One item on my “bucket list” was to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall. Two weeks ago I was able to check that one off; however, I was a little early for the peak autumn show. The trees were only just starting to show fall colors, with little pops here and there. I’ll have to try again sometime in the future, and hopefully time it just a little better. Even though I was a week or two early, it was still an amazing place to visit, and I’m so glad that I was able to go.
I created the Vivid Velvia Film Simulation Recipe in preparation for the trip, intending to use it on this adventure. My two favorite Velvia-based Recipes are The Rockwell and Velvia Film. The Rockwell Recipe, named after Ken Rockwell and designed to be similar to his aesthetic (he actually used it!), is very bold and a bit over-the-top, sometimes a smidge too much. The Velvia Film Recipe, which is a part of the Film Dial universal Recipe set, is very nice, but occasionally not bold enough. This Recipe is intended to bridge the gap between the two, sitting right in-between both of them. It’s a slightly less over-the-top alternative to The Rockwell, and a slightly more bold version of Velvia Film; overall, it’s similar to both.
After using this Vivid Velvia Recipe quite extensively on the trip, I’m very happy with the results. It does well in a variety of situations, including nighttime photography. Obviously, this is not a good choice for portraits, but it’s one of the best options for colorful landscape pictures. This Recipe is compatible with “newer” X-Trans IV cameras (Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II), all fifth-generation X-Trans models (X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, X-M5, X-E5, and X-T30 III), and “newer” GFX cameras (GFX100S, GFX100S II, GFX100 II, and GFX100RF).
Film Simulation: Velvia Dynamic Range: DR400 Grain Effect: Weak, Small Color Chrome Effect: Strong Color Chrome FX Blue: Weak White Balance: Auto Ambience Priority, +1 Red & -3 Blue Highlight: -1 Shadow: -1 Color: +4 Sharpness: +1 High ISO NR: -4 Clarity: +3 ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Vivid Velvia Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-E5:
Rotary Club – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
Lights Left On – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
Cold Drinks – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
White House – Canton, GA – Fujifilm X-E5
Abandoned Garage – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
Sky Tram – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
Compass Tower – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
Fall Colors – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
Fall Bridge – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
Fall Trees – Gatlinburg, TN – Fujifilm X-E5
Pine Trees – Canton, GA – Fujifilm X-E5
Sunlight through Tree Branches – Canton, GA – Fujifilm X-E5
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Mountain Grass & Flowers – Boulder, CO – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Velvia Slide Recipe
Back in January, I published the Provia Summer Patron Early-Access Recipe, which was supposed to kick off a series of Early-Access Recipes to help clear out the backlog. I never intended for the Early-Access Recipes to be locked for as long as they have been, so I decided to fix that in 2025. My goal for this series was to publish a new Recipe every three to four weeks; however, it’s now May, and this is only the second one. I will try to do better moving forward.
My intention for the Velvia Slide Recipe was a replication of Velvia 100 color reversal (slide) film, which should not be confused with Velvia 50 or Velvia 100F (although Velvia 100 is pretty similar to Velvia 50). I never used Velvia 100 (I have used Velvia 50 many times), so I relied on online resources, as well as my Velvia 50 slides. I feel like, in the right light, this Recipe does quite well at mimicking it, but it’s not always correct. It’s sometimes really convincing and sometimes less so; however, either way, I really like the look of it.
Book & Fake Succulent – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 – Velvia Slide Recipe
While there are many Film Simulation Recipes that use Velvia, this one is not quite like any that I’ve previously published. Perhaps Kodak Ektachrome E100VS and Improved Velvia are the closest. It works best in sunny daylight, but can also be good for natural light indoors. It’s especially well suited for colorful landscape photography.
This is a 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. With the exception of the X-T3 and X-T30, it is compatible with all fourth and fifth-generation X-Trans cameras, which (as of this writing) are the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, X-T30 II, X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, X100VI, X-T50, and X-M5. It can also be used on the newer GFX models, including the GFX100S, GFX100S II, GFX100 II, and GFZ100RF.
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Velvia Slide Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T4, X-S20, and GFX100S II:
Bougainvillea in Spring – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Oleander Branch in Bloom – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Garden Flowers – Charleston, SC – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Blooming Bougainvillea – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Yellow Bougainvillea Backlit – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Palm Branch Curve – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Toyotires – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Palm Trunk – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Spring Sun – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Setting Sun – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-S20 – Photo by Jonathan Roesch
Hawk Perched on Desert Rocks – Rock Springs, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Old Dog – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Lake Waves – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4
Flatirons – Boulder, CO – Fujifilm GFX100S II
Mohawk Mountain – Boulder, CO – Fujifilm GFX100S II
Find this Film Simulation Recipe and 400 more in the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.
If you’re new to Fujifilm—or not new to Fujifilm but fairly new to Film Simulation Recipes, or just curious about your camera—and you’d like to take a deeper dive into the various Film Simulations, Fujifilm X-Photographer Nathalie Boucry has an excellent series on her blog called Colour Your Story that you need to check out and follow.
The way that this series works is that each Film Simulation gets two parts: an introduction and a deeper dive. The introduction article explains what that particular Film Simulation is and what it is good for. The sample pictures are with that film sim set with the default factory settings. The followup article, entitled Let’s take [it] to Another Level (or a similar sentiment), discusses some Recipes that use that film sim as the base. So far, Nathalie has two Film Simulations in the series complete: Provia and Velvia.
Definitely take a moment out of your day and read up on those four posts. The series is worth following—get on her mailing list (at the bottom of each article) so that you don’t miss out on the future installments. I’m looking forward to all of the rest—there are 20 film sims, so Nathalie undoubtably has her work cut out! A series like this takes a ton of effort to put together, so, if you appreciate it, be sure to leave her a comment on her page letting her know.
Where are the Zombies? – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Apocalyptic Glow
I was watching some old Cold War era duck-and-cover videos over the weekend. You know, there’s a flash and everyone falls to the ground and covers their heads, as if that’s going to help. The mushroom cloud and bright orange glow, reminiscent of Oppenheimer, are inescapable, for those in the path. And that made me think: here’s a potential Film Simulation Recipe for my Fujifilm camera!
If you want to replicate the aesthetic of the end of the world, I think it must have an atomic radiance. Thankfully, Fujifilm cameras are highly customizable, and it’s possible to achieve an apocalyptic glow look straight-out-of-camera, no editing needed. If that’s what you are after, this Apocalyptic Glow Film Simulation Recipe is for you!
Ruins – Tumacacori, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Apocalyptic Glow
While many of you won’t appreciate the look of this new Recipe, I think for some of you it might be your new standard, programmed into C1. It has that right level of ominousness and uneasiness to add drama to your images. Turn a boring scene into something incredible just by using the Apocalyptic Glow Film Simulation Recipe! It’s compatible with all Fujifilm X-Trans V cameras, plus all X-Trans IV models with the exception of the X-T3 and X-T30. I’m sure that it can be used on newer GFX cameras, although it’s likely to render slightly different.
Film Simulation: Velvia Dynamic Range: DR200 Grain Effect: Strong, Small Color Chrome Effect: Strong Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong White Balance: 10000K, +9 Red & -9 Blue Highlight: -2 Shadow: +1 Color: +4 Sharpness: -1 High ISO NR: -4 Clarity: +4 ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +1/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this Apocalyptic Glow Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:
The End of the Road – Litchfield Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
About to Get Leveled – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bowl Me Over – Benson, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Left is Sus – Saguaro National Park, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Blood Red Water – Arlington, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sign that People were Once Here – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Flowers & Boarded Up Doors – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Empty Mall – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Can’t Pedal Fast Enough – Casa Grande, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Chuckleheads – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
The Cat Holds the Key – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Burnt Building – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
It’s April 1st, and you probably have already figured out that this is an April Fool’s Day joke. Ha ha. I hope that you had a good laugh, or a mild chuckle at least once. It was actually my teenage daughter’s idea, and I thought it was funny, so I wen’t with it.
A few things real quick. Yes, you can use these settings if you want to—it’s a real Recipe, and will produce this look. It won’t be in the Fuji X Weekly App, because it’s a prank and not intended to be serious. The closest analog aesthetic to it is Redscale, where you load a roll of film into your camera backwards and expose the red emulsion layer first instead of last. I found (through some Internet searches) that Kodak Ektar 100 shot backwards (Redscale) and overexposed by about two stops does produce a somewhat similar aesthetic to this Apocalyptic Glow Film Simulation Recipe. If you like the look of it, feel free to try it. Otherwise, there are over 300 Film Simulation Recipes to choose from, and I’m sure there’s at least one that you’ll love.
There are 20 different film simulations on the new Fujifilm X100VI. Since there are likely many newcomers to Fujifilm who aren’t all that familiar with the various film sims and Film Simulation Recipes, I thought it would be worthwhile to discuss each one in more detail, and offer my personal favorite Recipes for each. I don’t (yet) have access to the new Reala Ace film simulation, so that one will be excluded from this (for now, anyway). Also, I’ll combine the four Acros film sims into one article, and the four Monochrome film sims (and probably Sepia, too) into another.
The Velvia film simulation (a.k.a. Velvia/Vivid) is named after the Velvia line of slide films by Fujifilm. Back in the film days, Velvia was a popular choice for vibrant landscapes, with it’s over-the-top wild colors. When Fujifilm designed the Velvia film simulation, they brought in some people from the film department who had developed the actual Velvia emulsion to assist with the film simulation; however, it wasn’t until X-Trans III cameras, plus the introduction of Color Chrome Effect, that they were satisfied with the results.
Arizona Aspens – Flagstaff, AZ – Fujifilm X100V – The Rockwell
The Velvia film simulation is great for colorful landscape photography. It’s the most vibrant of all the film sims, so it will make your pictures pop. It has a little more contrast than Provia. If you are after bold pictures, consider using Velvia. It’s probably one of the last film simulations that you’d choose for portrait photography, as it can give someone a sunburn who doesn’t have one. While Velvia isn’t especially versatile, it’s very good at what it does: colorful pictures.
The five Film Simulation Recipes below are my favorites that use Velvia as the base. Everyone has different tastes, so you might like other ones more. I count 20 Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Velvia, so there are many to choose from. But, if you are unsure which Velvia Recipe to try, let me suggest picking one from my list below.
This is the most punchy Velvia Recipe; however, be careful, as it can be too bold sometimes. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras. And, yes, Ken Rockwell actually used it.
Mimics the look of Kodak’s most vibrant slide film. More contrasty but less vibrant than the two Recipes above. Compatible with X-Trans IV (except for the X-T3/X-T30) and X-Trans V cameras.
Bright and colorful; not too dissimilar from the Vibrant Velvia Recipe (above) and the Velvia Recipe (below). Compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30 cameras, plus can be used on the GFX 50R and GFX 50S.
Rocky Hill in the Desert – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1
I asked OpenAI’s ChatGPT to make a Film Simulation Recipe to mimic the look of Kodachrome X slide film. This wasn’t the first time that I attempted to use ChatGPT to make a Recipe for Fujifilm cameras… you might recall that the Urban Dreams Film Simulation Recipe was made by ChatGPT, and by chance it has some resemblance to Kodachrome 200. I learned a lot about the AI’s ability (or is it inability?) to make Recipes, so I decided to try again just for the fun of it.
Kodak introduced Kodachrome—a color transparency film, and the world’s first commercially successful color film—in 1935. Kodachrome X was in the second era of the emulsion, sold between 1962 and 1973. It was replaced by Kodachrome 64, which was discontinued in 2009. Today you cannot buy Kodachrome, and even if you found some old rolls of the film, you cannot even get it developed. Shooting with a facsimile Film Simulation Recipe on Fujifilm cameras is a great way to experience some of these old emulsions that no longer exist, such as Kodachrome X.
Here’s a YouTube video I made documenting the experience!
My opinion is that ChatGPT’s Recipe is much too vibrant to mimic Kodachrome X. While the film was richly vibrant for its time, no emulsion in the 1960’s was that colorful. Today it would be described more as true-to-life. There are also other issues I take with the settings that the AI chose, so I don’t think it did well at mimicking Kodachrome; however, that doesn’t mean the settings (by chance) don’t look nice.
ChatGPT’s Kodachrome X Recipe
My Kodachrome II v2 Recipe
After examining the ChatGPT Recipe, I decided that it reminds me a lot of Kodak Ektachrome E100VS. There have been over 40 different emulsions that carried the Ektachrome name over the years—each with their own unique look—and E100VS was just one. Kodak introduced this film in 1999 and discontinued it in 2012. Ektachrome E100VS was Kodak’s best attempt at Velvia, and was their most vibrant emulsion. The “VS” in the name meant Vividly Saturated. While it was similar to Velvia, it wasn’t identical—the warmth of the film was the most obvious difference—and many photographers preferred Fujifilm’s Velvia over Kodak’s Ektachrome E100VS. Still, at the pinnacle of the film era, it was a popular choice for landscape photographers wanting a boost in vibrancy.
I noticed with AI generated Film Simulation Recipes that most of the time it chooses Auto White Balance, Grain Strong, and stays within -2 to +2 on all of the settings; my experience is that it only occasionally strays from that. It also seems to always leave some necessary settings out, and you have to ask it to add those. Of course, no film has Auto White Balance—most are Daylight (around 5500K), and some are Tungsten (around 3200K). While it is amazing that ChatGPT can produce a Recipe for Fujifilm cameras, if it looks good or not—and if it truly produces the aesthetic that you asked for—is more by chance than skill. Also, it doesn’t like to cite its sources, which is just wrong in my opinion.
While it tried and failed to resemble 1960’s era Kodachrome, I still liked the look produced by ChatGPT’s Kodachrome X Film Simulation Recipe. Since it has some similarities to Kodak Ektachrome E100VS color transparency film, I renamed it after that emulsion. I also refined the settings to more closely resemble the film, and am including that as a second Recipe, which I call Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v2. So v1 is ChatGPT’s Recipe, and v2 is my modified alternative.
I shot a number of rolls of Ektachrome E100VS back in my film days. Most of these pictures are stored away in little yellow boxes, but a few images have been scanned. Obviously, the scanner—and especially the quality of the scan—has an impact on the photo rendering. The four images below are some real Kodak Ektachrome E100VS frames that I shot many years ago. None of these are high-quality scans, and for that I apologize, and I hope you can overlook that aspect of the pictures. Also, it’s important to state that they all look significantly more impressive when viewed on a light table or especially from a slide projector.
Actual Kodak Ektachrome E100VS film
Actual Kodak Ektachrome E100VS film
Actual Kodak Ektachrome E100VS film
Actual Kodak Ektachrome E100VS film
How the film was shot had a significant impact on the look. For deeper blues and reds, one should underexpose the film slightly. For cyan sky and brighter (and warmer) colors, one should overexpose slightly. Of course, you had to be careful, because the film—like most slide films—had a narrow dynamic range, and there wasn’t much room for error either direction. These two Film Simulation Recipes behave similarly, although I believe v2 a little more so than v1.
Without further ado, here are the two Kodak Ektachrome E100VS Film Simulation Recipes!
Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1
ChatGPT Recipe for Kodachrome X
Beef Franks – Vulture City, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Ektachrome E100VS v1
This is the Recipe that ChatGPT created to mimic Kodachrome X, but it looks more like Kodak Ektachrome E100VS. It produces vivid colors similar to—but more warm and slightly less vibrant than—Velvia film. For darker blues and deeper reds, use a lower exposure compensation, and for lighter blues and brighter/warmer colors, use a higher exposure compensation. Because it uses Auto White Balance and DR400, you’ll find it to be quite versatile; however, the rendering is clearly “wrong” in some situations.
The Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1 Film Simulation Recipe is fully compatible with X-Trans V cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-T5, X-H2, and X-H2s, as well as “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, which include the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. You can use this Recipe on newer GFX cameras; however, it will render slightly differently (but try it anyway!). For the X-T3 and X-T30 (plus older GFX), you’ll have to ignore Color Chrome FX Blue, Grain size, and Clarity (since your camera doesn’t have those options), so it will definitely look a little different, but you might like it nonetheless; for X-Trans III, you’ll have to additionally ignore Color Chrome Effect.
Film Simulation: Velvia Grain Effect: Strong, Small Color Chrome Effect: Strong Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong White Balance: Auto, +2 Red & -2 Blue Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: +1 Shadow: +1 Color: +2 Sharpness: +1 High ISO NR: -2 Clarity: +1 ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5:
Suburban Arches – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Red, Green & Yellow – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Pink Blossom in Spring – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Boy in a Red Hat – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Saguaro & Abandoned Building – Vulture City, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Agave at the Mine – Vulture City, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Spiderweb Among Thorns – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Yellow Flowers Behind Cactus – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Cactus Vailed by Sunlight – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Little Purple Wildflowers – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Veiled Cactus – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Desert Spring in the Shade – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Shaded Bristlebush Blooms – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v2
Fuji X Weekly Recipe
Unexpected X – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v2
This version of Kodak Ektachrome E100VS is my modification to better mimic the film. It’s not too divergent—only slightly dissimilar—since it’s simply a modification of the AI Recipe, and not made from scratch. Because it uses more of a daylight-balanced Kelvin White Balance and DR200, it’s not quite as versatile as v1, and you have to be a little more careful of the light situation you are shooting in and pay closer attention to the highlights to avoid clipping. Sometimes it’s not completely correct, but I think in the “right” conditions it can be quite convincing—nearly identical to some slides I have.
The Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v2 Film Simulation Recipe is fully compatible with X-Trans V cameras, which (as of this writing) are the X-T5, X-H2, and X-H2s, as well as “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, which include the X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with the X-T3, X-T30, X-Pro3, or X100V. You can use this Recipe on newer GFX cameras; however, it will render slightly differently (but try it anyway!).
Film Simulation: Velvia Grain Effect: Weak, Small Color Chrome Effect: Strong Color Chrome FX Blue: Strong White Balance: 5150K, +3 Red & -3 Blue Dynamic Range: DR200 Highlight: +1.5 Shadow: +0.5 Color: +1 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 using this Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v2 Film Simulation Recipe on my Fujifilm X-T5 and X-E4:
Americana Home – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Blue Sky Behind Trees – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4
Boy in a Red Hat 2 – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Abunda la Bougainvillea – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Garden Apex – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bright Backyard Blossom – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Shaded Oleander Blooms – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Reddish Orange Cactus Flower – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
White Paper Flowers – Beckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Desert Hill through Palo Verde – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Little Pops of Purple – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Purple Spring – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Bunch of Yellow Trumpets – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Red Airplane – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Sunset in Suburbia – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5
Comparison
In the three examples above, Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v1 is on the left (revealed by moving the slider right), and Kodak Ektachrome E100VS v2 is on the right (revealed by moving the slider left).
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As a bonus, I asked OpenAI’s DALL-E 2 AI image creator to show me what ChatGPT creating Film Simulation Recipes looks like. The results? Awful, but also kind of funny! I tried rewording the request several different ways in hopes of getting a better image, but it never really got any better.
Here are a few:
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I really like The Rockwell Film Simulation Recipe, but sometimes it’s just a hair too much for me. I decided to create a new yet similar recipe that just tones it down a tad. Don’t get me wrong: this new recipe is still wild with vivid colors and definitely not for every situation or even every photographer. It will produce similar results to The Rockwell recipe, but (by a small margin) just a little more soft and tame.
This new “Vibrant Velvia” recipe is for when you want colors to pop. It’s a vibrant recipe for bold pictures. While it’s very colorful, it has low contrast, so it works especially well on sunny days, but I also had good luck with it in grey overcast conditions and in the shade. It’s not well suited for portraits or artificial light; instead, use it outdoors for colorful landscape photography. While I didn’t try to mimic Velvia film specifically, the results do remind me a little of Velvia 50 slides as viewed through a projector, although that is an impression (“memory color”), and not anything I studied specifically for this recipe.
Green Dew – Ridgedale, MO – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Vibrant Velvia”
The “Vibrant Velvia” recipe is compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10, X-E4, and X-T30 II cameras. Because it uses Clarity and Color Chrome FX Blue, it isn’t compatible with the X-T3 and X-T30—try the Velvia v2 recipe on those cameras, which is fairly similar. Those with newer GFX cameras can try this recipe, too, although the results will be very slightly different.
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: -2 Shadow: -1 Color: +4 Noise Reduction: -4 Sharpness: 0 Clarity: +4 Grain Effect: Weak, Small Color Chrome Effect: Strong Color Chrome Effect Blue: Strong White Balance: Daylight, -1 Red & +1 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +2/3 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “Vibrant Velvia” Film Simulation Recipe on a Fujifilm X-E4:
Junk Monkey – Amarillo, TX – Fujifilm X-E4
Rose Singular – Ridgedale, MO – Fujifilm X-E4
Rose Bloom – Ridgedale, MO – Fujifilm X-E4
Vibrant Green Garden – Ridgedale, MO – Fujifilm X-E4
Church in the Ozarks – Ridgedale, MO – Fujifilm X-E4
Waterfall Over Table Rocks – Ridgedale, MO – Fujifilm X-E4
Blue Water Fall – Ridgedale, MO – Fujifilm X-E4
Nantucket – Branson, MO – Fujifilm X-E4
Orange Rocks – Bryce Canyon NP, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Pine Tree & Colorful Cliff – Bryce Canyon NP, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
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Fading Light On Wasatch – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1 – “Improved Velvia”
This Film Simulation Recipe is the second in a series, in which I attempt to customize each film simulation to optimize the aesthetic that Fujifilm intended. In other words, make a nice-looking recipe that is similar to yet better than the stock look of a film simulation. The first recipe in this series was Standard Provia, and this new one is called Improved Velvia.
I used to be frustrated by the Velvia film simulation because it’s not like Velvia 50. When people talk about Velvia film, that’s the emulsion that they most commonly mean, with it’s exaggerated super-vivid colors, but Velvia 50 is not the only Velvia film. You see, Velvia 50 was a “mistake” emulsion that landscape photographers fell in love with. I shot plenty of Velvia 50 back in the day, and it was one of my absolute favorite films. But Fujifilm was frustrated by it because it wasn’t what they wanted it to be. In 2003 Fujifilm “improved” Velvia and finally “fixed” their mistake—they made Velvia look like how they thought it should have from the beginning. This emulsion was called Velvia 100F and was duller than Velvia 50 (or Velvia 100, which came out in 2005)—it lacked the classic Velvia pop, but was better for pictures of people. One of the guys who worked on Velvia 100F also worked on the Velvia film simulation. It’s no surprise, then, that the Velvia film simulation is closer to Velvia 100F film than Velvia 50. Understanding this made me better realize the intention of—and better appreciate—the film simulation. I no longer find Velvia to be frustrating, and I think even default Velvia looks pretty good.
For this recipe, I didn’t want mimic Velvia 50, so I didn’t want to mess with the settings very much. I have other Velvia recipes that I quite like (here, here, & here), and those could very easily “stand-in” for this. I felt like a subtly-different option is what was needed. This recipe is compatible with X-Trans III models, plus the X-T3 and X-T30. For newer X-Trans IV, consider setting Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome FX Blue to Off, Grain to Weak Small, and Clarity to 0.
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR200 Highlight: -1 Shadow: 0 Color: +1 Sharpness: 0 Noise Reduction: -4 Grain: Weak White Balance: Auto, -1 Red & -2 Blue ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using this “Improved Velvia” film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X-H1:
Reflection in Lake – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Wall & Reeds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Net Fish – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Not Wanting A Picture – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Pelican – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Yellow Sky Sunset – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Soft Sunset Light on Francis Peak – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Sunset Sky & Water – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Reed Sunset – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Marsh Sunset – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-H1
Comparison:
“Improved Velvia”
“Default Velvia”
The top image (above) is this recipe, while the bottom image (above) is Velvia with everything set to 0 or Off, except for Dynamic Range, which was DR200, and Noise Reduction, which was -4. The White Balance was Auto 0R & 0B. You can see that both images are quite similar. My recipe is slightly more vibrant, has a little more yellow and slightly less red, and protects highlights a tad more. I also added a little Grain to my recipe to give it a more film-like appearance. Overall, though, the differences are fairly subtle.
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Thomas Schwab sent me an X-Trans I recipe to try, which he calls Punchy Velvia. Whenever Thomas sends me a recipe to try, I’m always excited to program it into the camera, because they’re often great. He’s a friend, and has a good eye for Fujifilm settings. He created the X-Trans I Kodachrome I and Kodachrome II recipes. Thank you, Thomas, for sending this!
I recently went on a hike with this new recipe programmed into my Fujifilm X-Pro1. My kids were with me, and my daughter, Joy, ended up shooting with the camera much more than I did. A couple of these pictures were captured by me, but most were captured by her. This recipe was a great option for photographing the vibrant colors we encountered. For colorful scenes where you want punchy pictures, this recipe or Vivid Color are the ones to use.
Yellow Oak – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – “Punchy Velvia”
If you have an X-E1, X-Pro1, or X-M1, be sure to give this recipe a try. You can also use this recipe on X-Trans II and Bayer cameras, but the results will be slightly different; however, feel free to it anyway, because you might like the results.
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: +2 (Hard) Shadow: +2 (Hard) Color: +2 (High) Sharpness: +2 (Hard) Noise Reduction: -2 (Low) White Balance: Daylight/Fine, 0 Red & 0 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200 Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured by Joy using this “Punchy Velvia” film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X-Pro1:
Rock Outcrop – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
Boulder in the Forest – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
Mountain Forest – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
Branches and Blue – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
One Leaf Turned – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
Oak Leaves – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
Backlit Autumn Tree – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
Autumn Trees – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro1 – Photo by Joy Roesch
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United Carrier – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Expired Slide”
United Carrier – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4 – “Expired Slide v2”
I set out to recreate the look of expired slide film. Perhaps expired is the wrong term, because the aesthetic that I was after is more like mishandled slide film—not stored correctly or developed promptly. Maybe it passed its expiration date because it sat in a drawer for so long, or maybe it was in a hot car for a couple of hours, but, whatever the reason, it definitely doesn’t look right.
Why would I want to create this look? Because it’s an interesting vintage aesthetic that was somewhat common in the film era. While most people would not want this outcome, interestingly enough, there are some film photographers (a.k.a. Lomographers) who do this kind of thing on purpose specifically because they want this look. The two film simulation recipes below are for those people seeking something different. Neither of these will likely be anyone’s “go-to” recipe, but if you want something that’s a bit unusual, these are ones to try.
The film simulation recipe called Expired Slide was actually the second one, as I created (what I now call) Expired Slide v2 first. I liked the original settings, but thought that it might be a bit too much, so I toned it back slightly. I posted examples of both recipes to Instagram and let you guys decide which one was best. The Expired Slide recipe won hands-down, but there were some who passionately preferred Expired Slide v2, so I’m posting both. The only difference is the white balance (and shift), otherwise they’re identical. Expired Slide has more of a red-orange cast while Expired Slide v2 has more of a red-purple cast. Both recipes (as of this writing) are only compatible with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, X-S10 and X-E4 cameras.
Expired Slide:
Forest Flowers – Ponderosa State Park, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: +2 Shadow: -1 Color: -4 Noise Reduction: -4 Sharpness: -2 Clarity: -2 Grain Effect: Strong, Large Color Chrome Effect: Strong Color Chrome Effect Blue: Strong White Balance: 5500K, +7 Red & -2 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Limited 4404 – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Free – Boise, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Free Signs – Boise, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Construction Crane – Boise, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
10:45 – Boise, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Red Fence – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Tulip Blooms – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Dark Payette Lake – McCall, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Mossy Trunk – Ponderosa State Park, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Expired Slide v2:
Caterpillar – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: +2 Shadow: -1 Color: -4 Noise Reduction: -4 Sharpness: -2 Clarity: -2 Grain Effect: Strong, Large Color Chrome Effect: Strong Color Chrome Effect Blue: Strong White Balance: 5000K, +8 Red & 0 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: -1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Red Barn – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Jump Pad – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Stack of Buckets – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
The Oaks – Ogden Canyon, UT – Fujifilm X-E4
Lake Marina – McCall, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Two Dogs Swimming – Ponderosa State Park, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Jon Fishin’ – McCall, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Log in the Water – McCall, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
Payette Lakeshore – Ponderosa State Park, ID – Fujifilm X-E4
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Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1 -“Yosemite Velvia”
On a recent trip to Yosemite National Park, my daughter, Joy, created a new film simulation recipe for X-Trans II cameras, which I’m calling Yosemite Velvia. Joy has made two X-Trans I recipes, Superia Xtra 400 and Winter Blue, but this is her first for X-Trans II. On this trip I let her use my Fujifilm X-T1 camera, and I told her that she could use whichever settings she wanted—this recipe is what she came up with.
I asked her why she chose these settings. She told me that she wanted the pictures to be colorful but without too much contrast. She decided on the Shade white balance because the forecast was for overcast sky, although it ended up being mostly sunny; however, she liked how it looked, so she stuck with it. Besides photographing in Yosemite, she also used these settings in Reno, Nevada.
Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1 -“Yosemite Velvia”
This film simulation recipe is compatible with all Fujifilm X-Trans II cameras. You can use it on X-Trans I and Bayer sensor cameras, too, but the results will be a little different (feel free to try, though).
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR200 Highlight: -1 Shadow: -2 Color: +2 Sharpness: -1 Noise Reduction: -2 White Balance: Shade, -2 Red & -2 Blue ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200 Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured by Joy on my Fujifilm X-T1 using this “Yosemite Velvia” film simulation recipe:
Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1
Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1
Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1
Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1
Photo by Joy Roesch – Yosemite NP, CA – Fujifilm X-T1
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Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch – “Winter Blue”
I handed a Fujifilm X-M1 to my 13-year-old daughter, Joy—gave her a brief tutorial on how to use the camera, and let her have at it. Attached to the camera was a Pergear 10mm f/8 Fisheye lens, which is challenging to use, but can also be rewarding. I thought that maybe the lens would be too difficult for her, but it turns out that I had nothing to worry about, as she did great with it.
I had my Provia recipe programmed into the camera, but Joy changed the settings, making up her own film simulation recipe. I asked her why she chose her settings, and she answered that snow looks nice with lots of blue, so she wanted to create a blue-look. When I asked her what she would name the recipe, she replied, “Winter Blue.” It has sort of a Fujichrome 64T aesthetic, but really it’s too warm for that, so maybe it loosely resembles if you used that film in conjunction with a warming filter? I don’t know how well this recipe might do in other conditions, but it certainly looks good on a blue-sky winter day.
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch – “Winter Blue”
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: -1 (Medium-Low) Shadow: 0 (Normal) Color: -2 (Low) Sharpness: 0 (Normal) Noise Reduction: -2 (Low) White Balance: Daylight (“Fine”), 0 Red & +2 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200 Exposure Compensation: +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured by Joy using her Winter Blue film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm X-M1:
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
Fujifilm X-M1 – Farmington, UT – Photo by Joy Roesch
I’ve been wanting to create a new Velvia recipe for awhile now. The previous version is bold, but sometimes produces too much contrast. This recipe is actually a little closer to my original Velvia recipe, but with even less contrast yet with more saturation. This Velvia v2 recipe doesn’t closely mimic any specific version of Velvia film, yet it still retains an overall Velvia-like aesthetic.
Velvia is a high-saturation, low-ISO color reversal (slide) film introduced in 1990. I’ve shot many rolls of it, mostly the original ISO 50 version, but also the “new” Velvia 50, Velvia 100F and Velvia 100 emulsions. Of those films, this recipe is probably closest to Velvia 100, but not exactly like it.
Brown Reflection – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – “Velvia v2”
This film simulation recipe is intended for the Fujifilm X-T30 and X-T3 cameras. If you have “newer” X-Trans IV cameras, you might consider Color Chrome Effect Blue set to Weak, Grain set to Weak and Small, and Clarity set to +2 perhaps. If you have an X-Trans III camera, which doesn’t have Color Chrome Effect, you can still use this recipe, but the results will be slightly different. Those with GFX cameras can also use this recipe, and it will look very close but not exactly the same.
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR200 Highlight: -1 Shadow: -1 Color: +4 Noise Reduction: -4 Sharpening: 0 Grain Effect: Weak Color Chrome Effect: Strong White Balance: Auto, 0 Red & 0 Blue ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs, captured using a Fujifilm X-T30 with this Velvia v2 film simulation recipe:
March Reeds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Reeds in Evening Light – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Water Under The Bridge – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Muddy Water – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Ducks in the Shallow Water – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Flying Seagull – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Evening Gull – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Utah Reeds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Evening Cloud Over The Ridge – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Grass, Pond & Mud – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
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My most expensive lens, by far, is the Fujinon 100-400mm, which retails for $1,900. Despite the hefty price tag, I find myself not using that lens very often. Why? There are several reasons. First, the camera that I reach for the most is my Fujifilm X100V, which has a fixed lens, so I can’t use the 100-400mm with that camera. Another reason is that the focal length is very long and sometimes difficult to use; it’s not the right tool for many situations. The final reason is that it’s big and heavy, especially compared to my other lenses, and it works best when attached to a tripod, so it’s kind of a hassle to use. I paid a lot of money for this lens, so I need to use it more often.
One recent opportunity I had to use the Fujinon 100-400mm lens was photographing the sunset in Bountiful, Utah. Some distant clouds and haze created the potential for a great sunset. I set my tripod at the top of a hill that overlooked the valley below, attached the lens to the tripod, then attached my Fujifilm X-T30 to the lens. I had my Velvia film simulation recipe loaded into the camera, which is a great recipe for sunset photography because of its contrast and vibrant colors. In the film days, Velvia 50 was a top choice if you wanted stunning sunset pictures, and now with Fujifilm X cameras the Velvia film simulation is a top option.
Temple – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm
The sunset didn’t disappoint. Actually, it was more vibrant and lovely than I could have hoped for! It was a great show that lasted about 10 minutes. Even though I had the lens on a tripod, I still kept the shutter speed high to prevent blur from shake because I didn’t tighten everything down so that I could swing the lens around. To get a faster shutter speed I had the ISO set higher than one might expect. I was doing manual exposure. I zoomed in and out, trying to find different compositions. These seven pictures were captured from that one spot within the 10 minutes of the sunset show. The 100-400mm lens allowed me to capture a variety of pictures without moving places.
These photographs aren’t in sequential order. The picture at the top of this article was actually the last exposure, and the picture above of the temple was second-to-last. The very first exposure is the last picture at the bottom of this post. The order of the rest are scrambled up. In some pictures, I think the saturation is a little too much, and perhaps the recipe too bold, but in some other pictures it was the right choice. The X-T30 is a good camera, and the 100-400mm a good lens, and they worked very well together to make these pictures possible. I need to use these together more often.
Lava Sky over Stansbury Mountains – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm
South End of Antelope Island – Bountiful, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm
Vibrant Autumn – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-M1 – “Vivid Color”
The Fujifilm X-M1 doesn’t have nearly as many JPEG options as newer X-Series cameras have; however, that doesn’t mean that this camera can’t produce great-looking images straight-out-of-camera. This film simulation recipe is proof of that, as it simply looks great!
Many of you don’t have X-Trans I cameras, since there were only three models made: the X-M1, X-E1 and X-Pro1. Fujifilm quickly moved on to the X-Trans II sensor. I know that some of you still have your old X-Trans I camera, or have purchased one second-hand for cheap. For a long time I neglected creating recipes for these cameras, but no more! This is the second one for X-Trans I, and expect several more to be published in the coming months.
Fall Forest – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X-M1 – “Vivid Color”
Even though this film simulation recipe is intended for the X-M1, X-E1 and X-Pro1, if you have an X-Trans II or Bayer model, feel free to try this recipe on your camera. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will produce very similar results.
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR200 Highlight: +1 (Medium-Hard) Shadow: +2 (Hard) Color: +2 (High) Sharpness: +1 (Medium-Hard) Noise Reduction: -2 (Low) White Balance: Fluorescent 1 (“Daylight Fluorescent”), -5 Red & +5 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200 Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs made using this Vivid Color film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm X-M1:
Stinker – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X-M1
Leave the Light On – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Sunlight Through the Curtain – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Business Hours – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X-M1
Thrifty Nickel – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X-M1
Clothes Hangers – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
H&M – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Autumn Forest Sunlight – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Bright Autumn Leaves – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Red Berries & Orange Leaves – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Early Autumn Leaves – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
October Leaves – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Leaves in a Dark Forest – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
Lit Autumn Leaves – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm X-M1
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My second attempt at a film simulation recipe for the Fujifilm XQ1, which has an X-Trans II sensor, was Lomography Color 100. I have a recipe for this film for X-Trans IV cameras, such as my X-T30, and this is a conversion of that recipe for X-Trans II cameras. Honestly, this version isn’t quite as good as the X-Trans IV version (because the newer cameras have more JPEG options), but it’s still a good all-around, everyday film simulation recipe.
As I explained in my X-Trans IV recipe, there are three and perhaps four different emulsions that have been sold under the Lomography Color 100 name. Making a recipe that matches the film is impossible for that reason. Besides, people who use this film also often use alternative techniques, such as push-processing. Lomography Color 100 can have many, many different looks; despite that, this recipe is in the general ballpark of the film.
Velvia Dynamic Range: DR400 Highlight: +2 (Hard) Shadow: 0 (Standard) Color: -2 (Low) Sharpness: 0 (Standard) Noise Reduction: -2 (Low) White Balance: Cloudy/Shade, -3 Red & +7 Blue ISO: Auto, up to ISO 1600
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +1/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs made using this Lomography 100 film simulation recipe on a Fujifilm XQ1:
Green Leaves & Blue Sky – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Rooster Roof – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Promenade – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Towing – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Yellow Hitch – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Rusty Ford – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Camper Special – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Grate Airport Bus – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Major Award – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Abandoned Truck Trailers – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Graffiti Truck – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Yucca Leaves – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Sunlight Through The Green Tree – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Evening Tree & Reeds – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Red Berries – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Irrigation Cover – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
White Thistle – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Rocky Landscape – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Single Reed – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
Reeds Reaching To The Sky – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm XQ1
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Abandoned Dream – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V – “The Rockwell”
Ken Rockwell likes to say that Fujifilm cameras aren’t good for landscape photography because the JPEG colors aren’t “wild” enough for him. Even on his review of the X100V, he says, “The as-shot JPG color palette and contrasts are quite sedate,” and, “the X100V won’t amp-up colors if they aren’t strong to begin with.” He adds, “The Velvia film simulation modes don’t look any better; certainly not like real Velvia.” He’s entitled to his opinion, but I think he just hasn’t used the “right” recipe, and he might change his mind if he did. This recipe is one that Ken Rockwell might approve of, as it’s inspired by him, and that’s why I call it The Rockwell.
Ken mentions that the Velvia film simulation isn’t like real Velvia, and he means Velvia 50. There are, in fact, a few different films that share the Velvia name. Straight out of the box, the film simulation differs a little from the film. My X-T30 Velvia recipe is intended to get the film simulation closer to actual Velvia 50 film. “The Rockwell” recipe is also in the ballpark of Velvia 50 film, although it might actually exceed it. I’ve heard it said that Fujifilm’s short lived Fortia film (which Color Chrome Effect and Color Chrome Effect Blue are inspired by), which is like Velvia 50 on steroids, was a mistake. Supposedly it (or at least the original Fortia 50) was a botched Velvia run, but instead of trashing it Fujifilm sold it as a new film. This recipe isn’t as crazy as Fortia, but it’s every bit as crazy as Velvia 50 and perhaps slightly more. Another film that is in the general vicinity of this aesthetic is Kodak’s Ektachrome 100VS, which was essentially Kodak’s closest film to Velvia, but this recipe is a little off from that film. No, “The Rockwell” isn’t an exact match to any film, it’s just a recipe that Ken might use on his X100V if he ever read this article.
This film simulation recipe is definitely not for everyone. Just like the person it was named after, it’s bold yet sometimes over-the-top. Many of you will find it to be much too much for your photography. But some of you are going to love it. In the right situations, this recipe is stunning! It uses Clarity, which slows down the camera considerably, but this is a recipe that you might want to work slow with anyway, so it should be alright. This recipe is only compatible (as if this writing) with the X100V, X-Pro3 and X-T4.
Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1
Shadow: -1
Color: +4
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: +4
Clarity: +5
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect Blue: Strong
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -1 Blue
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 (typically)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using this “The Rockwell” film simulation recipe on my Fujifilm X100V:
Lake McDonald Shore Trees – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Driftwood Shore – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
McDonald Lake & Rocks – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Lake McDonald – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Flathead Lake – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Clear Blue Water – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Tree & Snake River – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X100V
McDonald Creek Behind Pines – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Trees Obscuring the River – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
McDonald Creek – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Green Trees – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Forest Flowers – Glacier National Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Lake Daisies – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Blossomed Bush by the Lake – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Upper Red Rock Lake – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Red Lake Light – Flathead Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Morning Rays – Canyon Ferry Lake, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Sunset Through The Trees – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Aspen Sunstar – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Johnny Sack Cabin – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Hanging Flower Pot – Big Sky, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Mountain Wildflowers 1 – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Mountain Wildflowers 2 – Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Rural Blossoms – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Mountain Springtime – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Blossom by the River – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
River Grass – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Grassy Hills – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Pine in the Field – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Abandoned Rural Building – Wild Horse Island State Park, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Pop of Color Cabin – Polebridge, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Birdhouse Fence – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Playground at the Edge of Nowhere – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Hot Water – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V
Blue Eye – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V
Red Rock Turtle – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Colorful Pallets – Bozeman, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Westfield – Idaho Falls, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Pink – Island Park, ID – Fujifilm X100V
Stop for the Pink Bus – Silos, MT – Fujifilm X100V
18 – Silos, MT – Fujifilm X100V
Stop Here – Yellowstone National Park, WY – Fujifilm X100V
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Wasatch Spring – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm
Over the last few days I’ve captured a number of pictures from my house of the nearby Wasatch Mountains. I’m very fortunate that I live so close to such a majestic and beautiful landscape. I can see it from my living room. I can sit on my patio and watch the light change and the seasons change on the mountains. It’s right there! I feel very lucky to witness this and be able to capture it with my camera.
It’s been between overcast and partly-cloudy lately, with conditions changing rapidly and dramatically. It’s gone from fairly uninteresting to amazing and back to mostly uninteresting in a matter of moments. This has repeated over and over. I’ve tried to keep an eye out for it, and tried to be quick enough to photograph it before it disappeared. That’s not always possible, and many times I wasn’t successful, but sometimes I was.
The film simulation recipe that I chose for these pictures is my Velvia recipe (I also used my Ilford HP5 Plus recipe, and those pictures are in Part 2). These settings are bold and vibrant, much like actual Velvia film. I really appreciate this film simulation recipe for landscape photography where I want colors to pop. The mountain is covered in the fresh green of spring, and these settings are the best for highlighting that. If I want vivid colors, my Velvia recipe is what I choose.
The gear that I used for these pictures is a Fujifilm X-T30 with a Fujinon 100-400mm lens attached to it. I like to use a tripod or monopod with the 100-400mm lens, but these pictures are all hand-held. If I had waited to attach a tripod to the lens, I would have missed many of these shots. The long telephoto lens allows me to bring the mountains up-close, like I travelled into the mountains to capture these pictures, yet I didn’t even leave home. It really is amazing that I was able to make these photographs without going anywhere.
Clearing Clouds Above the Ridge – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm
Cold Spring – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm
Francis Peak Veiled – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm
Windows & Reflections – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1 “Ektachrome 100SW”
What I love about my Ektachrome 100SW film simulation recipe is that it reminds me of a film that I used to use. Just like the original Ektachrome 100SW recipe, which is compatible with X-Trans III & IV cameras, this recipe is identical to my Kodachrome II recipe, except that it uses Velvia instead of Classic Chrome. This version of Ektachrome 100SW is compatible with X-Trans I & II cameras, as well as Fujifilm Bayer cameras.
Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +2 (High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Color: -1 (Medium-Low)
Sharpness: 0 (Medium)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Auto, +1 Red & -2 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured on my Fujifilm X-T1 using this Ektachrome 100SW film simulation recipe:
Instamatic – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Throw Pillow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Striped Pillow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Indoor Decor Near a Window – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Grass & Concrete – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Little Steps – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
February Forest – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Lizard – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Penguins On A Rock – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Swimming Penguins – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
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I’ve had my Fujifilm X-T1 for less than two weeks. I plan to create many different film simulation recipes for it, but that takes time, so they’ll likely trickle out over the coming months. I did create three film simulation recipes, which you’ll find below. I like to mimic the aesthetic of vintage films with in-camera JPEG settings, as I learned photography in the film era. These three X-T1 recipes aren’t intended to mimic the look of any particular film; I just like how they look.
The in-camera JPEG options on the X-T1, which has an X-Trans II sensor, are different and much more limited than X-Trans IV or even X-Trans III cameras. Fujifilm continues to provide more and better features to achieve desired looks straight out of camera. While the X-T1 doesn’t have as many options, it’s still possible to get very nice pictures right out of the camera, no post-processing needed. Actually, sometimes it’s nice to have fewer choices as it makes things more simple.
Even though these recipes were created on a Fujifilm X-T1, they’re compatible with all X-Trans II cameras, such as the X100T, X-E2, and X-T10, as well as Fujifilm Bayer cameras, like the XF10, X-T100, and X-A7. The Velvia and Monochrome recipes are compatible with X-Trans I cameras, such as the X-Pro1, X100S and X-E1. I should also point out that my Fujifilm XF10 film simulation recipes are compatible with the X-T1 and other X-Trans II cameras.
Some of you have been asking me to create recipes that are compatible with the older models for some time now, and I’m happy to finally be able to share some. You’ve waited awhile! These three film simulations are just the beginning for the X-T1. I will be creating more. I hope to recreate some of my other looks with the X-Trans II sensor, but we’ll see how that goes. Some future recipes might require unconventional approaches. I can’t wait to see what I come up with! In the meantime, enjoy the recipes below.
Classic Chrome
Praying the Order is Right – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR200
White Balance: Auto, -1 Red & -1 Blue
Color: +2 (High)
Highlight: +1 (Medium-High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Sharpness: 0 (STD)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200
Rural Road In Winter – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Winter Boxcar – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Flaming Lemon – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Joyful Dining – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Opening a Soda Bottle – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Egg, Bowl & Rice – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Grill Fire – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Velvia
Pink Penguin – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Film Simulation: Velvia
Dynamic Range: DR200
White Balance: Auto, 0 Red & -2 Blue
Color: +2 (High)
Highlight: -1 (Medium-Low)
Shadow: -1 (Medium-Low)
Sharpness : 0 (STD)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 3200
Kobe Cold – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Sushi Lamp – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
For Goodness Sake – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Anchored Caboose – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Red In The Woods – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
When The Season Is All Wrong – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Rudy Drain Winter – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Monochrome
Rebuilt 24 – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Film Simulation: Monochrome (+Y, +R, +G)
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +1 (Medium-High)
Shadow: +1 (Medium-High)
Sharpness : +1 (Medium -Hard)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
ISO: Auto, up to ISO 6400
Monochrome Lines – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Metal – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
When Life Gives You Lemons – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Soup – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Jo With Chopsticks – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Drinking Soup – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
Eating Rice – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T1
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