were SO SWEET! My Fuji x Pro3 is getting a little jealous.

    • Ritchie Roesch · August 17, 2022

      I’m happy to be helpful.

      I’m a little jealous of your X-Pro3 😀. It was a sad day when I had to send the copy Fujifilm leant me back to them.

  2. outkasted · August 17, 2022

    Totally understand. I’m truly enjoying my small mirrorless kits. Thus I decided to make both cameras as my everyday carry as I purchased a new bag to carry the kit in. I have tons of bags that I used for my pro kit (Dslrs). But moving to mirrorless and slowing down, my everyday carry was my backpack to carry my lunch and books etc… and a smaller bag for my camera gear. I did this for the last couple of years during the pandemic.
    After a while this setup was becoming cumbersome having to carry 2 bags. Long story short I came across a YT video that displayed a new everyday camera bag that did not resemble a camera bag and doubled as an a backpack. I wanted something that was NOT to big but allowed me to carry lunch or other items including my camera gear. Success!

    The Brevitē Jumper answered my call by hitting a home run for its simplicity, style and practicality. It is a light weight bag that fits my everyday needs. It is quite a funky little bag that punches above it weight. The price was NOT the cheapest but its quality is really good. The hardest thing to resist is getting another BREVITE bag for the weekend carry or just for another color!

    Happy in Paradise
    -Robert D.

    • Ritchie Roesch · August 17, 2022

      It’s always great when you discover something that works perfectly for you. That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing. 😀

    • Felipe · December 8, 2022

      how do you add this to thew Z50?

      • Ritchie Roesch · December 9, 2022

        You enter the parameters of a recipe into the Photo Shooting Menu. On the Z50 (the Zfc doesn’t have this), you can program them into recallable banks, but I’m not certain how to do that (I just know that it’s possible).

  3. Thank you for the recipes.
    I’ve got the Z fc few months ago, but not use it too much (because of war, not because I dislike the camera), and I’ve got some disappointing results with 28mm f2.8 too. Somehow my kit 16-50 is sharper and more interesting, than 28mm one, so now I’m thinking about some TTartisan or 7artisans portrait glass for Z fc (like 50 1.2 from TTartisans or 55 1.4 II from 7artisans). But I’m really waiting for the review of 35 1.4, maybe I’ll consider this lens instead.
    Anyway, thank you again! Have a great time.

    • Ritchie Roesch · August 23, 2022

      I’m sorry about what is happening in your part of the world, and I hope you are safe, and peace comes quickly.
      I’m hoping to finish my review of the TTArtisan lens this week, so stay tuned!

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