Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of 2025

Golden Appalachian Light – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-T5 – Classic Amber

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 25 most-viewed Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website in 2025.

It’s been awhile since I did one of these articles—the last time was sixth months ago. There’s always some movement from month-to-month, but overall it’s pretty predictable. Taking a six-month view offers more clear picture than a 30-day snapshot. That’s why I waited until the end of the year before doing another. Even though it’s not December 31st, there’s unlikely to be any movement over the next two weeks, so it’s safe to conclude the order.

Pool Remnant – Rodanthe, NC – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Kodak Tri-X 400

Twenty four of the Recipes below were also in the Top 25 at the mid-point of 2025; twenty of them were in the Top 25 of 2024. The order did change a little, but otherwise it’s the usual suspects. Those Recipes with Kodak brand names in the title—Kodachrome, Portra, Gold, Tri-X, etc., etc.—are typically the most popular. Classic Chrome is the king of film simulations, as the majority of the most-viewed Recipes are based on that film simulation. Classic Negative and Reala Ace are battling for a distant second and third place. Acros, Eterna, and Nostalgic Neg. are neck-in-neck-in-neck for the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Recipes of 2025!

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of 2025

#1:

Reggie’s Portra, which uses Classic Chrome, is now the number one top Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly! It’s always been popular, but interest in this Recipe has soared this year. Last year it was in third place, pretty far behind first. In 2025, it edged out the long-time reigning champion. 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 most popular for portrait photography. Reggie’s Portra is compatible with X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras.

#2:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that was the long-time most popular Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm cameras on this website. It’s one of my personal favorites, and, really, a lot of people’s favorites. It moved down one position since 2024.

#3:

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It moved up one position since last year.

#4:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200; the X-Trans III/IV version is found later in the list. The Kodak Gold 200 Recipes uses Classic Chrome. Ranked #15 last year, it has moved up quite significantly.

#5:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2; the X-Trans IV version is found below. This is one of my personal favorites. It uses Classic Chrome. This Recipe climbed two positions since last year.

#6:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that was the long-time #2 most-popular Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, including in 2024.

#7:

The Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe, created by Anders Lindborg, is the long-time most popular B&W Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. It’s based on the Acros film simulation, and has compatibility with X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V models. This is one of my absolute top-favorite Recipes. In 2024 it was ranked 10th.

#8:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It climbed one position since last year.

#9:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. I use this Recipe quite often. It moved up four positions since last year.

#10:

This is an Eterna-based Recipe for X-Trans V cameras; however, it’s simply an adaptation of the X-Trans IV version that has been around awhile. This is the first Recipe in this list that doesn’t use Classic Chrome. In 2024 it was ranked 24, so it’s moved up quite a bit.

#11:

Pacific Blues is currently the most popular Classic Negative Recipe. This particular version is compatible with X-Trans IV models, but there’s also an X-Trans V version a little further down the list. This is another of my personal favorite Recipes. It fell three positions since last year.

#12:

It’s probably unfair to include this Recipe in the list because it’s not one, but 14 Recipes. Its inclusion is a little unfair, but here it is. It’s intended to be used with the Film Dial, or with any X-Trans V camera by mapping Film Simulation to customizable button. I have no way of knowing which of the 14 are the most used. This Recipe was published in 2025.

#13:

This Recipe uses the Reala Ace film simulation, which means that it is compatible with X-Trans V cameras. It wasn’t in the Top 25 last year; it’s position remains unchanged since June.

#14:

This version of Kodak Portra 400, which uses Classic Chrome and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras, was once commonly the third most popular Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. While it doesn’t rank nearly as high as it once did, it’s still quite popular. Last year it was ranked #6, so it has fallen quite significantly over the last year.

#15:

The Film Dial Recipe, which is for X-Trans V cameras with a Film Dial, is another one that’s a bit unfair to include since it is actually 14 Recipes. I have no idea which of them are the most used. This is another personal favorite. It climbed three spots since 2024.

#16:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. This one fell two positions since last year.

#17:

This is currently the highest-ranked Recipe that uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation (not including Universal Negative or the Film Dial Recipe sets). It’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras. It fell one spot since June; it was unranked in 2024.

#18:

Reala Ace, which is for X-Trans V cameras, predates the Reala Ace film simulation, and is based on Classic Negative. This is also a personal favorite Recipe. In 2024 it was ranked #5, so it has fallen a lot over the last year.

#19:

This Recipe is reminiscent of scanned Kodachrome 64 slides, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. It’s another Recipe that uses the Classic Chrome film simulation. It fell five spots since 2024.

#20:

This Recipe, which was created by Nathalie Boucry, uses the Reala Ace film simulation, which means it is compatible with X-Trans V cameras. It didn’t crack the Top 25 in 2024; it’s position remains unchanged since June.

#21:

This is the X-Trans V version of the Pacific Blues Recipe. Last year it was unranked; it’s climbed four spots since the mid point of this year. This is another personal favorite Recipe.

#22:

This Recipe uses Classic Chrome and is compatible with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V models. Interestingly enough, Fujifilm has displayed two of my images (one was displayed twice) at events, and both were created using this Classic Color Recipe. It’s position remains unchanged since last year.

#23:

Vintage Kodachrome, which is based on Classic Chrome, is one of the older Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly (it was the fifth one published), and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It was ranked #11 in 2024, so it’s fallen quite significantly. Just a couple of months ago I stated that this was the most pivotal Recipe.

#24:

This was the first Recipe I published that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation. It’s fallen three spots since last year.

#25:

A Classic Negative based Recipe co-created by Thomas Schwab that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). It was ranked #18 last year.

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

What’s the Most Pivotal Recipe?

The Early Photographers – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Vintage Kodachrome

After publishing yesterday’s article Camera Makers are Joining the Recipe Fun, I took a moment to consider what was the most pivotal Film Simulation Recipe that ultimately kicked off the Recipe revolution. What one Recipe deserves the most credit? There are definitely a few worth considering, but one stands out to me as the most crucial, and without it, we might not be talking about Recipes today.

I considered the original Classic Chrome Recipe from August 2017 (it was the sixth article published on Fuji X Weekly). It actually predates this website (it was originally published on a now long-defunct blog), so it’s been around a long time. It was one of the very first Recipes for Fujifilm cameras—heck, maybe the first, I’m not certain (and probably depending on how strictly you define it). Right now it’s the sixth most popular Recipe of all time (based on page-view statistics). I think it would be easy to pick the original Classic Chrome Recipe as the most important; while it is clearly a crucial Recipe, I don’t think it is quite the most pivotal.

Onaqui Horses – Dugway, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Vintage Kodachrome

Next up I considered the X-T3/X-T30 version of Kodachrome 64. There was a big leap in growth for this website in 2020, unlike anything before or since. While each year has seen some growth, the jump from 860,000 page-views in 2019 to 3.7 million in 2020 was incredibly massive—over 400% increase! (For those wondering, we’ve had over 10 million page-views for the last two years in a row, and we’re on track to top it again this year). By far, the most popular Recipe of 2020 was Kodachrome 64, so it obviously played a big role in the popularity of Recipes in-general.

Another one that certainly deserves some credit is the followup version of Kodachrome 64 for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30), which is the all-time number one most popular Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, viewed well over 600,000 times on this website. This has been the long-time most popular Fuji X Weekly Recipe, until very recently when it was overtaken in 2025 by Reggie’s Portra.

Above: Vintage Kodachrome Recipe

There are a number of Recipes that played a critical role in perpetuating straight-out-of-camera photography, but one stands out to me as the most important: Vintage Kodachrome. Published on October 21, 2017, it’s one of the oldest Fuji X Weekly Recipes—the fifth oldest, in fact. It’s a long-time fan favorite—the fourth most-viewed of all time—and obviously its popularity was particularly paramount in the growth of this website and Recipes in-general. What makes it the most crucial, though, are two things: it was the first Recipe that required more radical adjustments (such as maximum Highlight and minimum Shadow combined with underexposure), and the first to mimic a specific film stock from a specific era. This particular Recipe opened my eyes to what might be possible on Fujifilm cameras. I realized that I could do so much more; a lot of future Recipes would never have happened without this one first. So, yes, it’s one of the all-time most popular, but it also set the stage for future Recipes like Kodachrome 64 and many, many others. I can’t think of another Recipe that was more important than this one.

If not for Vintage Kodachrome, Fujifilm might not have given the X-E5 the ability to save three Film Simulation Recipes on the Film Dial (including using the word “Recipe” within the camera’s menu). There likely wouldn’t be a Fuji X Weekly App. I probably would never have made Ricoh Recipes. Nikon might not have Imaging Recipes. OM Systems likely would not have just announced Creative Recipes. Vintage Kodachrome was a critical step in the advancement of Fujifilm Recipes, and without it things probably would look just a little different today—not just within Fujifilm, but across the photo world.

My Top 10 Favorite Recipes of 2025 (so far)

Buckeye Motor Hotel – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 – Summer Sun

So far in 2025, I have published 29 Film Simulation Recipes; however, 14 of those were a part of the Universal Negative Recipe set, which if you only counted that as one Recipe (and not 14), that means I’ve published 16. For the purpose of this article I’m counting all 14, so 29 total. Of those, I wanted to share which 10 are my personal favorites and why you might want to try them yourself. The list below are not in any particular order. Let’s dive in!

Kodak Vericolor VPS

Mission San Xavier del Bac – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 – Kodak Vericolor VPS

I published the Kodak Vericolor VPS Recipe on July 7th. It uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation, and has a retro negative film aesthetic. It’s surprisingly versatile—I’ve had good results in sunny daylight, overcast, indoor, and even at night. This Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Kodak Pro 400

99 – San Francisco, CA – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Pro 400

This is the second most recent Recipe, published earlier this month on September 5th. It’s an alternative Kodak Portra 400 aesthetic, using the Reala Ace film simulation. Like the first Recipe, this one is surprisingly versatile—I’ve had good results in sunny daylight, overcast, indoor, and even at night. This Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Kodak Portra do Sol

Harkins at Night – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodak Portra do Sol

The Kodak Portra do Sol Recipe, which was created by Gilson Teixeira, was published back on April 23rd. It’s a modification of my Bright Kodak Recipe, and uses Classic Chrome film simulation. This is excellent in sunny daylight conditions, and works pretty well in blue hour, as well. It’s intended for the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, and GFX100S.

Summer Sun

Summer Joy – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 – Summer Sun

I published this Summer Sun Recipe, which uses the Reala Ace film simulation, on June 26th. It’s along the lines of Bright SummerEterna SummerSummer of ’591970’s SummerCalifornia SummerTexas SunKodak Portra 800 v3, and others. Summer Sun works best in sunny daylight conditions, and is compatible with the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Provia Summer

Golden CVS – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Provia Summer – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

The Provia Summer Recipe is a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access Recipe, published way back on January 22nd. Unsurprisingly, it uses the Provia film simulation. Like Summer Sun, it is also along the lines of those same “Summer” Recipes, and it works best in sunny daylight situation (I did have some good luck at night with this). Provia Summer is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100S, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Velvia Slide

Mountain Grass & Flowers – Boulder, CO – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Velvia Slide

This is another Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access Recipe, published on May 19th. It has a Fujichrome aesthetic similar to Velvia 100, and works best in sunny daylight, but can be good in some other light situations sometimes. This Recipe, which uses the Velvia film simulation, is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100S, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Retro Negative

Cactus in Early Spring – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI – Retro Negative

This is a Universal Negative Recipe, which was published back on March 28th. It uses the Reala Ace film simulation, and is roughly reminiscent of photo prints from the 1990’s. It’s surprisingly versatile—I’ve had good results in sunny daylight, overcast, indoor, and even at night. This Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Fujicolor Superia 200

Don’t be Shamed – Boulder, CO – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Superia 200

Another Universal Negative Recipe that was published back on March 28th, the Fujicolor Superia 200 Recipe, which uses the Classic Negative film simulation, is reminiscent of the film of the same name. Like Retro Negative, this is surprisingly versatile—I’ve had good results in sunny daylight, overcast, indoor, and even at night. This Recipe is intended for the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Classic B&W

Coffee – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 – Classic B&W

The Classic B&W Recipe was invented on a photowalk in Colorado. It uses the Acros+G film simulation, and was published on August 2nd. It’s already one of my personal favorite B&W Recipes. It’s compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100S, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Kodak Plus-X 125

Coastal Cove – Elk, CA – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Plus-X 125

This is the latest Recipe, published just a few days ago on September 20th. It uses the Acros film simulation, and was invented by Dylan Van Matre with some help from Anders Linborg. It’s going to be a fan favorite, I already know it. I don’t think it will overtake the Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe as the most popular B&W Recipe, but it might become the second most popular—we’ll see. This Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, GFX100S, GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

Red Rock at Sundown – Sedona, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50 – Reala Ace

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 25 most-viewed Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website in 2024.

It’s quite fascinating comparing this list to last year’s. First and second place are the same, but otherwise there’s a lot of change, with several not making the Top 25 this year. I could have guessed the Top 10, maybe the Top 15, but I was surprised by a couple near the bottom—I didn’t think they’d make the cut, but here they are!

Dumbo Crowd – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 – Reala Ace

Those Recipes with Kodak brand names in the title—Kodachrome, Portra, Gold, Tri-X, etc., etc.—are usually the most popular. Classic Chrome is the king of film simulations, as the majority of the most-viewed Recipes are based on that film simulation, including the first four, as well as 12 of the Top 15.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Recipes of last year!

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

#1:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is the long-time most popular Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm cameras. It was #1 last year, too.

#2:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is the long-time #2 most-popular Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. Last year it was ranked #2.

#3:

Reggie’s Portra, a popular Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras, is the most versatile Portra Recipe. It was #9 last year—it saw a significant rise in 2024.

#4:

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It was ranked #4 last year, too.

#5:

This Recipe uses the Classic Negative film simulation (and not the Real Ace film sim), and is for X-Trans V cameras. While it was published in 2023, it did not crack the Top 25 last year. Those Recipes published during the year are at a notable disadvantage compared to the long-established ones.

#6:

This version of Kodak Portra 400, which is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras, fell three spots compared to 2023.

#7:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2. It was ranked #17 in 2023.

#8:

This particular version of Pacific Blues is compatible with X-Trans IV models, but there is also an X-Trans V version. It fell two spots since last year.

#9:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras, published in February of this year. It has quickly established itself as one of the essential Fuji X Weekly Recipes to try.

#10:

This is the long-time most popular B&W Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. It’s based on the Acros film simulation, and has compatibility with X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V models. It fell two spots compared to 2023.

#11:

Vintage Kodachrome, which is based on Classic Chrome, is one of the older Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It was ranked #5 last year.

#12:

This Recipe—published in January—is reminiscent of scanned Kodachrome 64 slides, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras.

#13:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. It was ranked #21 in 2023.

#14:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. It has the same ranking as last year.

#15:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200. While it was published in 2023, it didn’t make the Top 25 list last year.

#16:

The very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, this Recipe is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It fell six spots since 2023.

#17:

Bright Summer—another Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV—is sometimes called Preetra 400, because it is modeled after Preet’s aesthetic (Preet himself is the one who gave it that nickname, btw). It didn’t crack the Top 25 list last year, but grew significantly in popularity in 2024.

#18:

It is probably unfair to include the Film Dial Recipes in this list because it is not one Recipe, but 14; however, the Vibrant Arizona article is technically four Recipes, so there is a precedence for its inclusion. Published in May, this is the newest Recipe in this list.

#19:

A Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). While it was published 18 months ago, it didn’t crack the Top 25 last year.

#20:

This version of Kodak Portra 160 is for X-Trans IV cameras, but there are also versions for X-Trans II, X-Trans III + X-T3/X-T30, and X-Trans V. It’s another Recipe that was published in 2023, but didn’t make the Top 25 list last year.

#21:

This was the first Recipe I published that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation, published in March of this year.

#22:

I published this Recipe, which uses Classic Chrome and has compatibility with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras, in April.

#23:

Kodachrome II is an older Recipe made for X-Trans III cameras. It was ranked #12 in 2023.

#24:

This is an Eterna-based Recipe for X-Trans V cameras; however, it’s simply an adaptation of the X-Trans IV version that has been around for awhile. This version was published in April of this year.

#25:

This is the X-Trans IV version of this Recipe, but there’s also a version for X-Trans III plus the X-T3 and X-T30 cameras, and also a version for X-Trans V. In 2023 it was ranked #11.

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First
Which Film Simulation Recipe, When?

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

Top 10 Most Popular Eterna Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

11th Avenue – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – SantaColor

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 10 most-viewed Eterna Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website so far in 2024.

It’s close enough to the end of the year that there is unlikely to be much movement, if any, between now and January 1st, so I thought it would be a good time to begin looking at year-end statistics. When I share the Top 25 most popular Recipes of any given month, the results are pretty predictable: color Recipes dominate, especially those that mimic Kodak film stocks and use Classic Chrome. On the suggestion of a Fuji X Weekly reader, I’m going to share some Top 10 articles for Recipe categories where few are likely to crack the Top 25 overall. I started with B&W, followed that up with Fujicolor; now we’ll look at Recipes that use the Eterna film simulation.

Hotel Chelsea – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50Cinematic Film

Inspired by yesterday’s SOOC Live broadcast (if you missed it, you can watch it now), I decided that Eterna needed to be included in this project. In my opinion, it’s probably the most under appreciated film sim of them all. Perhaps that’s my fault, as I probably could have done more to demonstrate just how good it is. There’s a good chance that some of you have never even used an Eterna-based Recipe—if not, perhaps now is a good time.

I had a very good hunch that the X-Trans V version of CineStill 800T would rank #1, because it’s been routinely in the Top 25 ever since I published it in April. Beyond that, I was really unsure how this list would look. I expected both SantaColor and Cinematic Film to crack the Top 10, but to my surprise neither did. I count 30 Eterna-based Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App, so obviously some had to be left out.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Eterna Recipes of 2024!

Top 10 Most Popular Eterna Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

#1:

This is an adaptation of the X-Trans IV version (which you’ll find a little further down) for use on X-Trans V cameras. Like the film it is named after, this Recipe is specifically intended for nighttime photography.

#2:

This is one of my favorite Eterna-based Recipes. It’s an adaptation of the X-T3/X-T30 version (which you’ll find a little further down) for use on “newer” X-Trans IV models.

#3:

For X-Trans IV cameras, this Recipe is specifically intended for nighttime photography.

#4:

Vintage Color is an artist’s Recipe. It either works very well or not especially well, and should be used thoughtfully. It’s for X-Trans IV cameras; on X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

#5:

This Recipe can produce interesting results in the right light, but is definitely not for everyday use. I’m surprised to see it rank so high. It’s for use on X-Trans IV cameras; on X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

#6:

This one is for the X-T3 and X-T30 cameras; for all other X-Trans IV models, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Grain size Small, and Clarity 0.

#7:

One of the more recently published Recipes that use Eterna. It’s compatible with “newer” X-Trans IV and all X-Trans V cameras.

#8:

This version is for the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30 cameras.

#9:

This Recipe has a lot of compatibility—it can be used on the X-H1, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V cameras.

#10:

I use this one a lot during November and December, and occasionally throughout the year. It’s the most versatile Recipe in this list.

See also:
Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in November 2024
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First
Which Film Simulation Recipe, When?

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

Top 10 Most Popular Fujicolor Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

Manhattan from Pulaski Bridge – Fujifilm X-T50 – PRO Negative 160C

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 10 most-viewed Fujicolor Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website so far in 2024.

It’s close enough to the end of the year that there is unlikely to be much movement, if any, between now and January 1st, so I thought it would be a good time to begin looking at year-end statistics. When I share the Top 25 most popular Recipes of any given month, the results are pretty predictable: color Recipes dominate, especially those that mimic Kodak film stocks and use Classic Chrome. On the suggestion of a Fuji X Weekly reader, I’m going to share some Top 10 articles for Recipe categories where few are likely to crack the Top 25 overall. I started with B&W; now we’ll look at Fujicolor-related Recipes.

Boats & Bridge – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – PRO Negative 160C

By Fujicolor, I mean Recipes that are (generally speaking) intended to mimic Fujicolor film stocks, or are named after a Fujifilm emulsions. I did this category last year, actually, and it was quite fascinating. Interestingly, the rankings have change pretty significantly year-over-year; however, I’m not too surprised by the results. I knew that Reala Ace would be Number One, Fujicolor Super HG v2 would be second, and PRO Negative 160C would be third. Beyond that, I wasn’t sure, and a couple inclusions (and exclusions) were a tad surprising.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Fujicolor Recipes of 2024!

Top 10 Most Popular Fujicolor Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

#1:

This is one of the most popular Recipes (even briefly #1) of 2024, so I wasn’t surprised in the least to see it at the peak of this list. It uses the Classic Negative film simulation (and not the Real Ace film sim), and is for X-Trans V cameras.

#2:

A Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). Month-to-month, this one typically ranks between 20th and 30th.

#3:

This was the first Recipe I published that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation. It’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras.

#4:

This is an App Patron Early Access Recipe, which means that right now it is only available in the Fuji X Weekly App to Patron subscribers. Eventually it will be available free to everyone, but that might take awhile. This Recipe uses the Classic Negative film simulation, and is compatible with X-Trans V cameras. It’s very new—published in late October—so its inclusion (and high ranking) is pretty shocking.

#5:

Last year, this Recipe was #1 on this list. It’s an older one that uses PRO Neg. Std, and is compatible with X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3 and X-T30.

#6:

This is the X-Trans V version of this Recipe (the X-Trans IV version is a little further down). It uses the Classic Negative film simulation. Last year it was ranked #10.

#7:

This Recipe is for X-Trans IV cameras, and uses the Classic Negative film simulation. It was ranked #2 on this list last year.

#8:

This is the X-Trans IV version of this Recipe, and it uses the Classic Negative film simulation. It was ranked #6 last year.

#9:

This is a Reala Ace based Recipe for X-Trans V models; however, there is a version that’s compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30 that didn’t make this list.

#10:

This Recipe uses Classic Negative and is for X-Trans IV models; however, there is an X-Trans V version that didn’t make this list. Last year, this Recipe was ranked #4.

See also:
Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in November 2024
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First
Which Film Simulation Recipe, When?

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in November 2024

Don Bell Photographing – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 25 most-viewed Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website last month (November 2024).

These types of lists are usually pretty predictable. There are often a few surprises—there is always some movement—but from one month to the next, it’s mostly the same. It’s unusual for Kodachrome 64 to not be in the #1 position, and this marks the second month in a row (and third time this year) that it isn’t. Beyond that, there aren’t many surprises.

Two Boats – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-E4 – Pacific Blues

Those Recipes with Kodak brand names in the title—Kodachrome, Portra, Gold, Tri-X, etc., etc.—are usually the most popular. Classic Chrome is the king of film simulations, as the majority of the most-viewed Recipes are based on that film simulation; however, the Number One Recipe this month is based on Reala Ace—the first time that has ever happened.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Recipes of last month!

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of November 2024

#1:

This is a new Recipe published on October 31st. It uses the Reala Ace film simulation as the base, which means it is compatible with X-Trans V cameras. I’m not surprised to see it make this list, but I’m pretty surprised that it is at the very top.

#2:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is the long-time most popular Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm cameras. It’s rare that this one isn’t Number One; surprisingly, this is the second month in a row that it is ranked #2.

#3:

Reggie’s Portra, a popular Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras, usually ranks high. It’s position, along with the next three below, remain unchanged. This is the most versatile of the Portra Recipes, and the most popular for portrait photography.

#4:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that was the long-time #2 most-popular Recipe on Fuji X Weekly.

#5:

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras.

#6:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2.

#7:

Reala Ace is back in the Top 10! This was one of the most popular Recipes (even once #1), but then it fell down the list over the summer. It uses the Classic Negative film simulation (and not the Real Ace film sim), and is for X-Trans V cameras.

#8:

It is probably unfair to include the Film Dial Recipes in this list because it is not one Recipe, but 14. When it showed up in the Top 25, I was faced with the choice to included it (as unfair as that might be) or not. The Vibrant Arizona article is technically four Recipes, so there is a precedence for its inclusion. In October it was ranked #10.

#9:

This is an Eterna-based Recipe for X-Trans V cameras; however, it’s simply an adaptation of the X-Trans IV version that has been around awhile. It was #16 last month.

#10:

This version of Kodak Portra 400, which is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras, was commonly the third most popular Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly for a long time; however, now it is more typically found in the 10-15 range. Last month is was ranked #14.

#11:

For awhile this was the highest ranked Classic Negative based Recipe, but lately is has been Number Two (if you don’t include Superia Negative from the Film Dial Recipe set). This particular version of Pacific Blues is compatible with X-Trans IV models, but there is also an X-Trans V version. It rose one spot since last month.

#12:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200. It fell one spot since last month.

#13:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras, published earlier this year. Its ranking is unchanged.

#14:

Vintage Kodachrome, which is based on Classic Chrome, is one of the older Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It usually cracks the Top 15, and sometimes the Top 10. Last month it was #9.

#15:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. It rose two positions.

#16:

This is the long-time most popular B&W Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. It’s based on the Acros film simulation, and has compatibility with X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V models. It fell one spot.

#17:

This Recipe is reminiscent of scanned Kodachrome 64 slides, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. It rose one spot.

#18:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. It rose two positions.

#19:

This is an App Patron Early Access Recipe, which means that right now it is only available in the Fuji X Weekly App to Patron subscribers. Eventually it will be available free to everyone, but that might take awhile. This Recipe uses the Classic Negative film simulation, and is compatible with X-Trans V cameras. Last month it was ranked all the way at the very top.

#20:

Easy Reala Ace was published in June, so it’s a fairly new Recipe. It fell one spot.

#21:

The very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, this Recipe is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. Last month it didn’t crack the Top 25.

#22:

A Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). This one typically either just makes the Top 25 or just misses it, and last month it just missed.

#23:

This was the first Recipe I published that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation. It rose one spot.

#24:

I published this Recipe, which uses Classic Chrome and has compatibility with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras, in April. It fell two spots since October.

#25:

This Recipe doesn’t usually crack the Top 25. Interestingly, is is the only one in this list that uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation (aside from Nostalgic Film in the Film Dial set).

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First
Which Film Simulation Recipe, When?

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in October 2024

Cars & Bikes – Austin, TX – Fujifilm X100VI & WCL-X100 II – Kodak Portra 400 v2

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 25 most-viewed Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website last month (October 2024).

These types of lists are usually pretty predictable. There are often a few surprises—there is always some movement—but from one month to the next, it’s mostly the same. This time, I was shocked. Just shocked. Yes, some were not all that surprising, but some were highly unexpected. For just the second time this year, Kodachrome 64 has dropped out of first place, and for the first time ever a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early Access Recipe has reached #1. Also, this is the first time that a Monochrome-based Recipe has even made the list… in October, two of them cracked the Top 10, becoming the first B&W Recipes to rank higher than Kodak Tri-X 400 in a very long time.

Johnny’s BBQ – Nashville, TN – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Blue – by Jonathan Roesch

Those Recipes with Kodak brand names in the title—Kodachrome, Portra, Gold, Tri-X, T-Max, etc., etc.—are usually the most popular. Classic Chrome is the king of film simulations, as the majority of the most-viewed Recipes are based on that film simulation; however, the Number One Recipe this month is based on Classic Negative—only the second time that has happened this year.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Recipes of last month!

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of October 2024

#1:

This is an App Patron Early Access Recipe, which means that right now it is only available in the Fuji X Weekly App to Patron subscribers. Eventually it will be available free to everyone, but that might take awhile. This Recipe uses the Classic Negative film simulation, and was published only two weeks ago. It’s highly, highly surprising that it not only cracked the Top 10, but made it all the way to the top spot. Interestingly, it beat out #2 by a very large margin.

#2:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is the long-time most popular Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm cameras. It’s rare that this one isn’t Number One, and I’d be surprised if it isn’t back on top next month.

#3:

Reggie’s Portra, a popular Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras, usually ranks high. Last time it was #2, and now it is #3. This is the most versatile of the Portra Recipes, and the most popular for portrait photography.

#4:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is often ranked Number Two in these types of lists. It fell one spot since last month.

#5:

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It was ranked #4 in September.

#6:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2. Like #2-5 above, it fell one spot.

#7:

This is a new B&W Recipe for X-Trans IV & V cameras that was published about a month ago. Acros-based Recipes are the king of black-and-white, and Kodak Tri-X 400 is usually the only one to crack the Top 25. This one uses Monochrome+G, so it is quite surprising to find it ranked so high.

#8:

This is also a new B&W Recipe for X-Trans IV & V cameras that was published about a month ago. This one, too, uses the Monochrome+G film simulation. I was shocked to find both this one and the Hard Tone version above in the Top 10.

#9:

Vintage Kodachrome, which is based on Classic Chrome, is one of the older Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It usually cracks the Top 15, and sometimes the Top 10. Last month it was #11.

#10:

It is probably unfair to include the Film Dial Recipes in this list because it is not one but 14 Recipes. Last month was the first time seeing it in the Top 25, and I was faced with the choice of included it (as unfair as that might be) or not. The Vibrant Arizona article is technically four Recipes, so there is a precedence for its inclusion. I think the sudden rise in interest in the Film Dial Recipes is due to three things: 1) people buying the X-T50, 2) the announcement of the X-M5 (which also has a Film Dial), and 3) people realizing that these Recipes can be used for a lot of other cameras, and not just those with the knob. In September it was ranked #7.

#11:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200. It’s been slowly rising, and this is the highest that I’ve seen it rank (one spot above last month).

#12:

This is oftentimes the highest ranked Classic Negative based Recipe, but this month it is Number Two (if you don’t include Superia Negative from the Film Dial Recipe set). This particular version of Pacific Blues is compatible with X-Trans IV models, but there is also an X-Trans V version. It also rose one spot since last month.

#13:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras, published earlier this year. It ranked #10 in September.

#14:

This version of Kodak Portra 400 was commonly the third most popular Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly for a long time; however, it has been slowly falling. Last month it ranked #9.

#15:

This is the long-time most popular B&W Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, although it places third this time (not including Neopan Negative in the Film Dial set). It’s based on the Acros film simulation, and has compatibility with X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V models. It remains in the same position.

#16:

This is an Eterna-based Recipe for X-Trans V cameras; however, it’s simply an adaptation of the X-Trans IV version that has been around awhile. It also remains in the same position.

#17:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. It rose two positions.

#18:

This Recipe is reminiscent of scanned Kodachrome 64 slides, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. It rose three positions.

#19:

Easy Reala Ace was published in June, so it’s a fairly new Recipe. It fell five spots compared to September.

#20:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. It fell two positions.

#21:

Reala Ace used to be the most popular Classic Negative Recipe, typically found in the Top 10, and sometimes even the Top 5 (and even once at #1!), but it has fallen quite far in the rankings, including four spots since last month. This Recipe is for X-Trans V cameras.

#22:

I published this Recipe, which uses Classic Chrome and has compatibility with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras, in April. It fell two spots since September.

#23:

This is a new Reala Ace based Recipe published less than two months ago. Last month it was #8.

#24:

This was the first Recipe I published that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation. It remains in the same position.

#25:

Published in June, this is the highest-ranked Recipe that uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation (aside from Nostalgic Film in the Film Dial set). It also remains in the same position compared to last month.

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First
Which Film Simulation Recipe, When?

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

Top Favorite Film Simulation Recipes for Portrait Photography (as decided by YOU!!)

Fujifilm X-T5 – Fujifilm Negative Recipe – by Amanda Roesch

I asked, you answered. Below you will find the top color Film Simulation Recipes for portraits and people, as chosen by you! I appreciate everyone who took time out of their busy day to answer the survey—I’m sure this information will be quite helpful to many people, so thank you!

What makes a Recipe good for portraits? There’s no objective answer to this, as everyone has their own unique style and taste. Probably the best answer is: ones that produce good skin tone rendering—Classic Chrome might be the best film simulation for that, but, of course, that’s very subjective, and opinions vary. How a certain Recipe does depends a lot on the exact light situation—one might be great in a specific scenario but not in another. All of that makes it difficult to say with any level of certainty which Recipes are best for portraiture, but there are clearly some that are more universal than others.

Fujifilm X-T4 – Reggie’s Portra Recipe – by Amanda Roesch

I’m not a portrait photographer myself. I’ve dabbled in it here and there over the years, but it’s just not my thing. My wife, however, does do portrait photography, and her favorite Recipe is Reggie’s Portra. In fact, all of her top Recipes for portraits and people (aside from the brand-new Fujifilm Negative Recipe that I just published yesterday) cracked the Top 10. There are definitely some good options, and the poll results confirm a lot of my suspicions about which ones are best.

The specific question asked was: which color Film Simulation Recipe is your favorite for portraits and people? I gave 25 Recipe options that either I have used personally or I have seen others use for people pictures, so I knew they were a good group. Then, I provided a space to add any Recipes that were left out for those whose favorites weren’t in the list—since there are approaching 400 Recipes, most were left out. The results were fascinating, so let’s jump into it!

Reggie’s Portra was unsurprisingly the top pick; however, what did surprise me was that it absolutely dominated the poll. Almost half of you chose this Recipe as a favorite for people pictures. According to you, this is the Recipe for portraits. And I concur. This Recipe is compatible with X-Trans IV models (except the X-T3 & X-T30); for fifth-generation cameras, simply set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off.

Kodak Portra 400 v2 is one of my all-time favorite Recipes. Portra film (as the name implies) is specifically intended for portrait photography, so it should not be a shock that this Recipe is popular for people pictures. One-in-five of you chose this in the poll, putting it in (a distant) second place. There is a version for fifth-generation models (linked above), one for X-Trans IV, and one for the X-T3 and X-T30.

Kodachrome 64 is the long-time number one most popular Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. For pictures with people, this one places third, which is still high, but far from the top spot. There is a version for fifth-generation models (linked above), one for X-Trans IV, and one for X-Trans II.

One film can produce many different looks depending on a whole host of factors (how handled, how shot, how developed, how scanned or printed, and how viewed); Kodak Portra 400 and v2 both produce a Portra-like look, but based on two notably divergent possible outcomes of the emulsion. There is a version of this Recipe for X-Trans IV models (linked above; for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off), one for the X-T3 & X-T30, and one for X-Trans III (although that one is significantly different).

Tied for Number 5 (with Kodak Portra 160 v2 below) is Reala Ace, which interestingly does not use the Reala Ace film simulation; instead, it is based on Classic Negative. It’s highly versatile and fairly popular, so I’m not surprised to see it ranked so high. It’s compatible with all fifth-generation models.

Also in fifth place is Kodak Portra 160 v2. This one has more of a softer rendering, and is especially great for taming high-contrast scenes. This is compatible with all fifth-generation models; for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3 & X-T30), simply set Color Chrome FX Blue to Strong.

Tied for seventh (with Kodak Portra 160 below) is McCurry Kodachrome, which is modeled after Steve McCurry’s famous last roll of Kodachrome 64. Think of it as scanned Kodachrome, while the Kodachrome 64 Recipe (a couple of spots higher) is more like projected Kodachrome. This recipe is compatible with all X-Trans IV cameras.

The Kodak Portra 160 Recipe, which is tied for seventh (with McCurry Kodachrome above), has a soft and warm Kodak color negative aesthetic. Recipes with Portra in the name account for five of the Top 8 in this list. There is a version of this Recipe for X-Trans IV (linked above), one for X-Trans III & X-T3/X-T30, and one for X-Trans II.

This was my very first Recipe that uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation. It’s an excellent all rounder, including for people pictures, but I am a bit surprised to see it at Number 9. Nostalgia Negative is compatible with all X-Trans V cameras.

Pacific Blues has a lot of contrast, so it’s not for every situation, but when it works, it really works. It’s tied for Number 10 with Fujicolor NPS 160 Pulled (below). There is a version X-Trans V (linked above), and one for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3 & X-T30).

Also tied for Number 10 is Fujicolor NPS 160 Pulled. This is a highly versatile Recipe with low-contrast and muted colors, and is especially excellent for artificial light situations. It’s compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (except the X-T3 & X-T30); for fifth-generation models, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

If you’re not sure which Recipes to try for portrait photography, I’d start with the 11 above. That’s a good group, and there’s enough variety that at least one should work well for you. But, in case those aren’t enough, I’ve included below the Recipes that received at least two votes in the poll (including a couple write-ins). I figure if at least two people voted one as a favorite, then it must be decent, and worthwhile to try. Also, there were a number of write-ins for Kodak Tri-X 400; this list was specific to color Recipes, but, for B&W, I definitely recommend that Recipe—it’s my personal favorite.

1976 Kodak
Cinematic Film
Easy Reala Ace
Elite Chrome 200
Emulsion ’86
Fujicolor Reala 100
Fujicolor Superia 100
Kodachrome II
Kodak Ultramax 400
Superia Xtra 400

There are many Film Simulation Recipes that weren’t mentioned in this article that are probably pretty good, so just because one wasn’t listed here doesn’t mean it won’t produce good results for portraits and people pictures. Part of the fun is in the discovery. The one that could become your favorite might be in this list, or it might not, and you won’t know until you try. I invite you to pick a couple of these Recipes, and maybe one not in this list, and shoot some portraits to see if you like the results. You can find them here, or in the Fuji X Weekly App, which is available for both Apple and Android.

Recipes for Portraits?

Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Superia Negative

I’m not a portrait photographer. I have dabbled in it a little over the years, but it is just not my thing. So when people ask me which Film Simulation Recipes I recommend for portraits, it’s hard for me to provide a good answer. Now, I do have some experience to fall back on, plus I’ve seen some of your great pictures on social media, so I’m not completely clueless. I can give some recommendations that I’m confident will do well. I just wish that I could provide a bit more expert advice whenever I’m asked.

In yesterday’s post I included a survey. A couple years back I conducted a poll on Fuji X Weekly, but I was quite dissatisfied with the poll itself (how it was integrated, how it had to be configured), so I never bothered to do another. Just this week I learned of a much better and easier way to go about it, and I’m really happy with how it came together and turned out. So… you can expect a lot more surveys in the near future! I’m excited about this feedback—your opinions are immensely important.

Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Nostalgic Americana

Below you will find a poll question: Which color Film Simulation Recipe(s) is/are your favorite(s) for portraits? I want to know which Recipe you like best when photographing people. I picked 25 Recipes for the poll that I know some of you currently use or have used in the past for portrait photography, plus a couple that I have personal experience with. Pick one, two, three, or more—if you’ve used a particular Recipe for portraits and had good results, go ahead and mark it.

There’s a second question: Name a Recipe not found above that you like for portraits? I’ve published nearly 400 Recipes, so 25 is barely scratching the surface. I’m sure that I left out many that are good for portraits, included the two Recipes used for the photos above. Even if you marked some in the first question, go ahead and fill-in-the-blank for the second question if a Recipe that you have experience with was left out (if you’d rather, you can leave it as a comment instead). I appreciate your help with this!

Which Film Simulation Recipes, When? — Part 3: X-T3 & X-T30 (2024 Edition)

Colorful Flags – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30 – Classic Kodak Recipe

Part 1 (X-Trans V)Part 2 (X-Trans IV)

I get asked all of the time when to use which Film Simulation Recipe. With over 350 in the Fuji X Weekly App to choose from, it can be difficult to know when each Recipe should be chosen, especially since many of them are specifically intended for sunny daylight conditions. With only seven Custom Settings presets on your Fujifilm camera (for most of you, anyway), which ones should you have programed? When should you select them?

The problem with trying to answer this question is that it’s a highly subjective endeavor. While I might like a certain Recipe for a particular situation, you might not. There’s not a right or wrong answer, just what works for you and what doesn’t—and I cannot say whether any particular Recipe will work for you or not. Only you can answer that for yourself, and you have to try a Recipe to know. With that said, I do attempt to give good advice. I’ve written many articles related to this topic, including the series Which Film Simulation Recipes, When? While that has likely been the most helpful, it’s nearly two-years-old now, and a lot of new Recipes have been published since. I think it’s time to update the series for 2024.

Bougainvillea Below Window – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30 – McCurry Kodachrome Recipe

The premise of the original series is that Jason Kummerfeldt of Grainydays, a YouTube channel about film photography, gave some advice on when to use which film emulsion in a video entitled Which Film Stock, When? Since film choice is such a personal thing, how do you say when to use which? It’s the same thing for Film Simulation Recipes. His solution was simply to demonstrate what he uses and state what he likes, and maybe you’ll like it, too. In my series, I copied that approach for Recipes—I told you my preferences, and invited you to try them out. We’re going to follow that same formula for this update with just a small twist, which I think makes a little more sense.

What makes Part 3 more challenging than the first two articles is that the X-T3 and X-T30 cameras cannot remember a White Balance Shift within the C1-C7 Custom Settings presets. If two Recipes share the same white balance type but not the same shift, when you switch presets you must remember to adjust the shift, too. That can be inconvenient and frustrating, so my best solution is to program Recipes that use different white balance types and/or share the same white balance type and shift. The user experience is much improved, but you might not be able to program all of your favorite Recipes at the same time, which is the one downside to this solution. What I set out to do with this article is recommend seven Recipes, one for each C1-C7 Custom Settings preset, that don’t share the same white balance type, or, if they do, share the same shift. It’s a difficult task, but I think I came up with a good set for you; however, there were definitely some tough cuts.

Vintage Sunset – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Kodacolor Recipe

Also, if you have a newer X-Trans IV camera, you can use these Recipes, too, by simply setting Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Clarity to 0, and choosing a Grain size (either Small or Large). While the next installment will cover X-Trans III, some of these Recipes are compatible with X-Trans III cameras; the key is to look for whether they call for Color Chrome Effect or not—if not, it’s compatible with X-Trans III. Also, X-Trans III recipes are fully compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30 (just set Color Chrome Effect to Off), but I avoided those Recipes for this article because I wanted to save them for Part 4.

Below are seven Recipe suggestions for you to program into C1-C7 on your Fujifilm camera, with advice on when to use each. Since Recipes are (for the most part) generationally specific, each article will cover a different group of cameras. This is Part 3, and covers the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30.

C1 — Kodak Portra 400 v2 — Sunny Daylight #1

Window to the City – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Kodak Portra 400 v2

Kodak Portra 400 v2 does well anytime during daylight hours, but especially for “golden hour” near sunrise and sunset. As the name suggests it is a good option for portrait photography, but is excellent for many genres. This really could be your primary use-most-of-the-time Recipe, and that’s why I suggest placing it in C1. This Recipe uses the Daylight White Balance type, as do the first four of the suggested alternatives below (but not the last one).

Some alternatives to consider:
Kodachrome 64
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Portra 160
Kodak Portra 400
Pro Neg

Note: Kodak Gold 200, Kodak Portra 160, and Kodak Portra 400 all share the same WB type and WB shift, and could potentially be your C1-C3.

C2 — Classic Kodak — Sunny Daylight #2

Split Saguaro – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30 – Classic Kodak

I like to reserve C2 for bright midday photography. The old rule of thumb was once the sun was high in the sky, it’s time to put the camera away. While Classic Kodak can be used anytime the sun is out, it is a great options for middle-of-the-day situations, and proves the old adage wrong. This Recipe uses the Shade White Balance type, as do the first two suggested alternatives below (but not the bottom three).

Some alternatives to consider:
Porto 200
Lomography Color 100
McCurry Kodachrome
Kodacolor
Kodacolor VR

C3 — Kodak Vision3 250D — Sunny Daylight #3

Ice Cream Trailer – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Kodak Vision3 250D

This is a good spot to have an alternative aesthetic compared to C1 and C2—as I don’t think you’d want to have all three up to this point to be essentially similar. Although each of the first three have a Kodak-negative-like look, Kodak Vision3 250D produces a notably divergent aesthetic. With the ones I’ve suggested so far, you’ve got a good set for all sorts of daylight situations no matter your subject. This Recipe uses the Fluorescent 1 White Balance type, as does the first suggested alternative below (but not the bottom four).

Some alternatives to consider:
Color Negative
Fujicolor 100 Industrial
Fujicolor Pro 160NS
Negative Print
Analog Color

C4 — Ektachrome E100GX — Overcast

Pink Rose Blossom – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Ektachrome E100GX

Ektachrome E100GX is excellent for sunny daylight photography, but it also does pretty well for dreary overcast conditions. It uses the Fluorescent 2 White Balance type, as does the first suggested alternative below (but not the bottom four).

Some alternatives to consider:
Fujichrome Sensia 100
Classic Slide
Fujicolor Pro 400H
Eterna Bleach Bypass
Eterna v3

C5 — Kodak Ultramax— Versatility

Street Lamp Sunset – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Kodak Ultramax

I like to have at least one Recipe programmed into my camera that’s highly versatile and can be used no matter the situation. While there are not as many options for the X-T3 and X-T30 as there are for newer X-Trans IV cameras, there are still some excellent options; of those, my personal favorite is Kodak Ultramax. It uses the Auto White Balance type, as do all of the suggested alternatives below.

Some alternatives to consider:
Velvia
Velvia v2
Eterna
Polaroid
Verano Tostado

C6 — Jeff Davenport Night — Nighttime

Wet Glass Bokeh – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Jeff Davenport Night

If it’s between dusk and dawn, especially if there are city lights, Jeff Davenport Night is the recipe to use on your X-T3 and X-T30 cameras. Period. It uses the Kelvin White Balance type, as does the first option below (but not the bottom four).

Some alternatives to consider:
Eterna Low Contrast
Cinematic Negative
Melancholy Blue
Expired Eterna
Fujicolor Pro 400H Overexposed

C7 — Analog Monochrome — B&W

Minolta SRT303b – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1 – Analog Monochrome

Last but not least is B&W. Filling out the last slot is tricky, because most of the White Balance types have already been used. There are basically three options: choose an X-Trans III Recipe—which is fully compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30—that uses a different WB type (that’s what I’ve done here, as Analog Monochrome utilizes Incandescent); use an Auto WB Recipe—perhaps Ilford Delta Push Process—and disregard the WB Shift, and accept the results for what they are (which will be nearly the same, but not exactly the same); or use a Daylight WB Recipe—perhaps Kodak Tri-X 400—and substitute Daylight with Underwater, which is similar enough that you’re not likely to notice the difference.

Some alternatives to consider:
Kodak Tri-X 400
Agfa APX 400

Monochrome Kodachrome
Ilford Delta Push-Process
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Push-Process

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Stay tuned for Part 4!

11 Film Simulation Recipes for Fall Photography

Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

I’ve been asked many times over the last couple of weeks which Film Simulation Recipes are the best for autumn photography. Sometimes the Recipes that work really well for the endless sunshine of summer aren’t quite as good for photographing fall foliage. I live in the desert; for the most part, the leaves here don’t change colors until November and December, and the show is rather mundane compared to most other places. Because of that, whenever I do get to experience the brilliant colors of the changing season, I’m learning as I go which Recipes work well and which ones don’t.

Last year I traveled a few hours up the road to the mountains near Flagstaff, Arizona, where there is an impressive autumn display. I tried seven different Recipes that I thought might do well, and it was interesting to compare the results. As you’d probably expect, some did better than others. If you are trying to figure out which Recipes to try this fall, I definitely recommend taking a look at that article (click here). I also published an article two years ago with some fall Recipe suggestions (click here), which is also worthwhile. Between those two posts, there are 17 potential options for your autumn photography.

Fujifilm X-T5 – Velvia Film Recipe

Last week I was up in New York and Connecticut. It might be “peak fall” right now—or maybe next week—for those up that direction. It was absolutely gorgeous when I was there, despite not being quite peak colors. I was thrilled not only for the opportunity to photograph the incredible scenery, but to also try out different Film Simulation Recipes for autumn photography. Specifically, I wanted to use ones that were not included in those two articles I mentioned in the last paragraph—between all three posts, you should now have a pretty good selection of potential options.

Everyone has different tastes, and the light and subject will be different wherever you go. That’s why it’s good to have options. My hope is that a few of these Recipes—or maybe some from those other two articles—will stand out to you to try for yourself. The idea here is not that you’ll use all 11 of these on your next fall foliage outing, but that you might try some. You might even decide that some of these are definitely not for you—knowing which ones to avoid can also be valuable.

Fujifilm X100VI – PRO Negative 160C Recipe

For myself, I did find a few that I will certainly use again whenever I have the opportunity to photograph fall foliage in the future. And I also found a few Recipes that I probably won’t. Just because I like (or don’t like) something doesn’t mean that you’ll agree with that assessment. Hopefully, though, if you are unsure which ones to program into your Fujifilm camera, this will give you some direction.

Without any further delay, below are 11 Film Simulation Recipes that I tried for fall photography in New York and Connecticut last week.

Velvia Film

Fujifilm X-T5 – Velvia Film Recipe

Velvia Film was one of the Recipes that I was most excited to try out for fall photography. I had high hopes for it, and it didn’t disappoint. In retrospect, I only wish that I had used it more—a lot more, actually. I will definitely utilize this one on my next autumn adventure!

This Recipe is quite vibrant, slightly warm, and fairly low contrast. If you want to emphasize the vivid colors of the changing leaves, this one will do it. Velvia Film is one of the Film Dial Recipes, and you are likely to get good results with Provia, Astia, PRO Neg. Hi, Reala Ace, Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, and Nostalgic Negative (and maybe others); however, Velvia is top-notch for this type of photography, and what I most recommend. It is compatible (as of this writing) with the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5 cameras.

Fujifilm X-T5 – Velvia Film Recipe
Fujifilm X-T5 – Velvia Film Recipe

Vibrant Velvia

Fujifilm X-E4 – Vibrant Velvia Recipe

I thought that I was going to love Vibrant Velvia for autumn, but I didn’t. Not that it was bad (because it wasn’t), but it didn’t quite emphasize the colors like I hoped it would. Green and blue stand out, but the warm colors of the changing leaves surprisingly get a little deemphasized. Situationally specific, it could still be a good choice for fall photography; however, I think there are several better options.

Where I think this Recipe works best is in a situation like the photo directly below this paragraph. The fall foliage add pops of warmth to the green and blue, which are the two most prominent colors in the scene. As of this writing, this Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5 cameras.

Fujifilm X-E4 – Vibrant Velvia Recipe
Fujifilm X-E4 – Vibrant Velvia Recipe

Appalachian Negative

Fujifilm X100VI – Appalachian Negative Recipe

I like Appalachian Negative in general, so I thought I might also appreciate it for fall. Sure enough, I do! It has the right retro Kodak-like vibes to trigger nostalgia. This is another Recipe that I wish I had used more, because I like the results. I can imagine it being especially appropriate for photographing a pumpkin patch or fall decor or things like that.

Because this Recipe uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation, it is only compatible with the latest cameras, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5. Of the three Recipes in this article that use the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation, Appalachian Negative is my favorite for autumn pictures.

Fujifilm X100VI – Appalachian Negative Recipe
Fujifilm X100VI – Appalachian Negative Recipe

1976 Kodak

Fujifilm X-T5 – 1976 Kodak Recipe

I had pretty high hopes for 1976 Kodak when I programmed it into my X-T5, but ultimately I decided that it is just a bit too warm and contrasty for my tastes. It definitely does make the pictures look like they were captured in another era, but it just feels like too much warmth, particularly whenever the scenes are already especially warm. Situationally specific it might be a good choice—such as low-contrast cool light scenes—but overall it was not my favorite for fall photos.

If you are going for a 1970’s magazine vibe, you might consider this Recipe; otherwise, I would instead recommend the one directly below this or especially the one directly above. As of this writing, 1976 Kodak is compatible with the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5 cameras.

Fujifilm X-T5 – 1976 Kodak Recipe
Fujifilm X-T5 – 1976 Kodak Recipe

Kodak Negative

Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Negative Recipe

As far as the Nostalgic Neg. Recipes that I tried, I feel that Kodak Negative sits in-between Appalachian Negative and 1976 Kodak; however, it is divergent enough that I could see having it programmed as a companion to one of those Recipes. For fall photos, I like this one much more than 1976 Kodak, but not quite as much as Appalachian Negative.

In the right light, this Recipe is phenomenal for capturing autumn colors. Next opportunity, I will definitely have this one programmed into my camera. Kodak Negative is compatible (as of this writing) with the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5 cameras.

Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Negative Recipe
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Negative Recipe

Kodak Portra 160

Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodak Portra 160 Recipe

I didn’t expect to like this Recipe for fall foliage because it is soft with muted colors; however, I ended up liking it for that very reason. The Kodak Portra 160 Recipe produces results that are somewhat the antithesis of what one expects from fall photos, which is what makes it work.

This isn’t a Recipe that I would use for all of my autumn images, but, as occasional relief to the vivid pictures that dominate this season, it is quite excellent. This Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras; for fifth-generation models, simply set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Strong.

Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodak Portra 160 Recipe
Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodak Portra 160 Recipe

Kodak Portra 400 v2

Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

Kodak Portra 400 v2 is one of my absolute favorite Recipes, so it should be unsurprising that I appreciate the results for fall photographs. Interestingly, there are some similarities between this and Appalachian Negative, so perhaps having both Recipes programmed into the camera is a bit redundant; however, they are definitely divergent enough to justify both.

This particular Recipe is the version for the fifth-generation models, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5. There is also a version for X-Trans IV cameras, and one for the X-T3 and X-T30.

Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

Asita Azure

Fujifilm X-T5 – Astia Azure Recipe

Astia Azure is a Fuji X Weekly App Patron-only Early Access Recipe, which means that only App subscribers have access to it at this time. Eventually it will be made available to everyone once a different Early Access Recipe replaces it. I found it did alright in certain light situations (such as the above photo), but was mediocre in others.

While I didn’t necessarily dislike it, Astia Azure wouldn’t be my top choice for autumn photography—I think it’s more of a summertime Recipe, especially if there’s a lot of blue sky… it’s pretty good for nighttime, too. As of this writing, the Astia Azure Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5 cameras.

Fujifilm X-T5 – Astia Azure Recipe
Fujifilm X-T5 – Astia Azure Recipe

PRO Negative 160C

Fujifilm X100VI – PRO Negative 160C

I liked the PRO Negative 160C Recipe a lot for fall photographs. It combines a somewhat soft tonality with vibrant and slightly warm colors, producing anologue-like results. This is another one that I wish I had utilized more, and will use again for autumn images at the next opportunity.

Because this Recipe uses the Reala Ace film simulation, it is only compatible with fifth-generation models, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5 cameras. There is a version that uses the PRO Neg. Hi film simulation, which is compatible with the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II.

Fujifilm X100VI – PRO Negative 160C
Fujifilm X100VI – PRO Negative 160C

Ektachrome E100

Fujifilm X-T5 – Ektachrome E100 Recipe

This is another Fuji X Weekly App Patron-only Early Access Recipe, which means that only App subscribers have access to it at this time. Eventually it will be made available to everyone once a different Early Access Recipe replaces it. I like this one, although it can be a bit too contrasty in high-contrast situations, so it isn’t for every scenario.

While I would certainly consider having this as one of my seven C1-C7 Recipes, I’m not certain if it would make the cut or not. It’s close, and it definitely can be useful, so if it didn’t, it would be a tough cut. The Ektachrome E100 Recipe is compatible (as of this writing) with the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50 and X-M5 cameras.

Fujifilm X-T5 – Ektachrome E100 Recipe
Fujifilm X-T5 – Ektachrome E100 Recipe

Pacific Blues

Fujifilm X-E4 – Pacific Blues Recipe

Last but certainly not least is Pacific Blues. This is another of my favorite Recipes, so it should not be surprising that I also like it for fall photography. This one has a lot of contrast, so it can be challenging to use, and is clearly not for every fall image. Even if the situation where it works well is only encountered occasionally, I would still have this as one of my C1-C7 Custom Settings presets.

This particular version of the Pacific Blues Recipe is for X-Trans IV cameras, which are the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras; for fifth-generation models, there’s a version for your camera.

Fujifilm X-E4 – Pacific Blues Recipe
Fujifilm X-E4 – Pacific Blues Recipe

Of these 11 Film Simulation Recipes, which seven would I program into my Fujifilm X-T5 or X100VI? Velvia Film, Appalachian Negative, Kodak Portra 160, Kodak Portra 400 v2, PRO Negative 160C, Ektachrome E100, and Pacific Blues—I think, anyway. Kodak Negative was a tough cut in that scenario, so I would probably take a longer look at it, and really consider if that’s what I want to do. In any event, that seems like an excellent set of seven for fall photography that covers most subjects and situations. But, don’t forget, there are also the seven I used in Flagstaff last year, and I would certainly consider including some of those, namely CineStill 400D v2, Kodak Ektar 100, Fujicolor Superia 100, and The Rockwell. This would be a lot easier if we had more than seven slots. More likely, the next opportunity to capture the autumn leaves, I will have different Recipes programmed into two or three cameras, so that I can use more than just seven.

The fall colors won’t last long. If you’ve been wanting to photograph them, don’t procrastinate. Grab your Fujifilm camera, program in a few of these Recipes, and head out the door. The time is now, so make sure that you don’t miss out.

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Fujifilm X-T5 in black:
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Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in September 2024

Travel by Change – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50 – Superia Negative Film Dial Recipe

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 25 most-viewed Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website last month (September 2024).

These types of lists are usually pretty predictable. There are often a few surprises—there is always some movement—but from one month to the next, it’s mostly the same. This time, I was shocked by some of the rankings. I’ll discuss most of the specifics within the list itself, but one Recipe in particular that I want to bring up here is Bright Summer. Prior to March, I had never noticed it in the Top 25, but suddenly it was, and even ranked as high as #6! In August it was #10. But in September it dropped out of the Top 25 altogether (it is #26, for those wondering). That’s a pretty sudden and significant drop, and I wonder if it is simply because the seasons are changing.

Cape Cod Bay House – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Film Recipe

Those Recipes with Kodak brand names in the title—Kodachrome, Portra, Gold, Tri-X, etc., etc.—are usually the most popular. Classic Chrome is the king of film simulations, as the majority of the most-viewed Recipes are based on that film simulation—in fact, the Top 5 are all Classic Chrome Recipes. Reala Ace, Classic Negative and Eterna based Recipes are pretty far behind, but I’m glad to see them represented multiple times each in this list.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Recipes of last month!

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of September 2024

#1:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is the long-time most popular Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm cameras. There is a pretty big gap between this and second place.

#2:

Reggie’s Portra, a popular Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras, usually ranks high, but this is the first time I’ve seen it at #2. This is the most versatile of the Portra Recipes, and was ranked #4 in August.

#3:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is almost always ranked number two in these types of lists. In fact, this is only the second time this year that I’ve seen it drop out of the second-place position.

#4:

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It was ranked #3 in August.

#5:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2. It’s ranking remains the same since last month.

#6:

Cinematic Film is one of the 14 Film Dial Recipes for the Fujifilm X-T50 (and, really, all X-Trans V cameras). Initially I didn’t include it in the Fuji X Weekly App because adding all 14 would have been ridiculous, but by popular demand I did include it retroactively. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, but I’m very shocked to not only see it in the Top 25, but all the way at #6! This isn’t just the highest rated Recipe based on the Eterna film simulation, but the highest that isn’t Classic Chrome.

#7:

It is probably unfair to include the Film Dial Recipes in this list because it is not one but 14 Recipes (including Cinematic Film above). This was the first time seeing it in the Top 25, so I was faced with the choice of included it (as unfair as that might be) or not. The Vibrant Arizona article is technically four Recipes, so there is a precedence for its inclusion. I think the sudden rise in interest in the Film Dial Recipes is due to two things: 1) people buying the X-T50, and 2) people realizing that these Recipes can be used for a lot of other cameras, and not just the X-T50.

#8:

This is a brand-new Recipe published less than three weeks ago, and already it is in the Top 10. Currently it is the highest-ranked Reala Ace based Recipe (if you don’t include Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm from the Film Dial Recipe set).

#9:

This version of Kodak Portra 400 was commonly the third most popular Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly for a long time—it’s still in the Top 10, but hasn’t cracked the Top 5 in awhile. It fell three spots compared to last month.

#10:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras, published earlier this year. It ranked #7 in August.

#11:

Vintage Kodachrome, which is based on Classic Chrome, is one of the older Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It usually cracks the Top 15, and sometimes the Top 10. Its ranking remains unchanged from last month.

#12:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200. This is the highest that I’ve seen it rank (one spot higher than last month), and the second month in a row that it is above the old version.

#13:

Pacific Blues is currently the highest ranked Classic Negative based Recipe (if you don’t include Superia Negative from the Film Dial Recipe set). This particular one is compatible with X-Trans IV models, but there is also an X-Trans V version. It’s often in the Top 10; last month it was #8.

#14:

Easy Reala Ace was published in June, so it’s a fairly new Recipe. It fell five spots compared to August, but still remains in the Top 15.

#15:

By far the most popular B&W Recipe, Kodak Tri-X 400 is based on the Acros film simulation, and has compatibility X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V models. It was ranked #12 in August.

#16:

This is an Eterna-based Recipe for X-Trans V cameras; however, it’s simply an adaptation of the X-Trans IV version that has been around awhile. It rose one spot compared to last month.

#17:

Reala Ace used to be the most popular Classic Negative Recipe, typically found in the Top 10, and sometimes even the Top 5 (and even once at #1!), but it has fallen quite far in the rankings; however, it is one spot higher than last month. This Recipe is for X-Trans V cameras.

#18:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. It was ranked #14 in August.

#19:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. It was ranked #15 last month.

#20:

I published this Recipe, which uses Classic Chrome and has compatibility with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras, in April. It fell four spots since August.

#21:

This Recipe is reminiscent of scanned Kodachrome 64 slides, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. It was ranked #19 in August.

#22:

The very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, this Recipe is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It fell two spots since last month.

#23:

A Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). This one typically either just makes the Top 25 or just misses it, and is one spot higher than in August.

#24:

This was the first Recipe I published that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation. It fell two positions since last month.

#25:

Published in June, this is the highest-ranked Recipe that uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation (aside from Nostalgic Film in the Film Dial set). It was ranked #21 in August.

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First
Which Film Simulation Recipe, When?

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

Which Film Simulation Recipes, When? — Part 2: X-Trans IV (2024 Edition)

Pacific Poppies – Montaña de Oro SP, CA – Fujifilm X-E4 – Pacific Blues Recipe

Part 1 (X-Trans V)Part 3 (X-T3/X-T30)

I get asked all of the time when to use which Film Simulation Recipe. With over 350 in the Fuji X Weekly App to choose from, it can be difficult to know when each Recipe should be chosen, especially since many of them are specifically intended for sunny daylight conditions. With only seven Custom Presets on your Fujifilm camera (for most of you, anyway), which ones should you have programed? When should you select them?

The problem with trying to answer this question is that it’s a highly subjective endeavor. While I might like a certain Recipe for a particular situation, you might not. There’s not a right or wrong answer, just what works for you and what doesn’t—and I cannot say whether any particular Recipe will work for you or not. Only you can answer that for yourself, and you have to try a Recipe to know. With that said, I do attempt to give good advice. I’ve written many articles related to this topic, including the series Which Film Simulation Recipes, When? While that has likely been the most helpful, it’s nearly two-years-old now, and a lot of new Recipes have been published since. I think it’s time to update the series for 2024.

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

The premise of the original series is that Jason Kummerfeldt of Grainydays, a YouTube channel about film photography, gave some advice on when to use which film emulsion in a video entitled Which Film Stock, When? Since film choice is such a personal thing, how do you say when to use which? It’s the same thing for Film Simulation Recipes. His solution was simply to demonstrate what he uses and state what he likes, and maybe you’ll like it, too. In my series, I copied that approach for Recipes—I told you my preferences, and invited you to try them out. We’re going to follow that same formula for this update with just a small twist, which I think makes a little more sense.

Below are seven Recipe suggestions for you to program into C1-C7 on your Fujifilm camera, with advice on when to use each. Since Recipes are (for the most part) generationally specific, each article will cover a different group of cameras. This is Part 2, and covers X-Trans IV models (except the X-T3 and X-T30, which will be discussed in Part 3): Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II.

C1 — Kodak Portra 400 v2 — Sunny Daylight #1

Evening Charge – Santa Rosa, NM – Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodak Portra 400 v2

Kodak Portra 400 v2 does well anytime during daylight hours, but especially for “golden hour” near sunrise and sunset. As the name suggests it is a good option for portrait photography, but is excellent for many genres. This really could be your primary use-all-of-the-time Recipe, and that’s why I suggest placing it in C1. Personally, I use this one frequently.

Some alternatives to consider:
Kodak Portra 160
Kodak Portra 400
Classic Kodak
Fujicolor Superia 100
Superia Premium 400

C2 — Bright Kodak — Sunny Daylight #2

Golden Desert Hill – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Bright Kodak

I like to reserve C2 for bright midday photography. The old rule of thumb was once the sun was high in the sky, it’s time to put the camera away. While Bright Kodak can be used anytime the sun is out, it is one of my favorite options for middle-of-the-day situations, and proves the old adage wrong.

Some alternatives to consider:
Vibrant Arizona
Bright Summer
Kodak Portra 400 Warm
Kodak Portra 800 v3
Superia Summer

C3 — Kodachrome 64 — Sunny Daylight #3

Denny’s Days – Beaver, UT – Fujifilm X-E4 – Kodachrome 64

This is a good spot to have an alternative aesthetic compared to C1 and C2—as I don’t think you’d want to have all three up to this point to be essentially similar. Although each of the first three have a Kodak-like look, Kodachrome 64 produces a more contrasty slide film aesthetic. With the ones I’ve suggested, you’ve got a good set for all sorts of daylight situations no matter your subject.

Some alternatives to consider:
McCurry Kodachrome
Kodachrome 25
Kodachrome II
Kodak Vision3 250D
Kodak Ektar 100

C4 — Pacific Blues — Overcast

Ice Flower & Chain Link  Morro Bay, CA – Fujifilm X-E4 – Pacific Blues

Pacific Blues is excellent for sunny daylight photography—it was specifically designed for a summer day at the beach—but I have fallen in love with it for overcast and foggy days. For dreary conditions, this Recipe is hard to beat.

Some alternatives to consider:
PRO Negative 160C
Kodak High Definition Plus 200
Superia Xtra 400
Kodak Max 800
Color Negative 400

C5 — Reggie’s Portra — Versatility

Mountain Sunset – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Reggie’s Portra

I like to have at least one Recipe programmed into my camera that’s highly versatile and can be used no matter the situation. There are several excellent options, but a personal favorite that I use frequently is Reggie’s Portra. Almost no matter the light, this one does very well.

Some alternatives to consider:
Kodak Ultramax 400
Fujicolor NPS 160 Pulled
Fujicolor Super HG v2
Timeless Negative
Kodachrome II v2

C6 — Serr’s 500T — Nighttime

11th Street – Astoria, OR – Fujifilm X100V – Serr’s 500T

Most Recipes are intended for sunny daylight; while some can still do well at night, and the versatile options above are definitely good for after-dark, there are some Recipes that are specifically intended for night photography. Of those, Serr’s 500T is one of my absolute favorites.

Some alternatives to consider:
CineStill 800T
Pushed CineStill 800T
Ektachrome 320T
Pure Negative
Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1

C7 — Kodak Tri-X 400 — B&W

Old Window Blinds – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Tri-X 400

I love black-and-white photography. As far as Recipes go, the monochrome options tend to be less popular than color; however, my favorite Recipe—and the one that I would choose if I could only ever photograph with one—is Kodak Tri-X 400.

Some alternatives to consider:
Ilford HP5 Plus 400
Monochrome Negative
Kodak T-Max 400
Kodak T-Max P3200
Kentmere Pan 400

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

Stay tuned for Part 3!

Which Film Simulation Recipes, When? — Part 1: X-Trans V (2024 Edition)

Dumbo Crowd – Brooklyn, New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 – Reala Ace Recipe

Part 2 (X-Trans IV)Part 3 (X-T3/X-T30)

I get asked all of the time when to use which Film Simulation Recipe. With over 350 in the Fuji X Weekly App to choose from, it can be difficult to know when each Recipe should be chosen, especially since many of them are specifically intended for sunny daylight conditions. With only seven Custom Presets on your Fujifilm camera (for most of you, anyway), which ones should you have programed? When should you select them?

The problem with trying to answer this question is that it’s a highly subjective endeavor. While I might like a certain Recipe for a particular situation, you might not. There’s not a right or wrong answer, just what works for you and what doesn’t—and I cannot say whether any particular Recipe will work for you or not. Only you can answer that for yourself, and you have to try a Recipe to know. With that said, I do attempt to give good advice. I’ve written many articles related to this topic, including the series Which Film Simulation Recipes, When? While that has likely been the most helpful, it’s nearly two-years-old now, and a lot of new Recipes have been published since. I think it’s time to update the series for 2024.

Red Rock at Sundown – Sedona, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50 – Reala Ace Recipe

The premise of the original series is that Jason Kummerfeldt of Grainydays, a YouTube channel about film photography, gave some advice on when to use which film emulsion in a video entitled Which Film Stock, When? Since film choice is such a personal thing, how do you say when to use which? It’s the same thing for Film Simulation Recipes. His solution was simply to demonstrate what he uses and state what he likes, and maybe you’ll like it too. In my series, I copied that approach for Recipes—I told you my preferences, and invited you to try them too. We’re going to follow that same formula for this update with just a small twist, which I think makes a little more sense.

Below are seven Recipe suggestions for you to program into C1-C7 on your Fujifilm camera, with advice on when to use each. Since Recipes are (for the most part) generationally specific, each article will cover a different group of cameras. Part 1 is X-Trans V models, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50. You can use these Recipes on the latest GFX cameras; however, they will render slightly differently (try them anyway).

C1 — Kodak Portra 400 v2 — Sunny Daylight #1

Motor Hotel – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Portra 400 v2

Kodak Portra 400 v2 does well anytime during daylight hours, but especially for “golden hour” near sunrise and sunset. As the name suggests it is a good option for portrait photography, but is excellent for many genres. This really could be your primary use-all-of-the-time Recipe, and that’s why I suggest placing it in C1. Personally, I use this one frequently.

Some alternatives to consider:
Kodachrome 64
Kodak Gold 200
Classic Kodak
Kodak Negative
Nostalgic Americana

C2 — Vibrant Arizona — Sunny Daylight #2

Arizona Barn – Sedona, Arizona – Fujifilm X-T5 – Vibrant Arizona

I like to reserve C2 for bright midday photography. The old rule of thumb was once the sun was high in the sky, it’s time to put the camera away. While Vibrant Arizona can be used anytime the sun is out (also, try it at dusk and dawn), it is my favorite option for middle-of-the-day situations, and proves the old adage wrong.

Some alternatives to consider:
1970’s Summer
California Summer
Kodak Portra 800 v3
Kodak Portra 160 v2
Kodak Vericolor Warm

C3 — Fujicolor Film — Sunny Daylight #3

Rainbows over Philly – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Film

This is a good spot to have an alternative aesthetic compared to C1 and C2—as I don’t think you’d want to have all three up to this point to be essentially similar—and the Fujicolor Film Recipe provides exactly that. With the ones I’ve suggested, you’ve got a good set for all sorts of daylight situations no matter your subject.

Some alternatives to consider:
Fujicolor Reala 100
Fujicolor Superia 100
Fujicolor Natura 1600
Pushed Analog
Kodak Vision3 250D v2

C4 — Pacific Blues — Overcast

Wet Leaves – Tannersville, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 – Pacific Blues Recipe

Pacific Blues is excellent for sunny daylight photography—it was specifically designed for a summer day at the beach—but I have fallen in love with it for overcast and foggy days. For dreary conditions, this Recipe is hard to beat.

Some alternatives to consider:
Kodak Ultramax 400
PRO Negative 160C
Emulsion ’86
Thommy’s Ektachrome
Superia Xtra 400

C5 — Reala Ace — Versatility

Mountain Pines at Sunset – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Reala Ace

I like to have at least one Recipe programmed into my camera that’s highly versatile and can be used no matter the situation. There are several excellent options, but my personal favorite is the Reala Ace Recipe (which, incidentally, uses Classic Negative and not the new Reala Ace film sim).

Some alternatives to consider:
Fujicolor Super HG v2
Nostalgia Negative
Timeless Negative
Easy Reala Ace
1976 Kodak

C6 — CineStill 800T — Nighttime

Quiet Corner – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – CineStill 800T

Most Recipes are intended for sunny daylight; while some can still do well at night, and the versatile options above are definitely good for after-dark, there are some Recipes that are specifically intended for night photography. Of those, CineStill 800T is my top recommendation.

Some alternatives to consider:
Pushed CineStill 800T
Fluorescent Night
Expired ECN-2 100T
Agfa Ultra 100 v2
Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1

C7 — Kodak Tri-X 400 — B&W

Frank – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50 – Kodak Tri-X 400

I love black-and-white photography. As far as Recipes go, the monochrome options tend to be less popular than color; however, my favorite Recipe—and the one that I choose if I could only ever photograph with one—is Kodak Tri-X 400.

Some alternatives to consider:
Kodak T-Max P3200
Ilford FP4 Plus 125
Ilford HP5 Plus 400
Monochrome Negative
Kentmere Pan 400

IQ — X-T50 Film Dial — Bonus

Oysters & Seafood – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50 – Film Dial “Cinematic Film”

Whether or not you have a Fujifilm X-T50, you can program the universal Film Dial Recipe into your IQ Menu as a bonus option (explained here). With the X-T50, the Film Dial allows you to achieve up to 12 different looks (essentially 12 bonus Recipes); with other cameras, program one of the FN buttons to activate the Film Simulation submenu, and you can achieve up to 14 different looks (14 bonus Recipes). This adds a ton of versatility to your camera.

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

Part 2 (X-Trans IV)

Film Simulation Recipes for an ’80’s Look

Captured with a Fujifilm X-T30 using the Kodacolor Recipe

I was asked how to get an ’80’s look from Fujifilm cameras, similar to my articles explaining how to get a ’90’s look (here and here). Well, it’s actually quite easy! I have several Film Simulation Recipes that mimic a 1980’s aesthetic. Simply program one (or more) of those Recipes into your Fujifilm camera, and you’re good to go.

First, I want to share with you some pictures that I recently captured on my Fujifilm X-T30 using the Kodacolor Recipe, which is my favorite for replicating an ’80’s vibe. Take a look!

Using vintage lenses from the 1980’s, or perhaps inexpensive third-party lenses with character, will help with the overall aesthetic. For the pictures above, I used a TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8, which has strong vignetting when used wide open. Basically, you don’t want a clean digital image; some technical flaws are preferred, I think.

Below are my Top 7 Film Simulation Recipe suggestions for a 1980’s look. I’m sure there are others that could suffice, too, but these are the ones that I recommend the most.

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. There are also a couple other versions (here and here). To use this Recipe on “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, simply set Grain size to Small, Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and Clarity to 0. This is my top suggestion for a 1980’s look.

This Kodacolor VR Recipe is similar to the Kodacolor Recipe above, but a little different—it is more reminiscent of slightly expired Kodacolor VR film. It also has a distinct 1980’s vibe. Compatible with X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 and X-T30. For use on “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, simply set Grain size to Small, Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and Clarity to 0.

Reminiscent of the quintessential Kodak color negative film, which was first introduced in the late-1980’s. 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.

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. Kodachrome 64 was introduced in 1974 and discontinued in 2009, so it isn’t strictly a 1980’s aesthetic, but definitely falls within the era.

The aesthetic of the Emulsion ’86 Recipe is reminiscent of some pictures from the Expo ’86 World’s Fair. This Recipe is for X-Trans V cameras.

Fujicolor Super HG was a color negative film introduced by Fujifilm in the 1980’s. While it was never as popular as Kodak’s stocks, it still has a distinct ’80’s vibe. Best for sunny daylight conditions, although it can do well in other situations, too. This Recipe is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (except the X-T3/X-T30); for use on X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

Similar to Fujicolor Super HG (“v1”), this version offers more versatility, and is great for nighttime and artificial light situations; however, I think v1 has a bit stronger ’80’s aesthetic. This is the X-Trans V version, for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3, X-T30, X100V & X-Pro3) click here.

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
Why Film Simulation Recipes are BETTER than default Film Simulations
Why Shooting JPEGs Is So Popular

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in May 2024

Manhattan from Pulaski Bridge – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 – PRO Negative 160C

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 25 most-viewed Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website last month (May 2024).

There was a lot of movement for May, especially in the bottom 80% of this list—the top five Recipes are pretty predictable. Those with Kodak brand names in the title—Kodachrome, Portra, Gold, Tri-X, etc., etc.—are usually the most popular. Classic Chrome is the king of film simulations, as the majority of the most-viewed Recipes are based on that film simulation.

Gate E8 – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2

Bright Summer has been on a rollercoaster lately, and its jump to number six is quite surprising. A lot of upward and downward movements overall. A couple Recipes that usually rank in the Top 25 didn’t make the cut. There are three Nostalgic Negative Recipes in this list, which is a bit unusual, two Classic Negative Recipes, one each of Eterna, Reala Ace, and Acros; otherwise, all the rest are Classic Chrome.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Recipes of last month!

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of May 2024

#1:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is the long-time most popular Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm cameras. This is the king of Recipes!

#2:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is almost always ranked number two in these types of lists.

#3:

Another popular Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras. It climbed one spot.

#4:

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It was ranked #2 for April.

#5:

Reala Ace is the most popular Classic Negative based Recipe. It was ranked in the same position last month.

#6:

Bright Summer—another Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV—is sometimes called Preetra 400, because it is modeled after Preet’s aesthetic (Preet himself is the one who gave it that nickname, btw). It doesn’t usually crack the Top 25, but in March it suddenly jumped to #9, for April it fell to #23, and now in May it up all the way to #6!

#7:

This is a recently published Recipe that uses Classic Chrome, and has similarities to Kodak Portra. It’s compatible with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V. This Recipe moved up one position from April.

#8:

This version of Kodak Portra 400 was commonly the third most popular Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly for a long time. It fell one spot compared to last month.

#9:

Pacific Blues used to be the highest-ranked Classic Negative based Recipe, but Reala Ace has left it in the dust. This particular one is compatible with X-Trans IV models, but there is also an X-Trans V version. In April it was ranked #16, so it is definitely on the rise.

#10:

A somewhat recently published Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It fell one spot compared to April.

#11:

By far the most popular B&W Recipe, Kodak Tri-X 400 is based on the Acros film simulation, and has compatibility X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V models. It was ranked #17 last month.

#12:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2. It rose two spots from April.

#13:

Vintage Kodachrome, which is based on Classic Chrome, is one of the older Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It was ranked #11 last month.

#14:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. This one rose several spots, as it was ranked #19 in April.

#15:

This is a fairly recently Recipe, and the very first to use the new Reala Ace film simulation. At the moment, it is only compatible with the Fujifilm X100VI and X-T50. In April it ranked #12.

#16:

The very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, it is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It ranked #21 last month.

#17:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200. It rose three positions from April.

#18:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. It’s in the same exact spot compared to last month.

#19:

This is a newly published Recipe that uses Nostalgic Negative as the base, which means that it is for X-Trans V cameras. This Recipe is what I used for my two pictures that are found on Fujifilm’s new film simulation page.

#20:

1976 Kodak doesn’t typically crack these lists, but it is a very good Recipe that I’m happy to see being used by more people. The base film simulation is Nostalgic Negative, so it is only compatible with X-Trans V cameras.

#21:

This Recipe is reminiscent of scanned Kodachrome 64 slides, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. Last month it was ranked #15.

#22:

This is a recently published Eterna-based X-Trans V CineStill 800T Recipe; however, it’s simply an adaptation of the X-Trans IV version that has been around awhile. This is the highest ranking Eterna-based Recipe; however, it fell significantly, from #10 in April.

#23:

This is a Recipe that I’m surprised doesn’t rank higher; typically, it’s not even in the Top 25. This version is for X-Trans IV cameras, but there are also versions for X-Trans II, X-Trans III + X-T3/X-T30, and X-Trans V.

#24:

Kodachrome II is an older Recipe made for X-Trans III cameras. It used to often be in the Top 10, but has been falling for awhile. Last month it ranked the same.

#25:

The weather is getting hotter, so it’s not a huge surprise that 1970’s Summer is on the rise. This is a Nostalgic Negative Recipe for X-Trans V cameras.

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First

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

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Acros

Round Window – Pismo Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Tri-X 400

Provia Velvia AstiaClassic ChromePRO Neg. HiPRO Neg. Std — Classic Negative Nostalgic Neg.EternaEterna Bleach Bypass

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. The new Reala Ace film simulation will be excluded from this because there aren’t many Recipes available for it yet. Also, I’m combining the four Acros film sims into one article (this one!), and the four Monochrome film sims (and probably Sepia, too) into another (the next one).

The Acros film simulation is modeled after Neopan Acros black-and-white negative film, which Fujifilm introduced back in 1952. Neopan Acros came in three ISOs: 100, 400, and 1600. Neopan Acros was briefly discontinued in 2018, and reintroduced in 2019 as Neopan Acros 100 II. Curiously, the new version is actually manufactured by Harman (the parent company of Ilford), although it behaves quite similarly to the original. Acros is one of the most analog-like film sims, and one of my absolute favorites. One unique aspect about it is that it has built-in Grain that increases with the ISO. For grittier pictures, simply use higher ISOs. If you are unsure what the +Y, +R & +G filter options do, I wrote about it here.

Playing with Waves – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Kodak Tri-X 400

While there are a number of Acros-based Film Simulation Recipes, which produce a variety of results, there’s only one that I use regularly: Kodak Tri-X 400. It’s always programmed into at least one of my cameras. I often tell people that it is my all-time favorite Film Simulation Recipe, and if I could only ever use just one Recipe for the rest of my life, it would be Kodak Tri-X 400.

The five Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use Acros as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 22 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Acros, so you have some choices. But, if you are unsure which Acros Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

Not only is this, by far, the most popular black-and-white Film Simulation Recipe, it’s also my personal favorite. I use it all of the time, and it’s an easy one to recommend for you to try. There’s compatibility with X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V cameras.

#2:

This Recipe has some similarities to Kodak Tri-X 400, so—unsurprisingly—it is quite excellent, too. It has compatibility with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3 & X-T30) and X-Trans V.

#3:

This used to be my favorite B&W Recipe before Kodak Tri-X 400. You have to be careful with the exposure, and watch the highlights carefully so that they don’t clip. It’s compatible with X-Trans III and the X-T3/X-T30; for use on newer cameras, set Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Grain size Small, and Clarity 0.

#4:

This is the original B&W Recipe published on this website, and one that helped convince me that camera-made JPEGs can actually be good. It’s intended for X-Trans III cameras, but can also be used on the X-T3 and X-T30.

#5:

This is the newest B&W Film Simulation Recipe. It’s actually quite excellent—I personally like it a lot—and is a good alternative to the ones above. It’s compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3 & X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
Why Film Simulation Recipes are BETTER than default Film Simulations
Why Shooting JPEGs Is So Popular

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in April 2024

Sedona Night – Sedona, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Vibrant Arizona

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 25 most-viewed Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website last month (April 2024).

I was quite surprised by the rankings for April. Most of the time these lists are pretty predictable. Those with Kodak brand names in the title—Kodachrome, Portra, Gold, Tri-X, etc., etc.—are the most popular. Classic Chrome is the king of film simulations, as the majority of the most-viewed Recipes are based on that film simulation. This time there was a lot of movement, and even some surprises (at least to me, anyway).

Gen Reflection – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Classic Color

Vibrant Arizona jumped up to number two, surpassing Kodak Portra 400 v2, which almost always occupies that spot. There are five newcomers to the list. A lot of upward and downward movements. Several Recipes left the Top 25. Some of these Film Simulation Recipes have only been published for a few months or less. Two of these are only currently compatible with one camera: the Fujifilm X100VI.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Recipes of last month!

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of April 2024

#1:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is the long-time most popular Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm cameras. This is the king of Recipes!

#2:

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It was ranked #5 for March.

#3:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is almost always number two in these types of lists, but fell to #3 for April.

#4:

Another popular Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras. Its ranking stayed the same.

#5:

Reala Ace is the most popular Classic Negative based Recipe. It was ranked number three in March.

#6:

Typically, Classic Chrome dominates these lists, Classic Negative makes a few appearances, and Acros will occupy one spot, as well as some other film sim sometimes, such as PRO Neg. Std. The new Reala Ace film sim makes two appearances this time, and Fujicolor 100 Industrial takes the lead among them. Right now, this Recipe is only compatible with the X100VI, so #6 is incredibly (and surprisingly) high, all things considered.

#7:

This version of Kodak Portra 400 was commonly the third most popular Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly for a long time. It moved up one spot from March.

#8:

This is a newly-published Recipe that uses Classic Chrome, and has similarities to Kodak Portra. It’s compatible with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V.

#9:

A somewhat recently published Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It fell three spots compared to last month.

#10:

This is a newly published Eterna-based X-Trans V CineStill 800T Recipe; however, it’s simply an adaptation of the X-Trans IV version that has been around awhile. Eterna makes two surprise appearances this month, and this one ranks the highest, just reaching the Top 10.

#11:

Vintage Kodachrome, which is based on Classic Chrome, is one of the older Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It was ranked #15 last month; oftentimes it’s in the Top 10.

#12:

This is a fairly recently published Recipe, and the very first to use the new Reala Ace film simulation. At the moment, it is only compatible with the Fujifilm X100VI. In March it ranked #22.

#13:

A newly-published Recipe that uses Eterna. It’s compatible with X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras.

#14:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2. It was ranked #10 in March.

#15:

This is a somewhat new Recipe, published in January of 2024. It is based on Classic Chrome, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. Last month it was ranked one spot lower.

#16:

Pacific Blues used to be the highest-ranked Classic Negative based Recipe, but Reala Ace has left it in the dust. This particular one is compatible with X-Trans IV models, but there is an X-Trans V version. In March it was ranked #12.

#17:

By far the most popular B&W Recipe, Kodak Tri-X 400 is based on the Acros film simulation, and has compatibility X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V models. It was ranked #11 last month.

#18:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. It fell five spots compared to last month.

#19:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. There has been no change in ranking since February.

#20:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200. It is also in the same spot compared to last month.

#21:

The very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, it is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. This is another one that didn’t move positions.

#22:

Provia Slide is a newly published Recipe, and the first in awhile to reach the Top 25 that uses the Provia film sim. It’s compatible with X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 & X-T30.

#23:

Bright Summer—another Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV—is sometimes called Preetra 400, because it is modeled after Preet’s aesthetic (Preet himself is the one who gave it that nickname, btw). It doesn’t usually crack the Top 25, but in March it suddenly jumped to #9, and for April fell to #23.

#24:

Kodachrome II is an older Recipe made for X-Trans III cameras. It used to often be in the Top 10, but has been falling for awhile. Last month it didn’t even crack the Top 25, so I’m happy to see it return.

#25:

A Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). It ranked #18 last month.

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First

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

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Eterna Bleach Bypass

Low Sun over Tetons – Grand Teton NP, WY – Fujifilm X-E4 – Ferrania Solaris FG 400

Provia Velvia AstiaClassic ChromePRO Neg. HiPRO Neg. Std — Classic Negative Nostalgic Neg.EternaAcros

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. The new Reala Ace film simulation will be excluded from this because there aren’t many Recipes available for it yet. 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 Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation is an approximation of Eterna motion picture film that has had the bleach stage of development skipped, or at least reduced. Think Saving Private Ryan. It has harsh tonality, and is the least saturated of all the color film simulations. While you can make a fairly close facsimile using Eterna (by increasing Highlight and Shadow and lowering Color), Eterna Bleach Bypass has its own unique look. Fujifilm introduced this film sim on the X-T4, so only “newer” models have it.

Golden Light on Water – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Ferrania Solaris FG 400

Eterna Bleach Bypass produces stunning results sometimes. It requires the right subject and lighting, which varies from Recipe-to-Recipe. It can be challenging to use, so I think a lot of people avoid it, and consequently it is probably the least-utilized film simulation, aside from Sepia. Personally, I like Eterna Bleach Bypass, and hope that it catches on more in the future.

The five Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use Eterna Bleach Bypass as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 16 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Eterna Bleach Bypass, so you have some choices. But, if you are unsure which Eterna Bleach Bypass Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

This is, by far, my favorite Eterna Bleach Bypass Recipe. I’ve used it in a variety of locations and have had good success with it. Ferrania Solaris FG 400 is best for sunny daylight situations, but I have had some good results in overcast, shade, and natural light indoors. This Recipe is for X-Trans IV cameras, specifically the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II; for use on X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off.

#2:

This is the most popular Eterna Bleach Bypass Recipe. Best in sunny daylight; however, works fairly well in most light situations. LomoChrome Metropolis is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras, specifically the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II; for use on X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

#3:

This is one of my favorite Film Simulation Recipes for nighttime photography, but it can also be fun to use in daylight occasionally. Ektachrome 320T is for X-Trans IV cameras, specifically the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II; for use on X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

#4:

The Pushed CineStill 800T Recipe was intended for daytime photography, but is actually most well suited for nighttime situations. This one is compatible with X-Trans V cameras; for “newer” X-Trans IV (Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4 & X-T30 II) use this version, and for the X-Pro3 and X100V use this one that has Eterna as the base.

#5:

Kodachrome Blue is currently a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access Recipe, so only App Patrons have access to it right now. It mimics the look of improperly color-corrected scans of Kodachrome film. While it does best in sunny daylight, it has some versatility, and works well in a lot of different light situations. Kodachrome Blue is for X-Trans IV cameras, specifically the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II; for use on X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

See also:
How To Add Film Simulation Recipes To Your Fujifilm Camera
Why Film Simulation Recipes are BETTER than default Film Simulations
Why Shooting JPEGs Is So Popular

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