Earlier this year I started a new Film Simulation Recipe series with the intention of customizing each film simulation to be optimized for the aesthetic that Fujifilm intended. In other words, make a nice-looking recipe that is similar to yet better than the stock look of a film simulation. The first recipe in this series is Standard Provia, the second is Improved Velvia, and the third is Everyday Astia. Now it’s time for Classic Chrome!
The problem with creating a Classic Chrome recipe for this series is there is already one that optimizes the aesthetic that Fujifilm intended. It already exists! So the challenge, of course, is to create something similar yet different, and hopefully every bit as good as the “old” recipe. Also, I thought to do it for X-Trans II cameras, which have thus far been left out of this series. I call this recipe “Classic Kodak Chrome” because the Classic Chrome film simulation is supposed to resemble a Kodak aesthetic, and this recipe definitely does. Fujifilm would never call the film simulation Kodak Chrome (even if they had the rights to use the brand name), but that doesn’t prevent me from including the Kodak name in my recipe.
Most X-Trans II cameras have the Classic Chrome film simulation, but not all; this “Classic Kodak Chrome” Film Simulation Recipe is only compatible with those X-Trans II cameras with Classic Chrome, such as the X100T, X-E2, X-E2S, X-T1, X-T10, X30, X70, and XQ2 . Unfortunately, this recipe is not compatible with the X100S, X20, and XQ1, even though they are X-Trans II. Those with Bayer models with Classic Chrome can also use this recipe, although it will render slightly different on those cameras.
Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1 (Medium-Soft)
Shadow: 0 (Standard)
Color: +1 (Medium-High)
Sharpness: 0 (Standard)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Auto, +2 Red & -2 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured on my Fujifilm X70 using this “Classic Kodak Chrome” Film Simulation Recipe:
Comparison
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Looks grrrrrreat! Too bad I can’t use it on an X100S, but I have an X30 (my favourite golden oldie Fuji).
Your youngest boy has grown so fast! The 2 youngest ones are adorable. They both have grown so fast.
I wish Fujifilm had given the X100S Classic Chrome (they still could… hint, hint, Fujifilm).
Thank you for your kindness. The older two are more self-conscious so it’s harder to get them to volunteer to be in pictures anymore. The younger two are less patient with the camera—if you don’t get the shot the first try or maybe two, they’re done, because they’re ready to move onto something else.
I appreciate the comment!
As a X-E2 owner I really love tha t you bought the X70! Thanks for your work! The last three receipes for XTransII are super!
Awesome! Glad that you like them! This one might be my personal favorite.
Live this filmsim. Is it posible on x trans III sensor such as x-t3?
This one is not compatible, but try these recipes:
https://fujixweekly.com/2020/05/10/my-fujifilm-x-t30-kodak-portra-400-film-simulation-recipe/
https://fujixweekly.com/2021/08/17/fujifilm-x-t3-x-t30-film-simulation-recipe-kodak-portra-400-v2/
https://fujixweekly.com/2020/04/03/my-fujifilm-x-t30-kodak-portra-160-film-simulation-recipe/
https://fujixweekly.com/2019/08/02/my-fujifilm-x-t30-kodachrome-64-film-simulation-recipe/
https://fujixweekly.com/2020/04/16/my-fujifilm-x-t30-kodak-gold-200-film-simulation-recipe/
https://fujixweekly.com/2017/08/27/my-fujifilm-x100f-classic-chrome-film-simulation-recipe/
hello, I like your preset, but in your ISO settings I am a little confused, “auto, up to ISO 3200” means in the menu, click on the ISO option, there are three auto auto, is it from these three auto to choose the maximum limit of 3200, or directly set the ISO to 3200?
You can use any of the three Auto ISO presets, just be sure to set the parameters. Also, if you don’t want to use Auto, just set the ISO to what you want it to be, up to ISO 3200.
https://fujifilm-dsc.com/en/manual/x70/menu_shooting/iso/index.html
This recipe is awesome. Is there any chance to get a X-T3 version of this one?
Thanks! It might be possible. In the meantime, I think this one is pretty similar:
https://fujixweekly.com/2017/08/27/my-fujifilm-x100f-classic-chrome-film-simulation-recipe/
For the X-T3, just set Color Chrome Effect to Off.
Hello, between Kodachrome II and Classic Kodak Chrome which do you prefer? Is CKC meant to replace II/64?
Classic Kodak Chrome is meant to be an alternative to Kodachrome II and Kodachrome 64. Not replace them, but simply be another option, since people have different preferences. I like Classic Kodak Chrome the best, but that’s just my tastes, and others might possibly disagree. I hope that makes sense.
Ah I see, thanks! I’ve decided to stick with Kodachrome II for its lower saturation. It looks closest to what my parents used in the early 2000s, though neither of them remember which Kodak stock it was.
I’m so glad to hear that that Recipe works well for you! 😀
Thank you for the awesome work! Will this series continue? I’m really looking forward for classic negative
I had intended it to continue, but paused and lost track of it, I guess. I’m glad that you appreciate it!
Hi Ritchie, I used this recipe on my XT3. I changed the AWB to +3/-3, noise reduction to -4, grain to weak and set exposure compensation to +1/3. Pretty much the same look. You might try it out if you like.
Cheers
Lars
Oh, interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Hello Ritchie, I am new to Fuji. Pardon me for asking a stupid question. May I ask if all of your shots are JPEG direct from the camera without any editing like in lightroom?
Thank you
Yes, straight-out-of-camera JPEGs. I do crop or straighten them when necessary, but otherwise unedited.