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.
Fujifilm classifies Classic Negative as having harder tonality and higher saturation than Classic Chrome.
Enhanced color with hard tonality to increase image depth.
All cameras with the X-Trans IV sensor (except X-T3 & X-T30) have the Classic Negative Profile
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.
Comparison of Classic Chrome and Classic Negative film simulations. All image adjustments are identical except film simulation.
Classic Negative sample images #
Shilin Night Market, Taipei City, Taiwan
Shilin Night Market, Taipei City, Taiwan
Shilin Night Market, Taipei City, Taiwan
The harder tonality and saturation of the Classic Negative film simulation works surprisingly well for low-light environments.
National Concert Hall, Taipei City, Taiwan
National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei City, Taiwan
National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei City, Taiwan
Streets of Taipei, Taiwan
Streets of Taipei, Taiwan
Streets of Taipei, Taiwan
Longshan Temple, Taipei City, Taiwan
Beef Noodle of the King, Taipei City, Taiwan
Alley to restaurant, Taipei City, Taiwan
Beef Noodle of the King, Taipei City, Taiwan
Streets of Taipei, Taiwan
Streets of Taipei, Taiwan
Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen, Scotland
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.
Comparing Classic Negative in-camera to Capture One’s film simulation.