Classic Chrome film simulation

My Five Favorite Fujifilm Film Simulations

Fujifilm’s Film Simulations are not mere digital filters. Harnessing more than 70 years of knowledge and experience making photographic and cinematic films, Fujifilm set out to infuse their X and GFX cameras with an analog soul. With a combination of complex elements, these Film Simulations provide a wide variety of looks inspired by film or darkroom techniques. There are 20 different Film Simulations on the latest models, and it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. I like some more than others, but which are best is personal—my preferences might be different than yours. For me, five Film Simulations have emerged as iconic, and are my personal favorites. There are others that didn’t make this cut that I also appreciate and use regularly. Each Film Simulation has its moment when it works really well.

My five favorites are Acros, Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Nostalgic Neg., and Reala Ace. We’ll take a look at each of them. I will also recommend a few Film Simulation Recipes, selected for those who want to experience the full power of Fujifilm’s renown JPEG engine. Recipes use the various JPEG parameters made available by Fujifilm to customize the aesthetic of the Film Simulations, producing a variety of looks that are often based off of classic film stocks.

Acros – The Soul of Black & White

Top: Fujifilm GFX100S II & Kodak Tri-X 400; Bottom Left: Fujifilm X-T5 & Kodak T-Max P3200; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X100F & Agfa Scala

Acros is Fujifilm’s crowning achievement in monochrome photography. This Film Simulation replicates the tonal response and grain structure of real panchromatic film. It features smooth gradation, deep blacks, and beautiful highlight roll-off. Acros is unique because Grain is applied algorithmically and varies depending on ISO and exposure, giving it an organic analog-like feel. Fujifilm offers three filter variants: Acros+R (simulates the use of a red filter), Acros+Ye (simulations the use of a yellow filter), and Acros+G (simulates the use of a green filter), further mimicking the tonal rendering of black-and-white film.

This Film Simulation shines in genres where texture and tone are essential, especially street photography, portraits, documentary, and minimalism. Acros is ideal when you want to eliminate the distraction of color and focus purely on light and form. When paired with the right Recipe, it can evoke the gritty spirit of classic film stocks like Tri-X, or deliver a softer tonality for quieter moments. The Acros Recipes below are some of my personal favorites.

Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak T-Max P3200
Agfa Scala

Classic Chrome – A Kodak Aesthetic

Top: GFX100S II & Kodachrome 64; Bottom Left: Fujifilm X100VI & Kodak Portra 400 v2; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X-T4 & Reggie’s Portra

Classic Chrome was modeled after classic photojournalism photographs, and produces a documentary-style look. The reference pictures were emulsions like Kodachrome and Ektachrome. While Fujifilm will never say Kodak, Classic Chrome has a distinctive Kodak-like color palette. With a slightly lower saturation and stronger contrast than many other Film Simulations, it can be used for a bold-yet-somehow-subdued look.

Classic Chrome is great for many genres. It can be adapted for landscapes, portraits, travel, street and urban scenes, or storytelling photography. It’s the most popular Film Simulation for those who use Recipes, and the most iconic Recipes use Classic Chrome as their foundation. Below are the most popular Film Simulation Recipes—not only that use this Film Sim., but out of all Recipes.

Kodachrome 64
Reggie’s Portra
Kodak Portra 400 v2

Classic Negative – Fujicolor Superia Film

Top: Fujifilm X100VI & Fujicolor Superia 800; Bottom Left: Fujifilm X-E4 & Pacific Blues; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X100V & Fujicolor Reala 100

Classic Negative is based on Fujicolor Superia, a line of consumer films known for rich colors and its 4th layer technology, which provided versatility in a variety light situations. It’s a bold Film Simulation with a unique ability: the way it renders is dependent on the brightness of the picture, behaving somewhat similar to the film when overexposed or underexposed—delivering complex, sometimes unpredictable color shifts. Greens can appear silvery, reds can pop or fade depending on the lighting, and skin tones have a nostalgic rendering. The results are reminiscent of pictures found in many photo albums from the 1990’s and early 2000’s.

Classic Negative is especially well suited for snapshots of daily life and family vacations—really, any subject where you want a stylized, analog-inspired aesthetic. It exaggerates contrast in a way that feels emotionally driven, almost like how memory transforms color and mood. It’s one of the most fun Film Simulations to experiment with, and the Recipes built on it often have strong personalities.

Pacific Blues
Fujicolor Superia 800
Fujicolor Reala 100

Nostalgic Neg. – Classic Americana

Top: Fujifilm X-E5 & Kodak Vericolor VPS; Bottom Left: Fujifilm GFX100S II & 1970’s Summer; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X-T50 & Nostalgic Americana

Introduced with the GFX100S and later made available in fifth-generation X-Trans V cameras, Nostalgic Neg. was designed to mimic the aesthetic of New American Color prints from the 1970’s. It was inspired by the works of William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Joel Sternfeld and Richard Misrach, among others. Like Classic Chrome, Nostalgic Neg. has a strong Kodak-like rendering, albeit from a different era. Nostalgic Neg. gives the feeling of looking through an old photo album filled with warm memories, especially prints from the ’60’s and ’70’s.

This Film Simulation excels in storytelling, and is especially great for travel and documentary photography. Nostalgic Neg. is an emotional Film Simulation, and Recipes built on it often lean into the sentimental, creating photos that feel more like visual poetry than true-to-life renderings.

1970’s Summer
Nostalgic Americana
Kodak Vericolor VPS

Reala Ace – Negative for a New Era

Top: Fujifilm X100VI & Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm; Bottom Left: Fujifilm X-E5 & Summer Sun; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X-T50 & Pushed Analog

Reala Ace is the newest Film Simulation in Fujifilm’s lineup. It blends natural color fidelity with enhanced contrast and shadow depth, aiming to strike a balance between documentary realism and artistic expression. The tones are clean and accurate, but never sterile—just enough pop to give photographs life without looking overly processed. It’s most similar to PRO Neg. Std, but isn’t exactly like it, either, with an obvious nod to Fujicolor PRO 160C color negative film.

Reala Ace is an excellent choice for all-purpose photography—whether you’re shooting travel, street, portraits, or landscapes. It can be adapted to a wide range of subjects, lighting, and moods. As a base for Recipes, it can be made to produce a variety of different looks. It’s not surprising to me that Reala Ace is becoming a go-to Film Simulation for many photographers.

Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm
Pushed Analog
Summer Sun

These five Film Simulations—Acros, Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Nostalgic Neg., and Reala Ace—represent the heart of Fujifilm’s JPEG magic. Each offers a unique way to see the world. They allow you to create finished straight-out-of-camera photographs that look great and don’t need to be edited, especially when combined with Film Simulation Recipes. Film Simulations and Recipes are tools of expression, just like film stocks. Shoot more, edit less, and let your camera become your darkroom. Wow, I need to use that last sentence as a tagline or something.

Kodak Portra do Sol — Fujifilm X-Trans IV Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on April 23 by Ritchie Roesch

*Southwind* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 – Kodak Portra do Sol

This new Film Simulation Recipe comes courtesy of Gilson Teixeira. “It started with your Bright Kodak Recipe, which I loved for its energy and vibrancy. But I was looking for something softer—still warm and colorful, but a bit more cinematic and relaxed. I imagined a Recipe that could bring out a golden, mellow vibe even on grey days. That’s how Kodak Portra do Sol came to life: my go-to point-and-shoot simulation for capturing a little warmth wherever I am.”

“As a Brazilian living in London,” Gilson told me, “the long, grey winters can be tough—and this past winter hit particularly hard. I wanted to create something that could bring a bit of Brazil’s tropical spirit into my everyday life. The name is a nod to my mother tongue: do sol means ‘of the sun,’ and I liked the play between Portra and porta—as if it were a ‘Door of the Sun.’ At the same time, something shifted creatively. After years away from photography, I picked up the camera again—not just to escape the grey, but to reconnect with something I thought I’d left behind. Photography has now become part of my self-care. During my 45–60 minute daily walks, I focus on light, angles, composition, and Recipes. That attention clears my mind and helps me recharge—especially through winter, it helped me stay grounded. If anyone reading this is struggling, I truly recommend reaching out to Samaritans—they’re there to listen, wherever you are.”

“Surprisingly, it was AI that brought me back to photography,” he continued. “I work in IT and focus on AI at Microsoft. I noticed how naturally my prompts leaned toward light and composition—photography had quietly stayed with me all along. I studied digital imaging back in 1994 at the New England School of Photography in Boston, so that knowledge was still there, waiting to be revived.”

*Back at the Ranch* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 – Kodak Portra do Sol

“Bright Kodak is bolder and more punchy,” Gilson replied when asked what differentiates Kodak Portra do Sol from Bright Kodak. “I wanted something calmer. I removed Grain, reduced Color from +4 to +3, and softened Clarity from -3 to -1. I switched to Auto White Balance, with a gentler Shift (+2R, -6B) for a warm, flexible look, and added Color Chrome Effect Strong to deepen tones without over-saturation.”

“I see recipes as creative tools,” he added, “not shortcuts. They help set the mood in-camera, so I can focus on light and storytelling. With Kodak Portra do Sol, I’m not just capturing images, I’m capturing how those moments feel.”

I want to give a special “thank you” to Gilson Teixeira for sharing this Recipe and the story behind it, and for allowing me to publish some of his photographs. Please check out his Instagram, and leave a kind note for him in the comments. Thank you, Gilson!

*Photo by Gilson Teixeira — Fujifilm X-T30 II — Kodak Portra do Sol*

This Kodak Portra do Sol Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X100V, X-Pro3, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras, as well as the GFX100S. You can use it on newer cameras, too, but blue will render slightly deeper (try it anyway).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: Auto, +2 Red & -6 Blue
Highlight: -2
Shadow: -2
Color: +3
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -1
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured by Gilson Teixeira using this Kodak Portra do Sol Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T30 II:

*Photo by Gilson Teixeira — Fujifilm X-T30 II*

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Kodak Portra do Sol Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T4 and X-E4:

*Easter Egg Hunting* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Easter Swim* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Tractor Back* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4

*Feed Silo* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4

*Horse Walker* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4

*Seabee* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4

*Horse, Fence* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4

*Ready* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4

*Horse Walker Detail* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4

*Harkins at Night* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and nearly 400 more in the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Classic Chrome is the Ideal Film Simulation for Travel Photography

Posted on February 20 by Ritchie Roesch

*Across the Grand Expanse* – Grand Canyon, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 64

When it comes to travel photography, nothing quite matches Fujifilm’s Classic Chrome film simulation. Inspired by Kodak’s color slide films—such as Kodachrome and Ektachrome—that were commonly used for documentary photography, Classic Chrome delivers muted tones, rich contrast, and a subtle warmth that evoke the look of classic photojournalism. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, vast landscapes, or quiet villages, this film simulation brings a distinct analog feel reminiscent of past eras to your images.

The magic of Classic Chrome for travel photography is that it adapts well to various lighting environments, from golden-hour sunsets to harsh midday light to dreary overcast scenes to neon nightscapes. The balance of true-to-life yet expressive colors and rich contrast make it perfect for unpredictable travel conditions, enhancing the mood of a scene, and producing images with a timeless and immersive feel. Classic Chrome doesn’t exaggerate colors—it enhances them in a way that lets the subject take center stage.

*Two Caballeros* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodachrome 64

Whether you’re capturing a quaint coastal town, the details of a historic city, the vastness of a dusty desert, the vibrancy of a street market, or the bustle of an urban sidewalk, Classic Chrome adapts beautifully. It provides a vintage, editorial look that is just as effective for street photography as it is for landscapes. This film simulation enhances the story within the image, where emotion and authenticity matter more than exaggerated aesthetics.

Classic Chrome is the most popular film simulation among those who use Film Simulation Recipes, and it’s easy to understand why. With 90 Classic Chrome Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App, there’s bound to be a few that match your style. If you’re unsure which ones to try, below are 10 Recipes that are quite excellent for travel photography.

Nostalgic Emulsion — Fujifilm X-Trans III (plus X-T3 & X-T30) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Bougainvillea Blues* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – Nostalgic Emulsion Recipe

My daughter, Joy, had approached me and asked, “Can I make a Film Simulation Recipe?”

“Sure,” I happily replied. I handed her my Fujifilm X-H1, gave her a quick tutorial on the menu and settings (she hadn’t previously used this model), and off she went.

A couple of hours later Joy returned. “I’m not sure this is right. Can you help me?” She showed me her pictures.

“What look are you trying to create?” I asked.

“Well,” she replied, “it’s this aesthetic that’s dark with deep greens.”

“Where did you see it?” Joy then proceeded to show me some music videos, including Daylight by David Kushner. “That’s the aesthetic I want to make,” she told me, while stopping on a forested scene.

*Rose of Sharon Backlit* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – Nostalgic Emulsion Recipe

The camera settings she had chosen weren’t all that far off, so I suggested a few adjustments. After more testing and review, another couple changes were made, and then even more testing was done. I asked, “Are you happy with this look?”

“Yes!” Joy excitedly responded. “This is the aesthetic I wanted.”

After she was done capturing pictures, I shot with her settings for a little while myself. I really like the moody and nostalgic feeling that this Film Simulation Recipe produces. It has a retro negative film look, maybe along the lines of Fujicolor Super HQ or Agfa XRG or something like that. You can expect dark shadows and a cool cast that leans green. It’s not a Film Simulation Recipe that everyone will love, but I bet it will be an instant favorite for some of you. It requires a White Balance setting that I had not previously used for a Recipe; for those trying to avoid adjusting the WB Shift when switching between C1-C7, this is another option for you to try.

*Concrete Vine* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – Nostalgic Emulsion – by Joy Roesch

Nostalgic Emulsion was an App Patron Early Access Recipe, but it has since been replaced by a different Early Access Recipe, so now it is available to everyone. This Recipe is compatible with all Fujifilm X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 & X-T30. For those with newer X-Trans IV cameras, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Clarity to 0, and I’d suggest Grain size Small. Those with “older” GFX cameras can use it, too, although it will render slightly different (but try it anyway!).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong
White Balance: Underwater, -6 Red & +3 Blue
Highlight: -1
Shadow: +3
Color: +2
Sharpness: -1
Noise Reduction: -4
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Nostalgic Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-H1:

*Water Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Concrete Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Little Vine Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Backlit Green Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ -Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Hidden Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Spring Window Reflection* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Fallen Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bougainvillea Sprouting* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bougainvillea Sage* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bougainvillea Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Bloom Small* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Backyard Trumpet Blossoms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Rose of Sharon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bright Green Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Bush & Blocks* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Pouring Sunlight over Honeysuckles* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Garden Gate* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Pink Oleander Blooms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Dark Blooms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Wall and Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Joyful Josh* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Architecture & Jon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Blue Glass* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Three Bright Ideas* – Buckeye, AZ – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Dusk Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Green Leaves at Dusk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Veiled Lightbulb* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Blue Hour Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – by Joy Roesch

*Disabled Parking* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Illuminated Plant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Night Corridor* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 350 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Classic Color — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) and X-E4 (X-Trans IV) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Bell Tower* – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Classic Color

This Film Simulation Recipe has a fascinating story behind it… but I can’t get into all of the details of it yet. When the time is right, I will explaining everything to you. What I can say in the meantime is that I was hired to capture some photos, and to use a Film Simulation Recipe for those images, but the Recipe name shouldn’t include a brand name. Ideally for this project, because of the subject matter and light, I would have chosen my Kodak Portra 400 v2 Film Simulation Recipe, but I couldn’t because of the name of the Recipe. Instead, I created a very similar look, with an attempt to fine-tune it slightly for this specific project.

The aesthetic of this Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe is bright and warm, with a Kodak-like color negative film rendering. It could be thought of as Kodak Portra 400 v3, as it has a strong Portra 400 resemblance, perhaps more similar to the old Portra 400 VC that was discontinued in 2010. This Recipe is best for sunny daylight situations, but it can sometimes produce good results in other light scenarios, too.

*Birds on the Lake* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Classic Color

This Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI, as well as “newer” fourth-generation X-Trans models: X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. Just make sure that you are using the correct Color Chrome FX Blue setting for your camera. I’m sure it can also be used on newer GFX cameras, too, but I have not personally tried, and I’m certain that it will render slightly different (but try it anyway).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong (X-Trans IV), Weak (X-Trans V)
White Balance: 5300K, 0 Red & -6 Blue
Highlight: -0.5
Shadow: -2
Color: +3
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:

*Gen Reflection* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Water Under the Bridges* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Tempe Lake* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Reflected Sunset* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Dam Sunset* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Pedestrian Bridge* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Spirited Away* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Mirrored Night* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Juggling Fire* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5 & X100VI:

*Sign on the Roof* – Gila Bend, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Abandoned Filling Station* – Gila Bend, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Unleaded Cash* – Gila Bend, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Half Moon* – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cross on a Dome* Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cross & Bell* Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Church Steeple* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Old Industrial Lamp* – Palo Verde, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Abandoned Window* – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dilapidated Agricultural Structure* – Palo Verde, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cow & Reflection* – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rock Reflected in the River* – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Stones in the Water* – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Yellow Flowers on the Rocks* – Saguaro National Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Leaning Saguaro in the Desert* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Yellow Flowers, White Fence* – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Hall’s* – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*End of the Road?* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Music Box* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Lightning Strike* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Comparison:

*Kodak Portra 400 v2 Film Simulation Recipe*

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-T5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and nearly 350 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

My 15 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Classic Chrome

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Sunset Photography* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Portra 400 v2

Provia — Velvia — Astia — PRO Neg. Hi — PRO Neg. Std — Classic Negative — Nostalgic Neg. — Eterna — Eterna Bleach Bypass — Acros

There are 20 different film simulations on the new Fujifilm X100VI. Since there are likely many newcomers to Fujifilm who aren’t all that familiar with the various film sims and Film Simulation Recipes, I thought it would be worthwhile to discuss each one in more detail, and offer my personal favorite Recipes for each. I don’t (yet) have access to the new Reala Ace film simulation, so that one will be excluded from this (for now, anyway). Also, I’ll combine the four Acros film sims into one article, and the four Monochrome film sims (and probably Sepia, too) into another.

The Classic Chrome film simulation is not modeled after any specific emulsion, although it does have a strong Kodak palette, with obvious similarities to some of their classic slide films. Fujifilm won’t ever say “Kodak” because, you know, that’s a long-time competitor, and it would require some licensing, I’m sure. If you are after a Kodak look, Classic Chrome is your film simulation. I believe that Classic Chrome is the most widely used film sim of them all, as Film Simulation Recipes that are based on it are often the most popular. Kodak was the largest film manufacturer, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the film simulation that mimics those emulsions is so popular.

Classic Chrome is one of my absolute favorite film simulations—many of my most-loved pictures were captured with a Film Simulation Recipe that uses it. I had a really difficult time narrowing down my favorite Classic Chrome Recipes, and even though I tripled the number from five to 15 for this article, there were a lot of tough cuts that I would have loved to include in this list. I could have doubled the length of this list, and I still would have had some hard decisions. I also had a difficult time picking the order, aside from the first two, which are my personal clear-cut Top 2. If you like Classic Chrome, there are a bunch of excellent options to choose from.

The 15 Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use Classic Chrome as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 85 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Classic Chrome, so you have plenty of choices. But, if you are unsure which Classic Chrome Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

Kodak Portra 400 v2

Great for sunny daylight and especially golden hour photography. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30); for X-Trans V cameras use this one, and for the X-T3 and X-T30 use this one.

#2:

Kodachrome 64

Kodachrome 64, which mimics the unmistakable colors of the iconic slide film, is perfect for sunny daylight photography. This is the X-Trans V version; for X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) click here, for the X-T3 and X-T30 click here, and for X-Trans II click here.

#3:

Kodak Gold 200

Reminiscent of the quintessential Kodak color negative film, this Recipe is great for sunny daylight photography. Compatible with X-Trans V cameras; for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30), set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak. For X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 and X-T30, click here.

#4:

Kodak Ultramax 400

A versatile Film Simulation Recipe that is great for most situations and subjects. This is for X-Trans V; for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) click here, and for X-Trans III, plus the X-T3 and X-T30, click here.

#5:

Kodak Portra 160 v2

A facsimile of a Kodak Portra 160 aesthetic, this Recipe is a solid choice for sunny daylight photography. It’s for X-Trans V cameras, but to use it on X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30), simply set Color Chrome FX Blue to Strong. Click here for a version of Kodak Portra 160 for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30), for X-Trans III, plus the X-T3 and X-T30, click here, and for X-Trans II click here.

#6:

Reggie’s Portra

Reggie’s Portra is a versatile Recipe that’s excellent for many subjects and situations. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30); for use on X-Trans V cameras, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off.

#7:

Vibrant Arizona

This Film Simulation Recipe is reminiscent of Wes Anderson, and is intended for sunny daylight, but is also surprisingly good for blue-hour photography. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

#8:

Kodak Portra 400

I don’t like this one quite as much as v2, but I still very much like this Recipe. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30); for use on X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off. Click here for the X-T3 and X-T30.

#9:

Kodak Portra 800 v3

An especially warm replication of Portra 800 that works well in sunny daylight conditions. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) and V cameras.

#10:

Kodachrome II

This Film Simulation Recipe is an older one, yet it’s still one of my favorites. Perfect for sunny daylight, but still quite versatile. Compatible with X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 and X-T30. For X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) click here (for X-Trans V set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off), and for X-Trans II click here.

#11:

McCurry Kodachrome

Modeled after the very last roll of Kodachrome 64 that was shot by Steve McCurry, this Recipe is great for sunny daylight conditions. Compatible with X-Trans IV cameras, including the X-T3 and X-T30.

#12:

Kodacolor

This Recipe produces a distinct 1980’s Kodak color negative film rendering. Great for sunny daylight photography. Compatible with X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 and X-T30. Click here for X-Trans II.

#13:

Kodak Ektar 100

Vibrant and warm and great for sunny daylight photography. Compatible with X-Trans IV; for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off.

#14:

Classic Kodak Chrome

My favorite X-Trans II Recipe. It’s quite versatile, but is exceptional in sunny conditions.

#15:

Serr’s 500T

Serr’s 500T is my personal favorite Recipe for nighttime photography. Compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (except the X-T3/X-T30); for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

Find these Film Simulation Recipes and many more on the Fuji X Weekly App!

Comparing Kodak Portra 800 Recipes

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Fujifilm X-T5 + Kodak Portra 800 v3 Film Simulation Recipe*

This morning I headed out with my Fujifilm X-T5 to capture some images, so that I could do a side-by-side comparison of the new Kodak Portra 800 v3 Film Simulation Recipes with the other two Portra 800 options, plus Kodak Portra 400 v2. As I explained in the article for the new Recipe, Peter McKinnon’s Portra 800 photographs were the inspiration for it, and it is also reminiscent of some of Kyle McDougall’s An American Mile Portra 400 pictures. With all of these Recipe options, perhaps you are unsure which one you should use. Just because I published a new version, doesn’t mean that it is inherently the best one or the right one for you; it’s simply an alternative that you may or may not like. Hopefully, this article will help you with your decision. I do believe that many of you will appreciate the new Kodak Portra 800 v3 Recipe.

It’s important to understand that one film can produce many different looks based on a whole host of factors: how shot (film format, lens, exposure, filters, light, etc.), how developed (push/pull, brand of chemicals, freshness of chemicals, timing, temperature and pH of the water, etc.), how printed (paper, chemicals, timing, filters, etc.) and/or how scanned (brand of scanner, correction profiles, post-editing, etc.). Even within one photographer’s collection of one specific emulsion, there can be some noticeable variances. In the case of Peter McKinnon and his Kodak Portra 800, there is indeed significant divergences in the exact look of different pictures. My Kodak Portra 800 v3 Recipe does not accurately mimic all of his pictures captured with the film, but it is pretty close to some of them.

These three Kodak Portra 800 Recipes can all resemble the film; however, they’re much different from each other. Since one emulsion can produce divergent results, you can achieve various looks by choosing different Film Simulation Recipes. My original Kodak Portra 800 Film Simulation Recipe was a joint venture between myself and Thomas Schwab based on “memory color” (as Fujifilm likes to put it) of the film. The next version, Kodak Portra 800 v2, was created entirely by Thomas Schwab after he shot a roll of the film and his Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera side-by-side. The third version was created by me after carefully examining Peter McKinnon’s pictures of Kodak Portra 800 film. I included my Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe in this comparison because it is fairly similar to the Kodak Portra 800 v3 Recipe, and because there is an obvious resemblance with the new Recipe to some Portra 400 film photographs.

With all of that said, let’s jump right into the comparison! Because X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on some film sims, I adjusted Color Chrome FX Blue down one notch on Kodak Portra 800 and Kodak Portra 800 v2 to make them compatible with my X-T5.

*Kodak Portra 800 Film Simulation Recipe*

*Kodak Portra 800 v2 Film Simulation Recipe*

*Kodak Portra 800 v3 Film Simulation Recipe*

For me, personally, it’s really hard to beat Kodak Portra 400 v2. It’s one of my all-time personal favorite Film Simulation Recipes, and it’s also one of the most popular. In each of these five sets, it’s the Recipe that I’m most drawn to. Kodak Portra 800 v3 is the most warm of these four options; a comparison of warmer Recipes—1970’s Summer, 1971 Kodak, Vibrant Arizona, Kodak Vericolor Warm, Kodak Portra 400 Warm, Bright Summer, Bright Kodak, and the new Kodak Portra 800 v3—would be interesting. The original Kodak Portra 800 Recipe is the punchiest, Kodak Portra 800 v2 is the softest, and v3 is the warmest. Ignoring the Kodak Portra 400 v2 pictures, I like Kodak Portra 800 v3 the best in the first set (with the truck), the third set (broken window, wide), and the fourth set (gas station); I like the original Kodak Portra 800 Recipe the best in the second set (broken window, tall) and the last set (Motor Hotel); while I do like Kodak Portra 800 v2 in each set, it wasn’t my top choice in any.

Now it’s your turn! From this test, which of these four Film Simulation Recipes did you like best? Which was your favorite for each set? Let me know in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

Find these Film Simulation Recipes and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Kodak Portra 800 v3 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) & X-E4 (X-Trans IV) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*South Rim Sunrise* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Portra 800 v3

My wife recently challenged me to create a Film Simulation Recipe that mimics the aesthetic of Kodak Portra 800 film that Peter McKinnon has been sharing on Instagram and YouTube. I’m really drawn to his analog photography—I think they’re some of his best photographs. While there were plenty of examples of his Portra 800 to examine, I found it to be a difficult endeavor to replicate on my Fujifilm cameras.

As I’ve said many times, one film can produce many different looks based on a whole host of factors: how shot (film format, lens, exposure, filters, light, etc.), how developed (push/pull, brand of chemicals, freshness of chemicals, timing, temperature and pH of the water, etc.), how printed (paper, chemicals, timing, filters, etc.) and/or how scanned (brand of scanner, correction profiles, post-editing, etc.). Even within one photographer’s collection of one specific emulsion, there can be some noticeable variances. In the specific case of Peter McKinnon and his Kodak Portra 800, there is indeed significant divergences in the exact look of different pictures.

*Mineral Stains on a Dry Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodak Portra 800 v3

Before I get any deeper into this, let me give a brief history of Kodak Portra 800 and my Film Simulation Recipes that mimic this film. Kodak introduced Portra 800 in 1998 at the same time as Portra 160 and Portra 400. Portra 160 and Portra 400 both originally came in a “VC” (vivid color) and “NC” (neutral color) versions, which were later merged into in-between emulsions that still exists today; however, Portra 800 only ever came in one variety. I don’t know if it is true, but I read that Portra 800 was based on the older Vericolor/Vision2 technology, while Portra 160 and Portra 400 were based on T-Grain/Vision3 advancements. In any event, all of these films have been tweaked and updated by Kodak several times over the years. While it has become increasingly expensive, all three ISO versions of Portra are still being manufactured today by Kodak. In fact, the current version of Lomography 800 is supposedly repacked Portra 800 (although it might be a run that didn’t pass quality control).

My original Kodak Portra 800 Film Simulation Recipe was a joint venture between myself and Thomas Schwab based on “memory color” (as Fujifilm likes to put it) of the film. The next version, Kodak Portra 800 v2, was created entirely by Thomas Schwab after he shot a roll of the film and his Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera side-by-side. This new third version was created by me after carefully examining Peter McKinnon’s pictures of Kodak Portra 800 film.

*Pink Girl on a Green Slide* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Portra 800 v3

I divided Peter’s Portra 800 pictures into seven groups. Each group contained photos that seemed similar in overall aesthetics to each other. The commonality within each group tended to be (for the most part) the lighting condition that the film was shot in (although it was not universally so). I picked one group, and tried to replicate the look of it as closely as possible using the options available on my Fujifilm X-T5 (or should I say my Kodak Retina camera?), choosing similar light and colors for my pictures. Once I was satisfied that I was close, I used those settings to create images similar to the photographs in the other groups; however, this is where it fell apart. One Recipe was not able to replicate multiple aesthetics from the same film, which is not surprising. I made a bunch of small modifications until I had one Film Simulation Recipe that was a fairly faithful facsimile to multiple groups of Peter’s Portra 800 pictures. I say “fairly faithful” because compromises had to be made in order to match multiple groups. These settings are in the ballpark of four of the seven groups (and most similar to just two), and not especially close to the other three, unfortunately. This is not a 100% faithful recreation of any of his picture aesthetics, but in being less faithful to one specific look, I was better able to replicate the film examples overall.

This new Kodak Portra 800 v3 Film Simulation Recipe is intended for fifth-generation Fujifilm X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20 (yes, the X-S20), and the upcoming X100VI. To make this Recipe compatible with some X-Trans IV models—specifically, the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II—I simply set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Off, since X-Trans V cameras render blue more deeply on some film simulations. For those with the X-Pro3 or X100V, consider setting Shadow to 0 instead of 0.5. I do think that the original Kodak Portra 800 Recipe, as well as Kodak Portra 400 v2, are not very far off from Peter’s pictures, and could be good alternatives.

*Minolta* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Portra 800 v3

The Kodak Portra 800 v3 Film Simulation Recipe is great for both golden-hour and midday light. While it is intended for sunny daylight conditions, it does pretty well in shade, too. It’s alright for overcast days, depending on the specific cloud cover conditions. It’s great for natural-light indoors, and surprisingly decent for nighttime photography, but I’d avoid it for artificial light scenarios with warm bulbs. This Recipe is fairly versatile, despite it’s warm Kodak-like colors. In the right light, it can look pretty darn close to some of the Kodak Portra 800 scans that Peter McKinnon has been sharing on his social media channels. Interestingly, there’s also similarities to some of the Kodak Portra 400 images in Kyle McDougall’s An American Mile series. I have a feeling that this will quickly become a favorite option for many of you—personally, I really love this one!

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off (X-Trans V); Weak (X-Trans IV)
White Balance: 6600K, -1 Red & -3 Blue
Highlight: -2
Shadow: -0.5
Color: +3
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Kodak Portra 800 v3 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:

*Morning Lightbulbs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Read Leaves on a Block Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Rounded Light on an Circular Table* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Orange Tables and Leaf* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Main Street Market* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Sunny Suburbia* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Ready for an Adventure* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Rainy Day Rose Blossom* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Kodak Portra 800 v3 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Sunrise Beyond Grandeur Point* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dead Tree at the Rim’s Edge* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Sunset inside the Grand Canyon* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Morning at the Rim* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Maricopa Point at Midday* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Canyon Ridge in Golden Light* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunrise over icy South Rim Trail* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bright Angel Trail from Above* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Too Close to the Icy Ledge* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Lookout Studio* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Grand Canyon Railway 237* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Williams Flyer* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*American Painted Horse* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Swift Trailer* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Blue Barrel, Red Bricks* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Raindrop on a Lightbulb* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Raindrops of Fall Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Hanging Lightbulbs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Fingers as Carrots* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sitting Siblings* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Minolta & Film Book* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Camera, Books* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Busy Parking Lot* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Window Paperclip* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Window Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Hanging Plastic Golfballs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Blossoming Trumpet Flower* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Hazy Tree Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Desert Spring* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Hill behind Yellow* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Go Right* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Comparison:

*This new Kodak Portra 800 v3 Film Simulation Recipe*

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

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Kodak Emulsion — Fujifilm X100V (X-Trans IV) FXW App Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Blooms by the Pavilion* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Emulsion Recipe

I love this new Kodak Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe, even though it was a happy accident. I was trying to replicate the aesthetic of some Kodak ColorPlus 200 film scans that someone shared with me, but I was unsuccessful; however, in the process of failing, I discovered these settings, which are absolutely great!

Even though this Recipe doesn’t accurately mimic any specific emulsion (as far as I’m aware), it still looks very analog-like, and highly reminiscent of a few different Kodak negative stocks. I bet you could convince some people that you actually shot with film, and not a modern digital camera. While I used my Fujifilm X100V to capture these pictures, if I were to choose an interchangeable-lens model paired with vintage glass, I’m certain it would be even more convincing.

This Kodak Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all “newer” X-Trans IV cameras (X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II), but not the X-T3 or X-T30. Technically it is compatible with X-Trans V models, but, because X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on some film simulations, it will look slightly different (try it anyway!). I’m sure that you can also use this Recipe on newer GFX cameras; however, I don’t have any personal experience with that, and I’m sure it will render slightly different (again, give it a try, as you might like it).

*Fallen Giant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Emulsion Recipe

This Kodak Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe is an App Patron Early-Access Recipe. The Fuji X Weekly App is free, yet becoming a Fuji X Weekly Patron unlocks the best App experience! One benefit of being a Patron is that you get early access to some new Film Simulation Recipes. These Early-Access Recipes will eventually become available free to everyone in time, including this new one. Patrons help support Fuji X Weekly and, really, without them there would be no App. So I want to give a special “thank you” to all of the Patrons!

If you are a Fuji X Weekly Patron, it’s available to you right now on the App!

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodak Emulsion Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

*Autumn Sun* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Autumn Tree Leaves on a Shrub* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Minolta SLR* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Homework* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Flash On

*Vines Along a Shaded Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Sunlit Table & Chairs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Potted Flowers & Pavilion* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Flowers at a Neighborhood Park* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Palm Tree & White Building* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Hanging Lightbulbs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Flag in the Wind* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Bougainvillea Branch on a Bright Day* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Yellow Wildflowers in the Desert* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Yellow Flowers Blooming* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Tall Saguaro Behind Dead Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Reaching Saguaro Fingers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Damaged Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*A Desert Landscape* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Dirt Road After Rain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

Xpro — Fujifilm X-Trans III + X-T3 & X-T30 Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Suburban Abstract* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – “Xpro”

This Xpro Film Simulation Recipe came about after some experiments with white balance and shifts. It went through several iterations before I settled on these settings. The results remind me of cross-processed Fujichrome Sensia or perhaps Elite Chrome. Cross processing film (also called Xpro) is developing it in chemistry that it wasn’t intended to be developed in, most commonly color slide film (E6) in color negative film (C41) chemistry. Different films can give different results when cross processed. I have several other cross-process inspired Film Simulation Recipes (here, here, here, and here); this one is simply a little different aesthetic.

This was a Patron Early-Access Film Simulation Recipe in the Fuji X Weekly App, available to App Patrons for over a year. It’s been replaced by a different Early-Access Recipe, so now it’s available to everyone. It’s not one that you’ll want to use all of the time, but occasionally for a different look it is great. It’s more of a “fun” Recipe. If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, be sure to look for the new Early-Access Recipe!

*Storm* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1 – “Xpro”

This Xpro Film Simulation Recipe is fully compatible with X-Trans III cameras, which are the X-Pro2, X100F, X-E3, X-T2, X-T20, and X-H1, plus the X-T3 and X-T30. For newer cameras, you’ll have to decide on a Grain size (Small or Large), set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and Clarity to 0. This Recipe can also be used on the “older” GFX models (50R and 50S), but will render slightly differently.

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -1
Shadow: +3
Color: +4
Color Chrome Effect: N/A (X-Trans III) or Off (X-T3/X-T30)
Sharpness: -1
Noise Reduction: -4
Grain: Weak
White Balance: 3400K, -6 Red & -9 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to +1 1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Xpro Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-H1 and X-T30:

*Associated Fence* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Structured Abstract* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Roof & Fence Lines* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Tile Roof* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30

*Cactus Hotels* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Barrel Cactus* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Secret Garden Gate* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Don’t, This Way* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Light Bulb* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Closed Window* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Pigeon Pipe* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Pergola in the Rain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Arizona Architecture* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Hanging Blossoms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Dark Flowers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

*Light Pink with Green* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-H1

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Kodak Portra 160 v2 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Yellow Aspen Forest* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Portra 160 v2 Recipe

At the very moment that I was finishing up my Kodak Portra 160 Film Simulation Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras, Thomas Schwab, who has created or co-created a number of Recipes on this website, sent me a modification that he made of the “old” Kodak Portra 160 Recipe (for X-Trans III plus the X-T3 & X-T30 cameras) to make it compatible with X-Trans V models. Clear as mud? Let me retry. This new Kodak Portra 160 v2 Recipe was modified by Thomas from the Kodak Portra 160 Recipe published in 2020 so as to be compatible with X-Trans V cameras. Plus he gave it a tune-up. Excitedly, I programmed this new version into my Fujifilm X-T5; however, I had several other projects going on, so it took a little time to get this one out. Thomas Schwab did a great job of updating the old version, and the results speak for themselves. I want to give Thomas a special “thank you” for his work and willingness to share!

Kodak introduced the Portra line in 1998, with two ISO 160 versions, two ISO 400 versions, and an ISO 800 emulsion (plus a short-lived ISO 100 Tungsten film, for those keeping score). Portra saw a couple of updates by Kodak, and in late-2010 the two ISO 160 versions were merged into one, as well as the two ISO 400 versions. Originally, Kodak Portra 160 came in “NC” (neutral color) and “VC” (vivid color) versions; Portra 160 NC was more popular for portraits and Portra 160 VC was more popular for landscapes. When Kodak merged the two, it fell kind of in-between the two emulsions—more vibrant than NC but less than VC. This Film Simulation Recipe is more similar to the merged Portra 160 that Kodak introduced in 2010. The film has become iconic, with its warm yet natural colors. As the name implies, it was meant for portrait photography, but is popular for many genres.

*Shell Gas Station* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Portra 160 v2 Recipe

This Kodak Portra 160 v2 Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2, X-H2s, X-T5, and X-S20 (yes, the X-S20). With one modification—setting Color Chrome FX Blue to Strong instead of Weak—this Recipe is also compatible with most fourth-generation X-Trans cameras: X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4 & X-T30 II. This can also be used on newer GFX models, but it will render slightly different (try it anyway).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Weak
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: Daylight, +4 Red & -5 Blue
Dynamic Range: D-Range Priority (DR-P) Auto
Color: 0
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodak Portra 160 v2 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Smokey Sunset* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Mountainous Contemplations* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Siblings* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Backlit Boy in Autumn* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Jonathan Using RitchieCam* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Hour, Golden Trees* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Deer in the Meadow* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Yellow Aspen Tree Tops* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Yellow Aspens behind Green Pine* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Leaves & Needles* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Autumn Joy* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bougainvillea Pink* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Endless Blue & Palms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dusk in the Suburbs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Frisbee Golf* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Yard Palm* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Palm Behind Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Two-Trunked Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
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Kodak Gold 200 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Field of Gold* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold 200 Recipe

A favorite Film Simulation for the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30, plus X-Trans III cameras, is Kodak Gold 200. I published this Recipe about two-and-a-half years ago, and have had many requests to adapt it for newer models, something that I just recently got around to doing. I took the opportunity to see if I could improve it, utilizing the options that have come out since. While it is still quite similar to the original, I really like how this Kodak Gold 200 Film Simulation Recipe came out.

Kodak introduced Gold color negative film in 1986, and it is still around today. It was originally called Kodacolor VR-G, then Kodacolor Gold, and finally Gold. It replaced Kodacolor VR, which actually (and interestingly) still exists today as ColorPlus. While the film has been improved a few times over the years, it still looks pretty much the same today as it did in the 1980’s. The film is prone to color shifts, and results can vary significantly depending on how i was shot, developed and printed or scanned. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to emulate all of the possible aesthetics of Gold in one Recipe, so this is only a facsimile of one particular Kodak Gold 200 look.

*Sonoran Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold 200 Recipe

This Kodak Gold 200 Film Simulation Recipe, which will work best in sunny daylight situations, is intended for and is fully compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20 (yes, X-S20). Because X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on some film simulations, setting Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak (instead of Off) will make this Recipe compatible with newer fourth-generation X-Trans cameras—specifically, the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. This Recipe is not compatible with the X100V and X-Pro3; however, you can either try this one with Highlight set to -2 and Shadow set to +1 (and maybe increase exposure by 1/3 stop), or adapt the old Recipe by selecting Grain size Small, Color Chrome FX Blue Off, and Clarity set to 0. Those with newer GFX cameras can use this Recipe, too, but it will render slightly different (give it a try).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Weak
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: Daylight, +4 Red & -5 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -1.5
Shadow: +0.5
Color: +3
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodak Gold 200 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Evening Hoop* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Jon on the Gold Coast* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Wave Crashing* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rainbows & Palms* – Buena Park, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Vines & Cage* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Trumpet Blossom Day* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sun Pouring Over Tree Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rays & Leaf* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Happy Thoughts* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Hour Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bougainvillea Arm* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Mission Inn & Flag* – Riverside, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dodge Van Steering Wheel* – Buena Park, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Bird on a Twisted Dead Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Leaf Alone* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Red Leaves* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Trees* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Yellow Forest* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Autumn Woods* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Aspen Leaves* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Golden Aspen* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

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Kodak Portra 160 — Fujifilm X100V (X-Trans IV) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on October 15, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Coastal Blossoms at Sunset* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Portra 160 Recipe

Originally, Kodak Portra 160 came in “NC” (neutral color) and “VC” (vivid color) versions; Portra 160 NC was more popular for portraits and Portra 160 VC was more popular for landscapes. When Kodak merged the two, it fell kind of in-between the two emulsions—more vibrant than NC but less than VC. This Film Simulation Recipe is intended to mimic the merged Portra 160 that Kodak introduced in 2010.

I already have a Kodak Portra 160 Recipe that is compatible with X-Trans III cameras plus the X-T3 and X-T30, but not one for newer models. This update is long overdue, and I’m thrilled to finally publish it. Instead of simply making a quick adjustment to the “old” Recipe, I started from scratch. While the results are still very similar, it’s a significant redesign, and (hopefully) it’s just a tad better. This Recipe pairs really well with diffusion filters; for the California pictures in this article I used a 10% CineBloom filter, and for the Arizona pictures I used a mix of a 5% CineBloom and no diffusion filter at all. I did not adjust Clarity when using the diffusion filters.

*Glass View* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Portra 160 Recipe

This Kodak Portra 160 Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras. For fifth generation X-Trans models, which are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Strong. This Recipe will also work on newer GFX cameras, but the results will likely be slightly different.

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: 4900K, +4 Red & -6 Blue
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -2
Color: 0
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Kodak Portra 160 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

*Golden Coast* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Pacific Gold* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Bluff Above the Golden Coast* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Blooms Above the Pacific Ocean* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Gold Coast Blooms* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Sunset Selfie* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Blooming Bush on Pacific Bluff* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Pacific Overlook* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Red Coastal Flowers* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Aliso Beach* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Hotel* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Floral Arch* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Flowers & Palms* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Bunch of Blossomed Flowers* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Flowers & Water* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Coastal Peek* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Wedding Guests* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Flower Petals* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Book & Mirror* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Gifts & Snacks* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Mirror* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*You Like Jazz?* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Twin Palms & Concrete* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Empty Cage* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Trumpet Haze* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Streaking Light over Tree Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Spiderweb in the Shrub* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*LavAzza Cactus* – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Trash Moon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Orange Leaf* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Apartment* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Top of the Playground* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Playground Canopy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Palm* *in the Sky* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Tree-Lined Path* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Bougainvillea Warm* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Arizona Jon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Waterless Lions* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Evening Light Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Oleander Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Bougainvillea Blossom* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

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Comparing 6 Kodak Portra Film Simulation Recipes

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

Some of the absolute most popular Film Simulation Recipes for Fujifilm cameras are those that mimic Kodak Portra film. I have a number of Recipes that are modeled after Portra, and with so many choices it can be difficult to know which ones to program into your camera. I thought I’d take this opportunity to compare six of them, with the hopes that it will help you decide. There are actually several more Portra-inspired Recipes than the six here, but I chose to compare these because they’re all X-Trans IV Recipes compatible with my Fujifilm X100V, the camera I used to capture them on a recent trip to the California coast.

*Laguna Coast* – Laguna Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Portra 400 v2

One film can produce all sorts of various looks, depending on a host of factors, including how it was shot, developed, printed and/or scanned. The Kodak Portra 400 and the Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipes are very similar, but they were modeled after two different photographer’s Portra film pictures, and so their rendering varies just a little. Kodak Portra 400 leans a little more towards red-orange, while Kodak Portra 400 v2 leans a little more towards yellow-green. Kodak Portra 400 Warm, which is a modification of both Kodak Portra 400 Recipes, is intended to better replicate the results of Alex MacDougall’s Portra-Style presets. To create Reggie’s Portra, Reggie Ballesteros modified my Kodak Portra 400 Recipe to better suit his style. Because it uses Auto White Balance and a slightly more neutral WB Shift, it is much better than the others in artificial light situations; also, because it has Clarity set to 0, it is the best option for fast photography (Clarity set to anything other than 0 causes a short “storing” pause). Kodak Portra 800 is the grainiest of these Recipes. To create Kodak Portra 800 v2, which is the least vivid of these six, Thomas Schwab captured side-by-side images with a Fujifilm X-Pro3 and an analog camera loaded with Portra 800 film.

While each of these Portra-inspired Film Simulations Recipes are different—some only slightly so, others more significantly so—they all produce a distinct Portra-like aesthetic. Looking at the results, it’s easy to understand why these are popular options! Because they are a little different from each other, you can find the one that most closely matches your style. Or you can choose different ones for various scenarios. Perhaps you prefer something like Kodak Portra 400 for sunsets, Kodak Portra 400 Warm for midday light, Kodak Portra 800 v2 for soft portraits, and Reggie’s Portra for indoor pictures. If you’ve never tried any of these Recipes, be sure to pick at least one to program into your camera today!

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Kodak Portra 400

Kodak Portra 400 v2

Kodak Portra 400 Warm

Reggie’s Portra

Kodak Portra 800

Kodak Portra 800 v2

Acting Like a Wes Anderson film in Sedona — Fujifilm X-T5 + Vibrant Arizona Recipe

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Arizona Barn* – Sedona, Arizona – Fujifilm X-T5 & TTArtisan 35mm f/0.95 – Vibrant Arizona

Ever since the first trailer for Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City debuted back in March, the movie’s generated a lot of buzz. There’s also been a ton of interest in recreating Wes Anderson’s aesthetic and style. Now that Asteroid City is about to hit theaters across America (and presumably the world), there’s been a renewed interest in the Wes Anderson look.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to faithfully mimic an Asteroid City aesthetic straight-out-of-camera on Fujifilm models; however, you can get somewhat close, if you ok with compromises. My Vibrant Arizona Film Simulation Recipe is the closest you’re likely to get to an Asteroid City look without editing (in the article, I give some tips for getting even closer with a couple of quick edits). While it’s just not possible to achieve an orange/teal/pastel palette in-camera on Fujifilm models, the Vibrant Arizona Recipe does produce an unmistakable Wes Anderson vibe, which is definitely in-style right now.

Last month I visited Sedona, Arizona—the perfect location to use Vibrant Arizona! If there’s any place that just cries for this Film Simulation Recipe, it’s Red Rock Country. I loaded the Recipe into my Fujifilm X-T5, attached a TTArtisan 35mm f/0.95 lens, and walked around the iconic tourist town. My wife, Amanda, came along with her Fujifilm X-T4 (with a Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens), and recorded some clips.

You can use Film Simulation Recipes for video in Fujifilm cameras to an extent, and avoid color grading. Some settings aren’t available, such as Grain, Color Chrome Effects, D-Range Priority, and Clarity, which means that Vibrant Arizona can’t really be used for video. Instead, in order to get the video clips to be similar to the photographs, we used these settings in Amanda’s X-T4:

Classic Chrome
White Balance: 4350K, +6 Red & -8 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Color +4
Highlight: -2
Shadow: -2
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4

Of course, being influenced by Wes Anderson, Amanda shot and edited the video in a style inspired by his movies. I hope that you find it entertaining, and that it will inspire you to give the Vibrant Arizona Film Simulation Recipe a try on your Fujifilm camera. Also, be sure to follow my YouTube channel if you don’t already, and give the video a thumbs-up if you liked it.

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Fujifilm X-T5: Amazon B&H Moment
TTArtisan 35mm f/0.95: Amazon B&H

Using AI to Create Film Simulation Recipes + Urban Dreams X100V (X-Trans IV) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*B is for Bisbee* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams Recipe

Can you use Artificial Intelligence to create Film Simulation Recipes for Fujifilm cameras? Does AI even know what that is? If so, would those Recipes be any good? Those questions and more have been rattling around inside my head for the last few months.

Back in January I asked Open AI‘s Chat GPT what a Film Simulation Recipe was and it didn’t know—it couldn’t differentiate a Film Simulation Recipe from a Film Simulation, but only went so far as to acknowledge that Film Sims could be customized. It also didn’t know much about Fuji X Weekly. It didn’t take long for things to change.

Last week Open AI announced the new-and-improved GPT-4, and so I put it through the same test. To my surprise, it not only knew what a Film Simulation Recipe is, but could even create one! The AI also provided the reasons why it chose the settings it did, and they seemed logical. However, I noticed that some required parameters were missing, so I asked it to add those settings to the Recipe, and it did. I also asked Chat GPT to give the Recipe a name. The AI created Recipe turned out to be pretty good, and I used it for some photography in southern Arizona, but I’m getting ahead of myself. We’ll get back to this in a moment, but let’s talk about some other things first.

*Don’t Park Overnight at Boothill* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams

I wanted to find out how Chat GPT knew how to create a Film Simulation Recipe. Obviously the software has never used a camera, so where was it getting its information? I asked, and the software deflected, telling me where I could find further information on Fujifilm cameras and Film Simulation Recipes. To my surprise, Fuji X Weekly was listed as a potential resource. I wasn’t satisfied with the answer, so I kept asking, rewording the question, until the software admitted that it gathers information from (among other things) websites, such as Fuji X Weekly, One Camera One Lens, Dan Bailey, and Ted Forbes. I was a little surprised on the last two, especially Ted who I’m pretty certain doesn’t use Recipes or out-of-camera JPEGs. Maybe it just threw out some names associated with Fujifilm gear. My conclusion is that the software searches the web for resources and attempts to make sense of what it finds, and it borrows heavily from the work of others (but, thankfully, doesn’t outright copy).

I had Chat GPT make a total of seven Film Simulation Recipes for the Fujifilm X100V. Not once did it provide me with all the necessary parameters on the first try, and I had to ask it to add the missing fields. It always chose Auto White Balance (once it did not provide a WB, so I had to ask it to do so), and only provided a White Balance Shift once on the first try; for the other six Recipes, when I asked it to provide me with a WB Shift, it never ventured beyond +/- 2 for Red and Blue. In fact, only once did the software suggest that any setting go beyond +/- 2, so I think it takes a conservative approach, perhaps not understanding why anyone would want to go wild with the JPEG options.

On the first try I was provided with Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome FX Blue settings: Off on both. For the next five attempts Chat GPT didn’t list either option, so I had to ask, and it chose Off each time. With the final Recipe attempt, it listed Color Chrome Effect set to Strong, but didn’t list Color Chrome FX Blue; when I asked it to give me a Color Chrome FX Blue setting, it (surprisingly) stated that Color Chrome FX Blue isn’t an option on the Fujifilm X100V. I think the software struggles to understand what these settings do and why someone would choose them, and also struggles to understand what specific settings are available on each Fujifilm model.

*Cienega Bridge on Old Highway 80* – Vail, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams Recipe

Two settings that the software never provided on the first try are Grain size and Clarity. It would list Grain strength (Off, Weak, or Strong) but never size (Small or Large). When asked about size, it suggested Large four times, Small twice, and Standard once (there is no Standard option). With Clarity, it typically suggested a positive number, and only gave me a negative number once, zero once, and Off (which I suppose is the same as zero) once. As with the other settings, it never ventured beyond +/- 2.

I asked it to mimic the look of a certain film stock, and Chat GPT provided a Film Simulation Recipe that (in my opinion) wasn’t a great match. I then asked it to mimic the look of a different film that just so happens to be the same exact emulsion just sold under a different brand name (to see if it would provide similar or identical settings), and the second Recipe was much different than the first. It’s clear that the AI isn’t analyzing pictures from film to create its Recipes, but instead finds descriptions of the stocks and suggests which Fujifilm settings could logically match the descriptions. “Vibrant” means Velvia and “soft” means PRO Neg. Std, which makes sense to a point; even though one film can produce many different aesthetics based on how it was shot, developed, printed and/or scanned (among other things), I believe you’d be hard pressed to find a single emulsion that could be emulated by both Velvia and PRO Neg. Std, but that’s what the software did.

I also asked Chat GPT to create a Recipe that I already have a Film Simulation Recipe for. I wanted to see if it would just copy my Recipe, but thankfully it didn’t. It was actually significantly different. For now, at least, the software isn’t outright plagiarizing anyone (that I’m aware of), and I hope it stays that way. Finally, using a different account, I asked Chat GPT to create a Recipe with an identical request to one of the seven, just to see if it would give me the same answer, and it didn’t. I repeated this test once more, and it once again provided a different result. While it tries to come across as “intelligence” it appears to be more like a roll of the dice.

*Red Brick and Good Cakes* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams Recipe

Based on this test, I believe that AI is about 60% of the way there to being a useful tool for creating Film Simulation Recipes. It struggles to know which parameters to provide. It doesn’t understand the nuances between camera models. It seems to take a rather predictable and conservative approach to creating Recipes. While I think it tries to be logical with its choices, it is basically just taking a guess and giving random settings, which might produce good results sometimes and might not other times. The amazing thing, though, is that just a couple months ago the AI didn’t even know what a Film Simulation Recipe was, so it has made significant strides in a short period. I think eventually—and it might not even be that far out—the software will be able to analyze an image and provide settings for your Fujifilm camera that will be a reasonably close match to that image. For now, though, AI isn’t a particularly good way to get a Recipe.

I promised that I would get back to the first Film Simulation Recipe that I asked Chat GPT to create for me to use on my Fujifilm X100V. I asked the software to create a Recipe that would be good for an urban environment at night. It provided me with everything except for Grain size, White Balance Shift, and Clarity, so I asked it to give me those settings, too. Then I asked it to name the Recipe—it gave me five choices, and I went with the first: Urban Dreams.

I found Urban Dreams to be a pretty decent and versatile Recipe. I didn’t get a chance to use it much in an urban environment at night, but the results were good in the few opportunities that I did have. It seems to do well in sunny daylight, dreary overcast, nighttime, indoors, outdoors, landscapes, street, still-life, portraits, etc., so this could be one’s go-to Recipe for everyday photography. It reminds me a little of Kodachrome 200, a high-ISO slide film introduced by Kodak in the mid-1970’s and discontinued in 2006. It’s not completely “right” for Kodachrome 200, but can be surprisingly close sometimes, and this Recipe is probably the closest to it that I’ve seen.

*Dusk on Highway 90* – Benson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams Recipe

This Urban Dreams Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with most X-Trans IV cameras: the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. For X-Trans V and newer GFX, you can use this Recipe, but it will render slightly different (try it anyway). For the X-T3, X-T30, X-Trans III, and older GFX, simply ignore Clarity and consider Sharpness set to 0; the results will be very similar (only slightly different).

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -1
Shadow: +1
Color: +2
Noise Reduction: -2
Sharpness: -1
Clarity: +2
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Off
White Balance: Auto, 0 Red & +2 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Urban Dreams Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X100V:

*Oleander Blue* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Colorful Triangle* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Gunfight at the O.K. Corral* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Boothill Visitors Leaving* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*H.B. Cook 1882* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Tattered Flag* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Gunslinger* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Wells Fargo* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Courthouse* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Bisbee Afternoon* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Under the Trestle* – Vail, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Just not Straight Ahead* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Studebaker* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Studebaker 2* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Blue Truck* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Uphill to Downtown* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Object Limited* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Outdoor Breakfast* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Coke and Produce* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Lit Lamp* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Saloon & Steaks* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X100V in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X100V in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

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Fujifilm X-Trans II Film Simulation Recipe: Provia Negative

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Empty Baseball Field* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1 – Provia Negative Recipe

Unlike most Film Simulation Recipes, I didn’t model this one after any film or process. My first thought was this: how can I make a Recipe that’s helpful. Let me back this up a minute. Unless your camera is an X-Pro3 or newer, you cannot save a white balance shift with your C1-C7 custom presets; however, your camera will remember one shift per white balance type, so if each C1-C7 recipe uses a different white balance type, you won’t have to remember to change the shift when you change Recipes. For X-Trans II, there are recipes that use Auto, Daylight (which Fujifilm calls “Fine” for some reason), Kelvin, and Shade, so I thought it would be helpful to create a recipe that calls for a different white balance type that I haven’t yet used.

After some playing around, I created a Film Simulation Recipe that I was quite happy with. It reminds me a little of Fujichrome Provia 100F slide film, but less vibrant, and a tad less contrasty, too, but still kind of similar; however, I think the tonality is more similar to negative film than reversal film. That’s why I call this recipe Provia Negative. This recipe has a slight cool color cast, with white leaning towards blue. I was able to get good results in several different light situations—including indoors, overcast, and shade—but it is especially well suited for sunny daylight.

*Indoor Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1 – Provia Negative Recipe

This Provia Negative Film Simulation Recipe was a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access Recipe, so subscribers to the App have been able to use it since July; however, a new Early-Access Recipe has replaced it, so it is now available to everyone. Because it uses the Classic Chrome film simulation, it is only compatible with X-Trans II camera with Classic Chrome, which are the Fujifilm X100T, X-E2, X-E2S, X-T1, X-T10, X30, XQ2, and X70.

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -2 (Soft)
Shadow: +2 (Hard)
Color: +2 (High)
Sharpness: -1 (Medium-Soft)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Fluorescent 3, -2 Red & -2 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Provia Negative Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T1 and Fujifilm X70 cameras:

*Fake Leaf by Real Window* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Cienega Creek Bridge* – Vail, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Sharp Agave* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Two Magenta Flowers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*One Bloom Remains* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Pink & Green* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Pop of Warmth* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Pink Flower Blossom* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Pink Flower Blossom 2* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Bougainvillea Pink* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Backlit Flowers & Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Basketball in the Grass* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Go Supply* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*Hobby Lobby* – Avondale, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

*1:40 Diner* – Benson, AZ – Fujifilm X70

*Square on Block Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

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Kodachrome 25 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Green Hills* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

This Film Simulation Recipe is intended to mimic Kodachrome 25 color transparency film, which was introduced in 1974, replacing the similar Kodachrome II emulsion. I was fortunate to shoot a few rolls of Kodachrome 25. It was a beautiful film, and probably the sharpest color film ever made, but its low ISO made it difficult to use. Kodachrome 64, which was still a low-ISO film, was significantly faster. The major differences between the two Kodachrome emulsions is that the ISO 25 version was sharper and less grainy, while the ISO 64 version was more contrasty, vibrant and a hair warmer. Both were very similar, though, and it would be hard to spot the differences without a close inspection. Some people preferred the slightly more subtle tones and finer detail of Kodachrome 25, and some preferred the faintly punchier pictures rendered on Kodachrome 64. Kodak discontinued Kodachrome in 2009.

This isn’t a new Film Simulation Recipe, but simply a tweak of the X-Trans IV Kodachrome 25 recipe to make it compatible with X-Trans V cameras. Because blue in Classic Chrome is rendered deeper on X-Trans V than X-Trans IV, Color Chrome FX Blue needs to be set to Weak instead of Strong. Otherwise, this recipe is identical to the X-Trans IV version.

*No Lifeguard at 8* – Oceanside, CA – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

This Kodachrome 25 Film Simulation Recipe is intended for Fujifilm X-Trans V models, which (as of this writing) include the X-H2, X-H2S, and X-T5 cameras. It’s compatible with newer GFX models too, but will likely render slightly different on those cameras. Those with an X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, or X-T30 II, try the Kodachrome 25 Recipe for those models (click here).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: Daylight, +2 Red & -4 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +0.5
Shadow: -0.5
Color: +1
Sharpness: +3
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: +3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “Kodachrome 25” Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Dormant Trees Reflected* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*White Flowers Faux* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunrise Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Pink on a Grey Day* – Oceanside, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Backyard Joy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Wet Haired Boy* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Raymond Photographing Flowers* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cholla Arms* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rock Ridge* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Flowers in the Dry Desert – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Remnants of a Tree* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Prickles* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Desert Cacti* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Tall Cactus* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

***Note: When this Kodachrome 25 Film Simulation Recipe was first published, this article mistakenly listed Auto instead of Daylight for White Balance. In the Fuji X Weekly App it has always been correct.***

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

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Kodak Ultramax 400 — A Film Simulation Recipe for the Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V)

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Spring is a Dream* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – “Kodak Ultramax 400”

This isn’t a new Film Simulation Recipe, but simply a tweak of the X-Trans IV Kodak Ultramax 400 recipe to make it compatible with X-Trans V cameras. Because blue in Classic Chrome is rendered deeper on X-Trans V than X-Trans IV, Color Chrome FX Blue needs to be set to Off instead of Weak. Otherwise, this recipe is identical to the X-Trans IV version. For those with an X-T3, X-T30, or X-Trans III camera, there’s a version for you, too.

Kodak Ultramax 400 is a consumer grade ISO 400 color negative film. Kodak has sold Ultramax 400 under many different names, beginning in 1987 with Kodacolor VR-G 400, rebranded Gold 400 one year later, called simply GC at one point, and finally, in 1997, Kodak settled on Ultramax 400. Kodak still sells Ultramax 400, although it’s not the same film as Kodacolor VR-G 400. This film has been tweaked and updated at least nine times over the years; however, the overall aesthetic is still substantially similar between all variations.

*Kissed by Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – “Kodak Ultramax 400”

This Kodak Ultramax 400 Film Simulation Recipe is intended for Fujifilm X-Trans V models, which (as of this writing) include the X-H2, X-H2S, and X-T5 cameras. It’s compatible with newer GFX models too, but will likely render slightly different on those cameras. This recipe is highly versatile—a great option for daylight, overcast, indoor, nighttime, landscapes, portraits, etc.—really, it’s good most any type of photography.

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Weak
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -5 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR-Auto
Highlight: +1
Shadow: +1
Color: +4
Sharpness: 0
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: +3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “Kodak Ultramax 400” Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Watching Firecrackers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Red, Fire & Blue* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sparkler* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dressed for the Holiday* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rainy Day Window* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Happiness and Wondering* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Wet Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunny Day Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Lakeside Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cactus Bird* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cactus on a Hill* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rocks Among Clouds* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Victory Mountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Desert Ridge with Lifting Clouds* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Blue Sky Moon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dusk Sky* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

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Kodak Portra 400 v2 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

*Swath of Red* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – “Kodak Portra 400 v2”

This is a simple update to the Kodak Portra 400 v2 Film Simulation Recipe, which was originally made for X-Trans IV cameras. I discovered that a slight tweak is needed for X-Trans V models, because the new sensor renders blues just a little deeper on some film simulations, including Classic Chrome. For this recipe, simply setting Color Chrome FX Blue from Weak to Off makes it compatible with (as of this writing) the Fujifilm X-T5, X-H2, and X-H2S.

Kodak Portra 400 is a popular professional-grade color negative film introduced in 1998. There’s been a number of revisions and improvements to the emulsion over the years, so the Portra that’s available today is slightly different than the original Portra from roughly 25 years ago. As the name suggests, it’s intended for portraitures, but is also a popular option for many other genres of photography. One film can have several different aesthetics depending on many factors, and this particular Film Simulation Recipe is modeled after the Kodak Portra 400 pictures from a specific photographer. It’s one of my absolute favorite recipes for daylight and especially golden hour photography, and it does pretty well in several other light conditions; however, it’s probably not the best option for indoor artificial light, unless you want especially warm pictures.

Succulent Stories – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – “Kodak Portra 400 v2”

This Kodak Portra 400 v2 Film Simulation Recipe is intended for Fujifilm X-Trans V models. It’s compatible with newer GFX cameras too, but will likely render slightly different. If you have an X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, or X-T30 II, try the Kodak Portra 400 v2 recipe for those models (click here). If you have an X-T3 or X-T30, try the version for those cameras (click here).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: 5200K, +1 Red & -6 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: 0
Shadow: -2
Color: +2
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “Kodak Portra 400 v2” Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5: