Kodachrome film simulation

Using AI to Create Film Simulation Recipes + Urban Dreams X100V (X-Trans IV) Film Simulation Recipe

*B is for Bisbee* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams Recipe

Can you use Artificial Intelligence to create Film Simulation Recipes for Fujifilm cameras? Does AI even know what that is? If so, would those Recipes be any good? Those questions and more have been rattling around inside my head for the last few months.

Back in January I asked Open AI‘s Chat GPT what a Film Simulation Recipe was and it didn’t know—it couldn’t differentiate a Film Simulation Recipe from a Film Simulation, but only went so far as to acknowledge that Film Sims could be customized. It also didn’t know much about Fuji X Weekly. It didn’t take long for things to change.

Last week Open AI announced the new-and-improved GPT-4, and so I put it through the same test. To my surprise, it not only knew what a Film Simulation Recipe is, but could even create one! The AI also provided the reasons why it chose the settings it did, and they seemed logical. However, I noticed that some required parameters were missing, so I asked it to add those settings to the Recipe, and it did. I also asked Chat GPT to give the Recipe a name. The AI created Recipe turned out to be pretty good, and I used it for some photography in southern Arizona, but I’m getting ahead of myself. We’ll get back to this in a moment, but let’s talk about some other things first.

*Don’t Park Overnight at Boothill* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams

I wanted to find out how Chat GPT knew how to create a Film Simulation Recipe. Obviously the software has never used a camera, so where was it getting its information? I asked, and the software deflected, telling me where I could find further information on Fujifilm cameras and Film Simulation Recipes. To my surprise, Fuji X Weekly was listed as a potential resource. I wasn’t satisfied with the answer, so I kept asking, rewording the question, until the software admitted that it gathers information from (among other things) websites, such as Fuji X Weekly, One Camera One Lens, Dan Bailey, and Ted Forbes. I was a little surprised on the last two, especially Ted who I’m pretty certain doesn’t use Recipes or out-of-camera JPEGs. Maybe it just threw out some names associated with Fujifilm gear. My conclusion is that the software searches the web for resources and attempts to make sense of what it finds, and it borrows heavily from the work of others (but, thankfully, doesn’t outright copy).

I had Chat GPT make a total of seven Film Simulation Recipes for the Fujifilm X100V. Not once did it provide me with all the necessary parameters on the first try, and I had to ask it to add the missing fields. It always chose Auto White Balance (once it did not provide a WB, so I had to ask it to do so), and only provided a White Balance Shift once on the first try; for the other six Recipes, when I asked it to provide me with a WB Shift, it never ventured beyond +/- 2 for Red and Blue. In fact, only once did the software suggest that any setting go beyond +/- 2, so I think it takes a conservative approach, perhaps not understanding why anyone would want to go wild with the JPEG options.

On the first try I was provided with Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome FX Blue settings: Off on both. For the next five attempts Chat GPT didn’t list either option, so I had to ask, and it chose Off each time. With the final Recipe attempt, it listed Color Chrome Effect set to Strong, but didn’t list Color Chrome FX Blue; when I asked it to give me a Color Chrome FX Blue setting, it (surprisingly) stated that Color Chrome FX Blue isn’t an option on the Fujifilm X100V. I think the software struggles to understand what these settings do and why someone would choose them, and also struggles to understand what specific settings are available on each Fujifilm model.

*Cienega Bridge on Old Highway 80* – Vail, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams Recipe

Two settings that the software never provided on the first try are Grain size and Clarity. It would list Grain strength (Off, Weak, or Strong) but never size (Small or Large). When asked about size, it suggested Large four times, Small twice, and Standard once (there is no Standard option). With Clarity, it typically suggested a positive number, and only gave me a negative number once, zero once, and Off (which I suppose is the same as zero) once. As with the other settings, it never ventured beyond +/- 2.

I asked it to mimic the look of a certain film stock, and Chat GPT provided a Film Simulation Recipe that (in my opinion) wasn’t a great match. I then asked it to mimic the look of a different film that just so happens to be the same exact emulsion just sold under a different brand name (to see if it would provide similar or identical settings), and the second Recipe was much different than the first. It’s clear that the AI isn’t analyzing pictures from film to create its Recipes, but instead finds descriptions of the stocks and suggests which Fujifilm settings could logically match the descriptions. “Vibrant” means Velvia and “soft” means PRO Neg. Std, which makes sense to a point; even though one film can produce many different aesthetics based on how it was shot, developed, printed and/or scanned (among other things), I believe you’d be hard pressed to find a single emulsion that could be emulated by both Velvia and PRO Neg. Std, but that’s what the software did.

I also asked Chat GPT to create a Recipe that I already have a Film Simulation Recipe for. I wanted to see if it would just copy my Recipe, but thankfully it didn’t. It was actually significantly different. For now, at least, the software isn’t outright plagiarizing anyone (that I’m aware of), and I hope it stays that way. Finally, using a different account, I asked Chat GPT to create a Recipe with an identical request to one of the seven, just to see if it would give me the same answer, and it didn’t. I repeated this test once more, and it once again provided a different result. While it tries to come across as “intelligence” it appears to be more like a roll of the dice.

*Red Brick and Good Cakes* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams Recipe

Based on this test, I believe that AI is about 60% of the way there to being a useful tool for creating Film Simulation Recipes. It struggles to know which parameters to provide. It doesn’t understand the nuances between camera models. It seems to take a rather predictable and conservative approach to creating Recipes. While I think it tries to be logical with its choices, it is basically just taking a guess and giving random settings, which might produce good results sometimes and might not other times. The amazing thing, though, is that just a couple months ago the AI didn’t even know what a Film Simulation Recipe was, so it has made significant strides in a short period. I think eventually—and it might not even be that far out—the software will be able to analyze an image and provide settings for your Fujifilm camera that will be a reasonably close match to that image. For now, though, AI isn’t a particularly good way to get a Recipe.

I promised that I would get back to the first Film Simulation Recipe that I asked Chat GPT to create for me to use on my Fujifilm X100V. I asked the software to create a Recipe that would be good for an urban environment at night. It provided me with everything except for Grain size, White Balance Shift, and Clarity, so I asked it to give me those settings, too. Then I asked it to name the Recipe—it gave me five choices, and I went with the first: Urban Dreams.

I found Urban Dreams to be a pretty decent and versatile Recipe. I didn’t get a chance to use it much in an urban environment at night, but the results were good in the few opportunities that I did have. It seems to do well in sunny daylight, dreary overcast, nighttime, indoors, outdoors, landscapes, street, still-life, portraits, etc., so this could be one’s go-to Recipe for everyday photography. It reminds me a little of Kodachrome 200, a high-ISO slide film introduced by Kodak in the mid-1970’s and discontinued in 2006. It’s not completely “right” for Kodachrome 200, but can be surprisingly close sometimes, and this Recipe is probably the closest to it that I’ve seen.

*Dusk on Highway 90* – Benson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – Urban Dreams Recipe

This Urban Dreams Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with most X-Trans IV cameras: the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. For X-Trans V and newer GFX, you can use this Recipe, but it will render slightly different (try it anyway). For the X-T3, X-T30, X-Trans III, and older GFX, simply ignore Clarity and consider Sharpness set to 0; the results will be very similar (only slightly different).

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: -1
Shadow: +1
Color: +2
Noise Reduction: -2
Sharpness: -1
Clarity: +2
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Off
White Balance: Auto, 0 Red & +2 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Urban Dreams Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X100V:

*Oleander Blue* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Colorful Triangle* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Gunfight at the O.K. Corral* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Boothill Visitors Leaving* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*H.B. Cook 1882* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Tattered Flag* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Gunslinger* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Wells Fargo* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Courthouse* – Tombstone, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Bisbee Afternoon* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Under the Trestle* – Vail, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Just not Straight Ahead* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Studebaker* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Studebaker 2* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Blue Truck* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Uphill to Downtown* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Object Limited* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Outdoor Breakfast* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Coke and Produce* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Lit Lamp* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

*Saloon & Steaks* – Tucson, AZ – Fujifilm X100V

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 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X100V in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

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Kodachrome 25 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on March 6 by Ritchie Roesch

*Green Hills* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

This Film Simulation Recipe is intended to mimic Kodachrome 25 color transparency film, which was introduced in 1974, replacing the similar Kodachrome II emulsion. I was fortunate to shoot a few rolls of Kodachrome 25. It was a beautiful film, and probably the sharpest color film ever made, but its low ISO made it difficult to use. Kodachrome 64, which was still a low-ISO film, was significantly faster. The major differences between the two Kodachrome emulsions is that the ISO 25 version was sharper and less grainy, while the ISO 64 version was more contrasty, vibrant and a hair warmer. Both were very similar, though, and it would be hard to spot the differences without a close inspection. Some people preferred the slightly more subtle tones and finer detail of Kodachrome 25, and some preferred the faintly punchier pictures rendered on Kodachrome 64. Kodak discontinued Kodachrome in 2009.

This isn’t a new Film Simulation Recipe, but simply a tweak of the X-Trans IV Kodachrome 25 recipe to make it compatible with X-Trans V cameras. Because blue in Classic Chrome is rendered deeper on X-Trans V than X-Trans IV, Color Chrome FX Blue needs to be set to Weak instead of Strong. Otherwise, this recipe is identical to the X-Trans IV version.

*No Lifeguard at 8* – Oceanside, CA – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

This Kodachrome 25 Film Simulation Recipe is intended for Fujifilm X-Trans V models, which (as of this writing) include the X-H2, X-H2S, and X-T5 cameras. It’s compatible with newer GFX models too, but will likely render slightly different on those cameras. Those with an X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, or X-T30 II, try the Kodachrome 25 Recipe for those models (click here).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: Daylight, +2 Red & -4 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +0.5
Shadow: -0.5
Color: +1
Sharpness: +3
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: +3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “Kodachrome 25” Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Dormant Trees Reflected* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*White Flowers Faux* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunrise Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Pink on a Grey Day* – Oceanside, CA – Fujifilm X-T5

*Backyard Joy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Wet Haired Boy* – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Raymond Photographing Flowers* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Cholla Arms* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Rock Ridge* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

Flowers in the Dry Desert – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Remnants of a Tree* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Prickles* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Desert Cacti* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Tall Cactus* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

***Note: When this Kodachrome 25 Film Simulation Recipe was first published, this article mistakenly listed Auto instead of Daylight for White Balance. In the Fuji X Weekly App it has always been correct.***

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

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

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12 Frames: Desert Photography on Kodachrome 25 — Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 18-55mm F/2.8-4 + Special Guest!

Posted on February 14 by Ritchie Roesch

A couple days ago I met up with Raymond from Leigh & Raymond Photography (formally The SnapChick) to do some desert photography. They have mentioned this website and the Apps on their YouTube Channel a few times, as they are big fans of Fujifilm cameras, Fuji X Weekly, and Film Simulation Recipes. Leigh and Raymond live in Arizona, and now I do as well, so we were able to finally meet—at least Raymond and I—for some photography.

I was actually very nervous for several reasons. First, I’m an introvert, and meeting new people always makes me a little apprehensive. Second, Leigh and Raymond are big names in photography. They have been successful YouTubers for many years. They are well connected within the industry. It’s kind of like meeting an actor, musician, or sports star. Third, Raymond does ultramarathons; while I might make a special effort to get to Dairy Queen if Blizzards are half off, I’m definitely not doing normal marathons let alone the David Goggins kind—and we were scheduled for a hike through the desert. I wasn’t sure what it would entail, or how intense this adventure might get.

It turns out that I had nothing to worry about. Raymond was super nice. The hike was easy and relatively short—definitely something someone with my “skills” and “experience” (or lack thereof) could accomplish. We had a great time. It was really good to meet up for some desert photography.

*Raymond and I — Captured with RitchieCam on my iPhone*

I used my Fujifilm X-T5 and Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens for this outing. I chose and programmed into the camera my Kodachrome 25 Film Simulation Recipe because I thought it would do well in this scenario (which I’ll get to in just a moment) and because I’m converting this Recipe for the X-T5. You see, X-Trans V renders blue more deeply on some film simulations, but the fix is simple: if an X-Trans IV Recipe that uses Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Eterna, or Eterna Bleach Bypass calls for Color Chrome FX Blue set to Strong, change it to Weak on X-Trans V, and if it calls for Color Chrome FX Blue set to Weak, change it to Off. The Kodachrome 25 Recipe calls for Color Chrome FX Blue set to Strong, so I adjusted it to Weak on my X-T5.

I decided that the Kodachrome 25 Recipe would be good for this scenario because of its characteristics. Kodachrome 25 film had low contrast (for slide film), slightly subdued saturation, and true-to-life (yet Kodak-warm) colors. It was regarded as the sharpest, most fine grained emulsion on the market, and was a popular choice for commercial photography. With an ISO of 25, some found this film to be challenging to use, so the higher-ISO Kodachrome 64, which had a little boost in contrast and saturation, was a more common option. Still, plenty of Kodachrome 25 pictures graced the pages of publications such as National Geographic and Arizona Highways, and I wanted to replicate that classic aesthetic for my desert images. It was forecasted to be overcast with perhaps some peeking sun, and the Kodachrome 25 Recipe does well in that weather—not too warm or cool, and not too much or too little contrast.

If this had been film, I would have shot two rolls of 24-exposure Kodachrome 25 (yes, it was by chance exactly 48 exposures). Of course, Kodachrome has long been discontinued, so shooting with this Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm camera is probably the closest you can get to shooting with the emulsion. The Kodachrome 25 frames in this article are my 12 favorites from that desert outing with Raymond. I hope you enjoy!

*Rock Ridge* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Raymond Photographing Flowers* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

Flowers in the Dry Desert – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Remnants of a Tree* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Prickles* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Sharp Friends* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Cholla Arms* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Dead Saguaro* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Old Saguaro* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Tall Cactus* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

*Morning Trail* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodachrome 25 Recipe

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 250 more on the Fuji X Weekly App!

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

Fujifilm X-T5 in black:  Amazon  B&H  Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:  Amazon  B&H  Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 + 18-55mm in black:  Amazon  B&H  Moment
Fujifilm X-T5 + 18-55mm in silver:  Amazon  B&H  Moment
Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4:  Amazon  B&H  Moment

20 Frames: Legoland with a Fujifilm X100V + Kodachrome 64

Posted on February 3 by Ritchie Roesch

*Friendly Wave* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

What is the best travel camera? My opinion, and the opinion of many other photographers, is the Fujifilm X100V.

The Fujifilm X100V is a great travel camera because of its compact size, versatility, and image quality. It features a fixed 23mm lens, which provides a classic 35mm equivalent focal length, and a bright f/2 maximum aperture. The camera has an intuitive retro design and advanced features, such as a hybrid viewfinder, leaf shutter, built-in ND filter, and weather sealing. The 26-megapixel APS-C sensor produces exceptional image quality, and, when paired with Film Simulation Recipes, is ideal for street and documentary photography. The X100V has solid build quality, yet is small enough to easily carry around, making it an excellent choice for capturing your adventures.

One travel adventure that I recently returned from was a day at Legoland (a Lego themed amusement park) in Carlsbad, California, for my son Joshua’s 9th birthday. Because his birthday is so close to Christmas, he typically gets the short end of the celebration stick, so this year we wanted to make it extra special, and a Black Friday deal made it more affordable. To capture the experience, I brought along my Fujifilm X100V programmed with the Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe. This recipe produces a nostalgic slide film aesthetic similar to the images found in National Geographic, Arizona Highways, and other magazines from my childhood. I used a 5% CineBloom filter, which I prefer for its subtle diffusion effect, for this outing.

The day started out with thin overcast sky, which gave way to midday sun before thick clouds and light rain moved in for the rest of the adventure. The X100V with the Kodachrome 64 recipe handled the changing light quite well—I even got a couple good pictures after sunset under artificial light. This camera and recipe combo is my top option for color travel photography, including a family outing to an amusement park. Because I used a Film Simulation Recipe and shot JPEG, when I returned home I only had to download the pictures from my camera to my phone, crop or straighten if necessary, and upload to my cloud storage. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

*Shark Bite* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Happy Josh* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Yellow Duck, Blue Boat* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Skipper School* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Nautical Light* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Amused* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Selfie* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Big Leaves* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Blur* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Carousel Riders* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Space Guy* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Encounters* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Not Amused* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Snack Break* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Waiting Isn’t Fun* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Bubbles* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Jon Acting Crazy* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Under the Dim Light* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

*Amanda’s Smile* – Carlsbad, CA – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 64”

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 in black: Amazon B&H Moment
Fujifilm X100V in silver: Amazon B&H Moment

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 250 more on the Fuji X Weekly — Film Recipes App!

Kodachrome 64 — Fujifilm X-T5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on November 28 by Ritchie Roesch

*Pilot* – Cordes Lakes, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – “Kodachrome 64”

This isn’t a new Film Simulation Recipe; it’s simply a slight modification of my Kodachrome 64 recipe for X-Trans IV cameras to make it compatible with X-Trans V models. The adjustments are pretty simple: set Color Chrome FX Blue to Off and Shadow to +0.5. Why the Color Chrome FX Blue adjustment? I discovered that with Classic Chrome (and some other film simulations), X-Trans V cameras render blue deeper. Why the change to Shadow? I stated in the X-Trans IV version, “I would set Shadow to +0.5 if I were using these settings on [a] camera [with that option].” With those two modifications, the Kodachrome 64 recipe is ready for your Fujifilm X-Trans V camera!

Kodachrome was a brand-name of color reversal film made by Kodak between 1935 and 2009. There were three eras of Kodachrome: 1935-1960, 1961-1973, and 1974-2009. Each era produced a slightly different look, and the third era is the one you’re probably most familiar with. This recipe is intended to mimic the aesthetic of the third era of Kodachrome, specifically the ISO 64 emulsion.

*Arizona Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – “Kodachrome 64”

This Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe is intended for Fujifilm X-Trans V models, which (as of this writing) include the X-H2, X-H2S, and X-T5 cameras. It’s compatible with newer GFX models too, but will likely render slightly different on those cameras. Those with an X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, or X-T30 II, try the Kodachrome 64 recipe for those models (click here). Those with an X-T3 or X-T30, try the Kodachrome 64 recipe for those cameras (click here). For those with an X-Trans II model, there’s a Kodachrome 64 recipe for you, too (click here).

Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: Daylight, +2 Red & -5 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: 0
Shadow: +0.5
Color: +2
Sharpness: +1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: +3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “Kodachrome 64” Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:

*Palm Tree Closeup* – Palo Verde, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Abandoned Mobile Home* – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Store & Bar* – Hassayampi, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Narrow Bridge* – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Concrete Railroad Ties & Steel Bridge* – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Gillespie Dam* – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Gila River Reeds* – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Flag, Bell, Cross* – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Princess Garden* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Secret Garden* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Blossomed Garden Rose* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Farm Truck* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Wall Shadow & Empty Pot* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dusk Lamp* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Girl on Swing* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Desert Sunset* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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

Fujifilm X-T5 in black: Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver: Amazon B&H

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 250 more on the Fuji X Weekly — Film Recipes App!

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Creative Collective 024: FXW Zine — Issue 07 — June 2022

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

The seventh issue of FXW Zine is out, and if you are a Fuji X Weekly Creative Collective subscriber, you can download it now!

What’s in the June issue? The cover story is Culleoka Kodachrome, which is a photography project that I undertook last month while in rural Texas using the Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe. There are a total of 28 photographs this month, including the cover image (above). I hope that you find it enlightening, entertaining, and inspiring!

If you haven’t joined the Creative Collective, consider subscribing today to get access to bonus articles and the FXW Zine—not just this issue, but the first six issues, too!

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Photograph Wherever You Are — Seeing the Extraordinary in the Mundane

Posted on May 25, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

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

I had an epiphany today. It’s been building in my mind for several days now, but it was only today that I believe I fully understood it: photograph wherever you are. Whichever place it is that you find yourself, capture it with your camera.

When I was 16-years-old, my family moved to a small unincorporated community in Texas called Culleoka, which is north of Dallas near Lake Lavon. At that time it was in the middle of nowhere—and it still is—but the city has been inching closer and closer, and is now at its doorstep. I finished high school while there and enrolled in college. I studied photography for two years before leaving home—and Texas—at 19. That was a long time ago; however, my parents still live in the same house in Culleoka.

I bring up all of this because I realized that, despite learning photography while I lived there, and despite all of the times that I’ve visited over the years, I’ve never photographed Culleoka. I never thought this place was photographically interesting. I always traveled elsewhere with my camera, whether it was McKinney, Plano, Dallas, or any number of other towns in the region. I never photographed where I lived.

*Courtesy Dock Closed* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

Visiting my parents now, for some reason—maybe because I’m older—I find Culleoka to be a much more interesting place. Yes, there’s still not much to see. If you blinked while driving through you’d miss it. There’s a gas station. A Dollar General, which is a fairly new addition. An auto body shop. A fireworks stand. A couple of churches. Maybe a couple hundred people live in Culleoka, many in mobile homes. There’s access to Lake Lavon at the far edge.

I regret now not photographing where I was, because there’s actually a lot of opportunity, if only I had had an open mind. I didn’t see it before. I just thought it was a boring place. Those “other places” were much more fascinating. I had to drive somewhere else to capture interesting pictures. Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you believe that wherever it is you are isn’t worth your camera’s attention, and because you see it day in and day out it is difficult to view it with fresh eyes.

How do you view a highly familiar location with fresh eyes? For me, I think it was just being away for a few years. Actually, I saw some interesting sunlight on the gas station, and a lightbulb went off in my mind. I was reminded of Wim Winders book Written in the West, which inspired me to photograph Culleoka using my Fujifilm X-E4 programmed with the Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe. Some ideas are to envision yourself as a tourist experiencing the place for the first time, simply keeping a photographic eye out for interesting light, or reading photography books where some pictures are similar to your current location.

*W.S.C.* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

Just because you believe that where you are is uninteresting, doesn’t mean there aren’t things worth photographing. You have to keep a constant eye out. Maybe you need to view it through a fresh perspective. Perhaps you just need to get out with your camera on a regular basis and keep at it until you finally “see it” as some new inspiration hits you—I think just getting out with your camera is the best advice that I have.

Don’t be like me and fail to photograph where you are. Just because you don’t think it is worthwhile doesn’t mean that it’s not worthwhile—with a fresh perspective, you’re likely to find things that actually are interesting, things you maybe passed by hundreds of times and it never caught your attention. You have a great opportunity, and perhaps an interesting series of pictures will emerge from it.

It’s an easy trap to think that you have to go someplace else in order to capture interesting pictures. I certainly believed that for awhile, even though I used to say that the job of a photographer is to find the extraordinary in the mundane. I didn’t always practice what I preached—I assumed that where I was wasn’t interesting enough—but my statement was correct: it’s my job to find what others overlook in the places I find myself, and create compelling pictures with my camera. I hope that I’ve accomplished that this time around.

Some of the pictures that I captured in Colleoka, Texas, over the last few days:

*Abandoned Houses* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

*Boaters Warning* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

*Man at Lake Lavon* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

*Abandoned Shack* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

*Red Taco Trailer* – Culleoka, TX – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 200 more on the Fuji X Weekly App, available for both Android and iPhone.

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Adventures in Kodachrome: Revisiting Pawhuska

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

*Drummond Ranch* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – “Kodachrome II”

Pawhuska is a small town in rural Oklahoma with about 3,500 residents. The town saw its heyday over 100 years ago when there was an oil boom—people and money poured into the area, and for a short time Pawhuska was bustling; however, the Great Depression left a large permanent scar, and the town never recovered. Over the last five years Pawhuska has seen new life, thanks to “The Pioneer Woman” who has turned this quaint town into a tourist destination of sorts. People come from all over the country—maybe the world—to visit The Mercantile, my wife and I included!

In 2018 I passed through Oklahoma while on an epic family road trip, and we stopped in Pawhuska to visit The Mercantile. I had just created the Kodachrome II Film Simulation Recipe and was shooting it on a Fujifilm X-Pro2. The Kodachrome II recipe is intended to mimic the “second era” of Kodachrome film, which was from 1961 through 1973. I feel the recipe delivers a vintage-Kodak-slide aesthetic that’s very easy to love. The second episode of SOOC was about this specific recipe, so check that out if you haven’t watched it.

*Abandoned at 618* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

Just a couple of weeks ago, on another epic family road trip, we passed through Pawhuska again. This time I used my Kodachrome 64 recipe, which is based on the “third era” of Kodachrome film, which was from 1974 through 2009. The Kodachrome 64 recipe also produces a vintage-Kodak-slide aesthetic, but it definitely looks different than the Kodachrome II recipe. I used a Fujifilm X-E4 on this visit, and I didn’t capture nearly as many frames of Kodachrome 64 as I did of Kodachrome II on the previous trip.

“You’ve got to go back to get the good ones,” photographer Chuck Abbott stated in the September 1955 issue of Arizona Highways magazine. His point was that good photographers return to a location or subject over and over. Don’t be satisfied with the pictures that you’ve captured in the past; try instead at a different time of day, in a different season, under different light, and from a different angle. Maybe you’ll make a more compelling picture on a future endeavor. I don’t know that I did any better the second time than I did the first, but I did go back, and I do like a few of the frames.

*Window Grill* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – “Kodachrome II”

*Open Window Reflection* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – “Kodachrome II”

*Studio* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

*Abstracts* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

*Boarding House* – Fujifilm X-E4 – Pawhuska, OK – “Kodachrome 64”

*Kitchen* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

*Dodge To Go* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 64”

*Window Seat* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – “Kodachrome II”

*Chair Shadow* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – “Kodachrome II”

*Kitchen Flowers* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – “Kodachrome II”

*Drummond Ranch Vista* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – “Kodachrome II”

*Foal Shy* – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2 – “Kodachrome II”

Fujifilm X-E4 Film Simulation Recipe: Kodachrome 25

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

*Autumn on Kodachrome* – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 25”

The Kodachrome name has been used for many different films over the years. The first Kodachrome product was a two-glass-plate color negative that was introduced in 1915. Like all other color photography methods of its time, the results weren’t particularly good and the product not especially successful.

In 1935, Kodak released its next Kodachrome product: a positive color transparency film. This Kodachrome was the first film that produced reasonably accurate colors, and, because of that, was the first commercially successful color film. It became the standard film for color photography for a couple decades, and was even Ansel Adams’ preferred choice for color work. The December 1946 issue of Arizona Highways, which was the first all-color magazine in the world, featured Barry Goldwater’s Kodachrome images. While the most popular Kodachrome during this time was ISO 10, Kodak also produced an ISO 8 version, as well as a Tungsten option in the 1940s.

Kodak made significant improvements to Kodachrome, and in 1961 released Kodachrome II. This film boasted more accurate colors, sharper images, finer grain, and a faster ISO of 25. While it was still somewhat similar to the previous Kodachrome, it was better in pretty much every way. A year later Kodachrome-X was introduced, which had an ISO of 64, and produced more saturation and increased contrast, but was grainier.

*Golden Red Berries* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome 25”

In 1974, because Kodak created a less-toxic development process, Kodachrome II was replaced by Kodachrome 25 and Kodachrome-X was replaced by Kodachrome 64. This generation of Kodachrome is what most people think of when they picture (pun intended) the film, gracing the pages of magazines like National Geographic. Due to Kodachrome’s sharpness, grain, color, contrast, and archival characteristics, it was a great all-around option that worked well in most circumstance. Steve McCurry, who is perhaps the best-known photographer to extensively use this era of Kodachrome, said of the film, “It has almost a poetic look with beautiful colors that were vibrant and true to what you were shooting.”

This film simulation recipe is intended to mimic Kodachrome 25 color transparency film. I was fortunate to shoot a few rolls of Kodachrome 25. It was a beautiful film, and probably the sharpest color film ever made, but its low ISO made it difficult to use. Kodachrome 64, which was still a low-ISO film, was about 1 2/3 stops faster. The major differences between the two Kodachrome emulsions is that the ISO 25 version was sharper and less grainy, while the ISO 64 version was more contrasty, vibrant and a hair warmer. Both were very similar, though, and it would be hard to spot the differences without a close inspection. Some people preferred the slightly more subtle tones and finer detail of Kodachrome 25, and some preferred the faintly punchier pictures rendered on Kodachrome 64. I liked Kodachrome 64 a little more, and so that’s what I most often used.

Below are a couple examples of this Kodachrome 25 recipe compared to my Kodachrome 64 recipe:

In the example below, I made massive crops so that you could more easily see the subtle differences in sharpness and grain between the two Kodachrome recipes. The differences in warmth are also more obvious. If the Kodachrome 25 recipe could have a .25 adjustment warmer, and if the Kodachrome 64 recipe could have a .25 adjustment cooler, it would likely be more accurate, but alas we’re limited by what Fujifilm gives us. In the case of this recipe, a Color Chrome FX Blue Medium would be a nice option, but it doesn’t exist.

When Kodak discontinued Kodachrome in 2009, it shocked the photographic community; however, the deeper blow was that Kodak discontinued the chemicals required to develop it. Even if you had an old roll of the film (which I did), you couldn’t develop it, except as a black-and-white film from a specialty lab. By the end of 2010, the Kodachrome era was officially over for good. Fortunately, if you have a Fujifilm camera, the spirit of Kodachrome still lives.

This Kodachrome 25 recipe is only compatible with the Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras. You can modify this for the X-Pro3 and X100V by setting Highlight to 0 and Shadow to -1 instead of what it calls for—I don’t like it quite as much, but it’s pretty similar.

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +0.5
Shadow: -0.5
Color: +1
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: +3
Clarity: +3
Grain Effect: Off
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Strong
White Balance: Daylight, +2 Red & -4 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this new Kodachrome 25 film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:

*Pedestrian Bridge* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Empty Stairs* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Red Box* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Locked Fire Box* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Three Bike Boxes* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Trains Can’t Stop* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Ceiling Conduit* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Delivering Boxes* – Roy, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Josh in Shadow* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Orange Leaves* – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Path Through A Fall Forest* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Golden Light on Mountain* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Last Light on Francis Peak* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

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

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History & Poetry of Kodachrome

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

*Captured using the Kodachrome 64 film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm X100V.*

Note: This article originally was a part of Why I Never Shoot RAW — FujiFilm Simulations, Recipes, and More! published by Moment on September 6th, 2021.

In 1973, Paul Simon famously put to song,

Kodachrome
They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summer
Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day

Kodachrome is probably the most iconic photographic film ever made. It was legendary, and many people saw the world through its colors. Kodak produced Kodachrome film from 1935 through 2009, when, to the dismay of photographers around the world, it was suddenly discontinued.

*Captured using the Vintage Kodachrome film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm X-T30*

*Captured using the Kodachrome II film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm X-T20*

There was a movement in the early-1970s to end Kodachrome because the process to develop it was very toxic. Kodachrome is actually a black-and-white film with color added during development, which you can imagine isn’t a simple procedure. Instead of discontinuing their most popular color film, Kodak made a new version that required a less-toxic (but still toxic) and less complicated (but still complicated) development process. This appeased those who wanted the film gone, but the new version of Kodachrome was not initially well received by all photographers, some of whom liked the old version better. William Eggleston, for example, who used Kodachrome extensively in his early career, wasn’t a fan of the new version, and used other films instead.

In 1974, because of the new less-toxic development process, Kodachrome II was replaced by Kodachrome 25 and Kodachrome-X was replaced by Kodachrome 64. They also introduced Kodachrome 200, a high-ISO version. This generation of Kodachrome is what most people think of when they picture (pun intended) the film, gracing the pages of magazines like National Geographic. Due to Kodachrome’s sharpness, grain, color, contrast, and archival characteristics, it was a great all-around option that worked well in most circumstance. Steve McCurry, who is perhaps the best-known photographer to extensively use this era of Kodachrome, said of the film, “It has almost a poetic look with beautiful colors that were vibrant and true to what you were shooting.”

*Captured using real Kodachrome 64 35mm color transparency film on a Canon AE-1.*

I shot many rolls of Kodachrome 64, and a few rolls of Kodachrome 25. My favorite was Kodachrome 64 because it had more contrast and more saturated colors—while it was a little less true-to-life, it produced bolder pictures more like Paul Simon’s description. It was a sad day for me when Kodak discontinued it. At that time, I was just getting into digital photography; in retrospect I wish that I had paused on digital and exposed a few more rolls of Kodachrome, just for the joy of it.

Paul Simon shot his Kodachrome on a Nikon camera, and I shot mine on a well-used Canon AE-1. Even though the film is long gone, I now shoot “Kodachrome” on a Fujifilm X100V and an X-E4. Yes, Kodachrome lives, thanks to Fujifilm’s great JPEG output! I’ve created film simulation recipes that mimic Kodachrome 64. While they’re not a 100% perfect match, considering the limited options and parameters that are available in-camera, they’re surprisingly accurate to the film. They certainly attain the “memory color” that Fujifilm’s managers often talk about. Ah, the irony of achieving a Kodachrome look on a Fujifilm camera is not lost on me!

I’ve actually published over 150 recipes (which you can fin on the Fuji X Weekly app) for Fujifilm cameras, many of which are based on film stocks. Using film simulation recipes, no matter the Fujifilm camera you have, allows you to get straight-out-of-camera pictures that appear as if they were post-processed—or, even better, shot on film instead of digital. This is obviously a big time-saver, but can also be more fun.

Whenever I go out to photograph, I always have at least one Fujifilm camera with me, loaded with seven film simulation recipes. My favorite color recipe is Kodak Portra 400 v2, and my favorite black-and-white recipe is Kodak Tri-X 400. Some recipes aren’t modeled after specific films, but produce an analog aesthetic anyway, such as my Xpro ’62 recipe, which has a vintage cross-processed look, and my Positive Film recipe, which is intended to mimic Saul Leiter’s style. I like to load a few of my favorite recipes into my camera before going out, and the remaining presets are often experimental recipes that I’m working on, as I’m always creating new ones.

Kodachrome 64 is one of those recipes that I find myself often programing into my camera—that is, if it isn’t already a C1-C7 preset from my last outing! It has the right amount of nostalgia, delivering those “nice bright colors” and “greens of summer” that “makes you think all the world’s a sunny day.” I can’t help but think, if Paul Simon picked up a Fujifilm camera today to take a photograph, the Kodachrome 64 recipe would be his favorite, and perhaps he’d even write a song about it.

Find these film simulation recipes on the Fuji X Weekly — Film Recipes App!

The Kodachrome 64 Moment!

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

*Captured using the Kodachrome 64 film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V.*

Moment published an article, Why I Never Shoot RAW—Fujifilm Simulations, Recipes, and More!, that includes many of my photographs and even some of my words! I encourage you to check it out! Moment, you might remember, had partnered with me to give away CineBloom filters. I’m extraordinarily honored for the opportunity to collaborate with them on these projects, and I hope that we can work together even more in the future!

There is a mistake in the article that I’d like to point out. Check out the image below:

*Caption reads: “Using Kodachrome 64 Recipe.”*

*This picture was captured using real Kodachrome 64 film.*

The picture above was supposed to be an example photograph of the actual film, which I captured over 20 years ago using real Kodachrome 64 film shot on a Canon AE-1 camera. So it is film, and not a film simulation. A couple other mistakes are found in the recipe itself: Dynamic Range should be DR200, and Noise Reduction should be -4. But, you know, it’s always alright to “season to taste” a recipe, so maybe that is how they prefer those settings.

I’m super happy to have been included in this writeup! I’m stoked that Moment found this recipe to be a valuable resource to the photography community—so valuable, in fact, that they were eager to share it with their customers on their website. Honestly, I’m flattered. Thank you, Moment!

Why I Never Shoot RAW—Fujifilm Simulations, Recipes, and More!

SOOC Viewer Images!

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

This short video is about you! These are the viewer submitted pictures from Season 01 Episode 02 of the SOOC live video series. I want to give a special “Thank You” to everyone who participated! This whole video series is for you, and I appreciate all who tuned in. I hope that you’ve found it helpful and, at the very least, entertaining. Click here if you missed Episode 01, and click here if you missed Episode 02. Episode 03 will be on Thursday, September 9th, so mark your calendars! Click here if you’d like to submit a picture for Episode 03 captured with the Fujicolor C200 film simulation recipe. Those who submit photographs are entered into a drawing to win a year Patron subscription to the Fuji X Weekly App!

I hope to see you on September 9th!

SOOC Episode 02 (and Episode 03!)

Posted on August 14, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

Despite a little technical trouble, Episode 02 of SOOC was a great success! I appreciate everyone who tuned in, and for everyone who participated. You guys are great! And it was wonderful to see your Kodachrome II pictures! Here’s the link to submit your Fujicolor C200 photographs: click here. I hope there was something in the broadcast that you found helpful or interesting, and that it was worth your time. It was supposed to be 45 minutes, but it ended up doubling that! If you missed it, you can watch it above.

The technical difficulty that I had on my end is this: my Fujifilm X-E4 that I was using for this broadcast kept overheating. In my review of the camera, I stated that I thought a similar overheating issue to the X100V was possible. Up until this video, which was being recorded live, I had not experienced it. Well, now you and I know: the X-E4 is prone to overheating if left on too long. I’ll use a different camera for future episodes.

I don’t believe the Fuji X Weekly App 12-month Patron giveaway winner has stepped forward yet. Adnan Omanovic was randomly selected from those who submitted pictures. Adnan, if you read this, leave a comment or send me a message so that I can get you your prize.

Episode 03 is already scheduled! If you click on the video where it says “Watch on YouTube” you can then “set a reminder” so you don’t miss it. Otherwise, mark your calendar for September 9th. I hope to see you then!

Fuji Features: Kodachrome on Fujifilm

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

The last Fuji Features article was about Monochrome, so this one is about color—more specifically, Kodachrome. For those who don’t know, Fuji Features is a weekly series where I Google some topic related to Fujifilm and post what I find. Each week has a different theme, and this week it’s Kodachrome.

I’ve published a ton of different film simulation recipes named Kodachrome: Vintage Kodachrome, Kodachrome I, Kodachrome II, X-Trans IV Kodachrome II, X-Trans II Kodachrome II, Kodachrome 64, X-Trans II Kodachrome 64, new Kodachrome 64, Kodachrome without Classic Chrome, and even Monochrome Kodachrome. These are popular recipes because Kodachrome was such an iconic film with a special aesthetic. It’s impossible to 100% recreate the film with Fujifilm JPEGs, but it is possible to get pretty close to recreating the feel and magic of it with Fujifilm cameras, something that’s really just incredible when you think about it.

Below you’ll find a bunch of articles and videos that are about using one (or more) of these recipes. I’m sure that I missed a few, so if you know of something that I failed to include, please post a link in the comments.

Enjoy!

Jamie Chance Travels

Island in the Net

Alik Griffen

Lee Jones

Travelling Lens

Senri Blog

Two Fujifilm X-Trans IV Film Simulation Recipes: Kodachrome II

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

*Mountain Suburbs* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome II”

One of the more popular film simulation recipes that I’ve created is Kodachrome II, which was made for X-Trans III sensor cameras. While you can use that recipe on X-Trans IV cameras, the newer models have some JPEG options that the older ones don’t, so it can be fun to utilize those options to produce a different and hopefully better version of an old recipe. In this case, I have two new versions of Kodachrome II for X-Trans IV cameras.

Kodak introduced Kodachrome in 1935, and in 1961 they replaced the original film with a new and improved version called Kodachrome II and a higher-ISO sibling called Kodachrome-X. These films had more accurate color, finer grain and faster ISOs (ISO 25 and 64, respectively, compared to ISO 10) than the previous version. It was a big leap forward for color photography, and so it is no surprise that the innovators of color photography in the 1960’s and 1970’s relied heavily on it. It’s also the version that Paul Simon sang, “They give us the greens of summer, makes you think all the world’s a sunny day.”

Kodachrome II and Kodachrome-X produced a very similar look to each other. The main differences were in grain, contrast and saturation, but overall the variations were quite minor. Kodachrome-X was slightly more bold while Kodachrome II was slightly more clean. Even so, comparing slides, it’s tough to distinguish one from the other (conveniently, I have my grandparents old slides at my home). Even though I have named these two film simulation recipes “Kodachrome II” I think they more closely resembles Kodachrome-X film, but I find them to be a reasonable facsimile for both.

*Yellow Arrow* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Kodachrome II v2”

Because of the toxic chemicals used in the development of this era of Kodachrome, plus the complexity of the process, Kodak changed from K-12 development to K-14 development, which ushered in new Kodachrome in 1974, called Kodachrome 25 and Kodachrome 64. This version of the film is the one that I have personally used. Interestingly enough, even though this version wasn’t all that much aesthetically different than the previous, there was a big outcry among photographers, and a large group who used Kodachrome II and Kodachrome-X did not appreciate the change.

While I created the X-Trans III Kodachrome II recipe, it was Thomas Schwab who modified it for X-Trans IV. His version, entitled Kodachrome II, is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10 and X-E4. In some of my example pictures below I used a Tiffen 1/4 Black Pro-Mist diffusion filter with my X100V. Why? Because I haven’t used this filter in awhile and wanted to. I don’t think it adds anything essential to the recipe. In fact, you might prefer the results without the filter. Thank you, Thomas, for creating and sharing this update to the original recipe!

I made a slightly modified version, entitled Kodachrome II v2, which is compatible with the X-T4, X-S10 and X-E4. I used this recipe on my X-E4 (without any diffusion filter). This isn’t intended to be a “better” recipe, just a slightly different version using the new JPEG options found in my X-E4. Both of these film simulation recipes can be found in the Fuji X Weekly app!

Kodachrome II

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

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this new Kodachrome II film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

*Rooflines* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Backyard Play Kitchen* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Playing Backyard Kitchen* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Hover Scooter* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Chair by a Fence* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Jo in Evening Light* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Brothers* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Easter Egg Basket* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Jon with Walkie Talkie* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Fake Plants on a Shelf* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Kodachrome II v2

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +1
Shadow: +1.5
Color: +1
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: +1
Clarity: -2
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Weak
White Balance: Auto White Priority, +3 Red & -5 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this new Kodachrome II v2 film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X-E4:

*Table Between Chairs* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Brothers Playing Together* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Fenced Horse* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Bicycle Sky* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Stop the Storm* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Grabber* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Handle* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Hand Spade* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Jo Holding a Toy* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

*Jo & Josh Playing* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-E4

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Fujifilm X100V Film Simulation Recipe: Kodachrome 1

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

*Kodak Blossoms* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 1”

Kodachrome
They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summer
Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day

*Forest Brooks* – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 1”

In 1935 Kodak released its next Kodachrome, which was a color transparency film with an ISO of 10. This Kodachrome was the first color film that produced reasonably accurate colors and was the first commercially successful color film. It became the standard film for color photography for a couple decades, and was even Ansel Adams’ preferred choice for color work. The December 1946 issue of Arizona Highways, which was the first all-color magazine in the world, featured Barry Goldwater’s Kodachrome images.

Another generation of Kodachrome, which came out in 1974, saw Kodachrome II replaced by Kodachrome 25 and Kodachrome-X replaced by Kodachrome 64. The differences between this version and the previous weren’t huge with nearly identical image quality. The biggest change was going from the K-12 to the K-14 development process (which was a little less complex, but still complex). This generation of Kodachrome is what most people think of when they picture (pun intended) the film, gracing the pages of magazines like National Geographic.

*CPI* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V – “Kodachrome 1”

I personally have shot plenty of Kodachrome, mostly Kodachrome 64. It was a good general use film that produced sharp images and pleasing colors. I haven’t used it in more than a decade. Its days are gone. Even if you can find an old roll of the film, there are no labs in the world that will develop it.

This Kodachrome 1 film simulation recipe is meant to mimic that first era of Kodachrome. This isn’t your parent’s or grandparent’s Kodachrome, it’s your great-grandparent’s. This Kodachrome 1 recipe is actually an updated version of my Vintage Kodachrome recipe. Since the new Fujifilm cameras have more JPEG options, such as Clarity, Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome Effect Blue, it’s possible to get more accurate or at least different looks out-of-camera. This recipe is very similar to the original version, but I hope this one is just a tad better. It’s only compatible with the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4 cameras; if you don’t have one of those cameras, give the Vintage Kodachrome recipe a try. Both the old and this new version have a great vintage analog look that I’m sure many of you will appreciate. I want to give a big “thank you” to Fuji X Weekly reader Thomas Schwab for his help with updating this recipe.

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

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodachrome 1 film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:

*Reel 2 Reel* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Behind the Grocery Store* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*American Neighborhood* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Open Window Blinds* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Playing Cards* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Summer* *Bloom* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Forest Edge* – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Dead Tree Trunk* – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Trees of Life & Death* – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X100V

*Sunlight & Leaves* – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X100V

Fujifilm X100V + Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe + Rover Mini Cooper (Video)

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

My friend, James, has a 1994 Rover Mini Cooper. It’s such a cool classic car! He imported it from Japan, and the driver sits on the right side instead of the left, which is unusual in America. What I love about this car is its vintage features; it looks older than the year it was built. It has great retro styling, and you don’t see many of these older models on the road. I asked him if I could photograph it, and he graciously agreed.

The camera that I chose for this photo shoot is the Fujifilm X100V. It’s a fun camera to use, and it unsurprisingly handled this situation well—there’s not much that this camera isn’t a good choice for (wildlife photography, perhaps?). For automobile photography it did nothing but deliver beautiful picture after beautiful picture.

The film simulation recipe that I programmed into the X100V is Kodachrome 64, which is a film that was very popular in 1994 when this car was new. I thought it would be appropriate to give the pictures an aesthetic that matched its year built, as if these images could have been captured when the car was new. In 2010 Kodachrome was discontinued, including the chemicals to develop it, so it’s impossible to capture with Kodachrome today. My Kodachrome 64 film simulation recipe might be the closest you can get to the film straight-out-of-camera.

My wife, Amanda, who created the video at the top of this article, programmed my Kodachrome 64 recipe into the Fujifilm X-T30 and X-T20, two cameras that she used to record this photo shoot. Something that some of you might be unaware of is that my film simulation recipes can be used for video, too! No need for color grading. No need for LUT presets. I bet some of you just had your mind blown! She also used a GoPro Hero 8, and we tried to color match it to the Fujifilm clips, but that proved to be a difficult task. If you want Kodachrome-looking clips, you might be better off simply using the film simulation recipe on your Fujifilm camera instead of trying to recreate it in software.

When we started the photo shoot, it was evening light just before sunset. Smoke from the wildfires in California diffused the sun and gave a warm glow, which was quite nice; however, the sun quickly disappeared below the horizon and the light changed significantly. It was dusk by the time we stopped shooting. The great light was short lived, but we worked quickly to take advantage of it while it lasted.

One challenge with car photography is that there are often lots and lots of reflections, which can make it difficult to keep yourself (or other things you don’t want) from showing up in the images. You have to be very conscious of the entire frame. Yes, unwanted reflections can be removed in software, but the point of this exercise is to not use software, but get the desired results out-of-camera unedited. Reflections can also be used creatively, so it’s not just a challenge to avoid unwanted reflections, but to maximize good reflections.

I want to give a big “Thank You” to James for allowing us to photograph his Rover Mini. I enjoyed collaborating with him. If you like the video, be sure to give it a thumbs up and let us know with a comment! Please subscribe to the Fuji X Weekly YouTube channel if you don’t already. Thanks for watching!

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

Gear:
Fujifilm X100V Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T20   Amazon
Fujifilm X-T30 Amazon B&H
Fujinon 10-24mm   Amazon B&H
Rokinon 12mm   Amazon B&H
GoPro Hero 8 Black   Amazon B&H

Fuji X Weekly’s Kodachrome Recipes on YouTube

Posted on May 19, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Popular Fujifilm YouTubers Andrew & Denae just posted a video that features Fuji X Weekly, specifically my three Kodachrome film simulation recipes! It’s an interesting video that’s worth 11 minutes of your time. I embedded it above, so take a look!

Kodachrome is one of the films that I liked to shoot with many years ago. Back then, everyone used Kodachrome it seemed. It was a very popular film, but because of the complex and toxic process required to develop it, and lower sales due to digital photography, Kodak discontinued it in 2009. Kodachrome is gone, but people still want the Kodachrome look. My recipes allow people to get a Kodachrome aesthetic straight out of their Fujifilm camera.

Of course, Kodachrome can look different depending on various variables. There were different eras of Kodachrome, and different film options, each with its own look. How you view the picture greatly effects the look: light table, projector, print, or scan, and how so. You can’t make a recipe that mimics all of these variables, but I do think my three options are good at recreating a Kodachrome look in-camera.

I want to give a special Thank You to Andrew & Denae for trying my Kodachrome recipes and for featuring this website on their video. They said a lot of kind things, and I really appreciate their encouragement. Check out their YouTube channel and subscribe if you don’t already! Also, as a reminder, Fuji X Weekly has a YouTube channel, and I invite you to take a look at it and subscribe.

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: