Classic Chrome for the Enthusiastic Soul
- discovernoor
- Jul 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 26, 2024
So you got your first Fujifilm camera. Maybe you're eager mind wants to explore film simulations and the wide range of film recipes that come along with it. There are a handful of simulations but hundreds of recipes to choose from. As someone who likes the old look of a photo, my choice of simulation is Classic Chrome, the muted tones and unique aesthetics is a favorite among photographers who seek a timeless nostalgic look in their images. Unlike the vibrant and saturated colors of some other film simulations, Classic Chrome offers a more subdued color palette. This results in a softer, more understated look that can add a timeless quality.
Introduced by Fujifilm as part of their renowned film simulation modes, Classic Chrome aims to replicate the look of old Kodachrome film, which was popular from the 1930s to the early 2000s. While not an exact copy, Classic Chrome captures the essence of Kodachrome’s color palette, offering a distinctive visual style that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
The subtle warmth and balanced tones of Classic Chrome flatter skin tones, and is a great choice for portraits. Although not the go-to for commercial purposes (direction may vary in the industry) it adds a natural and classic look to the images, which can be especially appealing for environmental portraits. While it may not be the go-to for vibrant landscape photography, it offers a unique perspective for capturing moody and atmospheric scenes. The enhanced contrast helps to highlight textures and details in the landscape, providing a different yet compelling look.
As for the cameras that have this film simulation visit - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujifilm_X-Trans_sensor . (You should be looking at a body with X-Trans II or above).
Steps:
Turn on your camera and head over to settings. The menu will look different based on your camera. (ex- I use a xs-10 and the first menu that pops up will look something like this, down below).
Follow the settings as shown in the screens below:
Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: ---- Off. ---- (This helps me focus my shot so I don't blow the sharpness. It's a me thing. I usually add grain in post).
Color Chrome Effect: ---- Strong. ---- (This effect provides more depth to colors, making them appear richer. It’s especially useful for scenes with a lot of color variation, such as landscapes, flowers, and other colorful subjects.)
Color Chrome FX Blue: ---- Strong. ---- (This is an extension of the Color Chrome Effect, specifically targeting the blue hues in your photos. It enhances the color depth and richness of blue tones, making skies, oceans, and other blue elements in your images more vivid and detailed.)
White Balance: ---- Auto, +2 Red, -4 Blue ---- (play with the graph to find a sweet spot that works for you).
Dynamic Range: ---- 100
Tone Curve: ---- H-1 , S-1.5 (if you're shooting only JPEG and don't bother about the RAW files)
Color: ---- +4
Sharpness: ---- 0
High ISO NR: ---- -4
Clarity: ---- 0
Color Space: ---- sRGB
Post edit tips:
Slightly increase the exposure to brighten the overall image while maintaining the classic look.
Use the highlights and shadows sliders to bring out details in both the bright and dark areas of the photo.
Carefully increase the contrast to emphasize textures and details. Be mindful not to overdo it, as too much contrast can make the image look harsh.
Adjust the temperature to add warmth or coolness. For a more nostalgic look, consider adding a slight warm tint.
Increase vibrance slightly to enhance the less saturated colors while keeping the overall muted look. Use saturation adjustments sparingly to avoid overpowering the subtle tones.
Fine-tune specific colors with HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) Adjustments slider. (my preference- Greens: Increase saturation by +5, decrease luminance by -5; Blues: Increase saturation by +5, increase luminance by +5.
Add grain with size 15, amount 10. (personal preference)
Add a slight vignette with amount -10. (i prefer the edges to be slightly darker)
Some Sample Photos:
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