Fujifilm X-T5

Fujifilm Grain Comparison: GFX100S II vs. X-T5

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Unfair Comparisons – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Astia Summer

I’m planning to do a number of comparison tests between the JPEGs from the Fujifilm GFX100S II and my X-series models, like the Fujifilm X-T5. What’s different? What’s the same? I haven’t come to very many conclusions yet. There’s clearly a difference, but it seems so subtle it is tough to put a finger on what exactly is divergent.

For this article, I’m comparing the faux Grain between the GFX100S II and the X-T5. This isn’t a carefully controlled scientific test. When my wife (on the X-T5) and I (on the GFX100S II) captured these images, we did not intend for them to be used in any sort of comparison test. I chose these because they were made in the same location (White Sands National Park in New Mexico). They were captured with the new Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired Recipe, and reprocessed in-camera with the Astia Summer Recipe. I chose those two Recipes because of their Grain: Weak/Small and Strong/Large.

Fujifilm X-T5 – Astia Summer – Grain Weak/Small
Fujifilm GFX100S II – Astia Summer – Grain Weak/Small
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired – Grain Strong/Large
Fujifilm GFX100S II – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired – Grain Strong/Large

You cannot tell much at all from the above photos. From examining the pictures more closely, I can state that the size of the faux grain is a little larger in the X-T5 JPEGs than the GFX100S II, but you can’t really tell without cropping in. So let’s crop in!

In the first set (identified simply by “Crop”), I’ve made the pictures roughly the same size. If you look carefully, the Weak/Small Grain is slightly more visible in the X-T5 pictures, but it’s not overtly obvious. In the second set (identified by “Bigger Crop”), I’ve tried to match the Grain, and I had to crop much more deeply on the GFX100S II pictures to do so. These are significant crops, and you’d have to print large to view them this big. I think if a Grain size Medium existed on GFX, that would more closely match Grain size Small on the X-series.

Crop – Fujifilm X-T5 – Astia Summer – Grain Weak/Small
Crop – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Astia Summer – Grain Weak/Small
Bigger Crop – Fujifilm X-T5 – Astia Summer – Grain Weak/Small
Bigger Crop – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Astia Summer – Grain Weak/Small

Below is a repeat, except for with Strong/Large Grain. I think if a Grain size Medium existed on the X-T5, it would more closely match Grain size Large on the GFX100S II.

Crop – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired – Grain Strong/Large
Crop – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired – Grain Strong/Large
Bigger Crop – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired – Grain Strong/Large
Bigger Crop – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired – Grain Strong/Large

I don’t know that it makes any practical real-world difference, but the size of the Grain—whether Small or Large—is not identical on GFX as it is on X-series cameras. It’s not scaled the same. It’s smaller on GFX and larger on X-series, specifically when comparing the 100mp images from the GFX100S II to the 40mp images from the X-T5. There are also likely variances between the 26mp APS-C sensor and the 50mp GFX sensor.

The way to look at this, I suppose, is that film grain appears more fine on medium-format film than 35mm. The difference in silver grain between—say—120 film and Advanced Photo System Type-C film is much, much more significant than the difference in Grain between GFX and X. I think you’d expect the Grain to be more “fine” on GFX—and that’s what you find—but it isn’t nearly as much of a difference as with actual film.

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 GFX100S II:
Amazon, B&H, Wex

New Year, New Project: 52 Weeks of Photography — Part 1, Introduction & 1st Week

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Young Yucca – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm GFX100S II + 80mm f/1.7 – Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm

It’s officially 2025! Happy New Year’s Day, everyone!

I started a new 365 Day photo project, which I’m calling 52 Weeks of Photography, back on Christmas Eve. This article is simply the introduction of the project, and the first set of seven images. I’m pretty excited to do this, and hope you appreciate following along on this journey.

This isn’t the first time that I’ve done a 365 Day photo project—I did one from August 2018 through August 2019. I developed the habit of picking up a camera daily, and my photography improved from start to finish. Also, I captured some photographs that I wouldn’t have otherwise, a few of which I was quite happy with. There is definitely a benefit to doing this type of thing. Professional athletes and musicians practice daily, so why shouldn’t photographers?

The reason why I’m doing this now is because I noticed gaps in-between my images. I haven’t been picking up my cameras daily. On several occasions, four or five days have gone by without a single picture created. Twice in 2024, a whole week passed. I want to rectify this, and get back into the habit of daily photography. I also want to elevate the quality of my craft in 2025, and am hoping this will help with that.

Full Service – Idalou, TX – Fujifilm X-T5 + 56mm f/1.2 – Superia Negative

I’ve set some ground rules for myself. I’m taking things one week at a time. That’s a little easier mentally than looking at it as one whole year chunk. If I mess up on a week, I’ll simply extend the project by a week; however, I’m also giving myself two grace days. I’d actually like to finish this on Christmas Day, which is 367 days from the start. If I miss two days, that’s perfectly ok. If I miss three to seven days, this project will be extended by one week. I think it’s good to build-in some breathing room, because life happens.

My hope is to capture a year’s worth of notable images, either personally or artistically. Ansel Adams famously stated, “Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.” It’s important to keep expectations realistic, but I’m also trying to avoid thoughtless snapshots just to fulfill the day’s requirement. I want to push myself to be better, and hopefully that will happen. Not every photo will be great—in fact, most won’t—but I hope they are all at least decent enough to be shared without embarrassment.

Below are the first set of seven pictures from this 52 Weeks of Photography project.

Tuesday, December 24th, 2024

Christmas Candle – Haslet, TX – Fujifilm X100VI – Superia Negative

Wednesday, December 25th, 2024

Fox & Jo – Flower Mound, TX – Fujifilm X-T5 + 56mm f/1.2 – Reggie’s Portra

Thursday, December 26th, 2024

Santa Display – Princeton, TX – Fujifilm X-T5 + 56mm f/1.2 – Kodak Portra 400 v2

Friday, December 27th, 2024

West Texas Sunset – Idalou, TX – Fujifilm X-T5 + 56mm f/1.2 – Superia Negative

Saturday, December 28th, 2024

Red Yucca in the White Sand – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T4 ES + 35mm f/2 – Aerochrome v2

Sunday, December 29th, 2024

Fire, Truck – Lordburg, NM – Fujifilm GFX100S II + 80mm f/1.7 – 1970’s Summer

Monday, December 30th, 2024

Cactus Pads – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm GFX100S II + 80mm f/1.7 – Superia Negative

Week 2

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 GFX100S II:
Amazon, B&H, Wex
Fujinon GF 80mm f/1.7:
Amazon, B&H, Wex
Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R WR:
Amazon, B&H, Wex, Nuzira

Fujifilm Negative — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Small Yellow Boat – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5 – Fujifilm Negative Recipe

Over the last several months, my wife, Amanda, and I have been sharing our Fujifilm X-T5, which I purchased in November 2022 when it first came out. Her camera is an X-T4 that she’s used for years, but lately has been drawn more to the newer model. Amanda does portrait, event and theater photography, but she really loves videography. By far, the Film Simulation Recipe that she uses the most for still photography is Reggie’s Portra; Reala Ace and Pacific Blues are a distant second and third. We used this new Fujifilm Negative Recipe for some of our photos captured on the X-T5 as we traveled across the country over the last few months.

My inspiration for this Recipe was Fujicolor PRO 160NS color negative film, although it wasn’t necessarily closely modeled after it—I just looked at a number of frames captured with that emulsion when I was creating this, so there is a noticeable similarity. Fujicolor PRO 160NS was produced by Fujifilm between 2010 and 2021; however, before that it was named PRO 160S, and before that—in the 1990’s—it was called NPS 160, with small changes and improvements over the years. While this doesn’t exactly match those emulsions, it certainly has a Fujifilm color negative film vibe, and just feels analog-like.

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

This Fujifilm Negative Film Simulation Recipe is intended for sunny daylight photography. It works well in overcast conditions, too, and indoor natural light. It might not be the best choice for artificial light situations (can be a bit too yellow), and can be a bit too cool in the shade. This Recipe is compatible with all fifth generation X-Trans models, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, and X-M5 cameras. It can be used on the latest GFX models, too, but will likely render slightly different (try it anyway).

Film Simulation: Reala Ace
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off 
White Balance: 5000K, 0 Red & -2 Blue
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -0.5
Color:+2
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 Fujifilm Negative Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T5:

Indoor Grass – Nashville, TN – Fujifilm X-T5
Modeling – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch
Friendly Conversation – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch
Hot Dog Stand – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch
Photowalk – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch
Stories – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch
Talking About Cameras – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch
Reviewing Pictures – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch
Setting a Recipe – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch
Crosses on Steeples – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T5
Oak Leaf – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5
Lake Morning – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5
First Catch – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5
Third Catch – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5
Fourth Catch – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5
Shore Fishing – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5
Dock Fishing – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5
Breakfast – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5
Camera on a Bookshelf – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sunset over the Eucalyptus – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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

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.

Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone — A Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm X-Trans IV & X-Trans V Cameras (Part 1)

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Joy Roesch

Kodak introduced T-Max 100 and T-Max 400 in 1986, and T-Max P3200 two years later. It was touted as a fine-grained, sharp and detail-rich black-and-white negative film. Interestingly, ever since T-Max was released, there has been a divide in the photographic community around this emulsion: people either loved it or hated it. Those who loved it tended to not like Tri-X, and those who hated it tended to love Tri-X; you were likely in one camp or the other. Tri-X was more gritty, dramatic and versatile, while T-Max was softer, cleaner, and more finicky. All-in-all, you are not likely to spot huge differences between the two as a casual observer, but those who regularly shot with these films could easily distinguish the nuances.

This particular Film Simulation Recipe, called Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone, was created by Dan Allen after shooting some rolls of Kodak T-Max 100 film side-by-side with his Fujifilm X-T5. He did his best to match the X-T5 photos to the T-Max frames. This was not an easy task, and took a lot of adjustments and refinements. Dan spent a lot of time and effort on this. He discovered that it would take a handful of versions of the Recipe to replicate all of the variances that can be found even within the same roll, and ultimately determined that one Recipe cannot mimic them all. His solution was to create two versions—one with a higher contrast and one with a lower contrast—that are “close enough” to be acceptable facsimiles for most of the variabilities.

Above photos by Dan Allen. Left: Kodak T-Max 100 Film / Right: Fujifilm X-T5 & Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone Recipe

Even though this Recipe does a pretty darn good job of replicating Kodak T-Max 100, it is always ok to “season to taste” the settings. Don’t be afraid to increase or decrease Highlight and Shadow, for example. There are a lot of factors that can determine the exact aesthetic of the film, so some small tweaks might be necessary to get it precisely as you want it. Or, just leave them as Dan created, and enjoy the lovely results.

This Film Simulation Recipe is fully compatible (as of this writing) with the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50 cameras. Presumably it will also be compatible with the camera that Fujifilm is about to announce (rumored to be the X-M5). You can also use this Recipe on the latest GFX models, although it will likely render slightly differently (try it anyway).

Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen

Dan Allen is no stranger to Fuji X Weekly. You might recall that he invented the Kentmere Pan 400 Film Simulation Recipe, and had a helping hand in the Vintage Bronze, Ilford FP4 Plus 125, and Ektachrome E100 Recipes. He also wrote the fascinating article Shooting Fujifilm Instax with a 108-year-old Kodak camera. Part two of this Recipe series will be coming soon, so be on the lookout for that.

Film Simulation: Monochrome+G
Monochromatic Color (Toning): WC 0 & MG 0 (Off)
Grain Effect: Weak, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: Daylight, -6 Red & -3 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +0.5
Shadow: +2.5
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -1
ISO: up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: -2/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone Film Simulation Recipe using a Fujifilm X-T5 and X100VI:

Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Ritchie Roesch
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Ritchie Roesch
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen
Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Dan Allen
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone – Photo by Ritchie Roesch

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.

Part 2 — Kodak T-Max 100 Soft Tone

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’s 7 Best Cameras

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

I get asked occasionally which Fujifilm cameras are the very best. Sometimes people want to jump into the Fujifilm system, but are unaware of which camera to buy; however, they know that they want the “best” model, whichever one that is. Of course, best is highly subjective—what is “best” for one person may not be for another. My list might look a lot different from another’s. This is simply my opinion as a long-time experienced Fujifilm photographer, so take it for what it’s worth, which might only be two pennies.

My list of Fujifilm’s seven best cameras is limited to X-series models. I’m not including GFX, Instax, Fujica, or anything else. I’m only discussing the APS-C line that Fujifilm introduced with the fixed-lens X100 in 2011, and the interchangeable-lens X-Pro1 in 2012. Those cameras and the ones introduced afterwards are the models being considered for this list.

Without any further delay, let’s get started!

#7: Fujifilm X70

The Fujifilm X70 is a fixed-lens X-Trans II camera that was released in 2016. It had a short sales-life because Sony suddenly discontinued production of the 16mp APS-C sensor that the camera used, and by the end of that year the X70 was discontinued, and out-of-stock shortly thereafter. As a compact camera with an 18.5mm (28mm full-frame-equivalent) lens, it competed directly with the Ricoh GR II. I like the X70 better than the GR II because it has the traditional tactile controls that Fujifilm is known for, while the GR cameras utilize PASM.

Today, at eight-years-old, the camera often sells for more than when it was brand-new. It’s much beloved by many who own one. Some proclaim it to be their favorite Fujifilm camera of all time. Compared to the latest models, the X70 is less advanced and with fewer options, but it does what few Fujifilm cameras can: fit into your pocket. In my opinion, it’s the best carry-everywhere camera ever made by Fujifilm. A successor—an X80—should be a high priority for Fuji.

#6: Fujifilm X-Pro2

While all three of the X-Pro cameras are great, there’s something especially special about the Fujifilm X-Pro2. It’s the seemingly perfect balance of form and function. It’s one of those cameras that will be desired and used for many years to come. While other digital cameras of its era will be long forgotten, I’m convinced that the X-Pro2 will still be sought out even when it’s 20 years old or older.

Introduced at the same time as the X70, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 is an X-Trans III model, and as such it doesn’t seem quite as dated as the X70. It still holds up fairly well in ability and features compared to the latest models. I would be perfectly happy if it were my only camera; unfortunately, I let it get away from me twice.

#5: Fujifilm X-E4

The X-E4 is the smallest and most minimalistic of Fujifilm’s modern offerings. While it is not perfect (no camera is), it does offer a slightly unique experience for Fujifilm that some like and some don’t. Personally, I appreciate the camera—it is one of my favorite Fujifilm models—and I find it especially great for travel or just everyday walk-around photography, thanks to its compactness. I have more expensive cameras, but often choose the X-E4 instead.

While the Fujifilm X-E4 doesn’t have IBIS or 40mp or the newest couple of film simulations, it is one of the last X-Trans IV models, and as such is quite advanced and capable. Unfortunately, Fujifilm greatly underestimated the demand for the X-E4, and failed to secure enough parts to manufacture as many copies as they should have, inexplicably discontinuing it when there were lengthy backorder lists. Because of that, right now the X-E4 sells for several hundred dollars more used than when it was brand-new.

#4: Fujifilm X100V

The X100 is where the X-series began; the X100V is the model that unexpectedly wen’t viral when it was over two years old. This list could be filled with X100 cameras—in fact, I debated if the X100F should have been placed in the #6 or #7 positions (it was a tough cut). The X100V is the fifth iteration—the X-Trans IV version—and served as my “desert island” camera until the introduction of the X100VI earlier this year.

I love the X100V because it is small and lightweight, and has great features like a built-in ND filter and leaf shutter plus a fill-flash that just seems to work perfect. For a fixed-lens camera, it is surprisingly versatile. I don’t travel without an X100 model. It’s no wonder why the X100V was the camera to have in 2023 (although few could get it); in 2024, it’s still an excellent choice. And it might be easier to find than an X100VI.

#3: Fujifilm X-T5

The X-T5 is Fujifilm’s flagship SLR-styled traditional tactile control model. If you want the best, look no further—it’s the cream of the crop: IBIS, 40mp, weather-sealing, dual SD-card slots, etc., etc.. The X-T5 is notably smaller and lighter than the X-T4. It’s such a great camera, there’s not much negative that can be said about it. This camera could very easily be #1 on this list, and on paper it should be.

While the Fujifilm X-T5 is technically a great camera, and it did slim down compared to its predecessor, it’s more camera than I need much of the time. Because of this, I will often choose a different model, including technically inferior options like the X-E4. Sometimes data sheets and spec charts don’t tell the full story. You don’t always need a fully loaded Land Cruiser, sometimes a Camry will get you there more efficiently; still, sometimes you need the Land Cruiser.

#2: Fujifilm X-T50

The X-T50 is an X-T5, but without weather-sealing, with only one SD-card slot, with a Film Dial instead of an ISO Dial, a lower resolution-EVF, the old battery, in a smaller and lighter body, and a little cheaper. Technically speaking, the X-T5 is superior, but, over the summer, I used an X-T50 far more than an X-T5. Between the two, most of the time I chose the X-T50.

The X-T30 II is in the same series as the X-T50; however, Fujifilm says that the X-T50 is not the X-T30 II’s successor. The X-T50 is closely related and similar, but is not the X-T30 II’s replacement, as they are currently manufacturing both models. The X-T30 II is a better value (and I almost placed it at #7); overall, the X-T50 is the better camera of the two. For those wanting to get into the Fujifilm system, the X-T50 is my top recommendation, but the X-T30 II isn’t far behind.

#1: Fujifilm X100VI

I love the Fujifilm X100V, and the X100VI is even better! It is my “desert island” camera, which is to say that if I could choose only one model to use for the rest of my life, it would be this one. It is my absolute favorite photography tool, and it gets a lot of use. In my opinion, this is Fujifilm’s best camera.

The Fujifilm X100VI is by far the most preordered camera by any brand in history. We’re over six months since it was announced, and some people who preordered on Day 1 are still waiting for their camera to arrive, and some have been told that it might be closer to Christmas. There were more preorders for the X100VI than there were X100V’s manufactured over its four-year production life. Fujifilm is assembling far more X100VI’s each month than they did the X100V, yet they still can’t even make enough to fulfill the orders that were placed back in February. This is the most viral camera ever, and if the hype continues (and it might), the X100VI could potentially end up as the most-sold model of all time by any brand. If you didn’t order one right away when it was announced, you may have to wait a long time to get one.

Some of you may have noticed that both the X-H2 and X-H2s, which are Fujifilm’s top-tier flagship models, did not make this list. Nor did the very capable X-S20. The reason is very simple: those are PASM models, and I don’t care much for PASM, personally. Those cameras are intended to give the most Canikony-like experience of any Fujifilm models; if you are coming from a Canikony brand, those models are going to feel more familiar to you. I never appreciated the (modern) Canikony approach, so I’m very much drawn to the traditional tactile controls that Fujifilm is known for. Fujifilm offers a unique experience in the camera world, which is one of the big reasons why I love Fujifilm, and that unique experience is found on each of the seven models in my list. While some might see it as merely “retro” (which it is), to me its preferable. It’s better—much better, in fact. You may or may not agree with that, and that’s fine—different strokes for different folks—I’m just explaining why those particular models didn’t crack my list.

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-T50 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in charcoal:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex
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

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

San Diego was Epic — Nashville & Philadelphia are next!!

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Architecture Archway – San Diego, CA – Fujifilm X-T50 – Pacific Blues Recipe

The Film Simulation Summer Photowalk in San Diego was epic… even if it got off to a rocky start. You see, the photowalk was at Balboa Park, which is typically a popular place, and parking can normally be somewhat challenging; however, the San Diego Zoo, which is also in Balboa Park, just so happened to get some Giant Pandas from China the day before, creating a panda-monium. Needless to say, parking was a nightmare!

Even so, somewhere around 60 photographers came out to the event, which is a very large group. A number of people showed up late (due to the parking situation), so it was impossible to get an accurate head count. I bet more would have been there had the parking situation been better, so I apologize to everyone who tried to come but just couldn’t find parking. Once we got going, it was a lot of fun, and I think everyone had a good time. It was great to meet everyone and talk cameras and photograph with you all. Thanks so much to everyone who braved the parking situation and came out for the photowalk—you made it epic!

Tom – San Diego, CA – Fujifilm X-T50 – Pacific Blues Recipe

This was a collaborative effort. It took a lot of people to pull it off. I want to shout-out Tom Baumgaertel (bewaremyfuji) who co-lead the photowalk. Tom is amazing! It was great to hang with him for the day. Thanks to Fujifilm for all the behind-the-scenes work, and also helping out during the walk. Thank you to Nelson’s Photo & Video for being a big part of it. I don’t know how many individuals it took to make this photowalk happen, but it was a lot!

Next up is Nashville on August 15th, which is this coming Thursday. There are only a few slots left, so be sure to register (click here) if you haven’t done so yet. Philadelphia is two days later on August 17th, and it is completely booked. If you are attending one of those photowalks, I will see you very soon!

Below are some photos from the San Diego photowalk that I captured on a Fujifilm X-T50:

Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Pacific Blues Recipe
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Pacific Blues Recipe
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Pacific Blues Recipe
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Pacific Blues Recipe
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Pacific Blues Recipe
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Pacific Blues Recipe
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Pacific Blues Recipe

Below are some photos from the San Diego photowalk that Amanda captured on a Fujifilm X-T5:

Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Pacific Blues Recipe – by Amanda Roesch

1960 Chrome — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) & X-E4 (X-Trans IV) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Bell Tower – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – 1960 Chrome

This Film Simulation Recipe was created at the same time as Classic Color, Nostalgic Americana, Eterna Summer, and Astia Azure. These five Recipes were intended to work well together—could all be used in a single series or project—however, 1960 Chrome is the largest outlier of the group. It uses the Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulation, which has high contrast and low saturation, with a slight reddish tint.

The inspiration for 1960 Chrome came from several photographs in various vintage issues of Arizona Highways magazine from the 1960’s. While sometimes the publication provided detailed information on the photographs, sometimes they did not; from the instances where information was provided, the film used appears to be Ektachrome, perhaps from the 1950’s—likely E2 or E3 process. I’m sure the printing process and the age of the magazine play a significant role in the aesthetic as it appears today. In any event, this Recipe has a strong vintage color film aesthetic.

Lake Bridges – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – 1960 Chrome

This 1960 Chrome 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, and X-T50, as well as “newer” X-Trans IV models—specifically, the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. I’m sure it can be used on several GFX cameras, but will likely render slightly different (try it anyway). For X-Trans V, set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, and for X-Trans IV set Color Chrome FX Blue to Weak.

Film Simulation: Eterna Bleach Bypass
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off (X-Trans V); Weak (X-Trans IV)
White Balance: Fluorescent 1, -2 Red & -4 Blue
Highlight: -2
Shadow: -1
Color: +2
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 by my son, Jonathan, using this 1960 Chrome Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-E4:

The Canal – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Pipe Bridge – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Hot Wheels – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Yellow Porsche – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
The Cross(walk) Roads – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
The Lamp in the Tree – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Gunslingin’ Martian – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Strip Mall – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
The Back Rooms – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Los Musicos – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Tiled Ball – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Phantom of Scottsdale – Scottsdale, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this 1960 Chrome Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

Yellow House, White Window – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Abandoned House & Palm Tree – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Posts – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Abandoned Mall Sign – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Gas & Grocery – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Old Hoop – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Mission Gate – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bell & Cross – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Shack on the Hill – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Deer on the Rocks – Saguaro NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Palo Verde in the Rocks – Saguaro NP, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Tilted Saguaro – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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

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.

Flashing Cactus — Using a Godox Lux Master in the Desert

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

I really like Godox flashes. They’re good quality, easy to use, oftentimes retro styled, reasonably priced, and fun to use. The Godox Lux Junior is my personal favorite mainly because it is compact and lightweight. I also like the Godox Lux Cadet; it’s also fairly small and light. Either one of those are fun to use, but I’m not really a flash-photography guy, so I only occasionally utilize them.

I paid for my Lux Junior out of my own pocket, and wrote briefly about that flash in Getting that ’90’s Film Look with Fujifilm Cameras. Perhaps because of that, Godox sent me a Lux Cadet, which I discussed at length in Using a Godox Lux Cadet for a ’90’s Film Look. More recently, Godox asked if I’d be interested in trying the Lux Master. I said sure; however, I probably should have researched a little before agreeing. Anyway, the flash arrived, and I was a little surprised by the size of the box. The Lux Master is neither compact nor lightweight!

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not good, because the Lux Master is definitely a pro-level flash (and only $250, which seems like a bargain for what it is). If you are an event, wedding, or portrait photographer and do flash photography, the Lux Master is one to strongly consider. Or, put on a fedora hat with a paper containing the word PRESS on it, and you could be an old-fashioned photo journalist. I don’t have anything negative to say about the Lux Master, other than it’s a little too much for my photography. I’d use a Lux Junior or Lux Cadet over the Lux Master any day of the week, personally, just because those suit me better (mainly, the size and weight). But, there are some people who need a bit more, and that’s where the bigger flash comes into play. If you need a pro-level flash that is retro cool and affordable, the Lux Master should be high on your list.

There are two main ways that I use an external flash with my photography. With the X100-series I sometimes use the built-in flash for daylight fill, but for the Godox flashes I use them either to get a retro ’90’s look (for lack of a better description… essentially, Film Simulation Recipes combined with flash) and/or creatively use shutter drag (slow shutter speed with intentional movement combined with flash). That’s how I typically use the Lux Junior and Lux Cadet, and how I initially was using the Lux Master.

Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Godox Lux Master flash

But then I decided I’ve probably covered that topic enough, and maybe you’d like to see something else. So I waited until sunset, grabbed my Fujifilm X-T5 with the Godox Lux Master attached, and headed out into the desert. How about some cacti photographi? (BTW, that spelling error was intentional). I live in the desert and photograph cactus regularly, but not often when combined with a flash. I did this after-sunset desert trek a few different times, and came away with a few good pictures.

Obviously there’s a pretty significant difference between after-sunset photography with and without a flash. How bright the flash is set, how close the subject is to the camera, and the exact light situation will all affect the outcome. I don’t know if I came away with any good tips to pass along, other than try and try again. For a lot of images, finding the right flash and camera settings often took three or four or five tries, sometimes more. It was a fun little project to do, and I think the experimental nature of it (for me, anyway, since it’s not something that I normally do) was somehow both therapeutic and thrilling. Even if you don’t do much flash photography, something like the Lux Master could be a good training tool to help improve your photography. Or it could be just for fun.

The photographs below are all camera-made JPEGs captured with a Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 lens + Nostalgic Americana Film Simulation Recipe + Godox Lux Master flash:

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
Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R WR:
Amazon, B&H, Wex, Nuzira
Godox Lux Cadet:
Amazon, B&H
Godox Lux Junior:
Amazon, B&H, Wex
Godox Lux Master:
Amazon, B&H

Vintage Cinema — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Glimpse of a Fleeting Memory – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – “Vintage Cinema”

Awhile back I binge-watched a number of classic movies from the 1950’s, and I was really inspired by their picture aesthetics. After some research, I discovered that Kodak ECN 5248 25T motion picture film was used in several of these flicks. The problem, of course, with trying to replicate the look of a motion picture film stock is that not only is the aesthetic dependent on the usual factors of how shot and developed, but also on the lighting and filters used, which can be different movie-to-movie and even scene-to-scene. Instead of attempting to mimic the look of any particular movie or cinema film stock, I wanted to create a certain feel or mood—a “memory color” reminiscent of color movies from the 1950’s.

This Vintage Cinema Film Simulation Recipe was a Fuji X Weekly App Patron Early-Access Recipe, but now it’s been replaced by a different Early-Access Recipe, making this one available to everyone. Those who are App Patrons have had access to it for some time now.

Ball on a Wall – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – “Vintage Cinema”

The Vintage Cinema Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50. I assume that those with the latest GFX cameras can also use this Recipe, but that it will render slightly different—I have not tested it to know for certain. This Recipe is best for sunny daylight conditions, and seems especially well-suited for golden hour photography, but can sometimes produce interesting results in cloudy, shade, and indoor situations, too. I believe this Recipe would pair especially well with vintage lenses and probably diffusion filters, but for these pictures I used Fujinon lenses, including the 27mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 90mm f/2, and 100-400mm, without any filters.

Film Simulation: Nostalgic Neg.
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: 4900K, +3 Red & +3 Blue
Highlight: +3
Shadow: -2
Color: -1
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -4
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to -2 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Vintage Cinema Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5 and X100VI:

Birds of a Feather – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Flipped Reflection – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Three Ducks in a Lake – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
We All Live There – Anaheim, CA – Fujifilm X100VI
It’s Corn – Anaheim, CA – Fujifilm X100VI
Up – Anaheim, CA – Fujifilm X100VI
Bougainvillea Blooms & Blue – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bougainvillea Beams – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Side Gate Cracked Open – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bougainvillea Bush in Bloom – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Hanging Bougainvillea Blossom – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Desert Bunny – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Jo on a Dirt Path – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Jo on the Patio – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Late Autumn Yellow – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Leafless Tree – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Do Not Enter When Flooded – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Dry Leaves on a Patio Chair – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Pruner & Gloves – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Fruit – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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 X-T5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira

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.

Nostalgic Americana — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

On Top of a Desert Hill – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Nostalgic Americana

If you are a Fuji X Weekly regular, you probably know that I like to read vintage issues of Arizona Highways. For those unfamiliar, Arizona Highways is a photo-centric magazine that has been around for a hundred years. Many decades ago, Ansel Adams was a regular contributor, as were Barry Goldwater, Ray Manley, Chuck Abbott, Ester Henderson, David and Josef Muench, and Ed Ellinger, among many others. It’s a great resource for photographic inspiration!

I have a stack of these magazines in my office that I like to browse from time-to-time. This particular Film Simulation Recipe was influenced by many different pictures found in the pages of Arizona Highways issues from the 1960’s and ’70’s. This was during the American New Color movement. Sometimes extensive details were given about the photographs in the magazine, and sometimes not much at all; the pictures that inspired this Recipe were likely captured on first and second era Kodachrome, as well as E3 and E4 Ektachrome. I believe the printing process, as well as the aging of the magazines, play a roll in the aesthetic. This Nostalgic Americana Film Simulation Recipe replicates the look of those pictures, and produces an obvious retro rendering.

Old Yellow Truck – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Nostalgic Americana

Because this Nostalgic Americana Recipe uses the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation, it is only compatible with fifth-generation X-Trans models, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI. I’m sure it can also be used with newer GFX models, but I’ve not tested it, and it will likely render very slightly differently (try it anyway, though). Nostalgic Americana works best in sunny daylight situations.

Film Simulation: Nostalgic Neg.
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: 5800K, -2 Red & -4 Blue
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -1.5
Color: -2
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Nostalgic Americana Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

White Brick – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
White Dome – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Old Spanish Mission – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bell – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Horses on Allen Street – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Studebaker Bells – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
No Parking Vines – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Solo Cup – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
The Road is Closed – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
No Parking Garage – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Various Textures – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Reaching Down – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Fake Flowers in a Window Box – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Star Spangled Dress – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Final Sale – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Mustang – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Se Renta Especio – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Space for Rent – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Restrooms – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Mule Pass Tunnel – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Hall’s Trailer – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sign for Abandoned Mall – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Caution: Desert Ahead – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and nearly 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.

Classic Color — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) and X-E4 (X-Trans IV) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Bell Tower – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Classic Color

This Film Simulation Recipe has a fascinating story behind it… but I can’t get into all of the details of it yet. When the time is right, I will explaining everything to you. What I can say in the meantime is that I was hired to capture some photos, and to use a Film Simulation Recipe for those images, but the Recipe name shouldn’t include a brand name. Ideally for this project, because of the subject matter and light, I would have chosen my Kodak Portra 400 v2 Film Simulation Recipe, but I couldn’t because of the name of the Recipe. Instead, I created a very similar look, with an attempt to fine-tune it slightly for this specific project.

The aesthetic of this Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe is bright and warm, with a Kodak-like color negative film rendering. It could be thought of as Kodak Portra 400 v3, as it has a strong Portra 400 resemblance, perhaps more similar to the old Portra 400 VC that was discontinued in 2010. This Recipe is best for sunny daylight situations, but it can sometimes produce good results in other light scenarios, too.

Birds on the Lake – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Classic Color

This Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI, as well as “newer” fourth-generation X-Trans models: X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. Just make sure that you are using the correct Color Chrome FX Blue setting for your camera. I’m sure it can also be used on newer GFX cameras, too, but I have not personally tried, and I’m certain that it will render slightly different (but try it anyway).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong (X-Trans IV), Weak (X-Trans V) 
White Balance: 5300K, 0 Red & -6 Blue
Highlight: -0.5
Shadow: -2
Color: +3
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:

Gen Reflection – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Ten Feet – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Dam Ahead – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Water Under the Bridges – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Tempe Lake – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Reflected Sunset – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Dam Sunset – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Pedestrian Bridge – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Spirited Away – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Studio – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Mirrored Night – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Juggling Fire – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5 & X100VI:

Sign on the Roof – Gila Bend, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Abandoned Filling Station – Gila Bend, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Unleaded Cash – Gila Bend, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
G S – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Half Moon – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Cross on a Dome Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Cross & Bell Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Church Steeple – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Old Industrial Lamp – Palo Verde, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Abandoned Window – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Dilapidated Agricultural Structure – Palo Verde, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Cow & Reflection – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Rock Reflected in the River – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Stones in the Water – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Yellow Flowers on the Rocks – Saguaro National Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Leaning Saguaro in the Desert – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Yellow Flowers, White Fence – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Hall’s – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
End of the Road? – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Music Box – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Lightning Strike – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Comparison:

Classic Color Film Simulation Recipe
Kodak Portra 400 v2 Film Simulation Recipe

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and nearly 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.

CineStill 800T — Fujifilm X-Trans V Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

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

CineStill 800T is a motion picture color negative film with the Remjet layer removed so that it can be developed in standard C41 chemistry. It’s actually repackaged Kodak Vision3 500T, which requires the ECN-2 development process. The “T” in the name means that it’s Tungsten-balanced, and is intended for use in artificial light; in daylight, it has a strong blue cast (unless you pair it with a color correction filter, such as Type 85), so most people use it at night. Because the Remjet layer has been removed, it’s prone to a blooming effect around bright light sources, such as streetlights.

It’s really difficult to accurately replicate a CineStill 800T aesthetic because there’s only so much that can be done to approximate certain aspects of it on Fujifilm cameras. As with any film, it can produce a lot of different looks depending on a host of factors, including how shot, developed, and scanned and/or printed. I feel that this Recipe does a pretty good job considering those factors, but I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not perfect. This isn’t a new Film Simulation Recipe, but a slight modification of the X-Trans IV CineStill 800T Recipe for use on X-Trans V models. The only change is that Color Chrome FX Blue has been adjusted from Strong to Weak, since X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on certain film simulations.

Ports Grill – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – CineStill 800T

This CineStill 800T Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which, as of this writing, are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI. I’m sure that it can also be used on newer GFX models, but I’ve not personally done so, and most likely it will render slightly different (try it anyway). This Recipe is a great option for after-dark photography, and it can sometimes produce interesting results in daylight situations, too.

Film Simulation: Eterna
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak 
White Balance: Fluorescent 3, -6 Red & -4 Blue
Highlight: 0
Shadow: +2
Color: +4
Sharpness: -3
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -5
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this CineStill 800T Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5 & X100VI:

Nightwalker – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
GMC Van – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Street Lamp & Trees – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Corner Lamp – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Red Pill – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Lamplit Passage – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Arches in the Dark – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Red Means Stop – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Neighborhood Streetlamp – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Blue Water – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Lit Clocktower – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Misty Sidewalk – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
VW Bug – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
City Bug – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sunrise Night – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
White Building, Dark Night – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Mainstreet – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Hall Bench – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Shadow – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI – Photo by Joy Roesch
Bricks & Powerlines – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Twisted Flag – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Unexpected Prayer Flags – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Lake Grass – 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 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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and nearly 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.

My Fujifilm Camera Recommendations

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm X100VI

Recently, a lot of people have asked me which Fujifilm cameras do I recommend. Should they buy an X100VI? X-T5? X-H2? X-S20? You get the idea. This is an impossible question for me to answer because it is personal; what I might like in a camera you might dislike, as each person’s needs, experiences, and priorities are different. Still, I’ll try to give some thoughtful answers.

To make this even more challenging, some Fujifilm cameras are difficult to get. As the saying goes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Should you patiently wait for the Fujifilm X100VI? Or should you get an X-T30 II or X-T5 instead? I cannot tell you what you should or shouldn’t do, I can only offer my opinions, which should be taken with a grain of salt.

I learned photography during the film era, and used full-manual cameras for many years. Because of this, PASM mode-dial cameras never made sense to me and were always an awkward experience. Fujifilm’s retro designs and tactile controls are like home to me. For this reason, I’m not personally a big fan of the Fujifilm’s models that trade those for mode dials, such as the X-S10, X-S20, X-H2, and X-H2s. This is not to say that those are bad cameras (because they’re not), only that they’re not for me—you might, in fact, love them very much.

This article is specifically about new cameras, and not models that have been discontinued and are now only available used. I might make a part two that covers used models; there are so many to choose from, that’s a different beast altogether. For the sake of simplicity, I’m just talking about what is currently available brand-new.

Now, let’s get to it!

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

Best Overall: Fujifilm X-T5

Whether you are a photographer, videographer, or both, the Fujifilm X-T5 is the top allrounder. It’s Fujifilm’s most premium model with retro tactile controls. It has a 40mp X-Trans V sensor, IBIS, weather-sealing, dual-card slots—just excellent specs. There’s so much to love about this camera, but no camera is perfect; however, this is in my opinion the closest to perfect among the current interchangeable-lens options. I’ve been using mine for about a year-and-a-half now, and still really enjoying it.

Fujifilm X-T5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira

Best Budget: Fujifilm X-T30 II

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is currently Fujifilm’s most entry-level model, but don’t be fooled: this camera is highly capable. It has a 26mp X-Trans IV sensor, which is my personal favorite Fujifilm sensor generation. It’s not as feature rich as other models—it doesn’t have IBIS, weather-sealing, or dual-card slots—but it is more than good enough for most people, especially if you plan to use it more for still photography than video. The X-T30 II can sometimes be difficult to find—it was purportedly discontinued at one point, but new copies seem to appear now and then. If you have less than $1,000 to spend, the X-T30 II is definitely your best bet.

Fujifilm X-T30 II in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T30 II in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira

Most Fun: Fujifilm X100VI

The Fujifilm X100VI is the camera that everyone wants but few can actually get. It’s the wildly successful successor to the X100V, which was also hard to find after it became a social-media sensation two-and-a-half years after it was initially released. The X100VI has a 40mp X-Trans V sensor, IBIS, and is (for the most part) weather-sealed. It has great stats; most importantly, it’s a lot of fun to use. The fixed lens, leaf shutter, built-in ND filter, and relatively compact size make it a joy to use. My wife gifted me an X100V for my birthday four years ago; just three weeks ago my X100VI arrived in the mail—these are my desert island cameras, and if I could only have one for the rest of my life, I’d be quite happy with either one of them. If you can get one, in my opinion it’s worth doing so; however, they’re definitely not for everyone, so only you can determine if you’ll appreciate it or not. Aside from that, the X100VI is not easy to get, and you might have to wait awhile for one to become available.

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

Eterna Summer — Fujifilm X-Trans IV & X-Trans V Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

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

This new Eterna Summer Film Simulation Recipe wasn’t modeled after any specific film; instead I looked at Classic Chrome for inspiration. I wanted a picture aesthetic that could hold its own placed next to various Classic Chrome Recipes, such as Kodak Portra 400 v2 and Kodachrome 64. I didn’t want to replicate a specific Recipe, but create a brand-new look that was just somewhat similar to those, and would seem consistent when placed in a photo series that also had some Classic Chrome pictures in it.

You might ask why I did this—why not just use Classic Chrome? Eterna has a unique tonality—perhaps you could describe it as cinematic—that Classic Chrome doesn’t. The PRO Neg. Std and (especially) Nostalgic Neg. film sims can be adjusted to be similar, but they’re not exactly the same. Achieving generic Kodak-like colors paired with Eterna’s tonality was the goal, and this Eterna Summer Recipe does that well, producing a lovely analog-like rendered.

Spitting Lion in Golden Light – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Eterna Summer

This Eterna Summer Film Simulation Recipe is great for sunny daylight photography, delivering warm summertime vibes. It’s compatible with “newer” X-Trans IV models—Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4 & X-T30 II—as well as fifth-generation cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20 & X100VI. Just make sure to use the correct Color Chrome FX Blue setting for your model. I’m certain that you can use it on the newer GFX cameras, although it will likely render ever so slightly different (try it anyway).

Film Simulation: Eterna
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong (X-Trans IV); Weak (X-Trans V)
White Balance: Daylight, +3 Red & -7 Blue
Highlight: +2.5
Shadow: 0
Color: +4
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Eterna Summer Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:

Warm Light on the Lions – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Palm Tree Shadow Over Window – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Potted Palm Branches – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Fountain & Hazy Bright Light – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Nikon – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Boat & Bridge – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Moving Circles – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Apartment & Palms Reflected – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Small Cityscape – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Eterna Summer Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

Courtyard Gateway – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Museum Entrance – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Brakes – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
A Leaning Saguaro – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Tractor Crossing – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Palm Family Tree – Palo Verde, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Old Gas Station Roof – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bowlin’ Arrow – Benson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Gas Grocery Store – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Park – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Cactus & Concrete Wall – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
No Bicycles or Scooters – Patagonia Lake, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Water Pump – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Water Pump & Abandoned Trailer – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Deserted Desert Home – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and nearly 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.

Astia Azure — A FXW App Patron Early-Access Fujifilm X-Trans IV & X-Trans V Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Tumacacori Ruins in Spring – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Astia Azure Recipe

I mentioned in My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Astia article that—personally—Astia is one of my least-used film simulations. It’s not that the film sim is bad, because it’s not; for me, I think there are four reasons: 1) Astia doesn’t much resemble the film that it is named after, 2) it sits as a kind of a happy medium between Velvia and Provia, but doesn’t necessarily stand out as a better option than either, 3) it is most similar to PRO Neg. Hi, yet I prefer PRO Neg. Hi just a tad more, and 4) there are other film sims that I like significantly more (Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Nostalgic Neg., etc.). Still, Astia can be a good option, particularly for vibrant portraits. I decided that I needed to create a new Astia-based Recipe, one that I would especially like—one that I would be happy to use regularly.

The majority of my Film Simulation Recipes are modeled after specific analog emulsions and/or film processes, but this one is not. I simply wanted a light and bright aesthetic with lovely blue sky, perhaps something vaguely negative-film-like. After a number of attempts, this Film Simulation Recipe, which I have named Astia Azure, is what I came up with. I’ve used it quite extensively over the last month.

Skates & Hoop – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – Astia Azure Recipe

The Astia Azure Film Simulation Recipe is especially great for golden hour and blue hour photography. It’s good for many other situations, but from roughly 30 minutes before sunrise to an hour after, and an hour before sunset to 30 minutes after, is when this Recipe really shines. Astia Azure is compatible with all X-Trans V cameras, plus newer X-Trans IV models, but not the X-T3, X-T30, X-Pro3, or X100V. I’m sure it can also be used for the latest GFX models, too, although I have not tried personally and it will likely render slightly differently (try it anyway).

This Astia Azure Film Simulation Recipe 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.

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Astia Azure Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4, X-T5, and X100VI cameras:

Salt River & Mountain Reflection – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Night Lake – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Studio Mirror – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Photographers – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Level 4 – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sunset Glow & Salt River – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Three Cows on the River Bank – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Qaudcycle – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Skateboarder – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Eat – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Gallery – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Grain – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Bridges & Wires – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Unfinished Business – Gila Bend, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI
Cross & Bell – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Church Cross – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Yellow House – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Abandoned White House – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
White Fence – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Leaning Saguaro – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Rocks & Flowers – Saguaro National Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Small Palo Verde – Saguaro National Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Lonely Desert Road – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Little Shack on the Hill – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Apocalyptic Glow — A Fujifilm X-Trans V Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Where are the Zombies? – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Apocalyptic Glow

I was watching some old Cold War era duck-and-cover videos over the weekend. You know, there’s a flash and everyone falls to the ground and covers their heads, as if that’s going to help. The mushroom cloud and bright orange glow, reminiscent of Oppenheimer, are inescapable, for those in the path. And that made me think: here’s a potential Film Simulation Recipe for my Fujifilm camera!

If you want to replicate the aesthetic of the end of the world, I think it must have an atomic radiance. Thankfully, Fujifilm cameras are highly customizable, and it’s possible to achieve an apocalyptic glow look straight-out-of-camera, no editing needed. If that’s what you are after, this Apocalyptic Glow Film Simulation Recipe is for you!

Ruins – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Apocalyptic Glow

While many of you won’t appreciate the look of this new Recipe, I think for some of you it might be your new standard, programmed into C1. It has that right level of ominousness and uneasiness to add drama to your images. Turn a boring scene into something incredible just by using the Apocalyptic Glow Film Simulation Recipe! It’s compatible with all Fujifilm X-Trans V cameras, plus all X-Trans IV models with the exception of the X-T3 and X-T30. I’m sure that it can be used on newer GFX cameras, although it’s likely to render slightly different.

Film Simulation: Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: 10000K, +9 Red & -9 Blue
Highlight: -2
Shadow: +1
Color: +4
Sharpness: -1
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 Apocalyptic Glow Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

The End of the Road – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
About to Get Leveled – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bowl Me Over – Benson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Left is Sus – Saguaro National Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Blood Red Water – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sign that People were Once Here – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Flowers & Boarded Up Doors – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Empty Mall – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Can’t Pedal Fast Enough – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Chuckleheads – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
The Cat Holds the Key – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Burnt Building – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

It’s April 1st, and you probably have already figured out that this is an April Fool’s Day joke. Ha ha. I hope that you had a good laugh, or a mild chuckle at least once. It was actually my teenage daughter’s idea, and I thought it was funny, so I wen’t with it.

A few things real quick. Yes, you can use these settings if you want to—it’s a real Recipe, and will produce this look. It won’t be in the Fuji X Weekly App, because it’s a prank and not intended to be serious. The closest analog aesthetic to it is Redscale, where you load a roll of film into your camera backwards and expose the red emulsion layer first instead of last. I found (through some Internet searches) that Kodak Ektar 100 shot backwards (Redscale) and overexposed by about two stops does produce a somewhat similar aesthetic to this Apocalyptic Glow Film Simulation Recipe. If you like the look of it, feel free to try it. Otherwise, there are over 300 Film Simulation Recipes to choose from, and I’m sure there’s at least one that you’ll love.

PRO Negative 160C Film Simulation Recipe for Fujifilm X-Trans IV & X-Trans V

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Closed – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – PRO Negative 160C

After discovering that the new Reala Ace film simulation is a version of PRO Neg., and is similar to both PRO Neg. Hi and PRO Neg. Std, I decided that I wanted to replicate as closely as possible my first Reala Ace-based Film Simulation Recipe—PRO Negative 160C—for those camera that don’t have the new film simulation. Right now Reala Ace is only available on the Fujifilm X100VI (and GFX100 II), but Fujifilm has stated that they will be bringing it to the other fifth-generation models (X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20) sometimes this summer.

For whatever reason, PRO Neg. Std seems to work easier for replicating the Reala Ace film sim than PRO Neg. Hi, but they are both in the general neighborhood. Obviously Fujifilm didn’t make Reala Ace identical to either, and it is its own unique profile. With that said, it’s possible to get fairly close to it using either PRO Neg. Hi or especially PRO Neg. Std; however, the PRO Negative 160 Film Simulation Recipe has Color set to +4, which meant that only PRO Neg. Hi could be used, as Std doesn’t have enough vibrancy.

Blossom Vine – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 – PRO Negative 160C

This PRO Negative 160C Film Simulation Recipe, which uses PRO Neg. Hi, is not a perfect match to the original version that uses Reala Ace, but is probably 90-95% similar. I like the Reala Ace one just a little more, but if your camera doesn’t have that as an option, this is a good alternative. This new version is compatible with (as of this writing) the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI. For the X100VI, I recommend using the Reala Ace version and not this one, but you can choose whichever you personally prefer.

Film Simulation: PRO Neg. Hi
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -3 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: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this PRO Negative 160C Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujifilm X-T5:

Mountain Sunset from a Car Window – Patagonia, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Patagonia Lake – Patagonia, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Lake Boat – Patagonia, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Pigeon in a Tree – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Josh at the Park – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Rolling – Tempe, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Abandoned Trailer Home – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Abandoned Home in the Desert – Arlington, TX – Fujifilm X-T5
I Spy With My Little Eye… a Cat – Palo Verde, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
No Parking, One Way – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
End of the Road – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Hall’s – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Four Palm Trees – Palo Verde, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Spiky Arms – Saguaro National Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Travel Trailer – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Brick Steps – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Blue Basket – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Chevy Van – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Comparison:

The original PRO Negative 160C Recipe using Reala Ace
This new PRO Negative 160C Recipe using PRO Neg. Hi

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

My 5 Favorite Film Simulation Recipes that use Nostalgic Neg.

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1:

1970’s Summer

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

#2:

Kodak Vision3 250D v2

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

#3:

1976 Kodak

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

#4:

Agfa Ultra 100 v2

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

#5:

Timeless Negative

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

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

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

Fujicolor Natura 1600 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Lantana Blooms – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Fujicolor Natura 1600

Fujifilm produced Fujicolor Natura 1600, a high-ISO color negative film, from 2003 through 2017. It was only sold in Japan, but it became renown worldwide as word got out about this wonderful emulsion. A lot of speculation has surrounded it. Is it simply renamed Fujicolor Superia 1600? Many people think so. Is it slightly modified Superia 1600 for Japanese skin-tones? Some people think so. Is it slightly modified Superia 1600 made specifically for the Fujifilm Natura camera? Perhaps so. I haven’t found any definitive evidence to conclude if Natura 1600 is unmodified Supera 1600 or a slightly modified variant of it; if it isn’t identical, it’s very similar.

I have a Fujicolor Superia 1600 Film Simulation Recipe already, and it’s a Recipe that I personally quite like. One film can have many different aesthetics, depending on a whole host of factors, including (but not limited to) how it was shot, developed, and scanned. In a sense, you could consider this a v2 of the Fujicolor Superia 1600 Recipe; however, it was modeled after examples of Fujicolor Natura 1600 scans that I found online (and not Superia). This Fujiclor Natura 1600 Recipe isn’t new, but simply a modification of the X-Trans IV version for use on X-Trans V cameras. Because X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on some film simulations, a slight change was needed to Color Chrome FX Blue, but otherwise the two versions are identical.

Fiat – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Fujicolor Natura 1600

This Fujicolor Natura 1600 Film Simulation Recipe is intended for fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI. For X-Trans IV, use the X-Trans IV version (click here). For newer GFX cameras, you can use this Recipe, but know that it will render slightly different (try it anyway). Click here if you’re not sure how to program a Film Simulation Recipe into your Fujifilm camera.

Film Simulation: Classic Negative
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: 5500K, -1 Red & -2 Blue
Highlight:-1.5
Shadow: +1.5
Color: -2
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -4
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Fujicolor Natura 1600 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

Newly Sprouted Bougainvillea Branch – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bougainvillea in the Neighborhood – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
A Frame, Dormant Tree – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bougainvillea by Twin Windows – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Americana Suburbia – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Suburban Spanish Architecture – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sunset over Suburban Home – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Apartments behind Pond – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Tree Reflections – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Reflection Abstract – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sunset Light on Jonathan – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Parking Garage at Dusk – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Parking Garage at Night – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Library Shelves – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Don’t Look – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Dying Blossoms – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Pallets & Blocks – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Caution Light – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Car Light – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Rover Mini Headlamps – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Mini Wheel – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Car Rider – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Comparison:

Fujicolor Natura 1600 Film Simulation Recipe
Fujicolor Superia 1600 Film Simulation Recipe

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
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:  Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Fujicolor Superia 1600 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Senna Shrub Blossom – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Fujicolor Superia 1600

Fujifilm introduced Superia 1600 in 2000. It was the highest ISO version of Superia, and was one of the best ultra-high ISO color negative films ever made. There are some reports that both Natura 1600 and Press 1600 were the same emulsion as Superia 1600, but they might be slightly varied; Fujifilm was known for keeping their “best” emulsions in Japan, sometimes tweaking the film to best reproduce Japanese skin tones. Whatever the case, there were plenty of photographers who were disappointed by its discontinuation in 2016.

This is a quick update to the X-Trans IV Fujicolor Superia 1600 Film Simulation Recipe for compatibility for fifth-generation X-Trans cameras. Because X-Trans V cameras render blue more deeply on some film simulations, including Classic Negative, a small tweak to Color Chrome FX Blue is necessary. Aside from that small change, this Recipe is identical to the X-Trans IV version. If you have a fifth-generation X-Trans camera, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, and X100VI, use this version of Fujicolor Superia 1600.

Desert Sunset 1 – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Fujicolor Superia 1600

Film Simulation: Classic Negative
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: Daylight, +3 Red & +1 Blue
Highlight:0
Shadow: +2
Color: -3
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -4
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 — for best results: 1600 to 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Fujicolor Superia 1600 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

Standing Saguaro – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Senna Along Fence – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Vines on Cinderblock Wall – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Window into the Abandoned – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bench & Trashcan – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Jon Roesch
Light on a Tree Trunk – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Jon Roesch
Unlit Light – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Crawling Thru – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
iMaGiNe – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Desert Sunset 2 – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Go – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Palm Trees at Night – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:  Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.