Fuji Flavours

X-Trans IVMonochromeBlack & White18 photos

B&W Negative Recipe

Timeless monochrome with gritty charm, perfect for urban storytelling.

Fuji Pic StudioTested on real gear · X-E4 · Updated June 8, 2026
A black and white photo of parked vehicles under a canopy with string lights in the background.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Film simulation
Monochrome
Tested on
X-E4
Sample frames
18

The lookWhy this one earns a slot

B&W Negative (Universal Negative) channels the classic allure of monochrome photography, drawing on the iconic aesthetic of film noir. The highlights are gently tamed, keeping skies and bright surfaces restrained, while shadows are softened for a subdued yet impactful depth. The strong small grain introduces a filmic texture that enhances the urban grit and everyday life scenes. This recipe thrives in overcast or harsh midday light, where its ability to handle contrast with DR400 can shine, preserving detail across the tonal range. The cool white balance adds a slightly muted, bluish cast, creating a nostalgic vibe perfect for capturing the essence of bustling streets and architectural marvels. The look is both timeless and contemporary, making it a versatile choice for monochrome enthusiasts.

The settingsThe recipe

Monochrome · X-Trans IV

Film Simulation
Monochrome
Dynamic Range
DR400
White Balance
Custom Kelvin, 4000K, −5 B
Highlight
0
Shadow
−2
Color
−2
Sharpness
−4
Noise Reduction
—
Clarity
0
Grain
Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect
Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue
Strong
ISO
6400
Exposure Comp.
-1/3 to +2/3

How to copy it to your camera

  1. Open the Image Quality (IQ) menu and select an empty custom setting slot (C1–C7).
  2. Set the base film simulation to Monochrome.
  3. Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
  4. Select that slot to shoot B&W Negative JPEGs straight out of camera.

Sample framesShot on this recipe

A gray cat sitting in front of a car tire on a paved surface.
Wildlife · Urban · Harsh Midday
A bustling urban street lined with tall skyscrapers under a cloudy sky.
Architecture · Urban · Overcast
Black and white urban scene with tall buildings lining a busy street and traffic signals.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A man sitting on the sidewalk near a store with a sale sign, sipping a drink.
Street · Urban · Unknown
A man sitting on the sidewalk next to a large sale advertisement, partially obscured by a car.
Street · Urban · Unknown
A man sitting on the sidewalk near a store with a large sale sign, partially obscured by a car.
Street · Urban · Overcast
Abstract architectural detail with sharp lines and contrasting shadows against a clear sky.
Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown
A black and white image of a vintage lamp mounted on a white wall with a security camera nearby.
Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown
Black and white photo of a historic building with arched windows and modern buildings in the background.
Architecture · Urban · Overcast
A historic building with arched windows and a modern city backdrop in black and white.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A woman in a hijab and a man exchanging something outside a house with a gated entrance.
Street · Urban · Unknown
Two people conversing outside a white wall with a gate, viewed from inside a car.
Street · Urban · Unknown
Two men sitting at a table in a rustic outdoor setting with simple chairs and a textured backdrop.
Street · Outdoor · Natural
Two men sitting at a table in a makeshift outdoor setting, with a textured background.
Portrait · Outdoor · Unknown
A busy urban scene with people interacting near a bus and a building entrance.
Street · Urban · Unknown
List of Fujifilm cameras and sensors with B&W Negative film simulation settings.
Other · Unknown · Minimal
Black and white photo settings for Fujifilm film simulation with detailed parameters.
Other · Unknown

Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch

What it nails

  • Gentle highlights for restrained skies
  • Soft shadows enhance depth
  • Strong grain adds filmic texture
  • DR400 protects details in contrasty light

What to watch

  • Strong grain can overwhelm fine detail
  • Cool shift limits colour recovery
  • Not ideal for vivid landscapes

Explore similar

Black & whiteDaily

CompatibilityWill it work on your camera?

Tested across the X-Trans IV, X-Trans V and GFX generations — compatibility is defined by sensor, so any body on these generations can run it. The X-T3 and X-T30 don't offer Clarity, Grain Size or Color Chrome FX Blue — skip those values on those two bodies.

Tested sensors & cameras

X-Trans IVX-Trans VGFXX-E4X-E5X-H2X-H2SX-M5X-Pro3X-S10X-S20X-T30-IIX-T30-IIIX-T4X-T5X-T50X100VX100VIGFX100-IIGFX100RFGFX100SGFX100S-II

Best forWhen to reach for it

Ideal for urban exploration and daily life captures, especially in harsh or overcast lighting. Avoid bright, colourful subjects or vivid landscapes. Excels in street and architectural scenes, offering a nostalgic yet gritty monochrome feel. Captures intricate textures beautifully, highlighting every detail with precision.

Best for

Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.

Black & whiteDaily

Less suited to

Where another look will likely serve you better.

Vivid LandscapesBright Colorful Subjects
Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What cameras support B&W Negative?

This recipe is compatible with Fujifilm X-Trans IV/V and GFX cameras listed.

How does the DR400 setting affect images?

DR400 helps protect highlight details in contrasty conditions, ideal for harsh light.

Why use a cool white balance?

The cool shift adds a muted, bluish cast, enhancing the nostalgic monochrome feel.