Fujifilm XT1 | FUJI X WEEKLY

Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Film Simulation Recipe: Winter Slide

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

*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

Find this film simulation recipe and many more on the Fuji X Weekly — Film Recipes App!

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Fujifilm X-Trans II Film Simulation Recipe: Yosemite Velvia

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1 -“Yosemite Velvia”

On a recent trip to Yosemite National Park, my daughter, Joy, created a new film simulation recipe for X-Trans II cameras, which I’m calling Yosemite Velvia. Joy has made two X-Trans I recipes, Superia Xtra 400 and Winter Blue, but this is her first for X-Trans II. On this trip I let her use my Fujifilm X-T1 camera, and I told her that she could use whichever settings she wanted—this recipe is what she came up with.

I asked her why she chose these settings. She told me that she wanted the pictures to be colorful but without too much contrast. She decided on the Shade white balance because the forecast was for overcast sky, although it ended up being mostly sunny; however, she liked how it looked, so she stuck with it. Besides photographing in Yosemite, she also used these settings in Reno, Nevada.

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).

Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -2
Color: +2
Sharpness: -1
Noise Reduction: -2
White Balance: Shade, -2 Red & -2 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured by Joy on my Fujifilm X-T1 using this “Yosemite Velvia” film simulation recipe:

Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1

Photo by Joy Roesch – Reno, NV – Fujifilm X-T1

Find this film simulation recipe on the Fuji X Weekly — Film Recipes App!

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Fujifilm X-Trans II Film Simulation Recipe: Kodak Platinum 200

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

*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”

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

*Pine Needles* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Tree Canopy* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Plastic Plants* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Find this film simulation recipe on the Fuji X Weekly — Film Recipes App!

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Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Film Simulation Recipe: Jon’s Classic Chrome

Posted on February 21, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm X-T1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Jonathan Roesch – “Jon’s Classic Chrome”

I handed my Fujifilm X-T1 to my 11-year-old son, Jonathan—gave him a brief tutorial on how to use the camera, and let him have at it. My XF10 Classic Chrome film simulation recipe was programmed into the X-T1; to my surprise, Jon made a few small adjustments to it. He increased Dynamic Range to DR400, moved the White Balance Shift to +4 Red, and set Sharpness at 0. I’m not sure why he made those specific changes, but the results are pretty good, and I’m very proud and impressed by the pictures that he captured with the X-T1 using his settings!

My opinion is that this recipe has a ColorPlus feel to it. It could be close to Kodacolor, Portra 400, or Ultramax—it definitely has a Kodak color negative vibe; however, I think Fujicolor C200 might also be in the neighborhood. Whatever film it might be close to, it’s got a great analog-like aesthetic that’s easy to love. Great job, Jon!

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +1 (Medium-High)
Shadow: +2 (High)
Color: +1 (Medium-High)
Sharpness: 0 (Medium)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Auto, +4 Red & -4 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured by Jon on my Fujifilm X-T1 using his Classic Chrome film simulation recipe:

Fujifilm X-T1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

Find Jon’s Classic Chrome film simulation recipe on the Fuji X Weekly app!

Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Film Simulation Recipe: Porto 200

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

*Hidden House* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 – “Porto 200”

I was asked to make a film simulation recipe for Fujifilm X-Trans II cameras that mimics the aesthetic of photographer João Falcão (Instagram). I got pretty close to his look with this recipe, although perhaps not exact. Certainly if you like João’s aesthetic, you’ll appreciate these settings. It produces some really nice results! I call it Porto 200.

Why do I call this film simulation recipe Porto 200? After all, there’s no film called Porto 200. Well, Porto is the city in Portugal where João is from. While Porto means “port” I think it has a nice film-stock-like name, similar to “Portra” for example. So Porto 200 it is!

*Moody Lake* – Big Arm, MT – Fujifilm X-T1 – “Porto 200”

I really enjoy using this recipe on my X-T1! It has (at least for now) a permanent spot in the Q menu. It produces a look that might be kind of similar to ColorPlus 200. It’s not intended to be similar to that film, but to me it seems a little similar. Feel free to try it with +1 Color and/or Sharpness if you prefer, or -5 Blue if you think it’s too yellow. This recipe is intended for X-Trans II cameras, but it will work on X-Trans I and Bayer cameras, too, but with slightly different results.

PRO Neg. Std
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: 0 (Std)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-Hard)
Color: 0 (Mid)
Sharpness: 0 (Std)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Daylight/Fine, +2 Red & -6 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200
Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Porto 200 recipe on my Fujifilm X-T1:

*Holiday Rain* – Big Arm, MT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Forest Ivy* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Fall Wall* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Forest Fence* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Dying Leaves* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Tree Leaves* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Hanging Leaves* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Little Red Berries* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Red Berries in a Tree* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

*Treescape* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

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Video: Monument Valley with Fuji X Weekly (500th Post!)

Posted on April 21, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Follow along with me as I photograph Monument Valley! The video above, Monument Valley with Fuji X Weekly, is a behind-the-scenes look at my photographic adventure to the incredible desert formations of southern Utah and northern Arizona on the Navajo Nation. It was a thrill to experience Monument Valley. It really is an amazing place!

This was my last trip before the worldwide pandemic shut down all of my travel plans. So far I’ve had to cancel two trips, and there’s likely one or two more that won’t happen. I hope that this video will bring you some joy. I hope that it reminds you of some recent travels that you’ve done. I hope that it inspires you to dream of where you’ll go and what you’ll photograph when you can once again go places.

My wife, Amanda, and I created this video. Actually, she did the majority of the work. Amanda recorded the clips. She did all of the editing. She coached me through the narration. I have a face for radio and a voice for print, yet somehow she made the video look great! Her vision, her storytelling, and her talents are what made this happen. Thank you, Amanda!

Evening at Monument Valley – Monument Valley, AZ – Fujifilm X-T30 & Rokinon 12mm

The photographs in the video were captured using a Fujifilm X-T30 and X-T1. I used four different lenses: a Fujinon 100-400mm, Fujinon 90mm f/2, Fujinon 35mm f/2 and Rokinon 12mm f/2. Amanda recorded the video using a Fujifilm X-T20 with a 16-50mm lens and a GoPro Hero 8 Black. The film simulation recipes used on the X-T30 were Velvia, Kodachrome 64, Analog Color, Dramatic Monochrome and Agfa Scala, and Velvia and Monochrome were used on the X-T1. Amanda used PRO Neg. Hi on the X-T20.

This article marks a significant milestone that I wanted to point out to you. This is the 500th post on Fuji X Weekly! Many blogs never make it to 500 posts, either because they publish too infrequently or they simply give up before it’s reached. What it means for you is that there’s a lot of content on this blog! If you haven’t been following Fuji X Weekly since the beginning, there are a ton of articles that you might have missed. There are perhaps many posts that could be helpful to you and your photography that you’ve never seen. I invite you to explore the older articles. The best way to do this is click the four lines on the top-right of this page, and either search a topic or browse the archive. Anyway, thank you for being a part of Fuji X Weekly! Without you, the 500 Posts milestone would not have been reached. You are appreciated!

Be sure to follow Fuji X Weekly, so that you don’t miss anything! I invite you to follow the Fuji X Weekly YouTube channel, as well. If you liked the Monument Valley video, I invite you to give it a thumbs-up, comment and share!

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[Not] My Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Kodak Portra 160 Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on March 29, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Mitchell Mesa – Monument Valley, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1 “Kodak Portra 160”

Kodak introduced Portra film in 1998. As the name implies, this film was designed for portrait photography, as it produces pleasing skin tones. It came in three ISO options: 160, 400 and 800. The ISO 160 and 400 versions came in two varieties: Neutral Color (NC), which was less saturated, and Vivid Color (VC), which was more saturated. In 2011 Kodak did away with the Neutral Color and Vivid Color options, making a new version that was more-or-less in-between the two.

One of the top films that I’ve been asked to create a film simulation recipe for is Portra 160. I’ve tried many times, and I felt that I got close a couple of times, but I was never able to get it quite right. Fuji X Weekly reader Piotr Skrzypek recently created a Portra 160 film simulation recipe for his Fujifilm X-E2, and he gave me permission to share his settings with you! When I first looked at his pictures, I immediately thought that they resembled Portra, and I continued to think so as I used his recipe on my X-T1. Piotr has a lot of experience shooting film, and the main film that he uses is Portra 160. I’ve shot Portra before, but it’s been many years. How the film is shot, developed, and printed or scanned effects the way that it looks, so results can vary, but this recipe is overall an excellent facsimile of actual Portra 160 film. Great job, Piotr Skrzypek!

Portra – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 “Kodak Portra 160”

I did alter Piotr’s recipe a little. I have Color set to +1, but he has Color set to +2, which I think more mimics Portra 160VC. Whether you set Color to +1 or +2, you are still getting a Portra look, and you can try it both ways and decide which you like better for your photographs. You can even try setting color to 0 to get a Portra 160NC look. The other change I made is to white balance, which I set to Daylight, while Piotr uses auto-white-balance. In many outdoor circumstances Daylight and AWB will produce identical results, so for the most part it doesn’t matter which you choose. I like Daylight a little more than AWB, but you can decide which you prefer for yourself. This recipe is intended for X-Trans II cameras, but there will be a Portra 160 recipe for X-Trans III and IV cameras coming soon!

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR-Auto
Highlight: -2 (Low)
Shadow: -2 (Low)
Color: +1 (Medium-High)
Sharpness: -2 (Low)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Daylight, +3 Red & -4 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodak Portra 160 recipe on my Fujifilm X-T1:

Snow on the Roofs – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Roof Snow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Faux Green – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Beside the Window – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Silver & Green – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Green Stems – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Bright Blossoms – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Future Fujifilm Photographer – Monument Valley, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

Girl, Horse & Books – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

The Peg Game – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Girl & Game – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Wood Ladder – Edge of the Cedars SP, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Monumental Crosswalk – Monument Valley, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Four Desert Horses – Monument Valley, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

Mittens Evening – Monument Valley, AZ – Fujifilm X-T1

Rural Grass – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Reeds & Mountain – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

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Fujifilm X-T1 Agfa Optima (Provia) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on March 22, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Reeds & Mountain – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 “Agfa Optima”

The film simulation recipe in this article is my Agfa Optima recipe, which is compatible with X-Trans III & IV cameras, converted for use on my Fujifilm X-T1. While the X-T1 is an X-Trans II camera, you can also use this recipe on X-Trans I and Bayer sensor cameras. Agfa Optima is a color negative film that was around from the mid-1990’s to the mid-2000’s.

Provia
Dynamic Range: DR100
Highlight: -1 (Medium-Low)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Color: -2 (Low)
Sharpness: 0 (Medium)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Daylight, -3 Red & +1 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Agfa Optima recipe on my Fujifilm X-T1:

Eggs in a Bowl – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Take a Picture Pronto – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Fruity Cereal – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Stealth Mode – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Suburban Alleyway – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Windows & Shadows – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Pine Tree & Sky – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Green & Fence – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Rural Metal Fence – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Marshland Sky – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Faded Monochrome Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Partially Illuminated – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 “Faded Monochrome”

This is my Faded Monochrome recipe adapted for my Fujifilm X-T1. It will work on all X-Trans I & II and Bayer sensor cameras, just so long as it has a double-exposure mode (I think they all do, but I’m not 100% certain). You have to put the camera into double-exposure mode, capture the scene with the first exposure, and use the second exposure to photograph a medium-grey piece of paper (I used an 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of construction paper). I prefer the second exposure to be out of focus. The first exposure should be slightly overexposed, perhaps by 1/3 to 2/3 stop, because the second exposure will decrease the contrast. The second exposure should be underexposed by at least 1 stop, and as many as 3 stops. How bright or dark the second exposure is will determine just how faded the picture will be. It requires some experimentation, but thankfully you get a real-time display of what the picture will look like and the opportunity for a do-over (simply select “Retry”). The look you get is similar to using a low-contrast filter when making black-and-white prints in the darkroom.

Monochrome
Dynamic Range: DR100
Highlight: +2 (High)
Shadow: +2 (High)
Sharpness: 0 (Medium)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Faded Monochrome recipe on my Fujifilm X-T1:

Thought – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Girl Shadow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Piano Hand – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Piano Fingers – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Faded Lily – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Flowers Fading – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Bouquet – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Wheelbarrow Monochrome – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Gathering – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Window Blinds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Ektachrome 100SW Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Windows & Reflections – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 “Ektachrome 100SW”

What I love about my Ektachrome 100SW film simulation recipe is that it reminds me of a film that I used to use. Just like the original Ektachrome 100SW recipe, which is compatible with X-Trans III & IV cameras, this recipe is identical to my Kodachrome II recipe, except that it uses Velvia instead of Classic Chrome. This version of Ektachrome 100SW is compatible with X-Trans I & II cameras, as well as Fujifilm Bayer cameras.

Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +2 (High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Color: -1 (Medium-Low)
Sharpness: 0 (Medium)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -2 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured on my Fujifilm X-T1 using this Ektachrome 100SW film simulation recipe:

Instamatic – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Throw Pillow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Striped Pillow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Indoor Decor Near a Window – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Grass & Concrete – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Little Steps – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

February Forest – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Lizard – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Penguins On A Rock – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Swimming Penguins – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Coral Fish – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Kodachrome II Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Rural Grass – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

One of my favorite film simulation recipes, and one of the most popular, if not the most popular, on Fuji X Weekly, is my Kodachrome II recipe. This version of that recipe is adapted for Fujifilm X-Trans II cameras, such as my X-T1. It will work on all cameras with an X-Trans II sensor, plus Bayer sensor cameras, such as the XF10, X-T100 and X-A7. Because it requires the Classic Chrome film simulation, it is not compatible with X-Trans I cameras, or the original X100.

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +2 (High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Color: -1 (Medium-Low)
Sharpness: 0 (Medium)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -2 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured on my Fujifilm X-T1 using this Kodachrome II film simulation recipe:

The Wetlands of Farmington Bay – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Pallet Dump – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Old Wood – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

February Thistles – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Francis Peak in February – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Succulents – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Bright Apple – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Kodak Film Canisters – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Bolsey on the Camera Shelf – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Longing For Another World – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

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My Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Kodacolor Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Man in Red – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 – “Kodacolor”

Yesterday I published my Kodachrome 64 recipe for X-Trans II cameras, such as my Fujifilm X-T1, and today I will share with you my Kodacolor recipe for X-Trans II! Because this Kodacolor recipe requires the Classic Chrome film simulation, those with X-Trans I cameras can’t use it, but those with X-Trans II or Bayer sensor cameras can. While I got the overall aesthetic pretty darn close to the original Kodacolor recipe for X-Trans III and IV, the one thing that I wish I could change is the grain. Newer Fujifilm cameras have faux grain options, but older ones don’t. If you want to mimic the grain in-camera, your best option is to use a higher ISO, such as 3200 or 6400, and let the digital noise act as faux grain. Otherwise, I’m quite pleased with how this Kodacolor film simulation recipe turned out.

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +1 (Medium-High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Color: -2 (Low)
Sharpness: 0 (Medium)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: 6300K, -3 Red & -2 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodacolor recipe on my Fujifilm X-T1:

Front Runner – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Fro – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Cross at Crosswalks – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Look Both Ways – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Pipe – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Rusty Shadows – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Stop by the Rack – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Nord’s Stop – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Mall Across the Mud – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Pond Among Reeds – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Grass on the Water – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Lake Reflection – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Antelope Island Beyond Farmington Bay – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Camera Shelf – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Green is Good for My Soul – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

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My Fujifilm X-T1 (X-Trans II) Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Sun Roof – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 – “Kodachrome 64”

One of my favorite film simulation recipes is Kodachrome 64. It’s also one of the most popular recipes on Fuji X Weekly. Those with X-Trans III and IV cameras, such as the Fujifilm X-T30 that I created it on, have been enjoying it since August, but those with X-Trans II cameras—X-T1, X-T10, X-E2, X-E2s, X100T, and X70—have been left out of the fun. Those with Bayer sensor cameras, such as the X-T100, XF10, X-A7, etc., have been out of luck, too. That all changes, starting now. I have cracked the code, and created a Kodachrome 64 recipe for my X-Trans II camera! Unfortunately, it won’t work on the X100, X100S, X-E1 or X-Pro1 because it requires the Classic Chrome film simulation, which those cameras don’t have. But those who own a Fujifilm X-Trans II or Bayer camera, which do have Classic Chrome, I’m sure will appreciate this Kodachrome 64 recipe.

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +2 (High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Color: 0 (Medium)
Sharpness: 0 (Medium)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Daylight, 0 Red & -3 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodachrome 64 recipe on my Fujifilm X-T1:

Watered Tree – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Reflection in the Grass – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Reed Grass – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Reeds In Water – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Sisters on a Bridge – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Red Mustang – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Wrangler – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Parking Lot Sunset – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

January Evening Hill – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Rooftop Birds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Suburban Silver Lining – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Coffee Cup – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Prerequisite – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Yellow Pillows – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Smiling Jon – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

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Comparing JPEGs: Fujifilm X-T1 vs X-T30

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm X-T30 with Astia film simulation.

Fujifilm X-T1 with Astia film simulation.

I’ve been trying to figure out how to make my Fujifilm X-Trans III & IV film simulation recipes compatible with my X-T1 camera, which has an X-Trans II sensor. The X-T1 has the same film simulations as my Fujifilm X-T30, minus Acros and Eterna, but many of the customization options to fine-tune the image are different. For the X-T1, everything maxes out at plus and minus two, while X-Trans III & IV cameras can go to plus and minus four on many settings. There are other tools that the newer cameras have that the older ones don’t. The simple fact is this: X-Trans III & IV recipes aren’t directly compatible with X-Trans I & II cameras; can I recreate those recipes for the older models?

When I looked at the pictures that I captured with the different film simulations on my X-T1, it seemed like the results were different than with the same film simulations on my X-T30. Do the film simulations look different on different sensors? I did some tests to determine what is the same and what is not. I think there are some subtle changes, and you won’t get precisely the same results from X-Trans II as you will from X-Trans III and IV. It’s close, but not exact.

Fujifilm X-T30 with Monochrome film simulation.

Fujifilm X-T1 with Monochrome film simulation.

Something that I determined is that, with everything set at 0, X-Trans II has slightly darker shadows and X-Trans IV has slightly lighter highlights. It makes it seem like the pictures from my X-T30 are brighter than those from my X-T1, although mid-tones are identical. I made the mistake in the test below (with the exception of Provia) of trying to compensate for that by dropping the exposure by 1/3 stop on my X-T30, which made it darker than the X-T1. That overcompensated for the highlight and shadow difference, while making the mid-tones all wrong. Instead of lowering the exposure on the X-T30, I could have adjusted shadow and highlight by one (-1 Shadow and +1 Highlight) on the X-T1 to get a closer match. Actually, if I had adjusted shadow and highlight (+1 Shadow and -1 Highlight) on the X-T30, it would have been an even closer match, as I also discovered that +1 on the two cameras are different. I think that +1 on the X-T1 is equal to about +1.25 on the X-T30 (if it could adjust in 1/4 increments), and +2 is equal to about +2.5. I think that, because highlights have a brighter starting point on the X-T30, +2 Highlight is about the same on both cameras, while +2 Shadow on the X-T1 is actually closer to +3 on the X-T30. Interestingly enough, I think that -1 and -2 highlight and shadow on the two cameras are similar to each other, and with the same exact minus settings applied to both cameras, the X-T30 will have lighter highlights and shadows than the X-T1. Color on the X-T1 seems to move in +/-1.25 increments when compared to the X-T30, which means +2 Color on the X-T1 is in-between +2 and +3 on the X-T30, while -2 Color on the X-T1 is in-between -2 and -3 on the X-T30.

There’s another difference that I discovered between X-Trans II and X-Trans IV: the white balance is not the same. The X-T1 is actually slightly warmer, leaning towards yellow or yellow-green. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s not exactly the same, which means a slight adjustment will be required to the white balance shift for recreating recipes. What I anticipate as I attempt to translate X-Trans III & IV recipes for X-Trans II is that some will be easy, and some will be difficult or maybe impossible. Because there are less tools to work with on my X-T1, the aesthetic won’t be as precise, as it’s not as fine-tune-able. Despite that, I hope to have some good film simulation recipes very soon for those with older Fujifilm X cameras.

Provia:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

Velvia:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

Astia:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

Classic Chrome:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

Pro Neg. Hi:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

Pro Neg. Std:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

-2:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

-1:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

+1:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

+2:

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T1

+3:

Fujifilm X-T30

+4:

Fujifilm X-T30

First Fujifilm X-T1 Film Simulation Recipes

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm X-T1 Blog

I’ve had my Fujifilm X-T1 for less than two weeks. I plan to create many different film simulation recipes for it, but that takes time, so they’ll likely trickle out over the coming months. I did create three film simulation recipes, which you’ll find below. I like to mimic the aesthetic of vintage films with in-camera JPEG settings, as I learned photography in the film era. These three X-T1 recipes aren’t intended to mimic the look of any particular film; I just like how they look.

The in-camera JPEG options on the X-T1, which has an X-Trans II sensor, are different and much more limited than X-Trans IV or even X-Trans III cameras. Fujifilm continues to provide more and better features to achieve desired looks straight out of camera. While the X-T1 doesn’t have as many options, it’s still possible to get very nice pictures right out of the camera, no post-processing needed. Actually, sometimes it’s nice to have fewer choices as it makes things more simple.

Even though these recipes were created on a Fujifilm X-T1, they’re compatible with all X-Trans II cameras, such as the X100T, X-E2, and X-T10, as well as Fujifilm Bayer cameras, like the XF10, X-T100, and X-A7. The Velvia and Monochrome recipes are compatible with X-Trans I cameras, such as the X-Pro1, X100S and X-E1. I should also point out that my Fujifilm XF10 film simulation recipes are compatible with the X-T1 and other X-Trans II cameras.

Some of you have been asking me to create recipes that are compatible with the older models for some time now, and I’m happy to finally be able to share some. You’ve waited awhile! These three film simulations are just the beginning for the X-T1. I will be creating more. I hope to recreate some of my other looks with the X-Trans II sensor, but we’ll see how that goes. Some future recipes might require unconventional approaches. I can’t wait to see what I come up with! In the meantime, enjoy the recipes below.

Classic Chrome

Praying the Order is Right – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR200
White Balance: Auto, -1 Red & -1 Blue
Color: +2 (High)
Highlight: +1 (Medium-High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Sharpness: 0 (STD)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200

Rural Road In Winter – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Winter Boxcar – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Flaming Lemon – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Joyful Dining – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Opening a Soda Bottle – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Egg, Bowl & Rice – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Grill Fire – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Velvia

Pink Penguin – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Film Simulation: Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
White Balance: Auto, 0 Red & -2 Blue
Color: +2 (High)
Highlight: -1 (Medium-Low)
Shadow: -1 (Medium-Low)
Sharpness : 0 (STD)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200

Kobe Cold – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Sushi Lamp – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

For Goodness Sake – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Anchored Caboose – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Red In The Woods – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

When The Season Is All Wrong – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Rudy Drain Winter – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Monochrome

Rebuilt 24 – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Film Simulation: Monochrome (+Y, +R, +G)
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +1 (Medium-High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Sharpness : +1 (Medium -Hard)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400

Monochrome Lines – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Metal – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

When Life Gives You Lemons – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Soup – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Jo With Chopsticks – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Drinking Soup – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

Eating Rice – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1

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My Fujifilm X-T1 Arrived!

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm X-T1

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I purchased a used Fujifilm X-T1 for only $300. The condition of the camera said “low shutter count” and “in like-new condition.” When you’re purchasing things off the internet, my experience is that it’s rarely exactly as described. Oftentimes the condition is overstated. I wasn’t sure what I was going to find when the package arrived. Well, the packaged was delivered a couple days ago; I opened up the box with anxious curiosity and found inside…

…a near mint Fujifilm X-T1. Yea! It looked brand new except it was missing the sync cap. It really did appear unused! It even had the original firmware installed. I don’t know the story behind it, but it seems like maybe someone used it a couple of times and didn’t like it, so they boxed it up and it sat on a shelf for four or five years. It’s very difficult for me to believe that I snagged this beauty for only $300. This was a $1,300 camera not very long ago. I remember seeing the X-T1 on sale for “only” $1,000 and that was considered a bargain at the time. At $300, the camera’s a steal!

Fujifilm X-T1 Fujinon 35mm f/2

Fujifilm X-T1 Blog

Unfortunately, digital is disposable. People buy cameras and use them for a year or two or maybe three, and then they move on to whatever is new. It’s a byproduct of technology that advances quickly, and also habits formed when digital photography was new and not especially good. There were significant leaps when new camera models came out. There are still big leaps happening today, but we’ve reached a point of diminishing returns, and those leaps don’t mean as much in practical application.

My first SLR was a 20-year-old Canon AE-1, which I purchased over 20 years ago when I was in Photography 101 in college. I used the camera for a number of years. Can you imagine someone buying a 20-year-old digital camera today to use as their main camera? And using that camera for five or more years? That’s unheard of, but it used to be normal in the days of film. Roughly 10 years ago digital camera technology reached a point where people could keep it and use it for years to come because the quality was there. There’s no reason that a five-year-old camera can’t have 15 or more years of life in it as long as the mechanical components continue to work. People often don’t keep them around long enough to find out.

Fujifilm X-T1 Dials

Fujifilm X-T1 Blog

The Fujifilm X-T1 is downright fantastic! It’s plenty quick. The image quality is great. The camera is weather sealed and feels very solid. It’s a little smaller than the X-T2 and X-T3 and not all that much bigger and heavier than my X-T30. I do wish it had the focus joystick and some of the JPEG options that the newer cameras have, but it’s not a big deal that the camera lacks those things. It’s still a very good camera capable of capturing beautiful pictures.

The photographs below are the first images captured with my new Fujifilm X-T1. These are camera-made JPEGs. I don’t have any recipes yet, but you can rest assured that I will be creating some, and when I do I will share them on Fuji X Weekly. Even though the camera is five-years-old, I’m very excited to go out and shoot with the brand-new-to-me X-T1.