If you are a fan of Kodak’s classic Kodachrome film stock, you have landed in the right place Because, in this recipe article, I present my rendition of the superior film.FujiFilm Classic Film Simulation Recipe: Kodachrome 25
1. Overview
Kodachrome is the brand name of a colour reversal film introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1935. Using groundbreaking technology, it was the first colour film that used a subtractive colour method to be successfully mass-marketed.
The Kodachrome line had several variants:
- 64
- 64 Professional
- 25
- 40
- 200
In the 1990s and 2000s, Due to their expensive, complicated and environmentally unfriendly processing methods, Kodachrome films were discontinued. Kodachrome 25 met its end in 2002.
You can Dive deeper into the history of the Kodachrome line by clicking here.
2. Recipe Development
When developing a film simulation, it is crucial to introduce some grain to the frame. It is also vital to not create an image with too much sharpness or clarity. The Kodachrome 25 variation did have a slightly sharper edge to it. However, I did not want to introduce so much that the images appeared digital.
Turning the chrome FX blue option to strong was a vital component of this recipe as the sky in Kodachrome images is always very deep.
Lastly, Kodachrome 25 images tend to render higher levels of reds in the highlights and mid-tones. Furthermore, unlike the 64 variant, the greens present in the shadows are considerably less. So for this recipe, I aimed to capture more warmth with a higher inclusion of reds in the white balance.
3. Positive Observations
The red hues of the images are a marked improvement over the overpowering greens present in the first variation of Kodachrome 64. They render images with more likeness to the K-25 variant.
The strong chroming of the blue sky leaves them distinguishable against objects on the horizon instead of creating a whitewashed area in the image. An effect photographers experience too often.
The tone curve creates a good level of contrast. However, it is not so overbearing any detail becomes lost in the photographs.
4. Negative Observations
The images may render reds to a higher degree than the 64 recipes. However, they still don’t quite hit the mark. Although, it is impossible to generate images that will be spot on inside a Fujifilm camera.
Despite the sharpness and clarity, settings remaining null, the images are still too sharp to yield an authentic vintage print aesthetic.
Due to the white balance setting, this recipe is unsuitable to use indoors or in low light.
5. Where How To Use
This recipe is for anyone looking to recapture the magic of their time with Kodachrome. Alternatively, beginners that are interested in experimenting with the film look.
Unless you’re building a brand, personal or otherwise, based on a retro vibe, the simulation has little to no professional application.
Most crucial to remember this is a recipe to use outside. If used indoors, the images will render too much warmth.
This one is primarily about having fun. For me, at least. Perhaps you think otherwise? Please let me know in the comments section below.
6. The Recipe
- Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
- Grain Effect: Weak, Small
- Colour Chrome Effect: Strong
- Colour Chrome FX Blue: Strong
- White Balance: Daylight, R: 2 B: -4
- Dynamic Range: 400
- Tone Curve: H: +0.5 S: -0.5
- Colour: +1
- Sharpness: 0
- High ISO NR: -4
- Clarity: 0
If you want to see more Shuttergang recipes click here.
7. Conclusion
Overall the recipe has been a success. It may not be spot on, but achieving a perfect Kodachrome aesthetic with limited camera controls is impossible.
If you like the film look and appreciate the sample images featured on this page, give it a go and see what you think. The recipe featured on this pace will leave you with photos close to the appearance of Kodachrome 25.
Could the recipe be enhanced? What has your experience with it been? Please, let us know in the comments section below!
Further Samples
FujiFilm Classic Film Simulation Recipe: Kodachrome 25
