Aerochrome v2 | FUJI X WEEKLY

Aerochrome v2 — Fujifilm X-T3/X-T30 Full Spectrum Infrared Film Simulation Recipe

*Red Coast* – Fort Bragg, CA – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – This new Aerochrome v2 Recipe

Last year, I started my infrared photography journey when I purchased a Fujifilm X-T4 ES full-spectrum IR camera. Since then, I’ve published seven infrared Film Simulation Recipes for the X-T4 ES, which can also be used on full-spectrum converted X-Trans IV (except the X-T3 & X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras. You must have a full-spectrum model to use these Recipes, which requires an expensive and invasive procedure from a third-party vendor; otherwise, the X-T4 ES (“Extended Spectrum”) is a full-spectrum camera briefly offered by Fujifilm to the general public (it’s very difficult to find, but in my opinion totally worth owning). If you have a “normal” (non-converted) camera, these Recipes will not work.

One camera that people have commonly converted (as common as it gets, anyway) is the Fujifilm X-T3. While the X-T3 is X-Trans IV, it has JPEG options more similar to X-Trans III—it’s missing some that are available on later X-Trans IV models. Because of this, my seven infrared Recipes won’t work on a full-spectrum converted X-T3 or X-T30. Dan Allan has a full-spectrum X-T3, and he really wanted to use my Aerochrome v2 Recipe, so he modified it to be compatible with his camera. It’s not 100% the same, but pretty close, and quite nice. Those with a full-spectrum converted X-T3 or X-T30 can now join the infrared Recipe fun!

Above Left: Original Fujifilm X-T4 ES Aerochrome v2 Recipe; Above Right: This new Aerochrome v2 Recipe for the X-T3/X-T30.

Dan was kind to share his modification with me (and all of you), and also allowed me to publish his wonderful photos in this article, which you’ll find below (thank you, Dan!). If you have an X-Trans III full-spectrum model, this Recipe will work by ignoring Color Chrome Effect, but it will render a little different (feel free to try, though). If you have a Fujifilm X-T4 ES—or an X-Trans IV (other than the X-T3 & X-T30) or X-Trans V camera that has been full-spectrum modified—this Recipe will work by choosing Grain size Small, Color Chrome FX Blue set to Off, and Clarity set to 0. Depending on your preferences, you might actually like this version a bit better. The blue sky is the most obvious difference (interestingly, it seems slightly less divergent in Dan’s pictures than in the set above), but there are other more subtle variances; however, the overall vibe is the same between the original Aerochrome V2 Recipe and the new version. This Recipe requires three filters: Kolari Vision IR Chrome filter, Hoya G(XO) Yellow-Green filter and Tiffen Yellow 2 #8 filter. The IR Chrome filter is intended for infrared photography, while the Yellow-Green and Yellow filters are for B&W film. I’m not sure if the order matters, but I have the Yellow filter first (closest to the lens), the IR Chrome next, and the Yellow-Green last (furthest from the lens).

Edit: Dan informed me that he has the IR Chrome filter first (closest to the lens), followed by the G(XO), and then the Yellow 2 #8 (furthest from the lens). He isn’t sure if the order matters, but it might. He also wanted to mention that his conversion was with Kolari, with their anti-reflection glass, which might have a minimal impact on the outcome vs the X-T4 ES.

Filters: Kolari Vision IR Chrome, Hoya G(XO) Yellow-Green & Tiffen Yellow 2 #8
Film Simulation: Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
White Balance: 5000K, +7 Red & +7 Blue
Highlight: +2
Shadow: 0
Color: +4
Sharpness: 0
High ISO NR: -4
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured by Dan Allen using this Aerochrome v2 Film Simulation Recipe on his full-spectrum converted Fujifilm X-T3:

*Full-Spectrum Fujifilm X-T3 & Aerochrome v2 Recipe — Photo by Dan Allen*

Find this Aerochrome v2 and other IR Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App, available for both Android and Apple.

See Beyond the Visible with Infrared Photography

Posted on August 12 by Ritchie Roesch

*Pacific Vista* – Elk, CA – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – Aerochrome v2

I’ve been asked about infrared photography quite a bit lately, especially after sharing pictures captured with my full-spectrum Fujifilm X-T4 ES and the Aerochrome v2 Film Simulation Recipe on Instagram. Infrared is a fascinating genre of photography because it allows you to See Beyond the Visible™ (someone should trademark that…) by capturing light that your eyes can’t see. The results can be stunning and surreal. It’s definitely abstract, but in the best way possible.

Infrared photography is not new. It dates back to the early 1900’s, when special emulsions made it possible to record wavelengths just beyond visible light. At first, infrared film was used primarily for scientific and military purposes. In the 1940s, Kodak developed Aerochrome, a color infrared film designed for aerial reconnaissance. Soldiers could spot camouflaged objects because foliage would render in vivid reds and pinks, while man-made materials appeared in other colors. Artists later adopted Aerochrome for its unique false-color palette, using it to transform ordinary landscapes into psychedelic dreamscapes. Jimi Hendrix Are You Experienced? and Frank Zappa Hot Rats album covers brought infrared photography a bit more into the mainstream in the late-1960’s. While it was always a niche genre, infrared photography became less popular in the 1990’s, forcing Kodak to scale back production of their IR films. The rise of digital cameras was the final nail in the infrared film coffin.

*Bird, Watching* – Bodega Bay, CA – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – Aerochrome v2

Kodak discontinued Aerochrome production in 2009 (they continued to sell their stock for another two years, until they ran out). Nowadays, color infrared film is very difficult to find, and extremely expensive when you do find it. Digital cameras, however, opened up new possibilities. Modern camera sensors are inherently sensitive to infrared light, but an internal filter blocks it. By removing that filter—what’s called a full-spectrum conversion—you can once again see and photograph the invisible. The Fujifilm X-T4 ES (“Extended Spectrum”) is a factory-modified, full-spectrum version of the X-T4, and it’s perfect for exploring infrared photography. B&H had some available for purchase, but you had to inquire either over-the-phone or in-person; however, it’s now listed as discontinued, so they’re likely all sold out.

I have three Aerochrome Recipes for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V full-spectrum infrared cameras: Aerochrome v1, Aerochrome v2, and Aerochrome v3. Each mimics a different possible aesthetic of the film to various degrees. Of the three, Aerochrome v2 is my personal favorite. The Recipe was created specifically for full-spectrum Fujifilm cameras (particularly the X-T4 ES) paired with specific filters—in this case: Kolari Vision IR Chrome, Hoya G(XO) Yellow-Green & Tiffen Yellow 2 #8. It’s intended to replicate the look of Kodak Aerochrome, with pink/red foliage and cyan skies—delivering bold, dreamlike colors. Like all Fuji X Weekly Recipes, the goal is to get the desired aesthetic straight-out-of-camera. No lengthy editing sessions required; just program the settings, attach the right filters, and shoot.

*Pacific Dusk* – Elk, CA – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – Aerochrome v2

I’ve used the Aerochrome v2 Recipe in a variety of locations—from the White Sands National Park in New Mexico to the streets of Philadelphia—and each time I’m amazed at how it transforms a scene. I especially love using it at the coast, which I was doing just last week (and where I photographed the pictures in this article). The way it renders foliage is stunning, and the overall color palette is wonderfully surreal. It’s a creative tool that makes you see the world differently.

If you want to dive deeper into infrared photography, go get yourself a full-spectrum converted camera, or have one you already own converted. The Fuji X Weekly App includes full-spectrum Recipes; in addition to the three Aerochrome options, you’ll find PurpleChrome, Cotton Candy Chrome, and Agfa 400S. Whether you’re chasing the look of discontinued films or just exploring unseen light, there’s likely a Recipe to suit your style; if not, I’m sure I’ll create several more over the coming months and years.

Infrared photography lets you step into a hidden world—one where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. With the right Fujifilm cameras and Film Simulation Recipes, you can experience the excitement of seeing beyond the visible yourself. No channel swaps or extensive edits. You can achieve the look straight-out-of-camera, just like Aerochrome shooters did decades ago… only now, you don’t need a darkroom (or patience as your film is at the lab), just a little curiosity and the right settings.