Fujifilm has become renown for their Film Simulations. On the latest X and GFX cameras, there are 20 Film Simulations: Provia, Velvia, Astia, Classic Chrome, Reala Ace, PRO Neg. Hi, PRO Neg. Std, Classic Negative, Nostalgic Negative, Eterna, Eterna Bleach Bypass, Acros, Acros +Ye, Acros +R, Acros +G, Monochrome, Monochrome +Ye, Monochrome +R, Monochrome +G, and Sepia. That’s a lot, but of course we always welcome more.
With each new generation, Fujifilm has introduced new Film Simulations. With X-Trans II it was Classic Chrome; X-Trans III saw Acros and Eterna (sort of—just at the very end with the X-H1); Classic Negative and Eterna Bleach Bypass were released within the fourth-generation; and Nostalgic Neg. and Reala Ace are found on fifth-generation models. If the pattern continues, we can expect a new Film Simulation to be introduced at or near the beginning of the sixth-generation (which should be announced within the coming months), followed by another Film Simulation later in the generation.
Just this morning Fujirumors dropped a hint of what the new Film Simulation could be, describing it as having “really deep and strong colors.” My first thought: they’re graduating the Pop Color Advanced Filter to Film Simulation. I’ve been advocating that for a few years now, since Pop Color has some notable similarities to Fortia (a short-lived slide film sold only in Japan with colors more wild than Velvia). Instead of having Pop Color, you’d have the Fortia Film Sim., and of course that also means Advanced Filters would need an update, too. This makes a lot of sense, and is the most likely scenario in my estimation. Pop Color is the only Advanced Filter that I use even remotely regularly, and I wish I could apply the other JPEG options (like Color Chrome Effect, Grain, etc., etc.) to it. The Retro and Expired Film Filters from the Fujifilm X half should be added to Advanced Filters, replacing Pop Color.
But “really deep and strong colors” could mean a lot of things. A Cross Process Film Simulation, which mimics Velvia film developed in C41 chemistry, would certainly meet the description. I used to do this sometimes 15-20 years ago, and it was a lot of fun. I would love to get a similar look straight from my Fujifilm camera. This is another potential Film Simulation that for years now I’ve advocated for, and I hope they someday make.
Aside from those two, what else could it be? An Aerochrome-like Film Simulation that mimics infrared photography without actually being IR (similar to the RNI Aero app) is one possibility. I’d be quite surprised if they did this, but it would be really cool if they did. Maybe something that more-or-less mimics Ektachrome E100VS, which was basically Kodak’s version of Velvia. I doubt it, but you never know. I can’t think of much else that would meet the description. Of course, it could be a poor explanation of the upcoming Film Sim., and it actually won’t have the “deep and strong colors” as I’m imagining. My guesses could be pretty far off, who knows!
What do you hope the next Film Simulation is? Personally, I think one that mimics Fujicolor PRO 400H, including turning pastel with overexposure, would be popular. Maybe a Sensia slide film look? A Film Simulation that resembles Instax? A more contrasty black-and-white option? I’d love to read your ideas in the comments!