FUJI X WEEKLY

This Recipe is specifically intended for nighttime photography, where it excels. It’s compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (except the X-T3/X-T30); for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Strong.

#7:

Negative Print

A lovely film-like rendering. This Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-H1, X-T3, and X-T30; for “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Grain size Small, and Clarity to 0.

#8:

SantaColor

The SantaColor Film Simulation Recipe is best for sunny daylight. It’s compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (except the X-T3/X-T30).

#9:

Cinematic Negative

Great for replicating a motion picture aesthetic. This Recipe is compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30; for “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Grain size to Small, and Clarity to 0.

#10:

GAF 500

My favorite color Recipe for high-ISO photography. Compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (except the X-T3/X-T30); for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Strong.

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in March 2024

Posted on 16 Days Ago by Ritchie Roesch

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

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 (March 2024).

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—in fact, 17 of the 25 below are Classic Chrome Recipes. X-Trans IV Recipes, especially for the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras, tend to be the most popular, although I see a spike in interest in X-Trans V.

*Reflection of a Broken Door* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Fujicolor 100 Gold

For the month of March, there weren’t too many surprises, but there were a few. Fujicolor Natura 1600 jumped right up into the Top 10 despite being new; Bright Summer doesn’t usually rank high enough to make these lists, but suddenly jumped all the way to number nine. Some Recipes dropped—for example, McCurry Kodachrome fell from number four to number sixteen. As usual, the rankings moved around compared to the previous month.

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of March 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. In February it was number two—a rare occurrence—but now it is back in the top spot.

#2:

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is almost always number two in these types of lists. In February it briefly slipped to number three; however, for March it returned to its usual second place.

#3:

Reala Ace is the most popular Classic Negative based Recipe, and the most popular Recipe for X-Trans V cameras. It was ranked number one in February, but slipped to third place for March.

#4:

Another popular Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras. It moved up one spot since February.

#5:

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It was ranked #8 for February.

#6:

A fairly recently published Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It stayed in the same place as last month.

#7:

Fujicolor Natura 1600

Published at the very end of February, Fujicolor Natura 1600 was quite surprisingly the second most popular Classic Negative based Recipe in March. This one is for X-Trans V models, but there is a version for X-Trans IV.

#8:

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’s been slowly slipping over the last half a year or so. Last month it was ranked one spot higher.

#9:

Bright Summer

Bright Summer—another Classic Chrome based Recipe—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, so it’s surprising that it is suddenly in the Top 10.

#10:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2. It was ranked #13 in February.

#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 number nine last month.

#12:

Pacific Blues used to be the highest-ranked Classic Negative based Recipe, but in March it was third. This particular one is compatible with X-Trans IV models, but there is an X-Trans V version. It fell one spot compared to February.

#13:

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

#14:

Kodak Royal Gold 400

This had been an App Patron Early-Access Recipe for a long while, but in March it became available to everyone, and quickly shot up to number fourteen. It is the fourth most popular Classic Negative based Recipe currently.

#15:

Vintage Kodachrome

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 #10 last month—this is the first time that I remember it not being in the Top 10.

#16:

McCurry Kodachrome

This is a fairly 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 #4, so it fell quite a bit in March.

#17:

This is the original Kodak Portra 400 Recipe, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. This used to be commonly in the Top 10, but has been very slowly falling over the last year. It was number fourteen in February.

#18:

A Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). It was ranked #21 last month, and has been slowly rising.

#19:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. There was no change in ranking from February to March.

#20:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200. This is the first time it cracked the Top 25.

#21:

Classic Chrome

This was the very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It was ranked #15 last month.

#22:

PRO Negative 160C

A brand-new Recipe, and the very first to use the new Reala Ace film simulation. At this moment, it is only compatible with the Fujifilm X100VI.

#23:

Kodak Portra 160

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, Kodak Portra 160 is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. Last month it was ranked #16.

#24:

Fujicolor 100 Gold

A lovely and warm Classic Negative based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that doesn’t often make these types of lists.

#25:

The original CineStill 800T Recipe, intended for X-Trans III cameras. It is based on the PRO Neg. Std film simulation, and was ranked #18 last month.

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

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Nostalgic Neg.

Posted on 22 Days Ago by Ritchie Roesch

*Duck Pond* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – 1970’s Summer

Provia — Velvia — Astia — Classic Chrome — PRO Neg. Hi —PRO Neg. Std — Classic Negative — Eterna

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. So far I only have one Recipe that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation, so that one will be excluded from this. 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 Nostalgic Neg. film simulation (sometimes called Nostalgic Negative) is modeled after 1970’s American New Color photographic prints by famed photographers William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Joel Sternfeld, and Richard Misrach. Obviously there are quite a few differences between the aesthetics of those photographers, and even from the same photographer there can be some significant variances; however, Fujifilm found some commonalities, and used that to make a film simulation. Nostalgic Neg. is fairly new, and only fifth-generation X-Trans cameras (as of this writing: X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI) and some GFX models have it.

*Cold Rim, Warm Light* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Vision3 250D v2

Nostalgic Neg. is one of my favorite film sims, along with Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Acros, and Eterna. There are some resemblances between Eterna and Nostalgic Neg., so if your camera doesn’t have NN but does have Eterna, you can sometimes achieve a similar look using that. Because Nostalgic Neg. is fairly new, I have only a limited number of Film Simulation Recipes that use it, but many of these have become personal favorites of mine, and it was difficult to pick only five for this article.

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

#1:

1970’s Summer

This is a warm Recipe that has a retro analog aesthetic, and is my top choice for Nostalgic Neg.. Use on sunny days for best results.

#2:

Kodak Vision3 250D v2

The Kodak Vision3 250D v2 Recipe replicates one look of a daylight motion picture film. Best for sunny daylight, but decent for other situations, too. There’s also a version for the X-T3 and X-T30 that uses Eterna, plus another for the other X-Trans IV cameras.

#3:

1976 Kodak

A versatile Recipe that mimics one of Joel Meyerowitz’s aesthetics.

#4:

Agfa Ultra 100 v2

Agfa Ultra 100 v2 is a lovely Recipe that produces an obvious analog-like look. While it is best for sunny daylight, it is decent for other situations, too.

#5:

Timeless Negative

A versatile Recipe that is a modification of Fujifilm’s recommended Nostalgic Neg. settings. I use this one a lot around the Thanksgiving and Christmas timeframe. I also have a version for X-Trans IV that uses Eterna.

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

My 15 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Classic Negative

Posted on 29 Days Ago by Ritchie Roesch

*Bench with a View* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X-E4 – Pacific Blues

Provia — Velvia — Astia — Classic Chrome — PRO Neg. Hi — PRO Neg. Std — Nostalgic Neg. — Eterna

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

The Classic Negative film simulation is closely modeled after Fujifilm’s Superia line of films. I’m not sure why they didn’t use the Superia brand name for the film sim, because that’s what it resembles. If you want a Superia look—or, really, any Fujicolor film that has their 4th-layer technology—your best bet is to use Classic Negative as the base. It was introduced on the X-Pro3, so cameras that are older don’t have this film simulation.

Classic Negative is one of my absolute favorite film simulations, and, as far as I can tell, it is the second most popular, trailing only Classic Chrome. I had a really difficult time narrowing down my favorite Classic Negative Recipes, and even though I tripled the number from five to 15 (like I did for Classic Chrome), there were a lot of tough cuts that I would have loved to include in this list. I could have doubled the length of it, and I still would have had some hard decisions. If you like Classic Negative, there are a bunch of excellent options to choose from.

The 15 Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use Classic Negative as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 53 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Classic Negative, so you have plenty of choices. But, if you are unsure which Classic Negative Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

A highly versatile Film Simulation Recipe that uses Classic Negative to replicate the aesthetic of the new Reala Ace film sim. Compatible with X-Trans V cameras.

#2:

Perfect for a sunny day at the beach, but surprisingly great for many other scenarios, too. This is the X-Trans IV (except X-T3/X-T30) version; click here for X-Trans V.

#3:

Fujicolor NPS 160 Pulled

This is the Classic Negative Recipe that I personally use the most. Highly versatile, and is especially great for artificial light situations. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) cameras; for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

#4:

Fujicolor Natura 1600

An excellent option for sunny daylight situations. This is the X-Trans IV (except X-T3/X-T30) version; click here for X-Trans V.

#5:

Fujicolor Superia 1600

This Recipe, which is great for sunny daylight, is similar to Fujicolor Natura 1600. This is the X-Trans IV (except X-T3/X-T30) version; click here for X-Trans V.

#6:

A versatile Recipe that works well anytime of the day or night. Compatible with X-Trans V cameras; click here for X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30).

#7:

Fujicolor Superia 100

An excellent Recipe for sunny daylight photography. This is the X-Trans IV (except X-T3/X-T30) version; click here for X-Trans V.

#8:

Fujicolor Reala 100

Similar to the Reala Ace Recipe, but not as versatile. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except X-T3/X-T30) camera; click here for X-Trans V.

#9:

Fujicolor 100 Gold

Great for sunny daylight photography. This Recipe is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras, except the X-T3 and X-T30.

#10:

Superia Premium 400

Another option that’s great for sunny daylight. This Recipe is for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) cameras; for X-Trans V set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off.

#11:

Kodak Max 800

This is the only Kodak-like Recipe to make this list. It’s for X-Trans IV cameras, except for the X-T3 and X-T30.

#12:

Fujicolor Pro 400H

Like the film, this Recipe can produce a few different looks depending on how much exposure you give it. It’s for X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) cameras; for X-Trans V set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off.

#13:

Fujicolor Superia 800

Another Superia-like Recipe that is best for sunny daylight situations. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) cameras; for X-Trans V set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off.

#14:

AgfaChrome RS 100

This is the only Recipe to make this list modeled after an Agfa film stock. Thanks to its slightly cool cast, it’s surprisingly versatile. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) cameras; for X-Trans V set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

#15:

Xpro ’62

This is an unusual option that does really well in the right circumstances. Compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (except the X-T3/X-T30); for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

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

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use PRO Neg. Std

Posted on March 16 by Ritchie Roesch

*Urban Binding* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Fujicolor 100 Industrial

Provia — Velvia — Astia — Classic Chrome — PRO Neg. Hi — Classic Negative — Nostalgic Neg. — Eterna

There are 20 different film simulations on the new Fujifilm X100VI. Since there are likely many newcomers to Fujifilm who aren’t all that familiar with the various film sims and Film Simulation Recipes, I thought it would be worthwhile to discuss each one in more detail, and offer my personal favorite Recipes for each. I don’t (yet) have access to the new Reala Ace film simulation, so that one will be excluded from this. 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 PRO Neg. Std film simulation was inspired by, but not specifically modeled after, Fujifilm’s PRO line of films, such as PRO 400H and the various PRO 160 emulsions. It’s not exactly like any of those films, but is, generally speaking, similar. It’s specifically intended for portrait photography with a faithful color reproduction. This film sim has noticeably less contrast and slightly decreased vibrancy compared to PRO Neg. Hi, but otherwise the two are identical; personally, I prefer Std over Hi. Also, PRO Neg. Std has some similarities to the Eterna film sim, and can be a fairly convincing facsimile for cameras that don’t have Eterna.

*Purple Flowers by Lake* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – Fujicolor Superia 800

I like the PRO Neg. Std film simulation, but I find myself using it much more often on the “older” models (X-Trans III and prior) than on the newer ones. I think, in a way, both Eterna and Classic Negative have replaced this film sim for me. Even so, I do like PRO Neg. Std, and appreciate it for night photography in particular.

The five Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use PRO Neg. Std as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 30 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use PRO Neg. Std, so you have plenty of choices. But, if you are unsure which Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

This is an X-Trans II Film Simulation Recipe, and my personal favorite that mimics CineStill 800T film. Those with a compatible camera should definitely give this one a try for nighttime photography.

#2:

This is the X-Trans III version of CineStill 800T. It’s compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30 simply by setting Color Chrome FX Blue to Off; for newer cameras, additionally set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Grain size Large, and Clarity to 0 (or -2, if you prefer). There is also a CineStill 800T Recipe that uses Eterna.

#3:

Fujicolor 100 Industrial

This is probably one of my Top 10 Film Simulation Recipes for the X-T3 and X-T30 cameras. For newer models, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Grain size to Small, and Clarity to 0.

#4:

Nostalgic Print

Reminiscent of some old color prints, this Recipe is best for sunny daylight photography, but can be decent in other conditions, too. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

#5:

Fujicolor Superia 800

Fujicolor Superia 800, which is for X-Trans III cameras, was my first attempt at a Superia-like Film Simulation Recipe. It’s especially great for rainy days. For use on the X-T3 and X-T30, simply set Color Chrome Effect to Off; for newer cameras, additionally set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Grain size Small, and Clarity to 0. There is also a Fujicolor Superia 800 Recipe that uses Classic Negative (for X-Trans V set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off).

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

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use PRO Neg. Hi

Posted on March 15 by Ritchie Roesch

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

Provia — Velvia — Astia — Classic Chrome — PRO Neg. Std — Classic Negative — Nostalgic Neg. — Eterna

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

The PRO Neg. Hi film simulation was inspired by, but not specifically modeled after, Fujifilm’s PRO line of films, such as PRO 400H and the various PRO 160 emulsions. It’s not exactly like any of those films, but is, generally speaking, similar. It’s specifically intended for portrait photography with a faithful color reproduction. PRO Neg. Hi is comparable with Astia; definitely not identical, but surprisingly similar in certain ways. This film sim has noticeably more contrast and slightly increased vibrancy over PRO Neg. Std, but otherwise the two are identical; personally, I prefer Std over Hi.

*Orange Flower* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – Fujicolor Pro 160NS

I don’t dislike PRO Neg. Hi, but I rarely ever use it. I think it can be quite good sometimes, especially for portraits. I’ve had positive experiences with it at night. Perhaps I should use it more often than I have lately, as I feel like I’ve unfairly ignored it.

The five Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use PRO Neg. Hi as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count seven Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use PRO Neg. Hi, so there are only a couple of others to choose from. If you are unsure which PRO Neg. Hi Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

Jeff Davenport Night

This is one of my favorite Film Simulation Recipes for nighttime photography. It’s only compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30; however, for use on newer cameras, simply set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, choose Grain size Small, and set Clarity to 0 (or even -2).

#2:

Fujicolor Pro 160NS

This Film Simulation Recipe is actually seven different Recipes! It’s a unique approach, so you’ll definitely want to read the article if you’re curious about it. Fujicolor Pro 160NS is compatible with X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 and X-T30; for use on newer cameras, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, choose Grain size Small, and set Clarity to 0.

#3:

Fujicolor Pro 400H

Like #2, this Film Simulation Recipe is also seven different Recipes. Fujicolor Pro 400H is only compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30; for use on newer cameras, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, choose Grain size Small, and set Clarity to 0.

#4:

PRO Neg. Hi

Probably my favorite everyday portrait Recipe. Compatible with X-Trans III cameras. For the X-T3 and X-T30, simply set Color Chrome Effect to Off; for newer cameras, additionally set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, choose Grain size Small, and set Clarity to 0.

#5:

Pro Film

This is probably one of my Top 5 favorite X-Trans II Film Simulation Recipes. Great for sunny daylight photography.

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

My 15 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Classic Chrome

Posted on March 11 by Ritchie Roesch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1:

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

#2:

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

#3:

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

#4:

Kodak Ultramax 400

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

#5:

Kodak Portra 160 v2

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

#6:

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

#7:

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

#8:

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

#9:

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

#10:

Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v2

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

#11:

McCurry Kodachrome

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

#12:

Kodacolor

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

#13:

Kodak Ektar 100

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

#14:

Classic Kodak Chrome

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

#15:

Serr’s 500T

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

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

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Astia

Posted on March 7 by Ritchie Roesch

*Peach City Drive-In* – Brigham City, UT – Fujifilm X100F – Kodak Ektar 100

Provia — Velvia — Classic Chrome — PRO Neg. Hi — PRO Neg. Std — Classic Negative — Nostalgic Neg. — Eterna

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

The Astia film simulation (a.k.a. Astia/Soft) is named after the Astia line of slide films by Fujifilm; however, this film simulation does not faithfully replicate the emulsion. Astia 100F had low color saturation (for a slide film), and was specifically intended for portrait photography. While the film sim is notably divergent from the film of the same name, Fujifilm states that the Astia film simulation is the “ideal Astia” and is what the film would have looked like had it been possible to do so.

*City of Grace Tower* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – CineStill 400D v2

While intended for vibrant portraits, the Astia film sim can be good for many situations, with a rendering in-between Provia and Velvia, yet not exactly like either. Personally, for vibrant landscapes, I prefer Velvia, and for pictures of people I prefer some of the less-saturated options, like Classic Chrome, PRO Neg. Std, or even Eterna. Since Astia is a bit bolder than Provia and not quite as bold as Velvia, some might find it to be a happy medium. I don’t often choose it for my photography—it’s one of my least-used film simulations.

The five Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use Astia as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 10 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Astia, so there are only a handful of others to choose from. But, if you are unsure which Astia Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

CineStill 400D v1

Great for sunny daylight, and decent enough for dreary conditions, CineStill 400D v1 replicates one possible aesthetic of a cinematic film. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

#2:

CineStill 400D v2

This Recipe replicates a different possible aesthetic of the same cinematic film. While this one is also great for sunny daylight, it’s a good option for shade and blue-hour photography. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

#3:

Everyday Astia

A versatile Recipe that can be used for most any situation and subject. Compatible with X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 and X-T30.

#4:

Astia

A lovely Recipe for sunny daylight photography. Compatible with X-Trans II cameras.

#5:

Kodak Ektar 100

This was my very first attempt at replicating Kodak Ektar film. Colorful, and surprisingly versatile. Compatible with X-Trans III cameras, plus the X-T3 and X-T30.

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

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Velvia

Posted on March 5 by Ritchie Roesch

*Engine 237* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v2 Recipe

Provia — Astia — Classic Chrome — PRO Neg. Hi — PRO Neg. Std — Classic Negative — Nostalgic Neg. — Eterna

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

The Velvia film simulation (a.k.a. Velvia/Vivid) is named after the Velvia line of slide films by Fujifilm. Back in the film days, Velvia was a popular choice for vibrant landscapes, with it’s over-the-top wild colors. When Fujifilm designed the Velvia film simulation, they brought in some people from the film department who had developed the actual Velvia emulsion to assist with the film simulation; however, it wasn’t until X-Trans III cameras, plus the introduction of Color Chrome Effect, that they were satisfied with the results.

*Arizona Aspens* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – The Rockwell

The Velvia film simulation is great for colorful landscape photography. It’s the most vibrant of all the film sims, so it will make your pictures pop. It has a little more contrast than Provia. If you are after bold pictures, consider using Velvia. It’s probably one of the last film simulations that you’d choose for portrait photography, as it can give someone a sunburn who doesn’t have one. While Velvia isn’t especially versatile, it’s very good at what it does: colorful pictures.

The five Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use Velvia as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 20 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Velvia, so there are many to choose from. But, if you are unsure which Velvia Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

The Rockwell

This is the most punchy Velvia Recipe; however, be careful, as it can be too bold sometimes. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras. And, yes, Ken Rockwell actually used it.

#2:

Vibrant Velvia

Very similar to The Rockwell, except slightly less punchy. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

#3:

Mimics the look of Kodak’s most vibrant slide film. More contrasty but less vibrant than the two Recipes above. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

#4:

Velvia v2

Bright and colorful; not too dissimilar from the Vibrant Velvia Recipe (above) and the Velvia Recipe (below). Compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30 cameras, plus can be used on the GFX 50R and GFX 50S.

#5:

Velvia

This Recipe is probably the closest to actual Velvia film. Compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30 cameras, plus can be used on the GFX 50R and GFX 50S.

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

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Provia

Posted on March 5 by Ritchie Roesch

*Barn in the Field* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X-E4 – Provia 400 Recipe

Velvia — Astia — Classic Chrome — PRO Neg. Hi — PRO Neg. Std — Classic Negative — Nostalgic Neg. — Eterna

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

The Provia film simulation (a.k.a. Provia/Std) is named after the Provia line of slide films by Fujifilm; however, it was not intended to closely mimic the emulsion. The Astia film simulation is actually a little closer approximation of Provia film, but it is not an especially close match, either. When Fujifilm designed the Provia film simulation, they intended to make a color profile that “looks beautiful” to those who come from a digital-photography background, and in doing so they discovered that those who have a film-photography background don’t tend to like it as much (I learned photography on film, so you can probably tell already which way I lean). In other words, if you want a close replication of Provia slide film, default Provia/Std will leave you disappointed.

*Follow the Bird to Salt Lake* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-H1 – Cross Process Recipe

While the Provia film simulation can indeed “look beautiful” (as Fujifilm put it), it’s not my personal favorite. I would describe it as being true-to-life with just a hint of contrastiness and vibrancy. It’s kind of a middle-of-the-road option that can be used for anything; a Jack of all trades, but a master of none. I don’t find it to be especially analog-like, if you are hoping for a film look. That doesn’t mean it should be avoided, because it is possible to get good results from Provia—it can even be used to replicate some emulsions and analog processes—it’s just not my personal first choice. Or second choice. Or third. You get the idea. Still, there are some pretty good Film Simulation Recipes that use Provia as the base, and I definitely do enjoy using this film simulation from time-to-time.

The five Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use Provia as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 26 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Provia, so there are many to choose from. But, if you are unsure which Provia Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.

#1:

Fujichrome Sensia 100

Intended the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30, plus X-Trans III cameras; set Grain size to Small, Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and Clarity to 0 for use on newer X-Trans IV models and X-Trans V. Great for sunny daylight and especially sunset photography.

#2:

Provia 400

This Recipe is for the GFX 50R and GFX 50S. It’s compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30, but will render slightly different; for newer X-Trans IV and X-Trans V, set Grain size to Small, Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and Clarity to 0.

#3:

Cross Process

Mimics the look of slide film developed in C41 chemistry, this Recipe is for X-Trans III cameras. It’s a lot of fun when used occasionally.

#4:

Standard Provia

A better look than default Provia, compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

#5:

KodaNeg VC

A vibrant and warm Recipe with some similarities to a couple of Kodak emulsions. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes in February 2024

Posted on March 2 by Ritchie Roesch

*Window Plant* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Agfa Ultra 100 v2

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. X-Trans IV Recipes, especially for the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras, tend to be the most popular, although I see a spike in interest in X-Trans V.

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

For the month of February, however, I was quite surprised by many of the rankings. Reala Ace topped the list, which is the first time in a very long time that Kodachrome 64 wasn’t number one. It’s also the first time that I’ve ever seen a Recipe that uses Classic Negative reach the very top, or one specifically for X-Trans V cameras. Kodak Portra 800 v3, Agfa Ultra 100 v2, and Fujicolor Superia 1600 (for X-Trans V) were all published last month; Vintage Eterna was a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access Recipe that became available to everyone in February. The remaining Recipes were not surprising, but their rankings moved around compared to January; several moved out of the Top 25 altogether.

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of February 2024

#1:

Reala Ace is a Classic Negative based Recipe for X-Trans V cameras. It was ranked #8 last month.

#2:

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

#3:

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

#4:

McCurry Kodachrome

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras. It was published in January, and was ranked #3 last month.

#5:

Again, a Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras. It was ranked #4 last month.

#6:

A recently published Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras.

#7:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras. This was often ranked at #3 for a very long time, and was #5 last month.

#8:

Again, a Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V models. Was ranked #6 last month.

#9:

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 #10 last month.

#10:

Vintage Kodachrome

A Classic Chrome based Recipe that is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. This is almost always the most popular X-Trans III Recipe, and has been around for a very long time. It was ranked #7 last month.

#11:

Pacific Blues was the highest-ranked Classic Negative based Recipe in 2023. It’s compatible with X-Trans IV models (there is an X-Trans V version). Last month it ranked #9.

#12:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. It was ranked #24 last month.

#13:

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2. It was ranked #18 last month.

#14:

The original Kodak Portra 400 Recipe, compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It was ranked #12 last month.

#15:

Classic Chrome

This was the very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, and is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It was ranked #14 last month.

#16:

Kodak Portra 160

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, Kodak Portra 160 is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. Last month is ranked #13.

#17:

Agfa Ultra 100 v2

A newly published Recipe for X-Trans V models that is based on the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation.

#18:

The original CineStill 800T Recipe, intended for X-Trans III cameras. It is based on the PRO Neg. Std film simulation, and was ranked #15 last month.

#19:

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30 (there’s a new version for X-Trans V). Last month is was ranked #11.

#20:

Vintage Eterna

Vintage Eterna is based on the Eterna film simulation, and is compatible with X-Trans IV and V models, plus the X-H1. This is its first appearance on the list.

#21:

A Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). It was ranked #25 last month.

#22:

Kodak Ultramax 400

Yet another Classic Chrome based Recipe, compatible with X-Trans IV cameras (there’s an X-Trans V version). It was ranked #19 last month.

#23:

This used to commonly be in the Top 10, but it has been slipping in popularity lately. It’s based on Classic Chrome, and is compatible with X-Trans III models (there’s an X-Trans IV version). It was ranked #16 last month.

#24:

Fujicolor Superia 1600

A newly published Recipe for X-Trans V cameras (there is a version for X-Trans IV that’s been around awhile), Fujicolor Superia 1600 is based on the Classic Negative film simulation.

#25:

Kodak Max 800

Lastly, there’s Kodak Max 800, another Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. It was ranked #20 last month.

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

The first 7 Film Simulation Recipes to use in your Fujifilm X100VI

Posted on February 28 by Ritchie Roesch

So you purchased a Fujifilm X100VI, but you’re not sure which Film Simulation Recipes to program into your camera’s C1-C7 Custom Presets first. Well, let me help with that! I’ve got just the seven Recipes for you to try. If you have any other X-Trans V camera, this set will work for you, too.

Like film, many Film Simulation Recipes have specific use cases where they work best. The majority are intended for sunny daylight situations; however, they can sometimes work really well in other scenarios, too. For example, I’ve gotten great results pairing Kodak Portra 800 v3 with flash for indoor photography, even though it was intended for sunshine. This set is meant to provide you with at least one Recipe that will work great in nearly any light situation and with almost every imaginable subject.

It’s important to note that everyone has different tastes and preferences. Your style might be different than mine. If you don’t like one or more of these seven Film Simulation Recipes, no problem. Simply try the suggested alternatives until you do. Perhaps you won’t like Kodachrome 64, but you’ll love Kodak Gold 200. Or maybe you’ll love both Reala Ace and Timeless Negative. The only way to know for sure is to give them a try! You can pick any from the X-Trans V list, and I’m always making more.

Don’t know how to program Film Simulation Recipes into your camera? Click here to find out how.

Now, to the first seven Film Simulation Recipes to program into your Fujifilm X100VI (or any X-Trans V camera) first!

C1 — Kodachrome 64

Classic Kodak slide film aesthetic that’s great for sunny daylight situations. Alternatively, consider Kodachrome 25, Kodak Gold 200, or Kodak Negative.

C2 — Kodak Portra 400 v2

This is the Recipe for a Kodak color negative film look, and it’s perfect for golden hour photography. Alternatively, consider Kodak Portra 160 v2, Kodak Vision3 250D v2, or Agfa Ultra 100 v2.

C3 — Kodak Portra 800 v3

With warm summer-like analog colors, this Recipe is great for sunny daytime situations. Alternatively, consider Vibrant Arizona, 1970’s Summer, or Kodak Vericolor Warm.

C4 — Pacific Blues

The perfect Recipe for a sunny day at the beach, yet surprisingly great for other situations, too. Alternatively, consider Fujicolor Superia 100, Thommy’s Ektachrome, or CineStill 400D v1.

C5 — Reala Ace

Great for versatility, use this Recipe anytime of the day or night. Alternatively, consider Kodak Ultramax 400, 1976 Kodak, or Timeless Negative.

C6 — Fluorescent Night

Fluorescent Night

Use this Recipe for after-dark photography. Alternatively, consider Pushed CineStill 800T, Fujicolor Super HG v2, or Superia Xtra 400.

C7 — Kodak Tri-X 400

Classic B&W aesthetic with strong grain and good contrast. Alternatively, consider Ilford FP4 Plus 125, Kodak T-Max P3200, or Ilford HP5 Plus 400.

Find these Film Simulation Recipes and many 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 in January 2024

Posted on February 6 by Ritchie Roesch

*Icy Morning at the Rim* – Grand Canyon NP, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor C200 v2

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. X-Trans IV Recipes, especially for the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras, tend to be the most popular.

This time, however, I was a surprised by many of the rankings. The top two—Kodachrome 64 and Kodak Portra 400 v2—did not surprise me at all. Those particular Recipes are far-and-away the most popular. Third place, which made this list despite being so new (released towards the end of the month), is a good deal behind the top two. Reala Ace is now the most popular Classic Negative Recipe, edging out Pacific Blues. Kodak Vision3 250D is the only Recipe that uses Eterna, and Kodak Vision3 250D v2 is the only one that uses Nostalgic Neg.. There’s also only one PRO Neg. Std Recipe and one Acros, while five use Classic Negative and 16 (of the 25) use Classic Chrome. By far the most popular X-Trans II Recipe is Classic Kodak Chrome, which ranks 21st. Fujicolor C200 v2 is the only App Patron Early-Access Recipe that I’ve ever seen make it into one of these lists.

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of January 2024

#1:

#2:

#3:

#4:

#5:

#6:

#7:

#8:

#9:

#10:

#11:

#12:

#13:

#14:

#15:

#16:

#17:

Kodak Vision3 250D v2

#18:

#19:

#20:

#21:

#22:

#23:

#24:

#25:

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

White Balance & Film Simulation Recipe Versatility

Posted on January 16 by Ritchie Roesch

Which Film Simulation Recipes are the most versatile? What makes a particular Recipe especially versatile, anyway? What does White Balance have to do with any of it? These are questions that I get asked pretty regularly, so I thought I would answer them today.

Let’s start with White Balance, including White Balance Shift. In the analog days, with a few exceptions, film was either Daylight-balanced or Tungsten-balanced. Daylight-balanced film, as you can imagine, was intended for use in sunny daytime scenarios, with a Kelvin temperature around 5500-5600K. Tungsten film was intended for artificial light scenarios, with a Kelvin temperature around 3200K. Because film was made for one of two specific light situations, you had three basic options for use outside of those scenarios: 1) accept the results for what they are, 2) use Color Correction Filters to adjust the Kelvin temperature to more closely match the light, or 3) use lighting equipment to artificially make the light match the film.

*Fujifilm X100V — Fujicolor NPS 160 Pulled*

Digital cameras have a large number of White Balance options, which, when combined with WB fine-tuning (Fujifilm calls it WB Shift), can match the precise light that you are photographing in. If the White Balance is exactly correct for the light, things that are pure white in real life will appear pure white in the photograph, no color tint. But, just because the White Balance is technically correct, doesn’t mean that it is artistically correct. Nobody said that the White Balance must always be spot-on accurate—maybe you don’t want it to be, for aesthetic reasons. In fact, in the film days, it was quite common for the Kelvin temperature to be a mismatch for the light, at least a little. Kodak—the most popular film maker—was known for making emulsions with a warm color cast. In other words, achieving a perfectly accurate White Balance, which wasn’t particularly common until somewhat recently, might not be desirable. However, in the digital age with Auto White Balance, we’re often used to having a highly accurate White Balance in our photographs, and seeing it not spot-on accurate can perhaps be a bit unnerving, especially if it is pretty far off.

Many of the Fuji X Weekly Film Simulation Recipes are facsimiles of actual film stocks, and often that means using a fixed White Balance. Unless you have Color Correction Filters or are artificially lighting the scene to match the White Balance (both of which are unlikely), if the scene’s light is a mismatch for the Recipe, you can get undesirable results sometimes (just like with film). My best advice is to use a Film Simulation Recipe that is a match for the scene. For example, Fluorescent Night might be a better choice for nighttime photography than 1970’s Summer, since the former is more like Tungsten-balanced and the latter is more like Daylight-balanced. Sometimes the best Recipe for a particular light situation might be obvious, and other times it might not be, and trial-and-error is necessary to figure it out—my Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? series is intended to help out with this.

Not all of the Recipes use a fixed White Balance; instead, some call for Auto White Balance. Newer Fujifilm cameras actually have three AWB options: Auto White Priority, Auto, and Auto Ambience Priority. White Priority leans cooler in artificial light than standard Auto, while Ambience Priority leans a little warmer in artificial light. All three AWB options are intended to produce reasonably accurate White Balances in all light situations. Because of this, Recipes that use AWB tend to be a lot more versatile than Recipes with a fixed White Balance, since you can use them in all sorts of light situations, and not just one. This is much less film-like, but perhaps can be equated to carrying a bunch of different Color Correction Filters with you all of the time. The easiest way to find my Film Simulation Recipes that use AWB is to Filter By White Balance (available to App Patrons) in the Fuji X Weekly App.

White Balance and WB Shift are probably the largest factor in determining the versatility of a particular Recipe, but it’s far from the only factor. Film Simulation, Dynamic Range, Highlight and Shadow, Color, etc., all play a role. One Recipe that uses AWB might be more versatile than another that also uses AWB, and some Recipes that use a fixed White Balance can be surprisingly versatile. However, what one person likes might be different from another, since each person has their own unique tastes. I might like a particular Recipe for a specific scenario, but you might dislike it for that exact same situation.

The pictures in this article were all captured with Film Simulation Recipes that use AWB and that I find to be especially versatile. Use them anytime of the day or night, in any light situation, and for any subject. If you want a versatile option to program into your Fujifilm camera, those are ones to consider. But they are far from the only versatile Recipes, and they might not be the best, either. If one of them stands out to you, I definitely invite you to try it.

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

Fujifilm X-T5 in black:  Amazon  B&H  Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:  Amazon  B&H  Moment
Fujifilm X100V in black: Amazon   B&H  Moment
Fujifilm X100V in silver: Amazon B&H  Moment

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

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First — Part 6: X-Trans I

Posted on January 10 by Ritchie Roesch

*Sunset Branch* – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Color Analog

Part 1 — X-Trans V, Part 2 — X-Trans IV, Part 3 — X-T3/X-T30, Part 4 — X-Trans III, Part 5 — X-Trans II

I frequently get asked: which seven Film Simulation Recipes should I program into my camera first? I’ve published over 300 on this website and in the Fuji X Weekly App, and the choices can become overwhelming. I’ve attempted to help out with this dilemma several times, including the Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? series, Try These 3 Film Simulation Recipes No Matter Your Fujifilm Camera, The 10 Best Film Simulation Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly App, Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of 2023, and many others. My hope is that these types of articles help you to find some good Recipes to try, in case you’re not sure where to begin or what to use. This post is Part 6 of the series, and the final installment.

The list of Film Simulation Recipes below are my “Essential 7” for X-Trans I cameras, which are the X-Pro1, X-E1, and X-M1 (the X-M1 doesn’t have the PRO Neg. Hi and PRO Neg. Std film sims, so it is a bit more limited; it doesn’t have C1-C7, either). If you are not sure which Recipes to program into your C1-C7 Custom Presets, these are my suggestions for you to begin with. These are the ones that you must try, in my opinion. You might love all of them, you might only appreciate some of them, or you might not like any of them. Each person has their own styles and tastes, and there’s no one single Recipe that’s universally loved by everyone (although a few seem close). Still, give these seven a try—keep the ones you like, and replace the ones that you don’t.

*Arched Window* – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Kodachrome I

A couple of important side notes here. First, this list isn’t necessarily made up of versatile Recipes. Like film, most Film Simulation Recipes have specific use cases—such as sunny daylight—so not all of these option will be good for night photography, for example, or perhaps other situations. Also, X-Trans I models cannot save a White Balance Shift within the C1-C7 Custom Presets. You can only save one WB Shift per White Balance type, which means you’ll have to remember to adjust the WB Shift each time you change Recipes. Since X-Trans I was excluded from the Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? series, I decided to take WB Shift into account for this article, and choose Recipes with a variety of WB types. This will make the user experience more enjoyable, but it does exclude some Recipes that might be preferable over others, since I’m avoiding multiple Recipes with the same WB type. For the 7th Recipe, use Daylight/Fine instead of Auto; by doing so, you’ll still get a similar result, and, since the two Daylight WB Recipes share the same WB Shift, you’ll be good to go.

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to program into your X-Trans I camera first:

C1 — Kodachrome II — Auto WB

C2 — Punchy Velvia — Daylight/Fine WB

Punchy Velvia

C3 — Color Negative Film — Kelvin WB

Color Negative Film

C4 — Superia Xtra 400 — Shade WB

Superia Xtra 400

C5 — Vivid Color — Fluorescent 1 WB

Vivid Color

C6 — Provia — Incandescent WB

Provia

C7 — Sepia — *Use Daylight/Fine WB (instead of Auto)*

Sepia

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

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First — Part 5: X-Trans II

Posted on January 3 by Ritchie Roesch

*Purple Mountains* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1 – Classic Kodak Chrome

Part 1 — X-Trans V, Part 2 — X-Trans IV, Part 3 — X-T3/X-T30, Part 4 — X-Trans III, Part 6 — X-Trans I

The list of Film Simulation Recipes below are my “Essential 7” for X-Trans II cameras, which are the X100S, X100T, X-T1, X-T10, X-E2, X-E2s, X70, X20, X30, XQ1, and XQ2. A few of the older models—X100S, X20, and XQ1—don’t have Classic Chrome, so I have a set of Recipes at the bottom that exclude the Classic Chrome film simulation. To complicate it more, I don’t believe that either of the XQ models have PRO Neg. Hi or PRO Neg. Std (but they also don’t have C1-C7). If you are not sure which Recipes to program into your C1-C7 Custom Presets, these are my suggestions for you to begin with. These are the ones that you must try, in my opinion. You might love all of them, you might only appreciate some of them, or you might not like any of them. Each person has their own styles and tastes, and there’s no one single Recipe that’s universally loved by everyone (although a few seem close). Still, give these seven a try—keep the ones you like, and replace the ones that you don’t.

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

A couple of important side notes here. First, this list isn’t necessarily made up of versatile Recipes. Like film, most Film Simulation Recipes have specific use cases—such as sunny daylight—so not all of these option will be good for night photography, for example, or perhaps other situations. Be sure to visit my Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? article for a more comprehensive group of options for various use cases. Also, X-Trans II models cannot save a White Balance Shift within the C1-C7 Custom Presets. You can only save one WB Shift per White Balance type, which means you’ll have to remember to adjust the WB Shift each time you change Recipes. The suggestions below do not take this into account; however, the Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? article does, so be sure to read it.

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to program into your X-Trans II camera first:

C1 — Classic Kodak Chrome

Classic Kodak Chrome

C2 — Kodachrome II

C3 — Kodak Portra 160

Kodak Portra 160

C5 — Ektachrome 100SW

Ektachrome 100SW

C5 — Pro Film

Pro Film

C6 — CineStill 800T

C7 — Monochrome Red

Monochrome Red

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to program into your X-Trans II camera first (without Classic Chrome):

C1 — Porto 200

Porto 200

C2 — Color Negative Film

C3 — Astia

C4 — Eterna

C5 — Pro Film

C6 — CineStill 800T

C7 — Monochrome Red

Monochrome Red

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

Creative Collective 062: FXW Zine — Issue 26 — January 2024

Posted on January 1 by Ritchie Roesch

Happy New Year!

The January issue of FXW Zine is out now! Creative Collective subscribers can download it today. Not a Creative Collective subscriber? Join to gain access to this issue plus all pervious issues of FXW Zine and the many bonus articles.

In Issue 26, I discuss 24 Film Simulation Recipes that I anticipate using often in 2024. There are 77 pictures (including the cover) over 54 pages. Enjoy!

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First — Part 3: X-T3 & X-T30

Posted on December 30 by Ritchie Roesch

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

Part 1 — X-Trans V, Part 2 — X-Trans IV, Part 4 — X-Trans III, Part 5 — X-Trans II, Part 6 — X-Trans I

The list of Film Simulation Recipes below are my “Essential 7” for the X-T3 and X-T30. Fujifilm left these two models on an island (didn’t give them the same JPEG options as the other X-Trans IV models), so that’s why they get their own article. If you are not sure which Recipes to program into your C1-C7 Custom Presets, these are my suggestions for you to begin with. These are the ones that you must try, in my opinion. You might love all of them, you might only appreciate some of them, or you might not like any of them. Each person has their own styles and tastes, and there’s no one single Recipe that’s universally loved by everyone (although a few seem close). Still, give these seven a try—keep the ones you like, and replace the ones that you don’t.

*Evening at Monument Valley* – Monument Valley, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30 – Velvia

A couple of important side notes here. First, this list isn’t necessarily made up of versatile Recipes. Like film, most Film Simulation Recipes have specific use cases—such as sunny daylight—so not all of these option will be good for night photography, for example, or perhaps other situations. Be sure to visit my Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? article for a more comprehensive group of options for various use cases. Also, the X-T3 and X-T30 cannot save a White Balance Shift within the C1-C7 Custom Presets. You can only save one WB Shift per White Balance type, which means you’ll have to remember to adjust the WB Shift each time you change Recipes. The suggestions below do not take this into account; however, the Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? article does, so be sure to read it.

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to program into your X-T3 or X-T30 camera first:

C1 — Kodachrome 64

C2 — Kodak Portra 400 v2

C3 — Kodak Gold 200

C4 — Kodacolor

Kodacolor

C5 — Fujicolor 100 Industrial

Fujicolor 100 Industrial

C6 — Velvia v2

Velvia v2

C7 — Dramatic Monochrome

Dramatic Monochrome

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

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First — Part 2: X-Trans IV

Posted on December 28 by Ritchie Roesch

*Spooner Cove* – Montaña de Oro SP, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor 100 Gold

Part 1 — X-Trans V, Part 3 — X-T3 & X-T30, Part 4 — X-Trans III, Part 5 — X-Trans II, Part 6 — X-Trans I

The list of Film Simulation Recipes below are my “Essential 7” for X-Trans IV cameras (except for the X-T3 and X-T30, which will be found in Part 3). If you are not sure which Recipes to program into your C1-C7 Custom Presets, these are my suggestions for you to begin with. These are the ones that you must try, in my opinion. You might love all of them, you might only appreciate some of them, or you might not like any of them. Each person has their own styles and tastes, and there’s no one single Recipe that’s universally loved by everyone (although a few seem close). Still, give these seven a try—keep the ones you like, and replace the ones that you don’t.

*Airstream* – Pismo Beach, CA – Fujifilm X-E4 – Chrome Slide

An important side note here: this list isn’t necessarily made up of versatile Recipes. Like film, most Film Simulation Recipes have specific use cases—such as sunny daylight—so not all of these option will be good for night photography, for example, or perhaps other situations. Be sure to visit my Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? article (this one, too) for a more comprehensive group of options for various use cases.

This list is for X-Trans IV cameras (except for the X-T3 & X-T30), which include the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. The X-S20’s exclusion is a bit controversial because it has an X-Trans IV sensor paired with the X-Trans V processor, but since it seems to render more similar to X-Trans V than X-Trans IV, and has the X-Trans V JPEG options, it’s not in this list, but with the X-Trans V cameras.

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to program into your X-Trans IV camera first:

C1 — Kodachrome 64

C2 — Kodak Portra 400 v2

C3 — Reggie’s Portra

C4 — Vibrant Arizona

C5 — Pacific Blues

C6 — Fujicolor Superia 100

Fujicolor Superia 100

C7 — Kodak Tri-X 400

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

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to Program Into Your Fujifilm Camera First — Part 1: X-Trans V

Posted on December 26 by Ritchie Roesch

*Golden Aspen* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold 200

Part 2 — X-Trans IV, Part 3 — X-T3 & X-T30, Part 4 — X-Trans III, Part 5 — X-Trans II, Part 6 — X-Trans I

This is Part 1 of what will be a series of articles on this topic. I actually attempted to do this back in the summer, but got sidetracked, and never made it beyond the first post. So those with an X-Trans V camera get a little bonus. My hope is to make it all the way through X-Trans I, so if you have an older model, don’t worry—we’ll get to your camera soon.

The list of Film Simulation Recipes below are my “Essential 7” for X-Trans V cameras. If you are not sure which Recipes to program into your C1-C7 Custom Presets, these are my suggestions for you to begin with. These are the ones that you must try, in my opinion. You might love all of them, you might only appreciate some of them, or you might not like any of them. Each person has their own styles and tastes, and there’s no one single Recipe that’s universally loved by everyone (although a few seem close). Still, give these seven a try—keep the ones you like, and replace the ones that you don’t.

*Left the Lights On* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Fluorescent Night

An important side note here: this list isn’t necessarily made up of versatile Recipes. Like film, most Film Simulation Recipes have specific use cases, such as sunny daylight, so not all of these option will be good for night photography, for example, or perhaps other situations. Be sure to visit my Which Film Simulation Recipe, When? for a more comprehensive list of options for various use cases.

This list is specifically for X-Trans V cameras, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20. The X-S20 is a bit controversial to be included here because it has an X-Trans IV sensor paired with the X-Trans V processor, but since it seems to render more similar to X-Trans V than X-Trans IV, and has the X-Trans V JPEG options, it is included in this list. Also, use this list for the upcoming X100V successor, once it comes out (in February or March, most likely). Next up in this series is X-Trans IV.

The Essential 7 Film Simulation Recipes to program into your X-Trans V camera first:

C1 — Kodachrome 64

C2 — Kodak Portra 400 v2

C3 — Vibrant Arizona

C4 — Pacific Blues

C5 — 1970’s Summer

1970’s Summer

C6 — Reala Ace

C7 — Kodak Tri-X 400