Fujifilm | FUJI X WEEKLY

Review: Fujifilm X100V – Like Shooting With An Endless Roll of Film

Posted on August 16, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

The Fujifilm X100V is like shooting with an endless roll of film. Actually, it’s like shooting with up to seven endless rolls of film. You can capture as many frames as you wish on each roll, and change the film anytime you want. Kodachrome 64? Yep! Kodak Portra 400? Absolutely! Fujicolor Superia 100? No problem! Kodak Tri-X 400? That one, too! Do I need to list seven films? Actually, I could list 80! You’ll just have to decide which ones you want. Once loaded, your supply will never run out. There’s no need to send it off to a lab, as your pictures come out of the camera already developed. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. This is what it’s like shooting with the X100V!

The point is, you load the “film” that you want to shoot with, and then you shoot! Change anytime you want. Download the files onto your phone, tablet, or computer—crop or touchup if you wish—and you’re done! No waiting for the film to come back from the lab. No sitting for hours in front of a computer editing RAW files. There’s no need for any of that. You have pictures that appear film-like or resemble post-processed RAW images, yet they’re straight-out-of-camera JPEGs. It frees up time to do what you love: photograph. The X100V is about capturing, one fraction of a second at a time. It’s not about the other things that bog you down.

You might ask, “What sets the X100V apart from other Fujifilm cameras?” That’s a great question, and I hope this review answers it for you. There’s a good chance, if you are reading this, that you’re considering purchasing this camera, and you are trying to decide if it’s right for you or worth upgrading from an older model. I hope that this article will be helpful to you in your decision.

The Fujifilm X100V is fixed-lens, fixed-focal-length compact mirrorless camera. It has a 26-megapixel APS-C X-Trans IV sensor. It’s fairly small: approximately 5″ wide, 3″ tall and 2″ deep. It weighs about a pound. It’s mostly weather sealed, and can become weather sealed by adding a UV filter to the front of the lens. It has an MSRP of $1,400.

Fujifilm X100 cameras are incredibly well designed, fusing form and function. The X100V resembles a classic 35mm rangefinder. It might be the best-looking digital camera ever made. People stop me frequently to ask about it. The most common question: “Is that a film camera?” The X100V’s striking design is a conversation starter.

As you probably know, I create film simulation recipes for Fujifilm cameras (and if you didn’t know, you do now). These recipes mimic different films or aesthetics through customized JPEG settings. Something that sets the X100V apart from other Fujifilm cameras are the new JPEG options, such as Clarity, Color Chrome Effect Blue and B&W Toning, among several other things. Unsurprisingly, the new Classic Negative film simulation, which has received much praise, is just incredible! Perhaps even more important is the ability to save white balance shifts with each custom preset. All of these things are what separates the X100V from older models, providing an improved user experience and the opportunity for improved picture aesthetics. Right now, the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4 are the only Fujifilm cameras with these features. For the JPEG shooter, the X100V is a nice step forward from previous versions.

The original X100 through the X100F all shared the same lens, but Fujifilm redesigned the lens for the X100V. It looks pretty much the same, and it’s still 23mm (35mm equivalent) with a maximum aperture of f/2. What’s different is the sharpness of the lens, as it’s now razor sharp across the entire frame no matter the aperture and no matter how closely focused you are. Essentially Fujifilm eliminated the “flaws” of the old lens. Otherwise, it’s still quite similar in performance. Also, autofocus has improved over the previous model.

One unfortunate change is that Fujifilm removed the D-Pad from the back of the camera, replacing it with touch-screen gestures. The touch screen is nice I suppose, but I prefer not to use it. That’s just me. What works for you might be different. There are enough customizable buttons and controls that losing the D-Pad isn’t a huge deal, but I prefer the setup of the X100F over the X100V in this regard. And speaking of the rear screen, it now flips up and down, similar to the one on my Fujifilm X-T30.

One of the X100V’s greatest features is the leaf shutter and fill-flash. Leaf shutters are typically found on expensive medium-format gear, and you rarely see them on other cameras; however, Fujifilm has included a leaf shutter on their X100 series. A leaf shutter works like an iris. There are blades, similar to aperture blades, inside the lens that open and close. It opens from the center outward, and for this reason you can sync it to the flash at much higher shutter speeds than traditional focal-plane shutters. Besides that, it’s nearly silent. Fujifilm has programmed the camera to perfectly balance the built-in flash with whatever lighting is available. The camera almost never gets it wrong, it just seems to know the perfect amount of light to add to the scene. The results are very natural looking, and the pictures don’t scream that a flash was used.

A cool feature that I find helpful is the built-in four-stop neutral density filter, which decreases the light into the camera. It’s helpful for utilizing a large aperture in bright conditions, for showing motion using a slow shutter speed, or for selecting a higher ISO for a grittier look (yes, this is a thing). The X100F has “only” a three-stop ND filter, and the extra stop on the X100V can make a big difference.

If you’ve ever used an X100 camera, you know that it’s incredibly fun, which is why it’s so popular. This is many people’s “desert island” camera—if they could only choose one, it would be this. The X100 series is what photographers shoot just for the joy of it. There are some who use it as their only camera, and I did that for awhile with the X100F, but the fixed-focal-length lens does limit its practicalness a little; I think for many people it is a great tool to go along with an interchangeable-lens camera. Despite its limitations, this camera is for those seeking the pure joy of photography.

The Fujifilm X100V is a great travel camera. It’s small and lightweight enough to not get in the way, so you can take it everywhere. One camera with one lens is often all you need. It’s good for street photography, portraits, weddings, snapshots of the kids, landscapes—it can be used for pretty much any genre of photography. While travel and street are what it’s often touted for, I find that 90% of the time, no matter what I’m shooting, this is the only camera I need and use. I reach for the X100V almost every time!

There is that 10% of the time when the X100V isn’t the right tool for the job. If I need a wider or more telephoto lens, I don’t use this camera. It’s important to understand that, while the X100V is nearly perfect, it has shortcomings and limitations. Every camera does. You could use the X100V as your only camera, and some people do, but I don’t recommend it. At the same time, if you own an X100V, your other cameras are going to collect a lot of dust. You’ll have to decide if it’s better to just buy one of the Fujinon 23mm lenses instead of buying a camera with a permanently attached lens. Personally, I appreciate the X100V and can’t imagine giving it up. I plan to keep it until it stops working, which I hope is a long time from now.

People like to talk about image quality in camera reviews. I suppose that’s important, but not nearly as important as it once was. You’d be hard-pressed to find a camera nowadays with poor image quality. I can attest that the image quality from the X100V is outstanding! One thing that separates Fujifilm from other brands is their dedication to the camera-made JPEG. That’s not to say all other brands have junky JPEGs, only to say that Fujifilm has in my opinion the best. I don’t think it would be possible to create all of the different film simulation recipes that I’ve made using any other brand. I’ve printed as big as 2′ x 3′ from the 26-megapixel JPEGs and it looks very good, even when viewed up close.

I’m a stills photographer, and that’s who the X100V is geared towards. My wife, Amanda, is more of a videographer (she’s an integral part of the Fuji X Weekly YouTube channel), so I gave her the camera to create a video with, which just so happened to be the very first time she used this camera. The video specs are very good on the X100V, but it does have one significant limitation: it overheats easily when recording 4K. The camera doesn’t have any image stabilization, either, which makes it a little more challenging to use. It’s not really intended for the videographer, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used as a cinema camera. Video quality is quite good on the X100V, and as long as you keep the clips under two minutes and give the camera a short breather here and there, it does fine. You’ll have to use a tripod, gimbal, or have a steady hand to keep it from shaking too much. The short video below was recorded entirely with the X100V hand-held using the Eterna film simulation to demonstrate what you could do with this camera.

The Fujifilm X100V is a great camera that combines form and function, delivering beautiful film-like photographs without fuss. It’s a joy to use—probably the most fun camera I’ve ever owned! Load it with your favorite film simulation recipes and just shoot. It’s that experience that makes this camera so wonderful.

The X100V would make a great addition to whatever other Fujifilm camera you’re using, or it could be your gateway into the Fujifilm family. I don’t know if there are enough updates to justify upgrading from an X100F (although, to be clear, it is an upgrade), but if you have the original X100, X100S or X100T, you will likely find enough here to make the upgrade worthwhile. The X100V is a fantastic little camera, and I have no doubts that you’ll love it.

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

Fujifilm X100V Black Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X100V Silver Amazon B&H

The photographs below are all camera-made JPEGs captured on my Fujifilm X100V:

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#FujiXWeekly Episode 002 – Your Instagram Photos Are Impressive!

Posted on August 16, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

I just published Episode 002 of the #FujiXWeekly video series on the Fuji X Weekly YouTube Channel!

Fuji X Weekly is on Instagram, and when I created that account I also created the hashtag #fujixweekly. I’ve noticed that many of you are also using that hashtag, and since I follow it, whenever you post using #fujixweekly your pictures show up in my feed. You guys are creating some impressive images! It’s very inspiring to me, so I wanted share that with everyone.

Please keep using #fujixweekly on Instagram. I’ll pick some of the pictures to showcase in the next video. Obviously I can’t use all of them, but I’ll pick some that I find interesting. If you used one of my film simulation recipes, include which one you used in the description if you don’t mind. I’d love to know which recipes you guys are using!

I appreciate every one of you! Keep up the great work! Below I’ve included a link to everyone’s Instagram accounts who had pictures in the video above. Be sure to check out their work!

@503_x100v
@max_street_photography
@leongoossens_film
@jassonwu0529
@alensinthelandscape
@neopanacros
@yongjie1220
@hugovangool.nl
@smile_n_shoot
@1080paolo
@apollokreed
@mirrorlessron
@dennyf
@effzwo.thommy
@seize_the_moment
@cederaiz
@fujisbyjakob
@spicy.eye
@drjkgas
@kato.dng

Fujifilm X100V Film Simulation Recipe: Black & White Infrared

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Stop Here on Infrared – Yellowstone NP, WY – Fujifilm X100V – “Black & White Infrared”

Infrared photographing is capturing light beyond the visible spectrum. It requires special film, or a digital sensor that has had the infrared filter removed. Any digital camera has the potential to be infrared sensitive, but the process isn’t easy or cheap. Full spectrum photography is similar to infrared, but also includes ultraviolet and visible light (not just infrared light). With full spectrum photography you can choose by the use of filters which light you want to capture. You can use filters with infrared, too, to control what light comes through, but not to the extent of full-spectrum. A characteristic of both infrared and full-spectrum in black-and-white is deep contrast, with dark skies and white foliage. One of my favorite photographers is Mitch Dobrowner, who converted his Canon cameras to full-spectrum for dramatic monochrome storm photography.

When I purchased my Fujifilm X-T1, I had the intentions of converting it to full-spectrum, but the cost of the conversion has prevented me from doing it. I still hope to do so, maybe later this year or perhaps next year. We’ll see. But I figured out a way to simulate something that’s in the neighborhood of infrared or full-spectrum on my Fujifilm X100V without any conversions. In the right light and with the right subject, it can be quite convincing! Even though you are only using the visible spectrum of light, it can appear as though you are actually doing infrared photography. Amazing!

Even in situations where this recipe doesn’t resemble infrared or full-spectrum, it will still produce a dramatic, high-contrast look that you might find appealing. Those who have said that Acros+R doesn’t actually resemble the use of a red filter on black-and-white film will appreciate these settings. Many landscape photographers, including Ansel Adams, employed a red filter to achieve a dark sky (for example, Moonrise Over Hernandez).

White Tree Black Sky – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Black & White Infrared”

The trick is to use a low Kelvin white balance in conjunction with a dramatic white balance shift when using Acros+R. I got the idea from Fuji X Weekly reader James Clinich, who uses between 3800K and 4500K with a 0 Red & +8 shift to achieve a darker sky, which is something you can apply to other B&W recipes if you’d like to better mimic the use of a red filter. I just took his idea a step further to make it even more dramatic for this recipe.

My Black & White Infrared film simulation recipe can be difficult to use. I find that it doesn’t always work well. It can be very tough to gauge the best exposure, and I’ve had to go anywhere from -1 to +3 on the exposure compensation dial to get it right. It’s one of the more difficult to use recipes that I’ve created, yet it is highly rewarding. If you like dramatic black and white photographs, you’ll want to give this one a try! As of this writing, it’s only compatible with the Fujifilm X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4 cameras.

Acros+R
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +4
Shadow: +3
B&W Toning: 0
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: -4
Clarity: +5
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Off
White Balance: 2750K, -5 Red & +9 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Black & White Infrared film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

Crafts & Hobbies – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Cloud Above The Wall – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Flags Over IKEA Infrared – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Pinnacle – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Suburban Abstract – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Suites – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Paved Paradise – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Accessible Parking – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Done Shopping – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Soda Glass – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Couch Stripes – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Flowers in the Sky – Big Sky, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Grey Hills – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Abandoned Dream Infrared – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Abandoned House by the Hill IR – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Henry’s Fork River – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Upper Red Rock Lake IR – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Red Rock Road Monochrome – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Aspen Leaves Infrared – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Illuminated Tree – West Valley City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Infrared Tree – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

See also: Film Simulation Recipes

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

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Fujifilm X100V Film Simulation Recipe: Kodak Ektar 100

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Dock Light – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodak Ektar 100”

I already have a Kodak Ektar film simulation recipe that I published a little over two years ago, but I’ve been wanting to revisit it for awhile. In the article that I published for that recipe, I wrote, “I’m actually a little hesitant to call this film simulation recipe Kodak Ektar 100 because it’s not quite right. It’s close, but a little off. The color palette is slightly askew.” That’s a true statement. My original Ektar recipe is close but no cigar. Since that time Fujifilm has added more JPEG options to their cameras, so would it be possible to get closer to real Ektar on my X100V?

Kodak introduced Ektar in 1989. It has been made in ISO 25, 100, 125, 400 and 1000 versions at one time or another. Kodak discontinued Ektar in 1997, but they brought it back in 2008 with an updated emulsion. I’ve shot the old Ektar but never the new Ektar. It’s my understanding that they’re similar but not exactly the same.

This new film simulation recipe will be controversial. To achieve a more correct color palette, this recipe is based off of Classic Chrome instead of Astia. The reason that I used Astia in the original recipe is because “Classic Chrome isn’t vibrant enough, even with Color set to +4.” That’s still true, although Color Chrome Effect does help a little. Honestly, if +6 was an option, that’s what I’d set Color to. Unfortunately that’s not an option, so we have a slightly undersaturated recipe. Another issue is that Ektar can have several different looks, depending on how it’s shot, developed, and printed or scanned, just like any film; however, with Ektar, even a 1/3 stop over or under exposure can noticeably effect the aesthetics of the picture.

Peach Sun – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodak Ektar 100”

Fuji X Weekly reader Thomas Schwab helped me immensely with this recipe. He’s had a hand in several recipes, and even created one from scratch that’s quite popular: Urban Vintage Chrome. Thomas captured a bunch of pictures with actual Ektar film, and made several similar exposures with his X-Trans IV cameras. He showed me examples of both, applying my original Ektar recipe to the pictures captured with his Fujifilm cameras. Then we began to create a new Kodak Ektar 100 film simulation recipe based on his Ektar pictures, hoping to achieve something closer to the film than the original recipe.

We discovered very quickly that Ektar is impossible to faithfully recreate on Fujifilm cameras, because only Classic Chrome has the correct color palette, and it’s not vibrant enough. We tried Astia, Provia, Velvia, and PRO Neg. Hi, and of those Astia was the closest, but none of them were right. We settled on Classic Chrome despite it not being vibrant enough. We went back-and-forth on different settings, but especially the white balance. There were several times that we said, “This is it,” only to modify something the next day.

A problem we encountered is that Ektar can have several different looks, even from the same roll of film. There was a discussion about creating as many as three different recipes, depending on the exact aesthetic we wanted to recreate, but decided to go with just one recipe, modeled after our favorite pictures from Thomas’ Ektar film. After even more back-and-forth we finished with this recipe here. We feel confident that it is as close as we could get to actual Ektar film, acknowledging that it’s very close but not exactly right.

Boat in the Bay – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodak Ektar 100”

The original Ektar recipe isn’t an exact match to the film, and I believe that this new recipe is closer. The two recipes each produce a different look, and perhaps they both have a place, depending on what exact aesthetic you are after. This new recipe was a collaborative effort, and I want to give a special “thank you” to Thomas Schwab for all of the time and effort he put into making this a reality. It’s much appreciated!

This Kodak Ektar 100 film simulation recipe is intended for and only compatible with (as of this writing) the Fujifilm X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4. It uses Clarity, which slows down the camera considerably. I just allow the pause to slow myself down. Another option, which is what Fujifilm recommends, is to add Clarity later by reprocessing the RAW file in-camera or with X RAW Studio.

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR-Auto
Highlight: +1
Shadow: -2
Color: +4
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: 0
Clarity: +3
Grain Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Weak
White Balance: 6050K, +3 Red & 0 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this new Kodak Ektar 100 film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

Daisies by the Dock – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Henry’s Fork – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Johnny Sack Cabin – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

North Shore of Island – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Butters – Roy, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Mustang Evening – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Roofline Sky – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Finding Clues – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Golden Boy – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Rocket Launching – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Yellow Lady – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Light Too Bright – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Lawnmower Handle & Shadow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Air Pump – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Blossom Red – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Flower Garden Blossom – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Bug Hiding on a Flower – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Rose Fence – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Marsh Reeds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

See also: Film Simulation Recipes

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

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Fujifilm X100V Film Simulation Recipe: Kodak Ultramax 400

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Empty Outdoor Seating – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodak Ultramax 400”

Ultramax 400 is Kodak’s consumer grade ISO 400 color negative film. Kodak has sold Ultramax 400 under many different names, beginning in 1987 with Kodacolor VR-G 400, rebranded Gold 400 one year later, called simply GC at one point, and finally, in 1997, Kodak settled on Ultramax 400. Kodak still sells Ultramax 400, although it’s not the same film as Kodacolor VR-G 400. This film has been tweaked and updated at least nine times over the years; however, the overall aesthetic is still substantially similar between all variations.

This recipe is a happy accident. I was actually working on a different Kodak film simulation recipe, and this was a failed attempt. But I liked how this one looked, so I made a minor adjustment, and created this recipe, which I determined looked a heck-of-a-lot like Ultramax 400. I didn’t intentionally create an Ultramax 400 recipe, but nonetheless here it is! Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

Colorful Store Decor – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodak Ultramax 400”

For some of you this new recipe will be an instant favorite. I really love how it looks and plan to use it frequently. This one might be right up there with Kodachrome 64 and Portra 400 for favorite Kodak presets. A word of caution: it does require Clarity, which slows down the camera considerably. This film simulation recipe (as of this writing) is only compatible with the Fujifilm X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4 cameras.

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR-Auto
Highlight: +1
Shadow: +1
Color: +4
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: 0
Clarity: +3
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Weak
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Weak
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -5 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this new Kodak Ultramax 400 film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

Road Construction – Clearfield, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Store Closing – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Urban Roses – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Summer Fruit Tree – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Ripening Peaches – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Wood Barrel – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Table & Chair – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Library Lights – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Contemplation – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Blackberry Boy – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

End Table Succulent – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Math Books on a Table – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Kitchen Tools – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Quality Goods – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X100V

75 – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Table Bloom – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Fake Tulips – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Fake Flowers in Window Light – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

See also: Film Simulation Recipes

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

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Film Simulation Recipe Compatibility: X-Trans IV

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Bayer, X-Trans I & II
X-Trans III

Those with Fujifilm X-Trans IV cameras, which include the X-T3, X-T30, X-Pro3, X100V and X-T4, have the most film simulation recipes to choose from. There are currently five X-Trans IV cameras, and they actually fall into two groups: “Old” (X-T3 & X-T30) and “New” (X100V, X-Pro3 & X-T4). The two groups have different options. The latter has the new Classic Negative film simulation (also the new Bleach Bypass film simulation on the X-T4), Color Chrome Effect Blue, Clarity, new Grain options, and new B&W Toning. This means that the recipes that are intended for the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4 are not compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30, with the exception of Kodak Tri-X 400, Kodak T-Max 400, and Verano Tostado, which are compatible with X-Trans III & IV (just follow the directions explained in those recipes). I do hope that Fujifilm adds these new features to the X-T3 and X-T30 via firmware updates.

X-T3 & X-T30

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The list below are the film simulation recipes that are intended for use on the X-T3 and X-T30. Also, all of the X-Trans III recipes are also fully compatible with these two cameras, so you have that list to choose from, too.

Kodachrome 64
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Portra 160
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Ultramax
Kodak Vision3 250D
Eterna
Expired Eterna
Eterna Low-Contrast
Polaroid
Polaroid II
Analog Color
Jeff Davenport Night
Faded Color
Vintage Color Fade
Elite Chrome 200 Color Fade
Color Negative
Fujichrome Sensia 100
Fujicolor Pro 400H Overexposed
Warm Contrast
Bleach Bypass
Kodacolor
Kodacolor II 126
Classic Slide
Urban Vintage Chrome
Fujicolor 100 Industrial
Lomography Color 100
Velvia
Redscale
Cross Process
Acros
Monochrome Kodachrome
Ilford HP5 Plus Push-Process
Ilford Delta Push-Process
Dramatic Monochrome
Faded Monochrome
Split-Toned B&W
Cyanotype
Sepia

If you have an X-Trans III camera, you can use some of the recipes above, even though they are intended for X-Trans IV. Those recipes that use the Eterna film simulation are only compatible with the X-H1, because that’s the only X-Trans III camera with Eterna. Those that call for Color Chrome Effect or B&W toning are not fully compatible with X-Trans III (but some can be used anyway, it will just look a little different). Others, such as Portra 160 and Warm Contrast, are actually full compatible with X-Trans III, because Color Chrome Effect is Off.

X100V, X-Pro3 & X-T4

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The film simulation recipes below are only compatible with the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4, with the exception of Kodak Tri-X 400, Kodak T-Max 400, and Verano Tostado (just follow the instructions in that article). Expect this list to grow significantly over the coming weeks and months, as I have a number of different recipes in the works.

Kodachrome 64
Kodachrome 1
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Ultramax 400
Kodak Ektar 100
Fujicolor Reala 100
Fujicolor Superia 100
Fujicolor Superia 800
Fujicolor Superia 1600
Agfa Vista 100
Classic Negative
Nature Neon
The Rockwell
Bleach Bypass
Verano Tostado
Bright Summer
Cine Teal
CineStill 800T
Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak T-Max 400
B&W Superia
Black & White Infrared
Sepia

All of the X-Trans III and “Old” (X-T3 & X-T30) X-Trans IV recipes are fully compatible with the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4, but with two caveats: Grain and B&W Toning. You’ll have to decide if you want Grain set to Small or Large. That will be your call, whatever you think is most appropriate for your pictures. If the recipe calls for B&W Toning, you’ll have to figure out how the new B&W Toning translates, because it’s different. Other than that, all of those recipes are yours to use, in addition to the ones listed above.

Now it’s your turn! Which recipes are your favorite and what cameras are you using them on? Let me know in the comments!

Film Simulation Recipe Compatibility: X-Trans III

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

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Bayer, X-Trans I & II

Those with Fujifilm X-Trans III sensor cameras, which include the X-Pro2, X100F, X-E3, X-T2, X-T20, and X-H1, might be unaware which film simulation recipes to use. I’ve published around 80 different film simulation recipes, so which recipes are compatible with your camera? The answer is simple: all of the ones in the list below:

Velvia
Astia
Classic Chrome
Vintage Kodachrome
PRO Neg. Hi
Fujicolor Superia 800
CineStill 800T
Eterna
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Ektar 100
Kodak Ultramax
Cross Process
Kodachrome II
Dramatic Classic Chrome
Vintage Agfacolor
Aged Color
Kodak Ektachrome 100SW
Fujicolor Pro 400H
Agfa Optima
Classic Negative
Cine Teal
Acros
Acros Push-Process
Agfa Scala
Ilford HP5 Plus
Tri-X Push-Process
Sepia

If you have an X-Trans III camera, you have many recipes to choose from. Yet you actually have many more options than that. You see, X-Trans IV recipes intended for the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30 (not the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4, as that’s a whole other situation) are mostly compatible with your X-Trans III camera. The only X-Trans III camera with Eterna is the X-H1, so those X-Trans IV recipes that require the Eterna film simulation will work on that one camera only, and will not work on any other X-Trans III camera. Color Chrome Effect and B&W Toning are the two other features that are added to X-Trans IV. Not all of the X-Trans IV recipes call for those features, which makes those particular recipes fully compatible with X-Trans III. Those that do call for CCE or Toning can still be used, but results will be just a little different. In other words, those X-Trans IV recipes intended for the X-T3 and X-T30 are, for the most part, either fully or mostly compatible with X-Trans III cameras, especially if you have an X-H1, so I invite you to give them a try and see what you think!

X-Trans IV

Traveling With Fujifilm, Part 3: Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Posted on August 4, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Abandoned Dream – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Part 1 Part 2

In 1970, E.B. White published a fictional children’s novel called The Trumpet of the Swan, which is largely set in Red Rock Lakes, Montana. E.B. White is probably best known for penning Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, both of which are literary classics. While The Trumpet of the Swan is not as well known as the other two books, it is also considered a classic children’s novel. Not long before our road trip, we read this book as a family.

My 10-year-old son, Jonathan, who likes geography—you will frequently find him looking at maps and drawing maps—said to me, “Look, I found Red Rock Lakes!” He pointed to a spot on the map that appeared to be very close to our campsite in Island Park, which is in Idaho but very close to Montana. It turns out that the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, which is where the book is set, was only an hour drive away from our campsite. We made plans to visit this remote refuge while there.

The Red Rock Lakes area features lakes, rivers, marshlands, prairies, forested uplands, and mountain peaks. It’s highly diverse. Over 250 species of birds have been spotted in the refuge, including the illusive trumpeter swan, the main character of E.B. White’s novel. Moose, elk, deer, bears, wolves and many other animals call this place home.

Upper Red Rock Lake – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

The road to Red Rock Lakes is dirt. Rough at times, lightly flooded at times, and narrow at times, and quite rural the entirety, this was a fun drive in our four-wheel-drive truck. We did see some other cars and people, plus plenty of UTVs, but mostly we were alone. Not many people venture out to this lonely place. Red Rock Lakes might not be easy to get to, but it is highly rewarding and worth the journey.

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is incredibly beautiful! Breathtakingly beautiful at times, in fact. It’s a landscape photographer’s playground! I didn’t see much wildlife myself, but I image that wildlife photographers would love this place, too. Upper Red Rock Lake (which I have no idea why it’s named that as I didn’t see many red rocks) is surprisingly still and reflective. It reminded me a little of the Great Salt Lake, but smaller and freshwater. In some ways the refuge was like stepping into E.B. White’s book, and seeing it in person brought the words to life. I would love to spend several days there, not just a few hours. I hope to someday return.

These photographs were mostly captured with a Fujifilm X100V, and a couple were with a Fujifilm X-T30 and Fujinon 90mm f/2 lens. On the X100V I used my “The Rockwell” and Kodak Tri-X 400 film simulation recipes. On the X-T30 I used my Velvia and Tri-X 400 recipes. Both cameras are great, but the X100V is such a wonderful travel camera that it renders the other gear largely unnecessary.

Red Rock Lakes Sign – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Red Rock Road – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Frontier Hills – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Dilapidated Dream – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Abandoned House by the Hill – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Green Hills – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Distant Mountains – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Mountain Meadow – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Mountain Wildflowers 1 – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Mountain Wildflowers 2 – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Wildflower Meadow – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Wildflowers in the Forest – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Forest Flowers – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Flower in the Forest – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 90mm

Poolside – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Red Rock Lake in Green – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Algae Water – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Pelican on the Shore – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Looking For Trumpeter Swans – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Grey Reflections – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 90mm

Upper Red Rock Lake Monochrome – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Monochrome Lake Reflections – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Water Pipe – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Part 4 coming soon!

Film Simulation Recipe Compatibility: Bayer, X-Trans I & II

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

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Fuji X Weekly reader Gustavo Potenza sifted through all of the film simulation recipes on this website and organized them by sensor and camera compatibility. Whoa! That was a tall task, but he knocked it out in a matter of minutes. I wanted to share this information with you, but also separate it into multiple posts so that you can quickly find the recipes you’re looking for. I’ll link this article to the recipe page for easy access, and I’ll keep it updated as I make new recipes. Thank you, Gustavo, for doing the hard work on this!

The first list, which are recipes compatible with Fujifilm Bayer and X-Trans I sensors, is very short. I really need to make it longer by adding more recipes. I hope to do that eventually. If you have a Fujifilm camera with a Bayer sensor or X-Trans I sensor, these are the recipes that you can use. The Classic Chrome recipe is only compatible with those cameras that have the Classic Chrome film simulation. At the bottom is the X-Trans II list, which is much longer.

Bayer & X-Trans I

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Velvia, Classic Chrome, & Monochrome
Golden Negative
Analog Cool
Monochrome
Sepia

The above recipes are intended for the Fujifilm X-A1, X-A2, X-A3, X-A5, X-A7, X-A10, XF10, X-T100, X-T200, X100, X-PRO1, X-E1, and X-M1 (I hope I didn’t miss any). Some of the X-Trans II recipes below might also work on your Bayer or X-Trans I camera, although results might vary slightly, and it will depend if your camera has the film simulation that the recipe requires.

X-Trans II

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The film simulation recipes below are compatible with X-Trans II cameras. A few X-Trans II cameras don’t have all of the different film simulations required, so some of these recipes might not work on your camera.

Kodachrome 64
Kodachrome II
Ektachrome 100SW
Portra 160
Kodacolor
Eterna
Agfa Optima
Velvia, Classic Chrome & Monochrome
Faded Monochrome
Sepia
Lomography Color 100
Cross Process
Kodachrome Without Classic Chrome
Astia

The above recipes are intended for the Fujifilm X100S, X100T, X-E2, X-E2S, X-T1, X-T10, X70, X20, X30, XQ1, and XQ2 (I hope that I didn’t miss any). Not all of the recipes will be compatible with every X-Trans II camera. Some of them might even be compatible with Bayer and X-Trans I cameras with varying results, so feel free to try.

X-Trans III
X-Trans IV

Fujifilm XQ1 (X-Trans II) Film Simulation Recipe: Kodachrome Without Classic Chrome

Posted on August 2, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Red Greens – Kaysville, UT – Fujifilm XQ1 – “Kodachrome”

I’ve made a lot of Kodachrome film simulation recipes for Fujifilm cameras (click here, here, here, here, here and here), and they’re very popular. Kodachrome was an iconic slide film made by Kodak for many, many years, so it’s no surprise that people want to get that look out of their Fujifilm camera. All of my Kodachrome recipes use Classic Chrome because it has a Kodak-esque slide film aesthetic, but some cameras don’t have Classic Chrome, such as the Fujifilm XQ1. Yes, the XQ1 is an X-Trans II camera, and most X-Trans II cameras have Classic Chrome, but this one doesn’t, only Provia, Velvia, and Astia for color images.

I created this recipe by capturing an image on my X-T1 using my Kodachrome 64 recipe for that camera, and then as best as possible recreated the look not using Classic Chrome. While I tried Velvia and Astia, I ended up using Provia. It’s a surprisingly close match, although not exact. I think you’ll like this Kodachrome recipe if your camera doesn’t have Classic Chrome.

!!! Ride !!! – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1 – “Kodachrome”

Provia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +2 (Hard)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-Hard)
Color: -2 (Low)
Sharpness: 0 (Standard)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Daylight (Fujifilm calls it “Fine” for some reason), -1 Red & -4 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs made using this “Kodachrome Without Classic Chrome” film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm XQ1:

Lights & Reflections – Kaysville, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Flag Poles – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Drive Thru Gas & Wash – Kaysville, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Flowers in a Pot on Concrete – Kaysville, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Horse Ranch – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Closed Umbrella, Threatening Clouds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Drawing Jonathan – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Breakfast – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

See also: Film Simulation Recipes

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Shrinking Camera Market: What Fujifilm Should Do In 2021 & Beyond

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm X100V captured by a Fujifilm X-T1

It’s no secret that camera sales have been declining for several years. The global pandemic has unsurprisingly significantly impacted the camera industry. Some companies have had bigger declines than others, and I think over the coming couple of years we’ll see some camera makers restructure, put themselves up for sale, or go out of business altogether. What should Fujifilm do to minimize declines and maximize profits in these tough times?

I’m not an industry insider or business expert. There aren’t any good reasons why Fujifilm should listen to me on this topic (other than I’m one of their customers). Besides, they have a pretty darn good track record for dealing with change within the industry and economy. Fujifilm doesn’t need my help. This article is more for my own enjoyment and perhaps yours. It’s fun to consider and discuss this topic. I don’t expect anything else to come from this.

Camera sales have been declining since the collapse of the compact camera market. Cellphone camera technology has come a long ways, which has rendered point-and-shoot cameras obsolete. The casual amateur snap-shooter uses their phone now to capture pictures, and has no need or interest in another camera. Before cellphone cameras had decent image quality, camera manufacturers were selling cheap automatic cameras to these folks. Lots and lots of them. But now that market is all dried up.

Captured with a Fujifilm X-T1. This camera is four models old but is still quite capable.

The more serious shooters are still buying cameras, but cameras have reached a point of diminishing returns. Digital technology changes quickly, but if a camera is already really good, these improvements have less of a practical application. For instance, if a photographer finds that his or her camera’s autofocus is already more than good enough for their photography, a quicker autofocus system won’t likely tempt that photographer to upgrade. If a photographer finds that his or her camera already has enough resolution for the size they print, more resolution won’t likely tempt that photographer to upgrade. In other words, photographers by-and-large are keeping and using their gear for longer than they did 10 years ago, or even five. Digital is still disposable, but it is becoming less so, or at least photographers are beginning to realize that they don’t need to “upgrade” as frequently as they used to.

The camera industry isn’t Fujifilm’s main business. After the film collapse, Fujifilm diversified, and now they’re a pharmaceutical and cosmetics company that also happens to sell cameras. Their camera arm, which is just a small part of their business model, is doing better than many other camera makers right now. Still, the current market is impacting Fujifilm, and will continue to do so, which means Fujifilm might need to consider some changes.

Fujifilm has several camera models that are essentially the same, but look different and have only small feature differences. Fujifilm should consider ways to either further differentiate their similar models or combine them into one. The X-T200 and the X-A7 have nearly identical features, and having both models seems redundant. The X-Pro3 was made more unique to further separate it from the X-T3, and that worked out well, I believe. I look at the X-E line, which I love. My first Fujifilm camera was an X-E1. The X-E3 is so similar to the X-T20, aside from camera body design, so what differentiates the two besides shape? Fujifilm should consider discontinuing the X-E line, or do something to the eventual X-T40 or X-E4 to better differentiate the models. For example, if Fujifilm added IBIS to the X-T40 or made the X-E4 a black-and-white only camera (the “X-E Acros” is what I’d call it), that would separate them, and Fujifilm would have unique models. I think, alternatively, the X-T40 could basically be transitioned into a higher-end model, and serve as the (eventual) X-T5 without IBIS. The X-H line, now that the X-T4 has IBIS, is also redundant, so the X-H2 would need something to make it stand out, such as 8K video. Since the X-T4 has been so well received, I’m not sure how much of a market there is for an X-H2, but Fujifilm insists that this camera is in the works. It will be interesting to see it when it comes out, perhaps next year, and how well it does.

Fujifilm has situated itself as the leader in digital medium-format. It seems like overnight they went from not-even-in-that-market to top-dog, thanks to the success of the GFX line. Still, it’s more of a niche market than anything mainstream. I think what’s missing is a “budget” rangefinder-style 100-megapixel camera without IBIS. Essentially a GFX-50R, but with the 100MP sensor of the GFX100 inside. Maybe Fujifilm should consider adding IBIS to whatever camera replaces the GFX-50S. I have no idea how profitable this line has been for Fujifilm, and if it will stand the test of time, but I think it was smart of Fujifilm to jump into a market that they could easily dominate.

This is a camera-made JPEG from a Fujifilm X100V, but looks more like film.

Something else that I think Fujifilm should consider is replacing cameras less frequently. When they release a camera and then replace it with a new model one year later, that’s too soon. Two years is too soon. Three years should be a minimum between updated cameras, and four to five years is even better. I know this might sound counter to what consumers want, but X-Trans III cameras, such as the X100F, X-T2, X-T20 and X-E3, are still very excellent! The X-E3 hasn’t been replaced yet, and the X100F was only recently replaced after three years, but the X-T2 is three models old now, and there’s already “talk” of an upcoming X-T40, while the X-T30 isn’t even a year-and-a-half old yet. It’s better to get the most out of a model, then replace it with something that’s a significant improvement over the previous edition. There’s a latin phrase festina lente, which means “make haste slowly.” Fujifilm needs to keep pushing the envelope and strive to produce more technologically advanced cameras, but not be too eager to release new models that only have small improvements over previous versions. If Fujifilm were to update the firmware on the X-T3 and X-T30 to breathe new excitement into these models, these cameras could still be sold for another two years easily.

There’s one more important point that I’d like to make, and this relates to Fuji X Weekly. I think Fujifilm needs to focus even more on JPEGs. I’ve discovered that there’s a huge community of photographers who love the camera-made JPEGs produced by Fujifilm cameras, whether straight-out-of-camera or with X RAW Studio. The film simulations—a brilliant idea by Fujifilm—were just the tip of the iceberg, and now film simulation recipes are all the rage. There’s something big here, bigger than I think Fujifilm realizes. Yes, Fujifilm has demonstrated their commitment to the JPEG with the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4, but they need to continue their commitment on future models. This is a fairly unique angle that Fujifilm has. While other camera makers do, in fact, have some nice JPEGs, Fujifilm is perhaps the only brand with a cult following based on it. They should absolutely capitalize on that, more so than they have been.

I doubt that Fujifilm will read this article, and I’m even more doubtful that they’ll make any internal changes based on it. I think it’s sound advice, but what do I know? Whether or not Fujifilm does any of the things I suggest, I think they’ll be just fine and will weather this “storm” without too much trouble. The guys running the company seem pretty smart to me, and are doing just fine without my advice. It will be fascinating to see exactly what happens within the camera industry in 2021 and beyond, and what Fujifilm does to find success during these tough times.

Fujifilm X100V Film Simulation Recipe: Fujicolor Superia 800

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Flags of IKEA – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Fujicolor Superia 800”

One of the earliest film simulation recipes I created that was intended to mimic a specific film was Fujicolor Superia 800, which I made on a Fujifilm X100F about two-and-a-half years ago. This is a recipe that I’ve used often; I especially like it on overcast days. When I published the Superia 800 recipe, I stated, “It’s not a 100% match [to the film], but I feel like it’s convincing enough….” I think that’s a true statement, but with the new tools available on the X100V, could I create a closer match, one that might be even more convincing?

Classic Negative needed to be the starting point for a new Fujicolor Superia 800 recipe since this new film simulation is “modeled after” Fujicolor Superia with “Superia-like” colors. I incorporated the new Clarity and Color Chrome Effect Blue features into this recipe. Unfortunately, Clarity slows down the camera considerably, so you’ll either have to accept the slow speed (which is what I do) or add Clarity later by reprocessing the RAW file. I think this new recipe is indeed a closer match to actual Superia 800—in fact, you could likely convince people that you shot film!

Horse Boarding – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

I think this recipe might be my favorite of the Superia recipes that I’ve created thus far. If you like my Superia 100, Reala 100, and Superia 1600 recipes, you’ll certainly like this one, too! It has a great analog aesthetic. It’s pretty amazing that you can get this look straight out of camera. This Fujicolor Superia 800 recipe is (as of this writing) only compatible with the Fujifilm X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4.

Classic Negative
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -1
Shadow: +1
Color: -1
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: -1
Clarity: -4
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Weak
White Balance: Daylight, -1 Red & -3 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Fujicolor Superia 800 film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

Line Begins Here – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Fire Suppression – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Trash – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Family Friendly Parking – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Waiting for Hope? – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Waiting to Enter – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Waiting Reflection – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Keeper of the Door – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Entrance – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Cloud Above Yellow Wall – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Two Flag Poles – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Home Furnishings – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Upplaga – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Track Closed – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Artificial – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Hanging Patio Lights – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Two Step – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Red Light – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Rainbow Spirit – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Chair Back – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Joshua Eating – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Brother & Sister on the Couch – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Balcony Railing – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Umbrella Unopened – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Sunlight Sky & Green Leaves – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Ripening Soon – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Fallen Log in the Forest – Monte Cristo, UT – Fujifilm X100V

See also: Film Simulation Recipes

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

Fujifilm X100V Black Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X100V Silver Amazon B&H

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RAW vs JPEG? The Debate Needs To End

Posted on July 26, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Did I post-processed a RAW file or is this a camera-made JPEG? Does it matter?

There’s a debate in the photographic community that I get really tired of: RAW vs. JPEG. Most of the time, what I find is RAW shooters telling JPEG shooters that they shouldn’t shoot JPEGs for one reason or another. Usually there’s name-calling or a put-down thrown in or a condescending tone. Sometimes it’s the other way around, although I find that to be much more rare. Here’s my opinion: find what works best for you and your photography, and do that.

I wasn’t intending to write this post today, but over the last few days I’ve seen a number of articles and videos that tell me why RAW is really remarkable and JPEGs are just junk. Some make a reasonable argument, while others are absolutely ridiculous. Earlier today I watched a video that falls into the latter category, and that’s why I’m writing this.

Here’s the deal: it wasn’t very long ago that camera makers across all brands did a poor job at in-camera JPEGs. Some were better than others, but by-and-large none of them were great. RAW made sense, since you were going to be editing your pictures. But over the last decade every camera brand has improved their camera’s JPEGs, and some, like Fujifilm, have really made massive strides in this department. Today’s camera-made JPEGs are nothing like they were 10 years ago. Fujifilm’s JPEGs can look like post-processed RAW images, or even film-like. If you plan to edit your pictures, RAW is your best bet. If you don’t want to edit your pictures (or only lightly edit), you can achieve some great looks right out of camera. Neither option is the “right” or “wrong” way, just different means to an end, which is a finished photograph that you’re happy with.

Shoot RAW if that’s what you want to do. Shoot JPEG if that’s what you want to do. One method is not inherently better than the other. One way might be right for you, but wrong for another. You might find that you use both, just depending on the situation. While I almost always shoot JPEG, I do also still shoot RAW sometimes (it’s helpful for developing JPEG recipes). I used to shoot RAW exclusively once upon a time, but I don’t anymore.

RAW vs. JPEG is a tired debate. You don’t need to justify with strangers why you choose one over the other. I don’t want to hear why I’m “wrong” for shooting JPEGs. Don’t try to convince me that RAW is better. I won’t try to convince you to abandon RAW and shoot JPEG only. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and there is a time and place for both. I would encourage you, if you are unsure whether to shoot RAW or JPEG, to try both for a time, and see which you prefer. There isn’t one right path. The debate needs to end—find what works best for you and your photography, and do that!

Fujifilm XQ1 (X-Trans II) Film Simulation Recipe: Lomography Color 100

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Backlit Backyard Leaves – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1 – “Lomography 100”

My second attempt at a film simulation recipe for the Fujifilm XQ1, which has an X-Trans II sensor, was Lomography Color 100. I have a recipe for this film for X-Trans IV cameras, such as my X-T30, and this is a conversion of that recipe for X-Trans II cameras. Honestly, this version isn’t quite as good as the X-Trans IV version (because the newer cameras have more JPEG options), but it’s still a good all-around, everyday film simulation recipe.

As I explained in my X-Trans IV recipe, there are three and perhaps four different emulsions that have been sold under the Lomography Color 100 name. Making a recipe that matches the film is impossible for that reason. Besides, people who use this film also often use alternative techniques, such as push-processing. Lomography Color 100 can have many, many different looks; despite that, this recipe is in the general ballpark of the film.

Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +2 (Hard)
Shadow: 0 (Standard)
Color: -2 (Low)
Sharpness: 0 (Standard)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Cloudy/Shade, -3 Red & +7 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs made using this Lomography 100 film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm XQ1:

Green Leaves & Blue Sky – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Rooster Roof – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Promenade – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Towing – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Yellow Hitch – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Rusty Ford – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Camper Special – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Grate Airport Bus – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Major Award – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Abandoned Truck Trailers – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Graffiti Truck – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Yucca Leaves – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Sunlight Through The Green Tree – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Evening Tree & Reeds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Red Berries – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Irrigation Cover – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

White Thistle – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Rocky Landscape – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Single Reed – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Reeds Reaching To The Sky – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Jonathan Outside – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

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Traveling With Fujifilm, Part 2: Dirty Jobs & Failed Dreams in Rexburg

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Grease Work – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”

Part 1

These photographs were all captured at the same place: a Jack-in-the-Box in Rexburg, Idaho. On the very first day of the road trip we stopped in Rexburg for lunch. You just never know when photographic opportunities are going to present themselves, so it’s a good habit to have a camera within easy reach. For me, that was the Fujifilm X100V. Surprisingly, that Jack-in-the-Box in Rexburg provided the chance to create some interesting pictures.

Rexburg is perhaps best known for being underwater when a dam broke 1976, which flooded the area. The town recovered. It’s the last city before Yellowstone, and seems like a nice enough place. Like everywhere, hard working people are what keeps things moving forward. It’s the thankless jobs that often go unnoticed, yet they’re critical to a functioning society. It’s the premise of the television show Dirty Jobs hosted by Mike Rowe. I encountered a couple of those important yet invisible people while in Rexburg.

Blue Truck Trailer – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”

Drive Thru – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”

Out of Order – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”

Right next to Jack-in-the-Box in the same parking lot was a closed and abandoned Wingers. According to the sign, it had been opened for 13 years. I’m not sure why it closed: lazy employees, poor management, mediocre food, bad location, current economic times? I can only speculate, but I’ll never know the answer—it doesn’t matter, anyway. What I found interesting is that just a few steps separated hard working yet invisible people from an empty building that had similar people in it, but no more. They’re gone. Their jobs are gone. They’ve moved on. The dream that inspired its opening failed, leaving only ghosts of the past behind, a haunting reminder of the fragility of it all. Invisible People and Ghost Dreams would be my alternative title to this post. Maybe we’re all ghosts. Maybe invisibility is a super power. Maybe I just inspired the next album for some indie rock band somewhere.

For the top four photographs I used my new “The Rockwell” film simulation recipe. In fact, these were some of the very first pictures that I captured with this recipe. The bottom four photographs were captured using my Fujicolor Superia 100 film simulation recipe. These two recipes are pretty much opposites of each other: one is boldly vibrant, while the other is rather dull in comparison. Juxtaposed recipes for juxtaposed subjects. One mundane stop in a rather ordinary town. You just never know when photographic opportunities will present themselves, so be ready.

Available Building – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V – “Fujicolor Superia 100”

Available – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V – “Fujicolor Superia 100”

Thistles In The City – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V – “Fujicolor Superia 100”

This Restaurant is Closed – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V – “Fujicolor Superia 100”

Part 3

Traveling With Fujifilm, Part 1: Introduction

Posted on July 21, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Sunrise & Travel Trailer – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor Superia 1600

I recently returned from a road trip across several U.S. states, which I photographed with a Fujifilm X100V and X-T30. The trip began in Farmington, Utah, which is where I live, and over a week-and-a-half my family and I pulled a travel trailer across Idaho, Wyoming (just a little), and Montana, and back to Utah. I visited two national parks. I saw incredible lakes and rivers. It was just a great road trip!

Upon returning, I was unsure how to best share the experience with you. I decided to break the trip into a series of articles called Traveling With Fujifilm. I’m not sure exactly how many parts there will be in all, but there will be many! This is Part 1. It won’t necessarily be in chronological order, but I hope in a logical order that makes some sort of sense.

Rural Diner – Tremonton, UT – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor Superia 1600

The trip began on July 2nd right after sunrise. The trailer was already packed and ready, and already attached to the truck. We just had to load ourselves into the truck and leave. There are six of us: my wife and I, plus our four children. The truck seats six. It was a tight fit. We bonded (and occasionally not), as we spent significant stretches of time together on the open road.

The first day took us from our home in Utah to Island Park, Idaho. For the most part it’s rural country. We made a few stops for gas and food, but mostly pushed through to the destination. Island Park is amazingly beautiful! I’ll save that for another article, so you can look forward to it.

Phillips 66 – Malad City, ID – Fujifilm X100V – Fujicolor Superia 100

The film simulation recipes that I used for these three pictures are Fujicolor Superia 100 and Fujicolor Superia 1600. I only used the Fujifilm X100V for this section of the trip. This camera is great for this type of photography. No need to carry a camera bag filled with lenses. One camera, one lens. In fact, I used the X100V for about 90% of the pictures on this trip. While this article has only a few photographs, most in this series will have many more.

Come along for the ride! Join me on this adventure by following this series. I hope that you’ll find it enjoyable, inspirational and perhaps even helpful to your photography.

Part 2 Part 3

Fujifilm XQ1 (X-Trans II) Film Simulation Recipe: Cross Process

Posted on July 20, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

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A Fuji X Weekly reader sent me his camera, a Fujifilm XQ1, so that I might create some film simulation recipes for it. For those who don’t know, the XQ1 is a premium compact-zoom that Fujifilm made six or seven years ago, and it has a 2/3″ 12-megapixel X-Trans II sensor. While the sensor is much smaller than APS-C, it has the same processor and software as other X-Trans II cameras, although it is missing some options (Classic Chrome, PRO Neg. Hi and PRO Neg. Std, for instance). I discovered that some of the X-Trans II recipes I’ve created, such as Ektachrome 100SW, Agfa Optima, Velvia and Monochrome, all work great on the XQ1. My intentions are to create some more recipes that will work on this camera, and, really, all X-Trans II cameras.

The first film simulation recipe that I created for the XQ1 (and, again, it’s compatible with all X-Trans II cameras) is Cross Process. I have a couple Cross Process recipes that I’ve created for newer camera models (here and here), but never for older models. This one was rather easy to make, and so that’s why I started with it. While I set the maximum ISO to 1600, if you are using an APS-C X-Trans II camera, I’d go as high as ISO 3200. Feel free to try this recipe on X-Trans I or Bayer cameras, if you have one of those, and see how it turns out.

Summer Evening Dream – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1 – “Cross Process”

Cross processing is a technique where you develop a film in chemicals intended for another film. For example, the most common cross process is to develop color transparencies, which require the E-6 process, using color negative film chemicals, which is known as C-41 process. For slide film, the photographs typically increase in contrast and grain and the colors shift dramatically. There are other types of cross processing, as well. I’ve done cross processing before, and the results can be fun. Different films will look different when they are cross processed. Overexposing or underexposing or even how the development is handled can effect how the image is rendered. The aesthetic can vary significantly, but usually you can spot a cross processed photograph when you see it.

Provia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +2 (Hard)
Shadow: +2 (Hard)
Color: +2 (High)
Sharpness: -1 (Medium-Soft)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Auto, -3 Red & -9 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs made using this Cross Process film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm XQ1:

SkyWest Sunset – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Eagle TT-12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

SkyWest Carts – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Ford Truck – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Ranger – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Warehouse Deliveries – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Stop! – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Cross Process Red Roses – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Yellow Stump – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Sand Toys Without Sand – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Spirit of Photography – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Blessed – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Message From Space – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

Green Leaves – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1

See also: Film Simulation Recipes

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Creative Uses of Multiple Exposure Photography

Posted on July 19, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

This picture is a combination of 8 toned B&W exposures. All done in-camera on a Fujifilm X100V.

There are many creative ways to use multiple-exposure photography on your Fujifilm camera. You can create pictures that might not at first glance appear to be multiple-exposure, yet using this tool opens up different aesthetics that aren’t otherwise possible to achieve in-camera. The multiple-exposure feature on your Fujifilm camera is often underutilized—there’s so much potential!

I’ve done a number of experiments with multiple-exposure photography, and written many articles on the topic. Below you’ll find links to some of those posts. If you missed them, or maybe you haven’t thought about multiple-exposure photography in awhile or at all, I invite you to give it a try!

Color Pictures From Toned Black-And-White
Texture
Faded Color
Vintage Color Fade
Faded Monochrome
Faded Monochrome (X-Trans II)
Split-Toned B&W
Bleach Bypass
Double-Exposure
The Treachery of Images

Fujifilm X100V Film Simulation Recipe: The Rockwell (Velvia)

Posted on July 18, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Abandoned Dream – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”

Ken Rockwell likes to say that Fujifilm cameras aren’t good for landscape photography because the JPEG colors aren’t “wild” enough for him. Even on his review of the X100V, he says, “The as-shot JPG color palette and contrasts are quite sedate,” and, “the X100V won’t amp-up colors if they aren’t strong to begin with.” He adds, “The Velvia film simulation modes don’t look any better; certainly not like real Velvia.” He’s entitled to his opinion, but I think he just hasn’t used the “right” recipe, and he might change his mind if he did. This recipe is one that Ken Rockwell might approve of, as it’s inspired by him, and that’s why I call it The Rockwell.

Ken mentions that the Velvia film simulation isn’t like real Velvia, and he means Velvia 50. There are, in fact, a few different films that share the Velvia name. Straight out of the box, the film simulation differs a little from the film. My X-T30 Velvia recipe is intended to get the film simulation closer to actual Velvia 50 film. “The Rockwell” recipe is also in the ballpark of Velvia 50 film, although it might actually exceed it. I’ve heard it said that Fujifilm’s short lived Fortia film (which Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome Effect Blue are inspired by), which is like Velvia 50 on steroids, was a mistake. Supposedly it (or at least the original Fortia 50) was a botched Velvia run, but instead of trashing it Fujifilm sold it as a new film. This recipe isn’t as crazy as Fortia, but it’s every bit as crazy as Velvia 50 and perhaps slightly more. Another film that is in the general vicinity of this aesthetic is Kodak’s Ektachrome 100VS, which was essentially Kodak’s closest film to Velvia, but this recipe is a little off from that film. No, “The Rockwell” isn’t an exact match to any film, it’s just a recipe that Ken might use on his X100V if he ever read this article.

Gibbon Falls – Yellowstone NP, WY – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”

This film simulation recipe is definitely not for everyone. Just like the person it was named after, it’s bold yet sometimes over-the-top. Many of you will find it to be much too much for your photography. But some of you are going to love it. In the right situations, this recipe is stunning! It uses Clarity, which slows down the camera considerably, but this is a recipe that you might want to work slow with anyway, so it should be alright. This recipe is only compatible (as if this writing) with the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4.

Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -1
Color: +4
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: +4
Clarity: +5
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Strong
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -1 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “The Rockwell” film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

Lake McDonald Shore Trees – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Driftwood Shore – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

McDonald Lake & Rocks – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Lake McDonald – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Flathead Lake – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Clear Blue Water – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Tree & Snake River – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X100V

McDonald Creek Behind Pines – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Trees Obscuring the River – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

McDonald Creek – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Green Trees – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Forest Flowers – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Lake Daisies – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Blossomed Bush by the Lake – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Upper Red Rock Lake – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Red Lake Light – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Morning Rays – Canyon Ferry Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Sunset Through The Trees – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Aspen Sunstar – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Johnny Sack Cabin – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Hanging Flower Pot – Big Sky, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Mountain Wildflowers 1 – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Mountain Wildflowers 2 – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Rural Blossoms – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Mountain Springtime – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Blossom by the River – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

River Grass – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Grassy Hills – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Pine in the Field – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Abandoned Rural Building – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Pop of Color Cabin – Polebridge, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Birdhouse Fence – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Playground at the Edge of Nowhere – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Hot Water – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V

Blue Eye – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V

Red Rock Turtle – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Colorful Pallets – Bozeman, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Westfield – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Pink – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Stop for the Pink Bus – Silos, MT – Fujifilm X100V

18 – Silos, MT – Fujifilm X100V

Stop Here – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V

Blue Trailer – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V

Grease Work – Rexburg, ID – Fujifilm X100V

See also: Film Simulation Recipes

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

Fujifilm X100V Black Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X100V Silver Amazon B&H

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Fuji X Weekly is Back!

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Blue Mountain Lake – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm

I was on vacation, but now I’m back!

I visited some great places, including Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, but my favorite spot was Flathead Lake in Montana. It was absolutely beautiful! Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake (in America) west of the Missouri River. It’s unbelievably clean and clear. I used to live (many, many years ago when I was a kid) in the Puget Sound area of Washington, and Flathead Lake reminded me of that. Instead of the Pacific Ocean it’s a huge lake, with interesting little towns and communities found along its shore. There’s an island that’s a state park, only accessible by boat, and we saw more wildlife on that island than the two national parks combined. Flathead was fun!

Now that I’m back, I’m going to try to catch up on all the comments, messages and emails that I’ve not responded to. There are so many! It might take me a couple days to answer everyone back. I appreciate your patience and understanding.

I have so many photographs and articles to share. I have a number of videos to make. There’s a lot of content coming, so stay tuned!