Astia is named after Fujichrome Astia, a color reversal (slide) film that was known for its low contrast, subdued saturation, and excellent skin tones. It was particularly popular among portrait and fashion photographers; however, the Astia Film Simulation is notably divergent from the film it was named after. What Fujifilm did instead is create what they consider to be an idealized version of Astia, with more vibrant colors and stronger contrast. In other words, it’s what Fujifilm would have made if they could have done so in the film era, but it’s only possible thanks to digital technology (that’s what they’ve said about it, anyway). Astia is particularly well-suited for colorful portraits, but can also be good for landscapes, travel, and everyday photography. Personally, it’s not a Film Simulation that I use often; nevertheless, Astia shouldn’t be overlooked, as it can certainly produce lovely results.
If you are not sure which Astia-based Film Simulation Recipes to try, I’ve got a few suggestions, which you’ll find below. I use these five from time-to-time, and can happily recommend them to you. You can also find many other Astia Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App. Let’s get right to it!
CineStill 400D v2 was collaboratively created by Nestor Pool and myself. This Recipe is good in a lot of scenarios, but I especially love it for golden hour and fall foliage photos. This is probably my favorite Recipe that uses the Astia Film Simulation. CineStill 400D v2 is compatible with all fifth-generation Fujifilm cameras—X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-TM5, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100 II, GFX100S II & GFX100RF—and most fourth-generation models: X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II & GFX100S (just not the X-T3 & X-T30).
Definitely not a Recipe for every subject and situation, but in the right conditions CineStill 400D v1 can produce really striking results. I think it works especially well for partial sunshine, such as a clearing storm. This Recipe is compatible with fifth-generation Fujifilm cameras, which are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF, as well as most fourth-generation models: X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, and GFX100S (just not the X-T3 & X-T30).
3 – Astia Negative
Astia Negative is a contrasty and colorful Recipe with strong blues. It was originally intended to mimic Fujichrome Provia 100F, but ultimately evolved into something different. This Recipe is bold without being over-the-top, and works especially well for sunset photography. Astia Negative is for fifth-generation Fujifilm cameras, which are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF, as well as some fourth-generation models: X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, and GFX100S.
4 – Astia Summer
Astia Summer is one of the 14 Film Dial Recipes, a universal Recipe that works well with all of the various Film Simulations. What I like about Astia Summer is that it is colorful and warm; while it’s not intended to mimic any film emulsion, it does have some vague similarities to Kodak Ektar 100, but it isn’t necessarily a great match for that. This Recipe is excellent for landscape photography, especially in situations where Velvia is too vibrant, and is quite versatile—use it anytime of the day or night. Astia Summer is compatible with fifth-generation Fujifilm cameras, which are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF, as well as some fourth-generation models: X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, and GFX100S.
5 – Astia Azure
Astia Azure is a light-and-bright Recipe with lovely blue skies and a somewhat negative-film-like aesthetic. It isn’t intended to mimic any specific film emulsion, but instead produces pleasing colors with a touch of warmth. It’s especially good for golden hour and blue hour photography, but is versatile enough for everyday use. This Recipe is for fifth-generation Fujifilm cameras, which are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF, as well as some fourth-generation models: X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, and GFX100S.
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