Classic Chrome is one of Fujifilm’s most popular Film Simulations, and easily the number one Film Sim for those using Fujifilm Recipes. It’s also one of my personal favorites. It mimics the aesthetic of classic photojournalism images, such as those published in National Geographic, Arizona Highways, and many other magazines throughout the 20th century. While Fujifilm won’t say “Kodak” (because, you know…), Classic Chrome has a distinct Kodak-like color palette, somewhat similar to Kodachrome 64. It produces slightly muted colors with stronger contrast than some of the other Film Simulations, somehow being both bold and subdued at the same time. Classic Chrome is particularly well-suited for street, documentary, and travel photography, but is versatile enough for almost any genre.

If you are not sure which Classic Chrome-based Film Simulation Recipes to try, I’ve got a few suggestions, which you’ll find below. I have used these five extensively, and can happily recommend them to you. There’s not a Recipe in this list for every model, but there’s an option for most here. You can also find many other Classic Chrome Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App. Let’s get right to it!

1 – Kodachrome 64

Kodachrome was the most iconic film, so it stands to reason that we should begin this list with the Kodachrome 64 Recipe. It’s intended for sunny daylight photography, but can sometimes be good in other scenarios, too, just depending on the subject and lighting. I feel like Kodachrome 64 is an essential Recipe to try—not just for Classic Chrome, but out of all the Recipes ever made, this one should be on your shortlist. This particular version is for fifth-generation cameras (Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-TM5, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100 II, GFX100S II & GFX100RF); however, there is a version for fourth-generation models (X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II & GFX100S), a version for the X-T3 and X-T30, and even one for X-Trans II.

2 – Reggie’s Portra

Reggie’s Portra is the number one most popular Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. Reggie Ballesteros created it in 2022 by modifying my Kodak Portra 400 Recipe to better suit his style and needs. Of the various Portra Recipes, this is the most versatile, and the top choice for portrait photography. Reggie’s Portra is compatible with X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras.

3 – Kodak Gold 200

This is a classic Recipe that’s always popular. Kodak Gold 200 produces warm photos, and is intended for use in sunny daylight situations. It’s especially excellent for golden hour, including sunrises and sunsets. It’s also good for family snapshots and vacation photos. This Recipe is compatible with all fifth-generation Fujifilm cameras, which are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-TM5, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100 II, GFX100S II & GFX100RF; for the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, and GFX100S, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Off. There is also a version for the X-T3/X-T30 plus X-Trans III.

4 – Kodak Portra 400 v2

Kodak Portra 400 v2 is one of my all-time favorite Recipes, and is especially great when the sun is low to the horizon, but really anytime you have sunny daylight situations. This particular version is for fifth-generation cameras (Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-TM5, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100 II, GFX100S II & GFX100RF); however, there is a version for fourth-generation models (X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II & GFX100S), and a version for the X-T3 and X-T30.

5 – Kodachrome II

There are three distinct eras of Kodachrome, the most iconic film of all time. This Recipe is a facsimile of the second era, which was from 1961 to 1974. At one time this was the most popular Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. This specific version of Kodachrome II is for X-Trans III models plus the X-T3/X-T30; for X-Trans IV click here, and for X-Trans II click here.

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