Dec 3, 2019

Classic Negative film simulation

Testing the new Classic Negative film simulation, comparing it to Classic Chrome and finding a way to use it on any Fuji camera.

Intro

There’s a nostalgic quality to the Classic Negative film simulation, probably because it emulates a film stock intended for the consumer point and shoot cameras. It’s suited to a surprising number of situations and lighting conditions and is fast becoming a new favourite.

Film simulations with harder tonality, such as Velvia, trigger blinkies slightly sooner than the softer simulations like Eterna. This is exaggerated when combined with the highlight tone curve.

Enhanced color with hard tonality to increase image depth.

Fujifilm's description of the Classic Negative film simulation

All cameras with the X-Trans IV sensor (except X-T3 & X-T30) have the Classic Negative Profile

Which cameras have the Classic Negative film simulation #

The Classic Negative film simulation is currently available on the following cameras (at time of publishing):

Classic Negative vs Classic Chrome #

Fujifilm states that Classic Negative has harder tonality and higher saturation than Classic Chrome. Based on the comparison below, it does seem to be the case. The Classic Negative film simulation also seems to warm the highlights and cool the shadows. Classic Chrome on the other hand is more neutral and subtle.

Classic chrome vs classic neg film simulation

Comparison of Classic Chrome and Classic Negative film simulations. All image adjustments are identical except film simulation.

Classic Negative sample images #

Classic Negative sample images in a variety of lighting conditions. The harder tonality and saturation of the Classic Negative film simulation works surprisingly well for low-light environments.

Fujifilm classic neg film simulation taipei

Classic negative film simulation fujiframe 00003

Classic Negative on any Fuji camera #

If your camera isn’t on the list above, there are a couple of options. Classic Negative may come to the X-T3 and X-T30 in future firmware updates. Until it does you can already use Capture One’s version of the film simulation on these two cameras by changing the profile of an imported raw image.

The Base Characteristics tool allows you to select from the same film simulations available in-camera.

If you are using an older generation camera, you can use ExifTool to trick Capture One into letting you use the new Classic Negative film simulation. ExitTool is used from the command line, so can seem intimidating but is very simple to use. To update all images in a given directory, you would use the following command in a terminal window.

exiftool -model="X-Pro3" ~/Pictures/Taipei/Capture/

You need to update ‘~/Pictures/Taipei/Capture/’ to the path of the directory you are using. An easy way to do this on MacOS is simply drag the folder into the terminal window.