Reala Ace Recipe | FUJI X WEEKLY

My Five Favorite Fujifilm Film Simulations

Fujifilm’s Film Simulations are not mere digital filters. Harnessing more than 70 years of knowledge and experience making photographic and cinematic films, Fujifilm set out to infuse their X and GFX cameras with an analog soul. With a combination of complex elements, these Film Simulations provide a wide variety of looks inspired by film or darkroom techniques. There are 20 different Film Simulations on the latest models, and it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. I like some more than others, but which are best is personal—my preferences might be different than yours. For me, five Film Simulations have emerged as iconic, and are my personal favorites. There are others that didn’t make this cut that I also appreciate and use regularly. Each Film Simulation has its moment when it works really well.

My five favorites are Acros, Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Nostalgic Neg., and Reala Ace. We’ll take a look at each of them. I will also recommend a few Film Simulation Recipes, selected for those who want to experience the full power of Fujifilm’s renown JPEG engine. Recipes use the various JPEG parameters made available by Fujifilm to customize the aesthetic of the Film Simulations, producing a variety of looks that are often based off of classic film stocks.

Acros – The Soul of Black & White

Top: Fujifilm GFX100S II & Kodak Tri-X 400; Bottom Left: Fujifilm X-T5 & Kodak T-Max P3200; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X100F & Agfa Scala

Acros is Fujifilm’s crowning achievement in monochrome photography. This Film Simulation replicates the tonal response and grain structure of real panchromatic film. It features smooth gradation, deep blacks, and beautiful highlight roll-off. Acros is unique because Grain is applied algorithmically and varies depending on ISO and exposure, giving it an organic analog-like feel. Fujifilm offers three filter variants: Acros+R (simulates the use of a red filter), Acros+Ye (simulations the use of a yellow filter), and Acros+G (simulates the use of a green filter), further mimicking the tonal rendering of black-and-white film.

This Film Simulation shines in genres where texture and tone are essential, especially street photography, portraits, documentary, and minimalism. Acros is ideal when you want to eliminate the distraction of color and focus purely on light and form. When paired with the right Recipe, it can evoke the gritty spirit of classic film stocks like Tri-X, or deliver a softer tonality for quieter moments. The Acros Recipes below are some of my personal favorites.

Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak T-Max P3200
Agfa Scala

Classic Chrome – A Kodak Aesthetic

Top: GFX100S II & Kodachrome 64; Bottom Left: Fujifilm X100VI & Kodak Portra 400 v2; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X-T4 & Reggie’s Portra

Classic Chrome was modeled after classic photojournalism photographs, and produces a documentary-style look. The reference pictures were emulsions like Kodachrome and Ektachrome. While Fujifilm will never say Kodak, Classic Chrome has a distinctive Kodak-like color palette. With a slightly lower saturation and stronger contrast than many other Film Simulations, it can be used for a bold-yet-somehow-subdued look.

Classic Chrome is great for many genres. It can be adapted for landscapes, portraits, travel, street and urban scenes, or storytelling photography. It’s the most popular Film Simulation for those who use Recipes, and the most iconic Recipes use Classic Chrome as their foundation. Below are the most popular Film Simulation Recipes—not only that use this Film Sim., but out of all Recipes.

Kodachrome 64
Reggie’s Portra
Kodak Portra 400 v2

Classic Negative – Fujicolor Superia Film

Top: Fujifilm X100VI & Fujicolor Superia 800; Bottom Left: Fujifilm X-E4 & Pacific Blues; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X100V & Fujicolor Reala 100

Classic Negative is based on Fujicolor Superia, a line of consumer films known for rich colors and its 4th layer technology, which provided versatility in a variety light situations. It’s a bold Film Simulation with a unique ability: the way it renders is dependent on the brightness of the picture, behaving somewhat similar to the film when overexposed or underexposed—delivering complex, sometimes unpredictable color shifts. Greens can appear silvery, reds can pop or fade depending on the lighting, and skin tones have a nostalgic rendering. The results are reminiscent of pictures found in many photo albums from the 1990’s and early 2000’s.

Classic Negative is especially well suited for snapshots of daily life and family vacations—really, any subject where you want a stylized, analog-inspired aesthetic. It exaggerates contrast in a way that feels emotionally driven, almost like how memory transforms color and mood. It’s one of the most fun Film Simulations to experiment with, and the Recipes built on it often have strong personalities.

Pacific Blues
Fujicolor Superia 800
Fujicolor Reala 100

Nostalgic Neg. – Classic Americana

Top: Fujifilm X-E5 & Kodak Vericolor VPS; Bottom Left: Fujifilm GFX100S II & 1970’s Summer; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X-T50 & Nostalgic Americana

Introduced with the GFX100S and later made available in fifth-generation X-Trans V cameras, Nostalgic Neg. was designed to mimic the aesthetic of New American Color prints from the 1970’s. It was inspired by the works of William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Joel Sternfeld and Richard Misrach, among others. Like Classic Chrome, Nostalgic Neg. has a strong Kodak-like rendering, albeit from a different era. Nostalgic Neg. gives the feeling of looking through an old photo album filled with warm memories, especially prints from the ’60’s and ’70’s.

This Film Simulation excels in storytelling, and is especially great for travel and documentary photography. Nostalgic Neg. is an emotional Film Simulation, and Recipes built on it often lean into the sentimental, creating photos that feel more like visual poetry than true-to-life renderings.

1970’s Summer
Nostalgic Americana
Kodak Vericolor VPS

Reala Ace – Negative for a New Era

Top: Fujifilm X100VI & Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm; Bottom Left: Fujifilm X-E5 & Summer Sun; Bottom Right: Fujifilm X-T50 & Pushed Analog

Reala Ace is the newest Film Simulation in Fujifilm’s lineup. It blends natural color fidelity with enhanced contrast and shadow depth, aiming to strike a balance between documentary realism and artistic expression. The tones are clean and accurate, but never sterile—just enough pop to give photographs life without looking overly processed. It’s most similar to PRO Neg. Std, but isn’t exactly like it, either, with an obvious nod to Fujicolor PRO 160C color negative film.

Reala Ace is an excellent choice for all-purpose photography—whether you’re shooting travel, street, portraits, or landscapes. It can be adapted to a wide range of subjects, lighting, and moods. As a base for Recipes, it can be made to produce a variety of different looks. It’s not surprising to me that Reala Ace is becoming a go-to Film Simulation for many photographers.

Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm
Pushed Analog
Summer Sun

These five Film Simulations—Acros, Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Nostalgic Neg., and Reala Ace—represent the heart of Fujifilm’s JPEG magic. Each offers a unique way to see the world. They allow you to create finished straight-out-of-camera photographs that look great and don’t need to be edited, especially when combined with Film Simulation Recipes. Film Simulations and Recipes are tools of expression, just like film stocks. Shoot more, edit less, and let your camera become your darkroom. Wow, I need to use that last sentence as a tagline or something.

Summer Sun — Fujifilm X-E5 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on June 27 by Ritchie Roesch

*Buckeye Motor Hotel* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 – Summer Sun Recipe

Back when I was creating the Provia Summer Film Simulation Recipe, which was back in January, I was also working on another summer-like Recipe using the Reala Ace Recipe. Like that Recipe, this one is in the same vein as Bright Summer, Bright Kodak, Eterna Summer, Summer of ’59, 1970’s Summer, California Summer, Texas Sun, Kodak Portra 800 v3, and others. It wasn’t the right time of year, so I set it aside and (quite literally) forgot about it for awhile; however, I recently rediscovered it, and it just so happens to be the perfect season for it.

This new Recipe, which I’m calling Summer Sun, is bright and warm. If a hot summer day was a picture aesthetic, it’s this. It has a vintage film-like charm, maybe along the lines of Kodak Ultra Color 100UC used with a warming filter (maybe 81C). It’s not specifically modeled after that, but has some similarities nonetheless.

*Death of a Chevy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 – Summer Sun Recipe

This Summer Sun Recipe is very warm, so it’s definitely not for every subject or light situation. It’s best on a bright sunny day, but can still be okay in partly-sunny situations. It’s compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, and X-E5. It’s also compatible with the latest GFX models, specifically the GFX100 II, GFX100S II, and GFX100RF.

Film Simulation: Reala Ace
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: 7200K, -2 Red & +2 Blue
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -2
Color: +4
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 captured using this Summer Sun Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-E5, X100VI & X-S20:

*Manhattan from Hotel Window* – NYC, NY – Fujifilm X100VI

*Fruits & Vegetables* – NYC, NY – Fujifilm X100VI

*Building Backsides* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

*Spirits of the Past* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

*Green Mack* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

*It’s Corn* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

*Newly Planted Palms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

*Evening Palm Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

*Suburban Palm* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

*Flowering Tree* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Brooklyn Bridge between Trees* – NYC, NY – Fujifilm X100VI

*Bridge, Runner* – NYC, NY – Fujifilm X100VI

*It’s All Greek to Me* – Washington, D.C. – Fujifilm X100VI

*Red Dumpster* – Washington, D.C. – Fujifilm X100VI

*Summer Joy* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

*Hidden Tower* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Fireworks Stop* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and 400 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired — Fujifilm X-Trans V Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on December 31 by Ritchie Roesch

*Half Moon Over Central Park* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired

This new Film Simulation Recipe came about after someone shared with me some photographs they captured with a roll of long-expired Kodak Gold Max 400 film. Kodak introduced this color negative emulsion in 1987 under the name Kodacolor VR-G 400. Later, they renamed it GC 400, Gold 400, Ultra Gold 400, Gold Max 400, Max 400, Max Versatility 400, then Ultramax 400, which is still available today. Over the years the emulsion has been updated a few times, but it is still essentially a 1980’s Kodacolor film.

Even though the roll was long-expired, it looked pretty good. Sometimes expired film has a much different aesthetic than a fresh roll, and sometimes it’s only subtly different. In this case, it seemed more muted and grainy than Ultramax 400, and with a little different color cast, but overall not overtly divergent. The photographer did edit the scans a little, which I’m sure affected the outcome. I wasn’t able to perfectly match it, but I feel this was pretty close. I also found some examples of expired Kodak Gold Max 400 film online, and this Recipe seems to similarly match those images fairly well but not perfectly.

What I love about this Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired Recipe is that it has an obvious analog vibe. The pictures captured with it just seem film-like to me. You could probably convince some people that you didn’t use a digital camera. These photographs don’t look like typical camera-made JPEGs.

*Sand Trail* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired – Photo by Amanda Roesch

This Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which, as of this writing, are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, and X-M5. You can use it on newer GFX cameras, too. I have a couple of photos at the bottom that were captured with a GFX100S II, and it seems pretty close to the X-Trans V rendering.

Film Simulation: Reala Ace
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: 6700K, +1 Red & +4 Blue
Highlight: -1.5
Shadow: +1.5
Color: -2
Sharpness: -2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to +1 1/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Kodak Gold Max 400 Expired Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X100VI, X-T5 & X-S20:

Oh – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI

*Street Portrait* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Model Photography* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Two Ladies and a Dog* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Light on a Dark Building* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Pentax Photographer* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Bench Corner* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Three Story Home* – North Bergen, NJ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Alien Dunkin’* – Roswell, NM – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Tractors is dumb* – Tularosa, NM – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Family Boating* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X100VI

*Three Leaves in the Water* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X100VI

*Flag on a Windy Day* – Roswell, NM – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Wood Fence* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch

*Christmas Sand* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Amanda Roesch

*Roesch Kids* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Amanda Roesch

*Dry Brush* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm X-T5 – Photo by Amanda Roesch

Fujifilm GFX100S II:

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

Fujifilm X-T5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-S20:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, WEX, Nuzira
Fujifilm GFX100S II:
Amazon, B&H, Wex

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 350 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Top 10 Most Popular Fujicolor Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Manhattan from Pulaski Bridge* – Fujifilm X-T50 – PRO Negative 160C

I get asked fairly regularly which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular. For me, this is a fascinating topic, but it’s definitely hard to know definitively. While I get a glimpse on social media, my best gauge is the Fuji X Weekly website statistics; specifically, which Recipe articles are viewed the most. I don’t collect any data on the Fuji X Weekly App, so that’s no help—although, if I did, it would likely offer the most accurate picture; however, it would still be impossible to know which Recipes people programmed into their Fujifilm cameras, or how often they used each. Perhaps a survey would be particularly useful, yet even it has its limitations. While certainly a flawed method, page-view website statics offer the best glimpse at which Film Simulation Recipes are the most popular, so that’s what I’m using for this article. These are simply the Top 10 most-viewed Fujicolor Recipes on the Fuji X Weekly website so far in 2024.

It’s close enough to the end of the year that there is unlikely to be much movement, if any, between now and January 1st, so I thought it would be a good time to begin looking at year-end statistics. When I share the Top 25 most popular Recipes of any given month, the results are pretty predictable: color Recipes dominate, especially those that mimic Kodak film stocks and use Classic Chrome. On the suggestion of a Fuji X Weekly reader, I’m going to share some Top 10 articles for Recipe categories where few are likely to crack the Top 25 overall. I started with B&W; now we’ll look at Fujicolor-related Recipes.

*Boats & Bridge* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – PRO Negative 160C

By Fujicolor, I mean Recipes that are (generally speaking) intended to mimic Fujicolor film stocks, or are named after a Fujifilm emulsions. I did this category last year, actually, and it was quite fascinating. Interestingly, the rankings have change pretty significantly year-over-year; however, I’m not too surprised by the results. I knew that Reala Ace would be Number One, Fujicolor Super HG v2 would be second, and PRO Negative 160C would be third. Beyond that, I wasn’t sure, and a couple inclusions (and exclusions) were a tad surprising.

Without any further delay, below are the most popular Fujicolor Recipes of 2024!

Top 10 Most Popular Fujicolor Film Simulation Recipes of 2024

#1:

Reala Ace

This is one of the most popular Recipes (even briefly #1) of 2024, so I wasn’t surprised in the least to see it at the peak of this list. It uses the Classic Negative film simulation (and not the Real Ace film sim), and is for X-Trans V cameras.

#2:

Fujicolor Super HG v2

A Classic Negative based Recipe that’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras (there’s also an X-Trans IV version). Month-to-month, this one typically ranks between 20th and 30th.

#3:

PRO Negative 160C

This was the first Recipe I published that uses the new Reala Ace film simulation. It’s compatible with X-Trans V cameras.

#4:

Fujicolor Blue

This is an App Patron Early Access Recipe, which means that right now it is only available in the Fuji X Weekly App to Patron subscribers. Eventually it will be available free to everyone, but that might take awhile. This Recipe uses the Classic Negative film simulation, and is compatible with X-Trans V cameras. It’s very new—published in late October—so its inclusion (and high ranking) is pretty shocking.

#5:

Fujicolor Superia 800

Last year, this Recipe was #1 on this list. It’s an older one that uses PRO Neg. Std, and is compatible with X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3 and X-T30.

#6:

Superia Xtra 400

This is the X-Trans V version of this Recipe (the X-Trans IV version is a little further down). It uses the Classic Negative film simulation. Last year it was ranked #10.

#7:

Fujicolor Superia 800

This Recipe is for X-Trans IV cameras, and uses the Classic Negative film simulation. It was ranked #2 on this list last year.

#8:

Superia Xtra 400

This is the X-Trans IV version of this Recipe, and it uses the Classic Negative film simulation. It was ranked #6 last year.

#9:

Fujicolor 100 Industrial

This is a Reala Ace based Recipe for X-Trans V models; however, there is a version that’s compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30 that didn’t make this list.

#10:

Fujicolor Superia 100

This Recipe uses Classic Negative and is for X-Trans IV models; however, there is an X-Trans V version that didn’t make this list. Last year, this Recipe was ranked #4.

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

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

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

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

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

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

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

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

Film Simulation: Reala Ace
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: 5000K, 0 Red & -2 Blue
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -0.5
Color:+2
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Fujifilm Negative Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T5:

*Indoor Grass* – Nashville, TN – Fujifilm X-T5

*Modeling* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch

*Friendly Conversation* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch

*Hot Dog Stand* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch

*Photowalk* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch

*Stories* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch

*Talking About Cameras* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch

*Reviewing Pictures* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch

*Setting a Recipe* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T5 – by Amanda Roesch

*Crosses on Steeples* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T5

*Oak Leaf* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5

*Lake Morning* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5

*First Catch* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5

*Third Catch* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5

*Fourth Catch* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5

*Shore Fishing* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5

*Dock Fishing* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5

*Breakfast* – Clinton, CT – Fujifilm X-T5

*Camera on a Bookshelf* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

*Sunset over the Eucalyptus* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5

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

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 350 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Fujicolor Film — Fujifilm X100VI (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Rainbows over Philly* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Film Recipe

As a part of the Philadelphia photowalk that I co-led last month, I gave a presentation at Unique Photo on Fujifilm’s Film Simulations and my Film Simulation Recipes. While I was researching for that presentation, I came across a statement by Fujifilm where they dubbed the new Reala Ace film sim as “a negative for the new era.” That slogan—negative for the new era—caught my imagination, and made me consider what it might mean, and how that could translate into a Recipe aesthetic.

Fujifilm claims that the Reala Ace film simulation is modeled after the Reala Ace 100 color negative film, which was a variant of Fujicolor Superia Reala 100 that was only sold in Japan; however, I believe that is more marketing than reality. The emulsion that the Reala Ace film sim is the most similar to is Fujicolor PRO 160C. In my opinion, Fujifilm should have called it PRO Neg. C, as it is clearly in the same family as PRO Neg. Std and PRO Neg. Hi, and is not a Superia aesthetic, which is what the Classic Negative film simulation mimics. But, either way, the Reala Ace film simulation is quite nice, and definitely has a color negative film quality to it.

*Saltwater Marsh* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Film Recipe

Prior to making this Fujicolor Film Recipe, I pulled out a photobox from my closet, and begin sorting through some of my prints from 15-20 years ago that I knew I had captured using a Fujicolor negative film. All of them were printed on Crystal Archive paper at Ritz camera. While I used those pictures to help create this Recipe, I didn’t try to closely copy any specific aesthetic, but was more just generally inspired by those prints. Later, I dug out the negatives (stored in a different box), and I was a little surprised by what films were actually used for those photos: Fujicolor PRO 160S, Fujicolor NPS 160, Fujicolor PRO 400H, Fujicolor Superia Reala 100, Fujicolor Superia 100, and Kodak Gold 100 (oops… I guess I got that one wrong).

I would describe this new Fujicolor Film Recipe as generally similar to a Fujicolor negative film printed on Fujicolor Crystal Archive paper. It’s true-to-life, and not particularly punchy. It definitely has the right feel for printed Fujicolor PRO 160S, although it’s not specifically closely modeled after that—it’s more of a happy accident than on purpose; however, it was inspired in part by that emulsion, so it shouldn’t be too surprising.

*Palm & Blue Sky* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor Film Recipe

This Film Simulation Recipe is compatible with all fifth-generation Fujifilm X-series cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50 cameras. You can also use it on the latest GFX models; however, it will render slightly different (try it anyway). For best results, use in sunny daylight; however, as you can see from the photos in this article, it can be used in a variety of light conditions. It is intended to be your Fujicolor “negative” for the new era.

Film Simulation: Reala Ace
Dynamic Range: DR400
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Weak
Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak
White Balance: 5500K, -1 Red & -1 Blue
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -0.5
Color: -2
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -2
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this “Fujicolor Film” Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X100VI:

*Floating on the Ocean* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*New York* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Happiness is a Beach* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Yankees Girl* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Low Tide* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Salt Pond* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Atlantic Through Trees* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Clothes Pins* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Sunstar & Clothesline* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Chimney* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Cape Cod Bay House* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Garden Flowers* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Bunches of Blossoms* – Plymouth, MA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Yellow Blo*oms – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Independence* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Independence Hall* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Sky Rainbow* – Philadelphia, PA – Fujifilm X100VI

*Carrabba’s Twice* – Maple Shade, NJ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Fruitstand* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Firetrucks* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Black Bike* – Jersey City, NJ – Fujifilm X100VI

*Don’t Walk* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI

*Yankees Stadium* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI

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

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 350 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Pushed Analog — Fujifilm X-T50 (X-Trans V) Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Rainbow over Hoboken* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50 – Pushed Analog Recipe

I created this new Film Simulation Recipe while on my four-city photowalk tour. I didn’t have any specific film in mind, but wanted something contrasty, colorful, and warm—perhaps vaguely reminiscent of a push-processed Kodak emulsion without mimicking anything specific. In fact, I didn’t even reference any photographs when I created this (which is unusual for me), just used my experience making Recipes to achieve the aesthetic that I was after. Since it is only similar to pushed film in a very generic way, I named this Recipe very simply Pushed Analog.

Pushing film is where you purposefully underexpose, and then increase the time in the developer to compensate. This Recipe might be more similar to ISO 100 film pushed one stop or maybe two at most (but probably not two stops). Pushing film increases the contrast and grain, and makes the images more punchy and gritty. The more you push, the stronger the effect. The warmth in this Recipe is similar to using a warming filter, such as an 81A or something similar, with daylight balanced film, which used to be common in the film era.

*Ciao & Church* – Boston, MA – Fujifilm X-T50 – Pushed Analog Recipe

This Pushed Analog Film Simulation Recipe isn’t for every subject or situation, and not everyone is going to like it. Some of you will love it, I’m certain; however, this is not an everyday option that everyone will appreciate. I found that it works best in sunny daylight, and can also be a good option for dusk or dawn. It’s so-so for overcast days, and not good for artificial light. You can get dramatic results, but you might not find every image to be striking. This Recipe is compatible with all fifth-generation X-series cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50.

Film Simulation: Reala Ace
Dynamic Range: DR200
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong
White Balance: Fluorescent 1, -3 Red & -2 Blue
Highlight: +1.5
Shadow: +2
Color: +4
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: -3
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Pushed Analog Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T50:

*Upper Manhatten* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Richie’s Lemon Ice* – Boston, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Yellow Umbrellas* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50

*P is for Parking* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Chimney between the Trees* – Salem, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Vines on the Building* – Salem, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Maria Pepe* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Two Motorcycles* – Boston, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Lost Shoes* – Salem, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Apartment Reflections* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Lego Brick*s – Boston, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Troupe* – Braintree, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Back Door* – Braintree, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Green Cans* – Nashville, TN – Fujifilm X-T50

*Church Parking* – Salem, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*St Stephen’s* – Boston, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*W.B. Mason* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50

*Bova’s Bakery* – Boston, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*Paul Revere’s House* – Boston, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*John P. Felt House* – Salem, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*St. Anthony’s Feast Parade* – Boston, MA – Fujifilm X-T50

*New York from New Jersey* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50

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

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 350 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

Ektachrome E100 — Fujifilm X-T50 (X-Trans V) FXW App Patron Early-Access Recipe

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Garden Flower* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50 – Ektachrome E100

Several weeks back I stumbled on a review of Kodak Ektachrome E100 color reversal film (the current version), and I thought: That looks a lot like the Reala Ace film simulation. I took a guess at some settings, but didn’t put much effort into testing or refining them. I got busy with some other things (such as planning and preparing for a four-city photowalk tour), and neglected to do anything more. More recently, Fuji X Weekly reader Dan Allen messaged me with the same exact observation about Ektachrome E100 and Reala Ace, which made me revisit the project.

Dan actually captured some side-by-side photos with Ektachrome E100 and a Fujifilm camera using the Reala Ace film simulation; however, he couldn’t quite get it to match. Interestingly, the settings that he had come up with as the closest facsimile were quite similar to mine. It was thought that the particular scanner used likely played a role in the exact aesthetic of the Ektachrome images—one film can produce a variety of looks depending on how it was shot, developed, and printed, projected, or scanned, among other things. Being a slide film, E100 is inherently designed to be projected. While this Recipe isn’t an exact match to Dan’s Ektachrome slides (although it’s not terribly far off, either), it does share a lot of resemblance with some Ektachrome E100 images that can be found online.

Kodak introduced Ektachrome in 1946. I counted once, and there are over 40 different emulsions that have been called Ektachrome over the years, not including slight revisions or improvements to the same film. The “E” development process was invented for Ektachrome film… it began with E1; the E6 process that’s used today was introduced in 1977. Each different Ektachrome and development process produced a divergent look. Kodak discontinued Ektachrome in 2012, but in 2018 they brought back Ektachrome E100. Some have suggested that this new version is simply a revision of Ektachrome E100G, but I don’t believe that’s been verified—it may or may not be.

*Caution Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50 – Ektachrome E100

While Reala Ace can be made into a pretty close match to Kodak Ektachrome E100, there are some issues that prevent it from being even more accurate—I would love a +5 Color option, for instance. Skin tones aren’t perfect, either—it’s possible to improve that, but at the expense of other attributes. I also think DR-Auto would be a good option, but the camera doesn’t jump to DR200 quickly enough, in my opinion. This Recipe is not perfect, but after a lot of tries over the years, this is the most satisfied I’ve been with any of my attempts, and I think it’s convincing enough to be given the Ektachrome E100 name.

This is an App Patron Early-Access Recipe. If you are a Fuji X Weekly App Patron, you have access to it right now. If not, no worries, as it will eventually be made available to everyone, once it is replaced by a new Early-Access Recipe. It is compatible with all fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, and X-T50. I’m sure it can also be used on the latest GFX models; however, it will likely render slightly different (try it anyway).

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Ektachrome E100 Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T50:

*Corn Dog* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Window Succulent* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Airline Club* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Terminal Passenger* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Green Plant on a Red Desk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Concrete Wall & Shrubs* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Empty Table* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Tommy Christie* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Sunlit Vine* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Backlit Bougainvillea Blossoms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Bougainvillea Afternoon* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Water Feature* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Folding Chair & Empty Pot* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Flag Flanked by Palms* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Palm Trees & Blue Sky* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Summer in Arizona* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Beach Ball* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Poolside Table & Chair* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Josh after a Swim* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Sunset over the Desert Hills* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Sunset above the Treetops* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Fares, Flexibility & Feet* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T50

*Union Station* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Sunlight through an Urban Tree* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Leaning Mailbox* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Parking Garage* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Circle K* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Printing* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Sleep in Arkansas* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*No Parking Any Time* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

*Red Spines* – Denver, CO – Fujifilm X-T50

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

Find this Film Simulation Recipe and over 350 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

I’m Back… Plus some Fujifilm news

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Service* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 & Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 – Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm

I’m sitting in my new office in my new home typing out this article. After two weeks of packing, moving, cleaning, and unpacking… most everything is still in boxes; however, I’ve unpacked enough to get back to Fuji X Weekly.

In case you missed it, Fujifilm released Kaizen firmware updates for the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20 (the X100VI also has a firmware update). The highlight is that the Reala Ace film simulation is now available for all fifth-generation X series models. If you haven’t updated your camera’s firmware, you may want to do so now.

Kaizen is a Japanese business philosophy that means continuous improvement or change for the better. It can be applied many different ways, but in the case of camera firmware updates, it is simply adding new features or improving existing features (not just bug fixes) for the sake of doing so. This builds customer trust and brand loyalty, because purchasers know that they’re not being left out in the cold whenever innovations occur right after they’ve just spent a bunch of money on a new camera. They can rest assured that the brand cares, which is probably the biggest ingredient for gaining repeat customers.

Fujifilm used to be the king of Kaizen (at least in the camera world), but then they pulled back from it significantly. Now, they’re back at it again—hurray! I would encourage Fujifilm to keep going. Next, they should add Eterna Bleach Bypass and 0.5 Highlight and Shadow adjustments to the X100V and X-Pro3. Then, give Classic Negative to the X-T3 and X-T30 (like the GFX50R and GFX50S have). Those shouldn’t be too hard for them to do. I’d also encourage Fujifilm to update the 40mp cameras with the XPan aspect ratio. Let me know in the comments what Kaizen ideas you’d like to see Fujifilm tackle.

For those who suddenly have a camera with Reala Ace, you might be searching for some Recipes with that film simulation. Well, below are five Film Simulation Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Reala Ace:

PRO Negative 160C

Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm

Fujicolor 100 Industrial

Easy Reala Ace

Kodak Gold 200 v3

I believe the Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm Recipe is the one that Victor Ha, Vice President of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions of Fujifilm North America, recently mentioned in a live Adorama broadcast.

During my move, I received a “monthly content roundup” email from Fujifilm. Perhaps you received the same email. Buried near the bottom was an add for the Fujifilm X-T4 ES, an infrared “extended spectrum” version of the X-T4. Back in 2022, I suggested that Fujifilm should release an IR camera as a “wow” product. I’ve wanted to get into IR photography for some time now, so I ordered it.

While Fujifilm did make an IR version of the X-T1, it was not sold to the general public. I’m not sure if the X-T4 ES was intended to be sold to the general public or not, but I placed my order and was charged. If it was an accident by Fujifilm, I’m certain I will get a refund shortly; if it was, in fact, made available to the general public, it must already be sold out, because the link is no longer active. I’ll keep you updated either way.

If the Fujifilm X-T4 ES sold out so quickly, I think it goes to show that there is indeed some demand for natively infrared models. Also, it seems like an excellent way to clear the shelves of some cameras that were perhaps over-produced. I don’t think Fujifilm has that issue at the moment, as all the current models appear to be doing well, but, in the future, if the situation occurs where they have a bunch of parts for a particular camera sitting around waiting to be manufactured but without demand, converting them to IR might be a way to get them sold.

I think that’s it for now. I’ve got a lot more to write; however, I’ll save that for various articles that will be published over the next week or so. Right now I’ve got to get back to unpacking; specifically, somehow making room in the garage for a car. I’ve received a bunch of comments, messages, emails, etc., that I’ve yet to respond to—it might take me several days, but I hope to get to all of them soon. I appreciate your patience!

It’s so good to be back. I have a lot to share—some exciting news that I can’t talk about yet but hopefully I can very soon. You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

The Film Simulation Recipes mentioned on Adorama by Victor Ha

Posted on June 23, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Victor Ha – VP, Electronic Imaging & Optical Devices Divisions, Fujifilm North America*

Victor Ha is the Vice President of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions of Fujifilm North America. I met him twice while I was in New York City in May. The first time, I accidentally crashed a Fujifilm lunch meeting (funny story…). I got to introduce myself and not much else. The second time was at a loud and crowded bar. We had a short conversation, but it was a bit difficult due to the environment. Mostly we discussed art and photography in general, and not anything specific about cameras or even Fujifilm. I hope to one day talk about Fujifilm gear with him, as I have a lot of ideas and feedback that I’d love to share; who knows, maybe that opportunity will present itself someday. Anyway, Victor is a really nice guy, and it was a pleasure to speak with him in person.

Victor Ha was recently on a live Adorama YouTube broadcast (Episode 28 of Coffee with Creators) with Seth Miranda (a.k.a. LastXWitness). This is the video that Fujirumors shared indicating that the X-T5’s AF bug would be fixed and Reala Ace would be given to all the fifth-generation X-Trans cameras by the end of June (yea!). Unfortunately, I’ve been really busy over the last week, and I didn’t have a chance to watch it. Someone reached out to me to ask if I’d seen it, stating that I was given a shoutout. I hadn’t, so I watched it. I’ve included the video below, in case you want to view it, too.

If you don’t want to see the whole thing (it’s over an hour long), simply skip ahead to the 6:52 mark. Victor gives a very kind shoutout to Fuji X Weekly and briefly mentions Film Simulation Recipes. Specifically, he brought up the Reala Ace Film Simulation Recipe that I used while in New York City. Actually, I used two. For anyone wondering, I believe the one that he may have been talking about in the video was the Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm Recipe that is a part of my Fujifilm X-T50 Film Dial strategy. The other Recipe that he could have been referring to is PRO Negative 160C. They’re both fairly similar, and can be found in the Fuji X Weekly App (available for Apple and Android). Once the firmware updates are released, which could be any day between now and the end of the week, Reala Ace will be available for the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20 cameras. If you have one of those cameras, soon you’ll be able to use those Recipes, too.

Below are some photographs—all straight-out-of-camera JPEGs—that I captured while in New York using the Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T50:

Below are some photographs—all straight-out-of-camera JPEGs—that I captured while in New York using the PRO Negative 160C Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T50: