Back when I shot black-and-white film, I usually used a color filter to manipulate the shades of grey, and for landscape photography the Red filter was my most-used option. You cannot use these filters on your Fujifilm camera, but Fujifilm does provide you with three faux filters: +Y, +R, & +G. These mimic the aesthetic of using a Yellow, Red, or Green filter (sort of). In my opinion, +R doesn’t actually replicate the use of a Red filter very well; it’s more like an Orange filter. This recipe is intended to produce a look more similar to a Red filter on black-and-white film, which means that it will darken blues and lighten reds.
I actually created this “Monochrome Red” Film Simulation Recipe several months back on my Fujifilm X-T1, but that camera has a dirty sensor in need of a cleaning, so I never shared the results. Then I moved, and the X-T1 got packed away for awhile. Just recently I purchased a different X-Trans II camera—an X70—so I plugged this recipe into it and began shooting. This is an excellent option if you are looking for a black-and-white recipe, and is especially good for landscape photography.
The “Monochrome Red” recipe is compatible with all X-Trans II cameras. If you have an X-Trans I or Bayer model, the results will be ever slightly different, but very similar, and you can definitely use it—if you have an X-Pro1 or X-T200 or anything like that, feel free to give this recipe a try.
Monochrome+R
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -1 (Medium-Soft)
Shadow: +2 (Hard)
Sharpness: +1 (Medium-Hard)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Fluorescent 1, -4 Red & +7 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured on my Fujifilm X70 using this “Monochrome Red” Film Simulation Recipe:
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Love this look!!! When can we get a similar one for the IV?
Interesting idea! I think, currently, the Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is probably the most similar (use Monochrome+R).
Simply Awesome I will lock this recipe in for my Xpro3. I will take your Ilford suggestion
The Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is fantastic. I’m sure you will love it!
😀 😀 😀
Very soothing photographs, which is fantastic considering the days there were quite heated. I will apply it for metal shining under the sun : )
Very heated indeed! Understatement of the year, lol! 🤣 Thank you for your kind words 😀
What is the reason a physical red filter won’t work with a digital camera?
It will work on a monochrome-only sensor, but the way the color array works on color sensors, you end up with a low-contrast muddy image (trust me, I tried). So, you can use the filter, but it doesn’t render anything like it does on B&W film.
Hello there, any plans to make Acros, Ilford HP5 Plus 400, or Tri-X recipes for X-Trans II?
Personally I’d like to see a Tri-X recipe on my X70 😀
I don’t currently. The older cameras have fewer options, which makes it more difficult to replicate certain film stocks. I think HP5 Plus, of those mentioned, is probably the most possible, so that might be something to work on. Thanks for the feedback!
Ah okay, for the time being I’m trying your X-Trans IV HP5 Plus recipe on my X70, I’m using Shade (-2,-7) instead cuz Daylight already being used for Portra. Can’t say for sure how the results are tho, but it’s pretty neat
Well, as long as you like it, that’s what matters most. Thanks for sharing!
How do I set the white balance fluorescent, and -4 red and +7 Blue?
This article might help:
https://fujixweekly.com/2020/08/19/fujifilm-white-balance-shift-what-it-is-how-to-use-it/
“In your camera’s Menu select White Balance. Once in the White Balance Menu, arrow up or down to whichever White Balance you’d like to use, and then arrow right to adjust the White Balance Shift for that particular White Balance. Select OK to set.”
Note: for cameras older than the X-Pro3, you cannot set and save WB Shift within the C1-C7 Custom Presets.
Also, look for White Balance in your camera’s manual. For example, for the X70, it’s here:
https://fujifilm-dsc.com/en/manual/x70/shooting/white_balance/index.html
This might also help:
https://fujixweekly.com/2022/12/05/which-film-simulation-recipes-when-part-4-x-trans-ii/