If you’re new to Fujifilm—or not new to Fujifilm but fairly new to Film Simulation Recipes, or just curious about your camera—and you’d like to take a deeper dive into the various Film Simulations, Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry has an excellent series on her blog called Colour Your Story that you need to check out and follow.
The way that this series works is that each Film Simulation gets two parts: an introduction and a deeper dive. The introduction article explains what that particular Film Simulation is and what it is good for. The sample pictures are with that film sim set with the default factory settings. The followup article, entitled Let’s take [it] to Another Level (or a similar sentiment), discusses some Recipes that use that film sim as the base. So far, Nathalie has two Film Simulations in the series complete: Provia and Velvia.
Definitely take a moment out of your day and read up on those four posts. The series is worth following—get on her mailing list (at the bottom of each article) so that you don’t miss out on the future installments. I’m looking forward to all of the rest—there are 20 film sims, so Nathalie undoubtably has her work cut out! A series like this takes a ton of effort to put together, so, if you appreciate it, be sure to leave her a comment on her page letting her know.
Omar Gonzalez posted a hilarious YouTube video called Do You Suffer from Fujifilm Sim Depression?, a parody of pharmaceutical commercials, except that it’s about Fujifilm film simulations and not prescription drugs. It’s incredibly well done and funny! I don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t watched it, but the conclusion is that Omar likes the Provia film simulation. So watch the video if you haven’t yet seen it, and if you are suffering from “Fujifilm Sim Depression” let me offer you this cure: the PROvia Film Simulation Recipe. Perhaps someday Omar will see it and try it; if so, I hope he likes it!
Provia is one of the film simulations that I personally like least… it’s well above Sepia, but towards the bottom of the list nonetheless. Ouch. As it turns out, I was never meant to like it, yet it is the “Standard” film simulation on all Fujifilm cameras. This PROvia Recipe is my take on a “better” Provia, and is intended to not only look good, but also be versatile so that it could be one’s go-to Film Simulation Recipe (that’s why “PRO” is capitalized in the name). It is compatible with all X-Trans II cameras; those with X-Trans I and Bayer models can use it, too, but it will render slightly different (try it anyway).
Car Care – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70 – PROvia Recipe
This PROvia Film Simulation Recipe was a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access Recipe, but now it’s available to everyone. If you are an App Patron, you’ve had access to it for awhile. For those who are not, now you can use it, too. Perhaps it will even cure your Fujifilm Sim Depression….
Provia/STD Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: -2 (Soft) Shadow: +1 (Medium-Hard) Color: +1 (Medium-High) Sharpness: 0 (Standard) Noise Reduction: -2 (Low) White Balance: Auto, -1 Red & 0 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this PROvia Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X70:
Sabino Creek – Summerhaven, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Saguaro Behind Palms – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Palm Branches – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Green Ocotillo – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Gunfight Site – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Reach for the Sky – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Bird Cage Theatre – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X70
One Way Alley – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Cloudy Saguaro – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Prickly Pear Pads – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Sunlight Through the Forest – Summerhaven, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Snowy Hillside – Summerhaven, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Rainy Desert at Dusk – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Indoor Fireworks – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Used Bookmans – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
Alignment – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X70
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Nature of Architecture – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – Provia Slide
This Provia Slide Film Simulation Recipe doesn’t necessarily do a great job of replicating real Fujichrome Provia 100F or 400X color transparency film. I did find some examples that weren’t far off at all, but I believe it was more in how they were scanned and edited than anything else. One film can have many different looks based on a whole host of factors, and there is a by-chance resemblance to some Provia 100F pictures, but this Recipe is not a good facsimile for most Provia transparencies. I wasn’t attempting to replicate Provia film, so the similarities that do exist are merely a happy accident. I do believe it has an analog-like slide film aesthetic, even if it’s only a moderately good match for Provia 100F.
More simply, I was going for a Recipe that’s vibrant, based on the Provia film simulation, and uses the Fluorescent 3 White Balance. I chose Provia because I’d like to have more Recipes that are based on the Provia film simulation. I decided on the Fluorescent 3 White Balance because X-Trans III cameras cannot save a White Balance Shift within the C1-C7 Custom Presets, but they will remember one WB Shift per WB type; if each C1-C7 Recipe has a different WB type, then you don’t have to remember to adjust the WB Shift when changing to a different C1-C7 preset. Since there is only one Recipe that uses Fluorescent 3 for X-Trans III (and two for the X-T3/X-T30), I thought it would be good to have another option.
This Provia Slide Recipe is compatible with all X-Trans III cameras: Fujifilm X-Pro2, X100F, X-E3, X-T2, X-T20, and X-H1, as well as the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30 (simply set Color Chrome Effect to Off). I’m sure it can also be used on the GFX 50R and GFX 50S, although it will likely render slightly different.
Film Simulation: Provia/STD Dynamic Range: DR200 Grain Effect: Weak White Balance: Fluorescent 3, -1 Red & -8 Blue Highlight: -1 Shadow: +1 Color: +3 Sharpness: -1 Noise Reduction: -4 ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Provia Slide Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-Pro2:
Patio Pot – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Dying Plant – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Spring Wildflowers & Dead Wood – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Suburban Bougainvillea Blossoms – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Closed Sidewalk – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Green Leaves & Rose Blossom – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Backlit Tree Leaves Abstract – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Bright Green Leaves – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Potted Green – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Peace & Happiness – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Water Fountain Rainbow – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-pro2
Vines in the Arches – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-Pro2
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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.
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.
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.
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.
A Film Simulation Recipe for the Fujifilm XF1, X100, X10 & X-S1 cameras.
Tower Above the Trees – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1 – Provia/STD Recipe
This Film Simulation Recipe was simply an attempt to improve the factory default Provia film sim, with the goal of creating a more analog-like rendering. On the XF1, Provia doesn’t look half bad out-of-the-box, but I thought with some adjustments, I could make it better. I think it turned out pretty well—I’m quite happy with the results I’m getting from this Recipe.
The Fujifilm EXR-CMOS sensor generation quality reminds me of analog half-frame, which are cameras that only expose half of a 35mm frame, allowing you to get twice as many pictures on one roll of film, but at the expense of image quality. For smaller prints it’s no big deal, but if you want to enlarge bigger than 8″x10″, the difference is noticeable, particularly the larger you print. For internet viewing and prints up to 8″x10″, the image quality from the Fujifilm XF1 is great, but I wouldn’t want to print large or crop deeply, because it would begin to fall apart. With that said, I do like the rendering from this camera—it’s a bit different from the other sensor generations.
This “Provia/STD” Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm XF1, X100, X10, and X-S1 cameras. You can use it on X-Trans I, X-Trans II, and Bayer models, too, but it will look slightly different (feel free to try, though)—at the bottom of this article is one picture captured on my Fujifilm X70, which is an X-Trans II model, using this Recipe.
Provia/STD Dynamic Range: DR-Auto Highlight: -1 (Medium-Soft) Shadow: -1 (Medium-Soft) Color: +1 (Medium-High) Sharpness: -1 (Medium-Soft) Noise Reduction: -2 (Low) White Balance: 5600K, -3 Red (R/CY) & -1 Blue (B/Ye) ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600 Exposure Compensation: 0 to +1/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Provia/STD Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm XF1:
Potted Palm – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
TK ’24 – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Five-Story Tower – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Block Wall Vines – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Singular Bulb – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Yellow Trumpet Blossoms – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Bunch of Blossomed Bougainvillea – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Roof Design – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Street Lofts – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Multicolored Water in Mason Jars – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm XF1
Captured using this Provia/STD Recipe on a Fujifilm X70
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I’ve never really cared for Fujifilm’s Provia film simulation. I mean, it’s alright, but I like most of the other options better, and I wondered why they made it the “standard” film simulation. It doesn’t much resemble real Provia film—why even call it Provia?—yet it is front-and-center on all Fujifilm models.
I Recently stumbled across a fascinating article that helped me better understand why I don’t like Provia, and why the other film sims look the way they do. Exibartstreet.com translated and summarized an interview of two Fujifilm managers who discussed at length the different film simulations found on Fujifilm cameras (the original interview articles can be found here and here, and is two years old). I now have a little better understanding of Fujifilm’s philosophy behind the creation of their profiles.
Truck Stop Cross Process – Bowie, TX – Fujifilm X100F – Provia film sim – “Cross Process” recipe
Specifically to Provia, I discovered that I was never supposed to like it. It wasn’t designed for me. “When it comes to Provia,” one of the Fujifilm managers stated, “photographers that started with film find it hard, but photographers that only shoot digitally find it just right.” Well, I started with film; I don’t know if I’d describe it as “hard” but it is far from “just right” for me personally. “Provia aims at the greatest common denominator that makes you feel ‘beautiful’ at a glance.” In other words, they weren’t trying to mimic any emulsions, but create a profile that looks nice to those who have only ever shot with digital cameras. “In my personal opinion, I would like to change the name ‘film simulation,'” the Fujifilm manager said. “Film simulation is not film imitation.”
Diving into the interview, we discover that Velvia was, in fact, modeled after the film of the same name, but digital sensor and processor limitations have made it difficult to reproduce the film’s aesthetic; however, beginning with X-Trans III, Fujifilm has been able to get closer. Enabling Color Chrome Effect allows you to achieve the appropriate color depth.
Wind from the West – Hammond, OR – Fujifilm X-E4 – Astia film sim – “CineStill 50D” recipe
The Astia film simulation looks so much different than real Astia film. “We often receive comments that ‘reproducibility is different from Astia of silver salt,'” the manager explained. “The reason for this is that ‘the image quality design is not aimed at silver salt Astia.’ You may wonder what it means to bear the name of Astia even though it is different, but it is not completely unrelated. In fact, both film and digital are aiming at the same place. In other words, the film simulation ‘Astia’ was developed to bring it closer to the ‘ideal Astia’ that the development team aimed for when developing the silver salt film Astia.” Put more simply, the film simulation is the aesthetic that Fujifilm would have produced with the film if they could have.
Classic Chrome was modeled after an unmentioned slide film… they can’t say Kodak.
Pilot – Cordes Lakes, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Classic Chrome film sim – “Kodachrome 64” recipe
PRO Neg. Std and PRO Neg. Hi were not modeled after any specific emulsions, but are for faithful color reproduction. “The main difference is the tone curve. PRO Neg. Hi is adjusted to tighten the shadows and tighten the highlights. On the other hand, the color design is the same.”
The Eterna film simulation was modeled after Eterna motion picture film. Regarding Eterna Bleach Bypass, “This setting is equivalent to ‘half of the silver remaining’ on film….”
Coastal Blooms – San Simeon, CA – Fujifilm X-E4 – Classic Negative film sim – “Pacific Blues” recipe
“Classic Negative is a very special kind of film simulation, designed so that the appearance of colors changes depending on the brightness. Therefore, I make adjustments so that dark tones are cyan, and bright tones are magenta. Classic Negative… was originally ‘Superia.'” It’s clear that this film simulation was carefully crafted to closely mimic Superia film. “To tell you the truth, I feel that Classic Negative was a little too bold.” I think Fujifilm should consider going “too bold” more often!
There’s a heck-of-a-lot more said in the interview that’s quite fascinating. I think Fujifilm doesn’t want its users to interpret “film simulation” as “film imitation” because not all of their film sims are intended to mimic film. Some are, and some are not. But, even the ones that are not, the digital side teamed up with the film side to assist in designing all of the film simulations—including Provia/Std—and I think their careful attention to detail and vast film experience translates into profiles that can be made to resemble film, even if the film sim was never intended to. Still, the film simulations that are, in fact, modeled after film are my favorites.
Clearing Clouds Over Winter Ridge – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 – “Standard Provia”
A couple days ago I published a new Film Simulation Recipe: Standard Provia. This recipe is the first in a new series, in which I attempt to customize each film simulation to optimize the aesthetic that Fujifilm intended—in other words, make a nice-looking recipe that is similar to yet better than the stock look of a film simulation. Provia is Fujifilm’s standard film simulation (that’s why they call it “Provia/Standard” and even abbreviate it “STD”), but it’s one of my least favorite. Sometimes, because I don’t get excited over it, I force myself to use Provia, hoping that it will improve my feelings about it.
The Provia film simulation doesn’t look like Provia film. In fact, it’s probably closer to Astia film, although it’s definitely not an exact match for that, either. There’s something that is “not right” about it to me, but I think it’s just my personal tastes. There are a lot of people who love the Provia film simulation and use it all of the time.
After I published my Standard Provia Film Simulation Recipe, I received feedback from several of you that I should have included a comparison with default Provia/Standard. So here it is! The Provia/Standard images have all of the parameters set to 0 or Off except for Noise Reduction, which is -4. Dynamic Range is DR200 and White Balance is Auto 0R & 0B. It’s basically factory Provia. These were all captured on a Fujifilm X-Pro3. Let’s take a look:
Move the bar left to reveal the default Provia/Standard image, and move it right to reveal the “Standard Provia” recipe image.
Move the bar left to reveal the default Provia/Standard image, and move it right to reveal the “Standard Provia” recipe image.
Move the bar left to reveal the default Provia/Standard image, and move it right to reveal the “Standard Provia” recipe image.
The most notable difference you might notice is that my recipe has less red, with a cooler/greener color cast that is more like typical of Fujicolor film. My recipe also has more contrast and saturation, and, in my opinion, looks better, as I find the default settings to be too flat. If you are looking for a “standard” recipe that utilizes Provia, I believe that my Standard Provia recipe is a good option.
What do you think? Do you like the default Provia/Standard settings better, or do you prefer my “Standard Provia” recipe? Let me know in the comments!
Winter Neighborhood at Sunset – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 – “Winter Slide”
This recipe began with a weather forecast. It had been unusually dry and warm here in Utah, but cold temperatures and plenty of snow was on the way. At this time of year I get asked regularly which film simulation recipes are best for snow—there are plenty that will work well, but not many that are specifically made for it. A camera like the Fujifilm X-T1, which is weather-sealed, is great for these type of conditions, so I thought, with the forecasted wintry weather, I’d create a good-for-snow recipe for X-Trans II cameras that I could use on my X-T1. When the snow finally came, I’d be ready!
The initial inspiration for this recipe was Agfa Precisa CT 100 color slide film, which I read was one of the best film options for winter situations. I wasn’t having good luck recreating the aesthetic of it, but, in the process, I made some settings that I thought might be good for snow. So I failed at mimicking Agfa Precisa CT 100, but I succeeded at what I set out to do, which was a film simulation recipe that works well in snow. Interestingly, when I created the recipe, it wasn’t yet snowy, so I wasn’t completely sure how it would do. Luckily, it did every bit as well as I had hoped it would.
Two Cold Horses – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 – “Winter Slide”
The trick to snow photography is to overexpose (based on what the meter says) because the camera sees a lot of white and wants to make it grey. So if you follow the meter, you’ll get a lot of dark pictures. By increasing the exposure compensation, you’ll get brighter pictures—I found myself often using +1 exposure compensation. If you are using this recipe when it’s not wintry white, you won’t have to increase the exposure compensation quite as much, and +1/3 to +2/3 will likely be better. This film simulation recipe is compatible with all X-Trans II cameras.
Provia/STD Dynamic Range: DR200 Highlight: 0 (Standard) Shadow: +2 (Hard) Color: -2 (Low) Sharpness: -1 (Medium-Soft) Noise Reduction: -2 (Low) White Balance: 5000K, -1 Red & -3 Blue ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 1/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured on my Fujifilm X-T1 using this “Winter Slide” film simulation recipe:
Ice Cold Red – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Winter Red Berries – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Snow on Branch – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Snow on Tree Trunk – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Winter Tree – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Winter Bush with Red Berries – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Snow on a Bush – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Winter Girl – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
White House in Snow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Lamp with Bow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Winter Blue Home – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
One Light in a Tree – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
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Bicycle 88 – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 – “Kodak Platinum 200”
Fuji X Weekly reader Corey Steib (Instagram here and here) shared with me an X-Trans II recipe that he created called Kodak Platinum 200. Corey named it this because it reminds him of vibrant Kodak film captured with a Panaflex Platinum motion picture camera, and because the best results are found at or near ISO 200. This recipe is nothing like the Eterna film simulation, but it does have a slight cinematic feel to it nonetheless thanks to the Shadow setting. It looks really nice, with vibrant colors and soft shadows, and is a great all-purpose recipe. Thank you, Corey, for creating this and allowing me to share it!
I have the ISO in my camera set to Auto, with the upper limit set to ISO 3200. I’m happy with the results from my X-T1 all the way to ISO 3200, but the intention of this recipe is to keep the ISO lower when you can. In bright light, depending on the contrast in the scene, because of the DR-Auto setting, the camera might select ISO 200 or ISO 400, and the idea is to use this recipe at those ISOs when practical. As the available light decreases, it’s perfectly fine to increase the ISO, and I feel good going as high as ISO 3200 when necessary.
Touch of Red – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 – “Kodak Platinum 200”
This film simulation recipe is compatible with all Fujifilm X-Trans II cameras. You can use it on X-Trans I and Bayer sensor cameras, too, but the results will be a little different (feel free to try, though).
Provia Dynamic Range: DR-Auto Highlight: +1 (Medium-High) Shadow: -2 (Low) Color: +2 (High) Sharpness: +1 (Medium-High) Noise Reduction: -2 (Low) White Balance: Daylight/Fine, 0 Red & 0 Blue ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200 (but… the lower the better) Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +1/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured with my Fujifilm X-T1 using this “Kodak Platinum 200” film simulation recipe:
Snack – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Yellow Rope – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Unicorn Jo – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Curved Trunk – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Log Bridge & 3 Trees – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Bridge & Stump – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
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Big Sky Over Yellow House – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S – “Provia 400”
This film simulation recipe was a failed attempt to create a certain look, but I liked the results anyway. It reminds me of Fujichrome Provia 400, but it isn’t intended to mimic that film, it just looks a little similar by chance. As Lefty Gomez said, “I’d rather be lucky than good.” This Provia 400 recipe was indeed a lucky discovery.
Provia 400 is a color reversal (slide) film that actually dates back to 1980. It was originally called Fujichrome 400 Professional D, and had a couple emulsion updates before Fujifilm renamed it Fujichrome Provia 400 in 1994, Fujichrome Provia 400F in 2000, and Provia 400X in 2006. With each emulsion change the aesthetic of the film evolved slightly, which isn’t uncommon. This recipe might be closest to the 400X version. Fujifilm discontinued ISO 400 Provia in 2013.
This film simulation recipe is intended for GFX-50S and GFX-50R cameras. I assume that it will also work on the GFX100 and GFX100S, but I’m not certain of that. Additionally, it is compatible with X-Trans IV; I tried it on my Fujifilm X-T30 and it looked pretty close, only ever-so-slightly different. On newer X-Trans IV cameras, which have some different JPEG options, consider setting Grain size to Small, Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak, and Clarity to -2.
Provia/STD Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: +1 Shadow: +2 Color: +4 Color Chrome Effect: Strong Sharpening: -2 Noise Reduction: -4 Grain Effect: Strong White Balance: Fluorescent 2, -2 Red & -2 Blue ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Sample photographs, all camera-made JPEGs, captured with a Fujifilm GFX-50S using this Provia 400 recipe:
Reeds & Birds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Three Wood Poles – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Cattails & Reeds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Fallen Down – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Boat Ramps Are Built – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Muddy Shore – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Bridge Over Shallow Water – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Closed Red Door – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Red Can Topper – Weber Canyon, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Tree & Cold River – Weber Canyon, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Hastings Cutoff – Weber Canyon, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
Reflection on the Cold Wet Road – Weber Canyon, UT – Fujifilm GFX-50S
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Cradle Tree Branch – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1 – “Provia”
There’s a new Fuji X Weekly Patron early-access film simulation recipe available now on the Fuji X Weekly app! If you are a Patron, you can use it today! This new recipe is for X-Trans I cameras (X-E1, X-Pro1 and X-M1), and it replaces the Classic Analog recipe, which was a Patron early-access recipe, but is now available to everyone. Yea!
Below are a few examples of this new recipe, which is simply called Provia, captured with a Fujifilm X-M1. Bricks in the Wall (below) was captured by my daughter, Joy, who I let use the camera.
Sun over Country Horses – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Target – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Bricks in the Wall – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
I wanted to create a Portra recipe for X-Trans I cameras, such as the Fujifilm X-M1. All of my Portra recipes are based on the Classic Chrome film simulation, but X-Trans I cameras don’t have Classic Chrome. I did create a recipe for mimicking Kodachrome without Classic Chrome, but that’s intended for X-Trans II cameras, and, while the results are similar, it doesn’t look exactly the same on X-Trans I. This recipe was my attempt at Portra without Classic Chrome, but it’s not quite Portra enough for me to name it Portra. It’s close but no cigar, but it does look nice nonetheless, and I like how it renders pictures on my X-M1.
This was a Patron early-access recipe on the Fuji X Weekly app. Fuji X Weekly Patrons have had the opportunity to use it since December 1st, but now it’s available to everyone! There’s a new Patron early-access recipe for X-Trans I on the app in its place. If you have the app, go check it out!
E.T. – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1 – “Classic Analog”
This recipe also marks the first one that includes a photograph captured by my 11-year-old son, Jonathan. I let him use my X-M1, and I liked one of the pictures he made, which you’ll find further down this article, entitled Frozen Pond Scum. The Fujifilm X-M1 can be found for cheap, and would make a great “first real camera” for a kid. Maybe I’ll give him mine at some point in the future.
Provia/STD Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: -2 Shadow: -1 Color: -2 Sharpness: 0 Noise Reduction: -2 White Balance: Daylight/Fine, +1 Red & -6 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs made using this Classic Analog film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm X-M1:
Thin Ice – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Falling Water – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Autumn Overcast – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Night at the Lake – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Frozen Drain – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Frozen Pond Scum – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Irrigation Cover – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Quadruple U’s – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Improbable – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Evening Euonymus – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Blue Sky Reeds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Yellow, Lamp – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
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Colorful Chalk – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
With the start of the new year I decided that I wanted to rethink my Fujifilm film simulation settings and make new recipes with each option. I wanted to start with Provia, not only because it’s the “standard” option on Fujifilm X cameras, but also because I’ve been asked many times to create a film simulation recipe that uses Provia as the base. I do have a film simulation recipe that uses Provia, but it’s definitely not for everyone. This one could actually be someone’s standard recipe on their camera.
I’ve never been a fan of the Provia film simulation on Fujifilm X cameras, partly because the film simulation looks very little like the film that it derives its name from. Curiously, Provia film actually more closely resembles the Astia film simulation and Astia film more closely resembles the Provia film simulation (although neither are close to being an exact match). I don’t think Fujifilm ever considered making the Provia film simulation resemble the film that it was named after or really any film, they just wanted to use the trademark name for their standard setting. The Provia film simulation is designed to give generally pleasing results to the masses. Some people love it, but I personally find it to be the least interesting of the color options available.
While I never intended to mimic the look of any specific film with this recipe, I think that it fairly closely resembles Agfa Optima 200. If you are looking for an Agfa Optima recipe, look no further! Agfa made many different films over the years. They were never as big as Kodak or Fujifilm, but they weren’t that far behind, either. Agfa Optima 200 was a color negative film that was introduced in 1996, replacing AgfaColor XRS 200, and was discontinued in 2005. I never used this film myself, but I have seen it in person and on the internet plenty of times, so I have a good idea of what it looks like. Even though I didn’t intend to recreate the look of a film with this recipe, the fact that it happens to resembles one is a very happy accident. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.
Morning Egg Bowl – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
I’ve found that this particular film simulation recipe looks best when using an ISO between 1600 and 3200. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t use a lower or higher ISO, because I certainly do, but for some reason that ISO range seems to produce the most pleasing result. I have flirted with the idea setting the ISO range to be between 1600 and 3200, but I have yet to do that. This recipe says to set ISO to Auto up to ISO 6400, but please don’t feel like you have to set it to that just because that’s what settings I typed out. As always, choose what works best for you and your photography.
Provia Dynamic Range: DR100 Highlight: -2 Shadow: +2 Color: -2 Noise Reduction: -3 Sharpening: 0
Grain Effect: Weak
White Balance: Auto, -1 Red & -1 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all straight-out-of-camera JPEGs made using this Provia film simulation recipe:
Coca-Cola Cans – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Bolsey 35 Model B – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Mercantile Coffee Cup – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Durable Nonstick Pot – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Oil Pastels – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Table Curve – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Window Grass – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Indoor Decor – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Blinded – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Shrub In The Snow – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Waiting For Warmer Weather – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
For Everything There Is A Season – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
Fading Light On The Ridge – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 “Agfa Optima”
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