Film Simulation | FUJI X WEEKLY

Hidden Gems: 5 Underrated Film Simulation Recipes You Should Try Today

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Aspen Gold* – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – CineStill 400D v2

Fujifilm cameras are special. With 20 Film Simulations (on the latest models) that are crafted using Fujifilm’s vast experience with analog film, and the ability to fine-tune them into Recipes, you can achieve incredible straight-out-of-camera results. I’ve published nearly 400 Film Simulation Recipes, most of which are modeled after the aesthetics of classic film stocks. Some Recipes get all the attention, particularly those that are Classic Chrome-based, like Kodachrome 64 and Kodak Portra 400 v2. In this article, I’m going to suggest some lesser-used gems.

If you’re looking for something new to try—maybe one that is less commonly used—these five underrated Film Simulation Recipes deserve a spot in your camera’s Custom Settings. Give them a try, and you might just find your next go-to look!

Fujifilm Negative

*Camera Conversation* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – Fujifilm Negative – by Amanda Roesch

Fujifilm has a long history of producing amazing film stocks, and this Fujifilm Negative Recipe is inspired by their color negative films of the past, particularly Fujicolor PRO 160NS. With soft contrast, balanced colors, and a subtle vintage warmth, it creates a beautiful everyday look. Whether you’re shooting portraits, street photography, landscapes, or travel, Fujifilm Negative delivers a timeless feel that works in a variety of lighting conditions. Since this Recipe uses the new Reala Ace film sim, it is only compatible with fifth-generation X-series cameras, plus the newest GFX models.

Kodak Ektachrome E00VS v1

*Saguaro & Abandoned Building* – Vulture City, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1

If you love vibrant colors, the Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1 Recipe is a fantastic choice. With an aesthetic similar to the slide film of the same name, which was one of my favorites 20 or 25 years ago, this Recipe produces deep blues, rich reds, and strong contrast that make images pop with its bold colors (thanks to the Velvia film sim that it uses). It’s perfect for colorful urban scenes, sunsets, landscapes, and travel photography. Since it uses Auto White Balance, it’s quite versatile; however, just like the film, it’s not a good choice for portrait photography. This Recipe is compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras, plus newer GFX models.

Eterna Summer

*Betsy the Burgundy Bullet* – Austin, TX – Fujifilm X100VI – Eterna Summer

The Eterna Film Simulation is often associated with soft, low-contrast tones, but the Eterna Summer Recipe adds warmth, vibrancy, and contrast. Sunlit scenes have a dreamy, vintage, and almost cinematic feel, with soft shadows and bright highlights. It’s especially great for roadtrips, urban scenes, portraits, and hot summer afternoons when you want to capture the golden essence of the season. For best results, use in sunny daylight situations. This Recipe is compatible with “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, all X-Trans V, and many GFX models.

CineStill 400D v2

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

The CineStill 400D v2 Recipe is inspired by CineStill 400D film, which is known for its cinematic feel and warm tones. This Recipe produces soft highlights, slightly punchy colors, and a dream-like quality, making it a good choice for both daytime and blue-hour photography. CineStill 400D v2 uses the Astia Film Simulation, and is great for landscapes and street photography, especially during golden-hour. This Recipe is compatible with X-Trans IV (except the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras, plus the 100mp GFX models.

Kodak Negative

*Fall at Boulder Lake* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Negative

The Kodak Negative Recipe, which is reminiscent of some vibrant negative film stocks by Kodak, is quite versatile, thanks to the use of Auto White Balance. It has the right amount of warmth, saturation, and contrast for many subjects and situations. Because it uses the Nostalgic Neg. Film Simulation, it has a vintage feel that is easy to appreciate. This Recipe is only compatible with the fifth-generation X-series cameras, plus the newest GFX models.

Final Thoughts

*Rock Rings* – Saguaro National Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Eterna Summer

These five underrated Film Simulation Recipes are waiting to be discovered! Whether you’re after a nostalgic analog look, a punchy slide film aesthetic, or a dreamy cinematic feel, there’s something here for your next photographic adventure. The best way to find out which Recipes are your favorites is to get out and try them—so load one of these Recipes into your Fujifilm camera and see what magic you can create!

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

What new JPEG Settings Should Fujifilm Introduce Next?

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm has the best JPEG output in the camera industry, in my opinion. That’s not to say the others are garbage, because some brands are pretty good (Ricoh, for example); however, they are not all equal, and—in my view—Fujifilm is at the very top when it comes to straight-out-of-camera photography. Leaning into their long history of making analog film, they’ve crafted Film Simulations and various JPEG options (which together make Film Simulation Recipes) that achieve authentic aesthetics that don’t require editing.

Over the years Fujifilm has added many new Film Simulations and JPEG settings so that photographers can get a wider variety of looks straight-out-of-camera. Nostalgic Negative and Reala Ace are found on the latest generation of models. Eterna Bleach Bypass and .5 Highlight and Shadow adjustments were introduced with the Fujifilm X-T4. Classic Negative, Grain size, Color Chrome FX Blue, and Clarity were first found on the X-Pro3. So what should Fujifilm introduce next? What new Film Simulations and JPEG settings should be added to future cameras?

*Fujifilm X100V & Pop Color Advanced Filter*

There are a number of Film Simulations that Fujifilm could make. Probably the easiest would be Fortia, which would simply require moving Pop Color from Advanced Filters to the Film Simulation set. Another easy option would be a new B&W Film Simulation (maybe called Neopan) that would essentially be a higher contrast and grainer version of Acros. A Film Simulations that I believe would be a big hit is one modeled Fujicolor PRO 400H that turns pastel when overexposed, like the film was famous for. Another option that I would like to see is Cross Process, modeled after Velvia 50 developed in C41 chemistry. A fifth potential future Film Simulation is Instax, mimicking instant film.

As for JPEG settings, one option might be Split-Tone, where a certain color cast could be selected for the shadows, and a different color cast could be selected for the highlights (for example, blue for the shadows, yellow for the highlights). This could be available for both color and B&W images. Another one might be Faded Blacks, where deep shadows are rendered lighter. A third potential option could be vignette. For those last two, it could simply be Off, Weak, or Strong. To demonstrate what Faded Black and Vignette might look like, I edited some pictures using the Photos App in my iPhone, simply setting the Black Point to -50 and Vignette to +10, which might be similar to Faded Black Strong and Vignette Weak, if such settings existed. You can see the before and after below:

*Fujifilm X-T50 & Reala Ace Recipe – SOOC*

*Fujifilm X-T4 & Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe – SOOC*

*Fujifilm GFX100S II & Nostalgia Negative Recipe – SOOC*

More Faded Blacks & Vignette examples:

Now it’s your turn! What would you like the next Film Simulation to be? Should Pop Color be moved from Advanced Filters to the Film Simulation set? What new JPEG option would you prefer be introduced next? Do you like the idea of Faded Blacks and/or Vignette? Let me know in the comments!

Classic Negative is Perfect for Everyday Moments and Vacation Snapshots

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Hello, I am at Disneyland* – Anaheim, CA – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Superia 800

If there’s one film simulation that perfectly captures the nostalgia of family vacations and everyday moments, it’s Classic Negative. Modeled after the Fujicolor Superia line of film, Classic Negative has a way of making images feel like cherished memories straight-out-of-camera. With its unique color palette and strong contrast, this film simulation is ideal for those who want their snapshots to have analog character.

Because of its distinctive colors—with a familiar retro aesthetic—Classic Negative works quite well for family and travel photography. Skin tones are rendered with a touch of warmth. Greens are subdued, while reds lean orange. Classic Negative is unique among the film simulations in that the exposure—whether brighter or darker—affects how the pictures are rendered, similar to how Superia film behaves to overexposure and underexposure. This produces photos that are reminiscent of prints from the ’90’s and 2000’s, evoking nostalgic emotions.

When you use Classic Negative, you get pictures that feel like instant memories. If you’ve ever flipped through an old photo album—perhaps filled with pictures from your childhood—you’ll recognize the charm. The colors and tones are reminiscent of one-hour photo lab prints. For many, this film simulation isn’t just about the colors—it’s about the built-in nostalgia.

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

The last thing you want to do upon returning from vacation is to spend hours and hours at a computer editing hundreds or even thousands of RAW files. Classic Negative ensures that your images have a timeless quality right from the camera. It’s well-suited for candid moments, like kids running through the ocean waves, grandparents smiling at a birthday party, or lunch along a quiet street in a new city. Whether you’re on a roadtrip, at a amusement park, or simply documenting everyday family life, Classic Negative is a storytelling tool with a film-like aesthetic.

This film simulation turns everyday snapshots into pictures filled with emotion and nostalgia. Whether you’re documenting a once-in-a-lifetime vacation or a quiet moment at home, Classic Negative ensures that your photos feel as special as the memories themselves. The next time that you’re out with your Fujifilm camera, try a Classic Negative Film Simulation Recipe—watch your photographs come to life with timeless charm. There are nearly 60 Classic Negative Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App; if you’re unsure which ones to try, below are 10 Recipes that are quite excellent for everyday moments and vacation snapshots.

Reala Ace

Pacific Blues

Fujicolor Superia 100

Fujicolor Reala 100

Fujicolor NPS 160 Pulled

Superia Premium 400

Fujicolor Superia 800

Fujicolor Natura 1600

Kodak Max 800

Fujicolor 100 Gold

Classic Chrome is the Ideal Film Simulation for Travel Photography

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

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

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

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

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

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

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

RedScale — Fujifilm X-Trans IV & V Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*The Red Desert* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI – RedScale

Redscale is an analog film technique where you load a roll of color film into the camera backwards. The film is exposed from the wrong side—through the plastic backing—exposing the red layer first. The results are photographs with a predominately red color cast. Sometimes it’s yellow-ish, sometimes it’s orange-ish, sometimes it’s peach-ish, sometimes it’s purple-ish, but mainly it is red. Results can very from film-to-film, and also how the film is exposed and developed/scanned; however, a redscale photo is unmistakable—you know it when you see it.

You can buy film preloaded for redscale photography. Lomography has Redscale XR, which is an unknown Kodak emulsion loaded into the canister backwards (some have speculated it’s Ultramax 400). On Valentine’s Day, Harman released Red 125, which is backwards-loaded Phoenix 200. Harman Red 125 is what this RedScale Recipe was inspired by. Because the film is new, there aren’t a lot of examples yet. I’m not convinced that this Recipe is perfectly accurate, but it seems to be pretty close from the limited number of pictures I found online.

*Light on a Dark Wall* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – RedScale

Redscale photography isn’t for everyone or every situation—it’s a niche lomo-esque aesthetic. But if you want to get that look straight-out-of-camera, this RedScale Film Simulation Recipe will do that very convincingly. This is compatible with Fujifilm X-Trans IV (excluding the X-T3 and X-T30; use this Redscale Recipe instead) and X-Trans V cameras. While Classic Negative renders blue more deeply on X-Trans V than on X-Trans IV, because the color blue doesn’t really come through with this Recipe, it looks the same on both sensor generations. You can also use it on most GFX cameras.

Film Simulation: Classic Negative
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: 10000K, +9 Red & -9 Blue
Highlight: 0
Shadow: +2
Color: +4
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this RedScale Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-E4, X100VI & GFX100S II:

*Classic Circles* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*The Very Best* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Tall Chair* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Hat Rack* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Nature & Structure* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Chairs & Cart* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Promenade* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*CVS Sign* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Two Bikes* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Suburban Bike* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Son, Shadow* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

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

*Unlikely Friends* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm GFX100S II

*Palm Canopy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Suburban Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Palm Abstract* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Closed for the Evening* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Fire Flowers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Red Hair* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Red Saguaro Fingers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI

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

Fujifilm X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm GFX100S II:
Amazon, B&H, Wex

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

CitrusChrome — Fujifilm X-T4 ES (Full Spectrum Infrared) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Orange Desert* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – CitrusChrome

CitrusChrome is a brand new Infrared Recipe for full spectrum (sensitive to light outside the visible gamut) X-Trans IV or X-Trans V cameras, like the Fujifilm X-T4 ES (“Extended Spectrum”). It’s not for “normal” cameras. The Fujifilm X-T4 ES is a full spectrum camera briefly offered by Fujifilm to the general public—as of this writing, I believe that you can still buy the Fujifilm X-T4 ES from B&H, but it requires a phone call or in-person visit, and cannot be ordered from the internet. Otherwise, you’ll have to do a full spectrum conversion—an expensive and invasive procedure—from a third-party vendor like LifePixel, Kolari Vision, or Spenser’s Camera (to name a few).

This Infrared Film Simulation Recipe produces orange, red, pink, and peach false colors. What you get depends on the exact light situation and the specific materials—cloth or organic (leaves)—being photographed. As far as I know, none of the infrared films that were sold over the years produced the false colors seen here; however CitrusChrome can be in the ballpark of Aerochrome sometimes, so situationally specific it can be somewhat convincing as an Aerochrome facsimile. What this Recipe more resembles is modern (digital) IR photography, which has a much wider array of possible outcomes. With that said, I don’t believe that I’ve seen this exact look before, so it might be a brand-new aesthetic.

*Light, Color, Texture* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – CitrusChrome

Aside from having a full spectrum camera (like the X-T4 ES), this Recipe requires two filters: True Color Infrared Autumnizer (Turquoise) and True Color Infrared Crimson (Light Blue), which can be found on AliExpress. The True Color Infrared Autumnizer (Turquoise) filter is simply a QB19 Blue filter and LB18 Green filter combined into one, while the True Color Infrared Crimson (Light Blue) filter is simply a QB19 and GRB3 (heat) filter combined into one. You probably could use a QB19, LB18, and GRB3 combination instead of the two True Color Infrared filters, but I have not tested that personally. I was a little hesitant to buy the Autumnizer (Turquoise) and Crimson (Light Blue) filters because I had never purchased anything from AliExpress before, and saw mixed reviews regarding the platform; however (and thankfully), the process turned out to be smooth. I’m not sure if the order matters, but I have the Crimson (Light Blue) filter first (closest to the lens) and the Autumnizer (Turquoise) last (furthest from the lens).

Filters: True Color Infrared Crimson (Light Blue) & True Color Infrared Autumnizer (Turquoise)
Film Simulation: Astia
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: 9000K, +9 Red & -4 Blue
Highlight: -0.5
Shadow: -1.5
Color: +4
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this CitrusChrome Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T4 ES:

*Photography Ideas* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Curtains and Blinds* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Book & Fake Succulent* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Red Blanket* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Red Shoes* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Toilet Trash* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Cyber* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*House Behind Wall* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Stripes* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Wall Shrub* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*CVS Exit* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Garages* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Main Street Market* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Corner* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Evening Palm Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Tempe Palm* – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Palm Tree & Contrail* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Craftsman* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Forked Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Yellow Bougainvillea Blooms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Leaves in a Pool* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Orange Saguaro* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Papago Road* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Desert Tortoise* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

Find CitrusChrome and other Infrared Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App, available for both Android and Apple.

25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of January 2025

Posted on February 4, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Moon Palms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Kodachrome 64

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 (January 2025).

I didn’t make a list for December’s statistics, but instead did a recap of the whole year. From month-to-month there’s not usually a lot of surprises, as these types of lists are pretty predictable. Skipping a month tends to reveal more interesting trends. It is unsurprising to see Kodachrome 64 in the first position, as it is the long time most popular Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. Reggie’s Portra seems to now be the second most popular, surpassing Kodak Portra 400 v2, which has notably slipped. There are, of course, a number of other position changes between November and January.

*Window Ladder* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 – 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. Classic Negative and Reala Ace are battling for the second and third positions. Eterna is fourth, followed by Acros and Nostalgic Neg., for fifth and sixth.

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

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of November 2024

#1:

Kodachrome 64

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that is the long-time most popular Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm cameras. In November it was #2, but for all of 2024 it was the number one most popular Recipe.

#2:

Reggie’s Portra

Reggie’s Portra is a popular Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras. Reggie Ballesteros created it by modifying my Kodak Portra 400 Recipe to better suit his style and needs. It usually ranks high, but I’m confident to say that it’s officially the second most popular Recipe on Fuji X Weekly. Of the various Portra Recipes, this is the most versatile, and the most popular for portrait photography. It was ranked #3 in both the month of November and in all of 2024.

#3:

Vibrant Arizona

A Wes Anderson inspired Recipe based on Classic Chrome for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It moved up two spots since November; in 2024 it was ranked #4.

#4:

Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired

This is a new Recipe published on December 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 a little surprised to see it so high.

#5:

Kodak Portra 400 v2

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV cameras that was the long-time #2 most-popular Recipe on Fuji X Weekly (it was #2 in 2024), but has been slipping lately. It moved down one position since November.

#6:

Kodak Gold 200

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Gold 200. It rose six spots since November, and was ranked #15 in 2024.

#7:

Reala Ace

Reala Ace, which is for X-Trans V cameras, is the most popular Classic Negative Recipe. It’s in the same position as November, and two spots below its 2024 ranking.

#8:

Kodak Portra 400 v2

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodak Portra 400 v2. It fell two positions compared to November, and was ranked #7 in 2024.

#9:

CineStill 800T

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’s in the same position as November, and was ranked #24 in 2024.

#10:

Kodak Tri-X 400

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 climbed six spots since November, and was ranked in the same position in 2024.

#11:

Kodak Portra 400

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. It fell one spot compared to November, and was #6 for 2024.

#12:

Kodak Portra 800 v3

A Classic Chrome based Recipe for X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras. It climbed one spot since November, and was ranked #9 in 2024.

#13:

McCurry Kodachrome

This Recipe is reminiscent of scanned Kodachrome 64 slides, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras. It rose four spots since November, and was ranked #12 in 2024.

#14:

Fujifilm Negative

This is a fairly new Recipe, published on October 31st. It uses the Reala Ace film simulation, which means that it is compatible with X-Trans V cameras. Surprisingly, it was ranked #1 in November.

#15:

14 Film Dial Recipes

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 November it was ranked #8, and in 2024 it was #18. I have no idea which of the 14 Recipes are the most used.

#16:

Pacific Blues

At one time this was the most popular Classic Negative Recipe, but now it’s second (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 fell five spots since November, and was ranked #8 in 2024.

#17:

Kodak Gold 200

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe, for use on X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3/X-T30. It rose one position since November, and was ranked #14 for 2024.

#18:

Kodachrome 64

This is the X-Trans V version of Kodachrome 64. It fell three spots since November, and was ranked #13 for 2024.

#19:

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 usually cracks the Top 15, and sometimes the Top 10, but this month it barely made it into the Top 20. In November it was #14, and in 2024 it was #11.

#20:

California Summer

This is currently the highest-ranked Recipe that uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation (aside from Nostalgic Film in the Film Dial set). It’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras. It didn’t crack the Top 25 list for November or for 2024.

#21:

Classic Color

This Recipe uses Classic Chrome and is compatible with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V models. It was ranked #24 in November, and #22 in 2024.

#22:

1981 Kodak

This was an App Patron Early Access Recipe that recently became available to everyone. It uses the Eterna film simulation, and is compatible with X-Trans IV cameras.

#23:

Easy Reala Ace

This Recipe was published in June, and uses the Reala Ace film simulation, which means it is compatible with X-Trans V cameras. It fell three spots since November.

#24:

Classic Chrome

The very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, this Recipe is compatible with X-Trans III cameras. It fell three positions since November, and was ranked #16 for 2024.

#25:

PRO Negative 160C

This was the first Recipe I published that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation. It fell two spots since November, and was ranked #21 in 2024.

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

Fujifilm’s JPEGs Are Revolutionizing Photography

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Sentinel & Merced* – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X100V – Vintage Color

When I first picked up a Fujifilm camera, I didn’t expect it to transform the way I approached photography. Like many others, I’d grown accustomed to shooting RAW, spending hours editing, and often feeling overwhelmed by it all, which can zap the joy right out of creating images. But then I discovered that Fujifilm’s straight-out-of-camera JPEGs are actually really good. I realized that I didn’t need to spend so much time tethered to a screen to create the photographs I loved. It wasn’t just a convenience; it was a revelation.

A lot of people are surprised to learn that Ansel Adams—the master of the darkroom—was a big fan of Polaroid cameras. He wrote a whole book about it, and dedicated a chapter to the concept of what he called one-step photography. Typically, the first step is image capture, and the second is image development, but Polaroids only required the first step (hence, one-step photography). Adams wrote, “The effect of one-step processing on both amateur and professional creative photography has been revolutionary.”

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

That’s exactly what Fujifilm cameras have achieved with their camera-made JPEGs. It’s the modern version of one-step photography. It’s not just about convenience (although it is certainly convenient); it’s a transformative approach to how we think about photography. It was a game-changer for me, and it might be for you, as well.

Fujifilm’s film simulations are at the heart of the SOOC JPEG magic. Drawing on their rich history in film photography, they’ve poured decades of analog expertise into their digital cameras. These film simulations—such as Classic Negative, Velvia, and Nostalgic Neg.—were inspired by iconic film stocks that once defined entire eras of photography. Each film simulation carries its own personality—Classic Chrome has muted tones and punchy contrast, Acros has rich monochrome depth, Eterna has cinematic softness—that give photographers a starting point that already feels curated and intentional, as if they were post-processed. The connection to Fujifilm’s film heritage makes their JPEGs feel authentic, reminiscent of analog photography—a nostalgic yet modern blend, fusing the convenience of digital with the soul of film.

*Doggles* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T50 – Nostalgic Americana

While Fujifilm’s film simulations are good on their own, what really sets the images apart is how customizable the JPEGs are. You can tweak the settings to create Film Simulation Recipes, which empowers photographers to achieve their style straight from the camera. It’s like having a personal darkroom built into your gear, which enables you to spend less time in front of a computer and more time actually making pictures. I have published nearly 400 Recipes for Fujifilm cameras, so there’s bound to be at least one that is a match for your personal style.

Fujifilm’s SOOC JPEGs encourage photographers to slow down and think more intentionally about their craft. Choosing a Recipe for the scene that is in front of you forces you to consider your creative choices upfront. This process brings a sense of mindfulness that some find refreshing. Getting the image right in-camera is a liberating shift. You can shoot with intent, knowing that the aesthetic you’re aiming for is baked into the photo as you press the shutter. Instead of relying on post-processing to fix an image, photographers are encouraged to get it right in-camera, which is a return to the ethos of film photography, where each frame mattered, and decisions were made before the shutter clicked.

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

This one-step philosophy—made possible by Fujifilm and Film Simulation Recipes—is sparking conversations about the value of simplicity, the importance of craft, and the joy of photography as an experience rather than a chore. While technology can sometimes complicate photography, Fujifilm has managed to simplify it without compromising quality. In my opinion, the results speak for themselves: more time spent shooting, less time stuck behind a computer screen, and photographs that feel authentic and look great. It challenges the “RAW is best” mindset. Beginners, who might feel intimidated by the complexities of editing software, can achieve excellent results right out of the gate, while seasoned photographers are finding new inspiration in the simplicity and authenticity of this approach.

Camera-made JPEGs are more than just a convenience; they represent a shift in how to think about photography. Fujifilm has created a system that celebrates the art of getting it right in-camera by leveraging their film heritage with creative customization, which allows users to focus on intentionality. Because of this, many Fujifilm photographers are rediscovering the pure joy of making photographs. The revolution may be quiet, but—as more and more choose this approach—its impact is undeniable.

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

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

Film Simulation Recipes for Fujifilm GFX Cameras

Posted on January 23, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

One of the first things that I hoped to accomplish after buying a Fujifilm GFX100S II camera last month is to understand how compatible X-series Film Simulation Recipes are with GFX, and what adjustments should be made, if any. I had anticipated this being a fairly easy task, and in a sense it was, but I really struggled with this project.

Fujifilm has made a number of GFX models since February of 2017: GFX50S, GFX50R, GFX100, GFX100S, GFX50S II, GFX100 II, and GFX100S II. There are a few different sensors and processors, and the cameras can be separated into different generations. The GFX50S, GFX50R and GFX50S II share the same sensor, but the GFX50S II falls into a different generation than the original two. The GFX100 and GFX100S share the same sensor, but are different generations. The GFX100 II and GFX100S II share the same sensor, but not the same sensor as the first two 100mp GFX models. It’s a bit of a puzzle. The only GFX camera that I own is the GFX100S II, and I briefly had the opportunity to borrow a GFX50S four years ago. My GFX experience is very limited at this point.

One issue that I found when comparing Recipes captured on X-Trans vs GFX is that the lenses are not the same. Different lenses can produce slightly different results depending on the micro-contrast and coatings. While not a big deal, it would have been preferable to have used the same lens across all the tests; however, even if I could, the focal length wouldn’t be the same. For example, when I adapt my vintage Helios 44-2 lens, the focal length on X-Trans is 87mm while it is 46mm on GFX; aside from that, the Helios is noticeably softer on the GFX. So the comparisons I made were never fully 1:1, unfortunately.

*Fujifilm GFX100S II & Helios 44-2 – Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm*

I did make a number of comparisons between the photos captured with the GFX100S II and those made on an X-T5 and X-E4, utilizing the same Recipes. The main difference between X-Trans IV and X-Trans V rendering is that blue is a little deeper on X-Trans V with the Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Eterna, and Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulations—there are some other minor differences, but the blue rendering is the main one. On the GFX100S II, blue behaves more like X-Trans V. The overall rendering is very similar to X-Trans V, but not 100% identical. For example, Grain is scaled differently on GFX. There are several insignificant differences that I noticed upon close side-by-side comparisons, but without carefully studying deep crops, the GFX images look pretty identical to the X-Trans V photos. Except they also don’t.

This is the paradox I discovered: the pictures look so similar when comparing colors, tints, shadows, etc., etc., but there is something that’s clearly different. But what? I couldn’t put my finger on it.

I asked a few people I know who have a GFX camera, and one suggested color fidelity, that the same exact colors just seem more alive (or maybe more lifelike) on GFX. My wife, Amanda, suggested that it’s depth, that it feels like you can step into the GFX photos, while the X-series photos seem a little flat in comparison. This could simply be the depth-of-field or the micro-contrast of the GFX lenses (or both). As I thought about it, I was reminded of the Sigma DP2 Merrill camera I used to own that similarly had a (so-called) “3D pop” to the pictures. High-ISO digital noise looks different on GFX, with splotchy colors that are typical from a Bayer sensor (and not the more film-grain-like noise from X-Trans); however, it’s not particularly obvious, buried in all that resolution. It’s probably a combination of all of those things and more that make the nearly identical colors and contrast appear different in a way that is difficult to describe, but it’s all so subtle that it’s easy to miss and dismiss, so perhaps it doesn’t matter.

*Fujifilm GFX100S II & 80mm f/1.7 – Kodachrome 64*

With that information, I made a decision regarding Film Simulation Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App. I added the GFX100 II and GFX100S II as compatible cameras to all X-Trans V Recipes, as well as X-Trans IV Recipes (excluding those for the X-T3/X-T30) that don’t use Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Eterna or Eterna Bleach Bypass (the same Recipes as the X-T5, for example). Use those Recipes on the GFX100 II and GFX100S II, as they look great. I updated the App yesterday to show those Recipes as compatible with those two cameras. For the other (non-X-T3/X-T30) X-Trans IV Recipes, dropping Color Chrome FX Blue down one spot (Weak instead of Strong, Off instead of Weak) also makes them compatible.

After that, I thought about the other GFX models. Shouldn’t they be in the App, too? Why should they be left out? I don’t own any of those other GFX models, so I dug through the manuals—plus did several Google searches—to try to piece together how they should be categorized in the Fuji X Weekly App. That took a few verified and unverified assumptions. Also, I realized an assumption I made several years back was incorrect.

I categorized GFX100S the same as the newer X-Trans IV cameras; Recipes that are compatible with (for example) the X-T4 are also compatible with the GFX100S. I categorized the GFX100 the same as the X-T3 and X-T30.

*Fujifilm GFX100S II + 80mm f/1.7 – 1970’s Summer*

The 50mp GFX cameras are a bit of a problem because shadows are rendered slightly lighter, and a .5 Shadow increase is necessary for those models (the GFX50S and GFX50R don’t have .5 Highlight and Shadow adjustments). A few years ago when I had the GFX50S for a few weeks, I created three Recipes for 50mp GFX. I made an assumption that those Recipes would also be compatible with the GFX100, but I believe that camera has deeper shadow rendering like the other 100mp cameras, so that assumption was incorrect; however, I left it alone in the App. If not for the shadow rendering, X-T3/X-T30 Recipes would be compatible with the GFX50S and GFX50R—you can still use those Recipes, just know that it will look slightly different (try them anyway, you might like the results). The one camera that was left out of the App is the GFX50S II. You can use X-Trans IV Recipes the same as the GFX100S; however, a .5 Shadow adjustment should be made. If a Recipe calls for -1 Shadow, use -0.5 instead, and if a Recipe calls for +2 Shadow, use +2.5 instead.

This isn’t a perfect categorization of the GFX models, but I think it’s good. If I made a mistake in this, please let me know—like I said, my GFX experience is quite limited. For those with GFX cameras, I hope this provides a little clarity as to which Recipes to use. I’m sure that having these cameras in the App will be helpful to some photographers with GFX models, so if you have a GFX camera, open up the Fuji X Weekly App and take a look.

*Fujifilm GFX100S II + 80mm f/1.7 – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired*

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

Provia Summer — Fujifilm X-Trans IV & X-Trans V FXW App Patron Early-Access Recipe

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Evening Palm Fronds* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Provia Summer

This Provia Summer Film Simulation Recipe kicks off a new series. Each Recipe in this series will use a different film simulation, beginning with Provia and ending with Sepia. None of them will be modeled after any specific emulsions, but more simply will be aesthetics that I like, that I want to create photographs with. Even though they won’t be mimicking specific films, I do intend for them to have an analog vibe. My goal is to publish a new Recipe in this series every three or four weeks. Lastly, they will each begin as an App Patron Early-Access Recipe.

I never wanted the Early-Access Recipes to be unavailable to non-subscribers for so long. Some have been 18 months or longer, most over a year. My initial idea was that they would be Patron-only for about six months or so, and then be made available to everyone; however, I’ve only reached that goal a few times. This series of Recipes will hopefully clear out the backlog, and the Recipes that some of you have long been waiting for will be available soon.

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

Provia Summer is in a similar neighborhood as Bright Summer, Bright Kodak, Eterna Summer, Summer of ’59, 1970’s Summer, and I’m sure a few others. Obviously it’s not exactly like any of them, as it has its own unique aesthetic. This Recipe is warm and colorful, producing images that have a summer-like feel. It’s not the most ideal option for artificial light indoors or nighttime photography, but in the right situations it can be alright for that; for best results, use on a sunny day.

This is an App Patron Early-Access Recipe. If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, you have access to it right now. If not, no worries, as it will eventually be made available to everyone, once it is replaced by a new Early-Access Recipe. With the exception of the X-T3 and X-T30, it is compatible with all fourth and fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are 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. It can also be used on the newer GFX models, and I’ve included a few examples of that at that bottom.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Provia Summer Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-E4 and X-S20:

*Vibrant Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Dying Frond* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Sunlit Window* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Golden Arch* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Bright Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Palm Grove* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Tower Window* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Duel Window View* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Welcome to Wellness* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Water Drops* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Faux Beauty* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Dusk Steeple* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Electric Open* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Red Tree Trunk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

*Yellow Fountain* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Provia Summer Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm GFX100S II:

*Bougainvillea Trestle* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm GFX100S II

*Broken Palm Bark* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm GFX100S II

*Jonathan in the Desert* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm GFX100S II

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

1981 Kodak — Fujifilm X100V (X-Trans IV) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Vintage Barn* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V – 1981 Kodak Recipe

My wife, Amanda, ran across some old family pictures in her mom’s photo box. These prints were made in July of 1981—a date stamped on the back—and printed on Kodak paper. The other technical details are unknown, but most likely they were captured with a cheap point-and-shoot of some sort (possibly even a 110 camera) with Kodacolor II color negative film, which was the most popular amateur emulsion of that era. Due to age and improper storage, the prints are fading, with a pronounced orange (sometimes yellow, sometimes red) cast, and colors overall less vibrant than they once were. The set was mostly personal family pictures, and many of them were scratched and damaged, but I did scan two of the prints, which you’ll find below.

I thought that the aesthetic was interesting, so I began to develop a Film Simulation Recipe inspired by these photographs. It took a couple of days—and a few compromises, as I was unable to match it exactly—but I was able to create a look that mimics the general feel of those old pictures made in 1981 and printed on Kodak paper, which is the reason why I call this Recipe 1981 Kodak.

This 1981 Kodak Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all Fujifilm X-Trans IV cameras except the X-T3 and X-T30, which is to say that you can use it on the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. For the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30, ignore Grain size and Color Chrome FX Blue, and use a diffusion filter (such as a 10% or 20% CineBloom) in lieu of Clarity. For X-Trans V, because some film sims render blue more deeply, it will look slightly different, but try it anyway.

Film Simulation: Eterna
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: Daylight, +7 Red & -7 Blue
Highlight: -0
Shadow: +4
Color: -4
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -4
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this 1981 Kodak Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

*Coastal Hills* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Dilapidated Barn* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Rural Rancher* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Tree Fallen on Abandoned Car* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Old Ford* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Classic Grill* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Tree-Covered Road* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Light over Fallen Tree* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Sawed Log* – Prefumo Canyon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Cliffs of Pismo* – Pismo Beach, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Ken Rockwell & ’61 Pontiac Tempest* – Cayucos, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Old Van* – Cayucos, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Classic Rear Fender* – Cayucos, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Beach Boys* – Cambria, CA – Fujifilm X100V

*Mrs. Peacock* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Guitar Neck* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Drummer* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Corner* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Suburban Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Orange Car* – Laveen, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Biting Horses* – San Simeon, CA – Fujifilm X100V

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

Aerochrome v3 — Fujifilm X-T4 ES (Full Spectrum Infrared) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Red Palm* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – Aerochrome v3

This is a brand new Aerochrome-like Infrared Recipe. It’s not for “normal” cameras; you must have a full spectrum X-Trans IV or X-Trans V model, which requires an expensive and invasive procedure from a third-party vendor like LifePixel, Kolari Vision, or Spenser’s Camera (to name a few). Otherwise, the Fujifilm X-T4 ES (“Extended Spectrum”) is a full spectrum camera (is sensitive to light outside the visible gamut) briefly offered by Fujifilm to the general public. As of this writing, I believe that you can still buy the Fujifilm X-T4 ES from B&H, but it requires a phone call or in-person visit, and cannot be ordered from the internet.

Aerochrome v3 sits in-between—and bridges the gap between—Aerochrome v1 and Aerochrome v2; however, it is notably different from both, and even has some surprising commonality to Cotton Candy Chrome upon close inspection. That’s because it uses the Classic Negative film simulation instead of Velvia, which gives it a more pronounced analog feel, but also is more of a negative film look than slide film (real Aerochrome was a slide film). In that sense, this might be viewed as the least accurate version, but it’s also very easy to appreciate the aesthetic of this Aerochrome v3 Recipe, which is just lovely. While v2 is my personal favorite, I think some of you are really going to like this one. Because X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on some film simulations, including Classic Negative, if you have a full spectrum converted X-Trans V camera, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak instead of Strong.

*Iowa Water* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – Aerochrome v3

Aside from having a full spectrum camera (like the X-T4 ES), this Recipe requires three filters: True Color Infrared Autumnizer (Turquoise), Hoya G(XO) Yellow-Green filter and Tiffen Yellow 2 #8 filter. The True Color Infrared Autumnizer (Turquoise) filter is simply a QB19 Blue filter and LB18 Green filter combined into one, and can be found on AliExpress. If you choose to use a QB19 and LB18, then you’d have four filters instead of three. I was a little hesitant to buy the Autumnizer (Turquoise) filter (because I had never purchased anything from AliExpress before, and saw mixed reviews regarding the platform), but thankfully the process turned out to be smooth. The Autumnizer is intended for infrared photography, while the Yellow-Green and Yellow filters are for B&W film. I’m not sure if the order matters, but I have the Yellow filter first (closest to the lens), the Autumnizer next, and the Yellow-Green last (furthest from the lens).

Filters: True Color Infrared Autumnizer (Turquoise), Hoya G(XO) Yellow-Green & Tiffen Yellow 2 #8
Film Simulation: Classic Negative
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: Daylight, +9 Red & +8 Blue
Highlight: -1.5
Shadow: -0.5
Color: +4
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Aerochrome v3 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T4 ES:

*Air Dancer* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Four Lamps* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Tree Fingers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Bright Tree, Dark Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Pink Leaves* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Hidden Craftsman* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Two Palms in the Suburbs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Little Flag* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Backlit Infrared Joy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Joshua, Indoor Infrared* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Jon, A Cut Above the Rest* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Not Abbey Road* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Brick Staircase & Jeep* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Brick Staircase* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Parking* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Nike Walk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Buckeyes* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Chicken* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Cardinal* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Lonely Chair* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Sunlit Bougainvillea Branch* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Desert Bricks* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Cool Cat* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Skyjack* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Descending Stairs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Globe* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

Agfa 400S — Fujifilm X-T4 ES (Full Spectrum Infrared) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

*Monochrome Founders* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – Agfa 400S

This is my first B&W Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm full spectrum cameras, like the Fujifilm X-T4 ES (“Extended Spectrum”). It’s not for “normal” cameras; you must have a full spectrum X-Trans IV or X-Trans V model, which requires an expensive and invasive procedure from a third-party vendor like LifePixel, Kolari Vision, or Spenser’s Camera. Otherwise, the Fujifilm X-T4 ES is a full spectrum camera (is sensitive to light outside the visible gamut) briefly offered by Fujifilm to the general public. As of this writing, I believe that you can still buy the Fujifilm X-T4 ES from B&H, but it requires a phone call or stopping by in-person, and cannot be order from the internet.

The reason why it took me so long to publish a B&W Recipe for full spectrum IR cameras is because I had trouble creating one that I was fully satisfied with. I experimented with many different filters and settings, but just couldn’t find the right combination that produced the results that I desired. Initially, this was another one of those failed experiments, until I added a third filter (QB2), and instantly fell in love with the aesthetic that this Recipe creates.

*Water in the Desert* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – Agfa 400S

The emulsion that this Recipe is most reminiscent of is Agfa AviPhot 400S, which is also sold under Rollei Retro 400S, Rollei 400 IR, Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400, Astrum Foto 400, and Svema Foto 400. This film was made for aerial surveillance—hence: AviPhot, which is short for “Aviation Photography”, and “S” for surveillance—and is both infrared and UV sensitive, although only a little. In order to get good IR results, the film requires a 720nm filter and adding two or three stops to the exposure.

This Agfa 400S Film Simulation Recipe doesn’t use a 720nm filter; instead, it requires three filters: Kolari Vision IR Chrome, Tiffen Deep Yellow 15, and QB2 blue. The QB2 was given to me and I have no idea what brand it is, but here are some that I found online: JTSF, PMP, Nantong, Shanghai Longway, Tangsinuo. This is a fairly uncommon filter (that’s why none of the name brands make it), but it is used by some in the IR world (my Cotton Candy Chrome Recipe also uses the QB2 filter). I’m not sure if the order matters, but I have the Deep Yellow filter first (closest to the lens), the IR Chrome next, and the QB2 last (furthest from the lens).

*Tree in Grey* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES – Agfa 400S

While this Recipe was designed on and intended for the Fujifilm X-T4 ES camera, it should be fully compatible with any full spectrum converted X-Trans IV (except the X-T3 and X-T30) and X-Trans V models. For a grainier look, use higher ISOs, such as 6400 and 12800 (Water in the Desert is an ISO 12800 image). For a cleaner look, use lower ISOs.

Filters: Tiffen Deep Yellow 15, Kolari Vision IR Chrome, & QB2 Blue
Film Simulation: Acros+R
Monochromatic Color: WC 0 MG 0 (Off)
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: 2500K, +9 Red & -2 Blue
Highlight: +4
Shadow: +4
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 12800
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Agfa 400S Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T4 ES:

*Sunlit Jon* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Sunglasses* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Flower Girl* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Photographer Jon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Hand in Hand* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Dogs out a Truck Window* – Laveen, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Dramatic Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Lamp Post* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Second Floor Windows* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Neighborhood Eucalyptus* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*White Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Grey Saguaro* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*17th Green* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Closed Umbrella in Monochrome* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Second Floor* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Sunlit Stucco* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Empty Cart* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Shade* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Coffee Work* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Open Umbrellas* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*White Bougainvillea 1* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*White Bougainvillea 2* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Palm Fronds* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*V Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Evening Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Tis but a Scratch*– Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Desert Road* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Last Light on the Peaks* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Trees & Flare* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

*Saguaro Fingers* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 ES

Top 25 Most Popular Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Ritchie Roesch

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

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:

Kodachrome 64

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:

Kodak Portra 400 v2

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

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:

Vibrant Arizona

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:

Reala Ace

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:

Kodak Portra 400

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

#7:

Kodak Portra 400 v2

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

#8:

Pacific Blues

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:

Kodak Portra 800 v3

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:

Kodak Tri-X 400

#11:

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 #5 last year.

#12:

McCurry Kodachrome

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

#13:

Kodachrome 64

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

#14:

Kodak Gold 200

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:

Kodak Gold 200

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:

Classic Chrome

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

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:

14 Film Dial Recipes

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:

Fujicolor Super HG v2

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:

Kodak Portra 160

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:

PRO Negative 160C

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

#22:

Classic Color

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

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

#24:

CineStill 800T

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:

Kodak Ultramax 400

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.

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

Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired — Fujifilm X-Trans V Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on December 31, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Half Moon Over Central Park* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired

This new Film Simulation Recipe came about after someone shared with me some photographs they captured with a roll of long-expired Kodak Gold Max 400 film. Kodak introduced this color negative emulsion in 1987 under the name Kodacolor VR-G 400. Later, they renamed it GC 400, Gold 400, Ultra Gold 400, Gold Max 400, Max 400, Max Versatility 400, then Ultramax 400, which is still available today. Over the years the emulsion has been updated a few times, but it is still essentially a 1980’s Kodacolor film.

Even though the roll was long-expired, it looked pretty good. Sometimes expired film has a much different aesthetic than a fresh roll, and sometimes it’s only subtly different. In this case, it seemed more muted and grainy than Ultramax 400, and with a little different color cast, but overall not overtly divergent. The photographer did edit the scans a little, which I’m sure affected the outcome. I wasn’t able to perfectly match it, but I feel this was pretty close. I also found some examples of expired Kodak Gold Max 400 film online, and this Recipe seems to similarly match those images fairly well but not perfectly.

What I love about this Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired Recipe is that it has an obvious analog vibe. The pictures captured with it just seem film-like to me. You could probably convince some people that you didn’t use a digital camera. These photographs don’t look like typical camera-made JPEGs.

*Sand Trail* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired – Photo by Amanda Roesch

This Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which, as of this writing, are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, and X-M5. You can use it on newer GFX cameras, too. I have a couple of photos at the bottom that were captured with a GFX100S II, and it seems pretty close to the X-Trans V rendering.

Film Simulation: Reala Ace
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: 6700K, +1 Red & +4 Blue
Highlight: -1.5
Shadow: +1.5
Color: -2
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to +1 1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X100VI, X-T5 & X-S20:

Oh – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI

*Street Portrait* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Model Photography* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Two Ladies and a Dog* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Light on a Dark Building* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Pentax Photographer* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Bench Corner* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Three Story Home* – North Bergen, NJ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Alien Dunkin’* – Roswell, NM – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Tractors is dumb* – Tularosa, NM – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Family Boating* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X100VI

*Three Leaves in the Water* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X100VI

*Flag on a Windy Day* – Roswell, NM – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Wood Fence* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Christmas Sand* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Amanda Roesch

*Roesch Kids* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Amanda Roesch

*Dry Brush* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Amanda Roesch

Fujifilm GFX100S II:

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

Fujifilm X-T5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-S20:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, WEX, Nuzira
Fujifilm GFX100S II:
Amazon, B&H, Wex

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

Top 10 Most Popular Classic Negative Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Flowers & Fruit* – Austin, TX – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Blue

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 Classic Negative 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, then Eterna Recipes; X-Trans III was next; now we’ll look at Classic Negative based Recipes.

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

This list looks similar to Top 10 Fujicolor Recipes because many of those use the Classic Negative film simulation. In my mind, when I decided to do this one, I thought it would be a little more divergent. Since I had pretty much finished putting this together when I realized the similarities, I decided to publish this list anyways. I hope you don’t mind a little redundancy.

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

Top 10 Most Popular Classic Negative Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

#1:

Reala Ace

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 Reala Ace film sim, and is for X-Trans V cameras.

#2:

Pacific Blues

Pacific Blues used to be the highest ranked Classic Negative based Recipe until I published Reala Ace. This particular version of Pacific Blues is compatible with X-Trans IV models; you’ll find the X-Trans V version a couple spots further down.

#3:

Fujicolor Super HG v2

This Recipe is highly versatile and is compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version).

#4:

Pacific Blues

The X-Trans V version of Pacific Blues.

#5:

Kodak Max 800

One of my favorite Recipes for use with flash photography. Compatible with X-Trans IV cameras.

#6:

Fujicolor Blue

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 is compatible with X-Trans V cameras, and is very new, published in late October.

#7:

Superia Xtra 400

This is the X-Trans V version of this Recipe (the X-Trans IV version is a little further down).

#8:

Kodak Royal Gold 400

Compatible with both X-Trans IV and X-Trans V cameras.

#9:

Fujicolor Superia 800

This Recipe is for X-Trans IV cameras; however, for X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off.

#10:

Superia Xtra 400

The X-Trans IV version of this Recipe.

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

Top 10 Most Popular X-Trans III Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Summer Feeling* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – Kodacolor

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 X-Trans III 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, then Eterna Recipes; now we’ll look at X-Trans III compatible Recipes.

*Spring Wildflowers & Dead Wood* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – Provia Slide

These Film Simulation Recipes are compatible with all X-Trans III cameras—Fujifilm X-Pro2, X100F, X-E3, X-T2, X-T20 & X-H1—as well as the X-T3 and X-T30. The majority of people use Recipes on X-Trans IV and V cameras, but X-Trans III isn’t too far behind. Some of these Recipes do routinely crack the Top 25 list, but most of them do not.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular X-Trans III Recipes of 2024!

Top 10 Most Popular X-Trans III Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

#1:

Vintage Kodachrome

One of the older Film Simulation Recipes on Fuji X Weekly, and typically one of the Top 15 most popular. Uses Classic Chrome as the base.

#2:

Kodak Gold 200

This Classic Chrome based Recipe is for the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30, but is fully compatible with X-Trans III cameras because Color Chrome Effect is set to Off. This one usually cracks the Top 25.

#3:

Classic Chrome

The very first Film Simulation Recipe on Fuji X Weekly, unsurprisingly uses Classic Chrome as the base. Another Recipe that is commonly in the Top 25 list.

#4:

Kodak Portra 400

This was the first Portra Recipe that I created. It requires a difficult-to-get-right Custom White Balance measurement.

#5:

Kodachrome II

One of my favorite Recipes for X-Trans III cameras. Like the four above, it uses Classic Chrome.

#6:

Cinestill 800T

This Recipe is specifically for nighttime photography, and uses the PRO Neg. Std film simulation.

#7:

Classic Kodak

One of the newer X-Trans III Recipes, it uses Classic Chrome.

#8:

Fujicolor Superia 800

This Recipe uses PRO Neg. Std, and is one of my favorites for dreary days.

#9:

Kodak Ultramax

Another Classic Chrome based Recipe.

#10:

Kodak Ektar 100

This Recipe uses the Astia film simulation, and is the most vibrant on this list.

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

Top 10 Most Popular Eterna Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*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-T50 – Cinematic 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:

CineStill 800T

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:

Kodak Vision3 250D

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:

CineStill 800T

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

#4:

Vintage Color

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:

Cine Teal

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:

Cinematic Negative

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:

Eterna Summer

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:

Kodak Vision3 250D

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

#9:

Vintage Eterna

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

#10:

Timeless Negative

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

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

Eternal Recipes — SOOC Live Season Finale

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

The season finale of SOOC Live is just two days away! Join Nathalie Boucry and myself on December 12th at 9:00 AM Pacific Time (noon Eastern), as we finish off Season 4 with what will surely be an epic broadcast. This one will be especially fun, so you’ll want to tune in if you’re able. Since these shows are interactive, your participation makes them better. I hope to see you this Thursday!

For those who don’t know, SOOC Live is a (sometimes) monthly live YouTube broadcast where Nathalie Boucry and I discuss Film Simulation Recipes, give tips and tricks for achieving the results you want straight-out-of-camera, talk Fujifilm news, and answer your questions. Basically, we’re trying to help you master your camera, with a focus on simplifying your photographic workflow. This is a community event, helping each other along our photographic journeys.

Below is the upcoming show, so you can easily find it on Thursday (here is the direct link, in case you need it):

Top 10 Most Popular Fujicolor Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

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.

*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:

Reala Ace

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:

Fujicolor Super HG v2

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:

PRO Negative 160C

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

#4:

Fujicolor Blue

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:

Fujicolor Superia 800

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:

Superia Xtra 400

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:

Fujicolor Superia 800

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:

Superia Xtra 400

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:

Fujicolor 100 Industrial

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:

Fujicolor Superia 100

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.

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