Fuji Flavours

X-Trans VNostalgic Neg.Colour67 photos

California Summer Recipe

Capture the essence of a sunlit, nostalgic summer day.

Fuji Pic StudioTested on real gear · X-E5 · Updated June 8, 2026
A vintage red car with a shiny chrome bumper parked under colorful flags against a clear sky.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Film simulation
Nostalgic Neg.
Tested on
X-E5
Sample frames
67

The lookWhy this one earns a slot

California Summer delivers a warm, vintage-inspired aesthetic that recalls endless sunny days and carefree afternoons. With a gentle nod to the classic filmic era, this recipe bathes your images in a soft, golden glow, enhancing the vibrancy of colours while retaining a nostalgic feel. The highlights are tender, delivering a subtle halo effect that softens the overall image. Shadows are slightly muted, giving depth without harsh contrast. The use of a cool WB shift lends a dreamy, almost pastel-like quality to the skies, while the small grain size adds a filmic texture without overpowering detail. Ideal for capturing the essence of travel adventures, it evokes a sense of timelessness, perfect for immortalising those fleeting, sun-drenched moments.

The settingsThe recipe

Nostalgic Neg. · X-Trans V

Film Simulation
Nostalgic Neg.
Dynamic Range
DR400
White Balance
Custom Kelvin, 6700K, −1 R / −6 B
Highlight
−2
Shadow
−1
Color
+4
Sharpness
−2
Noise Reduction
−4
Clarity
−4
Grain
Weak, Small
Color Chrome Effect
Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue
Weak
ISO
6400
Exposure Comp.
+2/3 to +1 1/3

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 Nostalgic Neg..
  3. Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
  4. Select that slot to shoot California Summer JPEGs straight out of camera.

Sample framesShot on this recipe

A close-up of a yellow flower among green leaves, with a rustic wooden background.
Nature · Outdoor · Mixed
Colorful flowers in a garden setting with green foliage in the background.
Nature · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A group of goats in a pen with sunlight filtering through a fence, creating a warm atmosphere.
Wildlife · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A simple wooden chair against a soft yellow backdrop.
Interior · Indoor · Mixed
Coastal scene with palm trees and buildings at sunset, reflecting light on water.
Landscape · Coastal · Golden Hour
Curved pathway lined with palm trees and a fence under golden hour light.
Landscape · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A sunlit pathway lined with palm trees and a decorative fence in a park setting.
Landscape · Outdoor · Golden Hour
Curved pathway lined with a decorative fence, palm trees in the background under golden sunlight.
Landscape · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A modern architectural structure by a calm body of water during golden hour.
Architecture · Coastal · Golden Hour
A red sports car parked on a city street with palm trees and buildings in the background.
Automotive · Urban · Golden Hour
A dimly lit playground swing set at night with soft orange lights in the background.
Other · Urban · Night
A large ferris wheel against a pale sky, surrounded by palm trees.
Architecture · Outdoor · Golden Hour
Close-up of a large ferris wheel against a cloudy sky, with palm leaves in the foreground.
Architecture · Outdoor · Overcast
Close-up of a large ferris wheel against a cloudy sky, highlighting its structure and cabins.
Architecture · Outdoor · Overcast
A yellow-tinted image of a building with classical architecture, surrounded by green shrubs and yellow fabric drapes.
Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown
A historic building with a tower, surrounded by a green lawn and wooden structures under a yellowish sky.
Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown
A yellow-tinted image of a traditional wind tower on a building against a hazy sky.
Architecture · Urban · Unknown
A park scene with palm trees, a street lamp, and a building in the background under a yellowish sky.
Nature · Outdoor · Unknown
A park scene with a bench, palm trees, and a person walking in a hazy atmosphere.
Landscape · Urban · Overcast
A solitary bench beside a pathway lined with tall grass and palm trees under a hazy sky.
Street · Urban · Overcast
A pathway leading through a park with trees and a distant view of a signpost.
Landscape · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A cozy outdoor cafe with wooden tables and chairs on a grassy area, surrounded by trees.
Architecture · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A close-up of a camel's head with a red harness against a clear blue sky.
Wildlife · Outdoor · Harsh Midday
A sunny outdoor scene featuring a brown tent, colorful canopies, and blooming red flowers.
Other · Outdoor · Harsh Midday
A black SUV parked beside a palm tree-lined road in a warm, sunny environment.
Automotive · Urban · Golden Hour
Palm trees and grass in a park during golden hour with a building in the background.
Nature · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A sunlit park scene with palm trees, grass, and a pathway, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Nature · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A modern building reflecting in a calm pond surrounded by palm trees under a clear sky.
Architecture · Urban · Golden Hour
A serene view of a canal lined with modern buildings under a hazy yellow light.
Architecture · Urban · Golden Hour
Dimly lit outdoor area with a playground and warm lights against a dark night sky.
Other · Outdoor · Night
A dimly lit soccer field at night with a goalpost and surrounding fencing.
Sport · Outdoor · Night
Night view of a park with trees, a lamp post, and city lights reflecting on water.
Landscape · Outdoor · Night
Exterior view of a Shake Shack restaurant illuminated at night with a Starbucks nearby.
Architecture · Urban · Night
Night view of a Shake Shack restaurant with illuminated signage and a drive-thru.
Architecture · Urban · Night
Exterior view of Shake Shack restaurant at night, illuminated sign and warm lights visible.
Architecture · Urban · Night
Nighttime urban scene featuring illuminated restaurant signs and buildings.
Architecture · Urban · Night
A brightly lit fast-food restaurant at night with a prominent sign and surrounding urban setting.
Architecture · Urban · Night
Night view of a fast-food restaurant with illuminated signage and a parking lot.
Architecture · Urban · Night
A hazy view of a city skyline reflected in a calm body of water, surrounded by greenery.
Landscape · Water · Overcast
A vintage red car parked on green grass with palm trees in the background under a clear sky.
Automotive · Outdoor · Harsh Midday
A narrow pathway bordered by green foliage and a white wall under a clear sky.
Nature · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A black goat peering through a wire fence in a rustic setting with warm sunlight.
Wildlife · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A black goat with prominent eyes peering through a wire fence in a farm setting.
Wildlife · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A group of sheep gathered near a building in a sandy outdoor area with palm trees.
Nature · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A group of sheep and a dog in a fenced area with a building in the background under warm sunlight.
Nature · Rural · Golden Hour
A close-up of a camel's head with a warm yellow background and a hint of greenery.
Wildlife · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A young calf standing in a sandy enclosure with wooden fencing and trees in the background.
Wildlife · Rural · Golden Hour
A vintage red car parked on a green lawn with palm trees and colorful decorations in the background.
Automotive · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A wooden chair positioned in a sandy indoor space with soft yellow lighting.
Interior · Indoor · Mixed
A wooden chair in a sandy indoor setting with yellowish light filtering through glass.
Interior · Indoor · Mixed
A serene waterfront pathway lined with palm trees during golden hour, with a gentle breeze and soft light.
Landscape · Coastal · Golden Hour
A serene lakeside view at sunset with buildings and cranes silhouetted against the golden sky.
Landscape · Urban · Golden Hour
A sleek white car parked on a street lined with palm trees and tall buildings under a sunny sky.
Automotive · Urban · Golden Hour
People walking along a waterfront with boats and tall buildings in the background under a warm light.
Street · Urban · Golden Hour
Modern architecture with palm trees under a hazy sky, featuring unique canopy structures.
Architecture · Urban · Golden Hour
Urban scene featuring modern architecture with a distinctive building and palm trees under a hazy sky.
Architecture · Urban · Golden Hour
Modern urban architecture featuring tall buildings and a curved overpass under a hazy sky.
Architecture · Urban · Golden Hour
Entrance to a building with a pathway lined by hedges, under a yellowish light.
Architecture · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A pathway lined with palm trees and greenery under a hazy sky.
Landscape · Outdoor · Overcast
A ramp leading through a park with blooming flowers and lush greenery under warm lighting.
Nature · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A dimly lit interior featuring shelves with decorative items and a sink area.
Interior · Indoor · Low Light
A warm-toned kitchen scene with shelves and a mirror, featuring soft lighting and a cozy atmosphere.
Interior · Indoor · Golden Hour
A warm-toned kitchen interior featuring shelves and a round mirror.
Interior · Indoor · Mixed
Interior view of a cozy cafe with warm lighting and modern decor.
Interior · Indoor · Mixed
Screenshot of camera settings for a photo titled 'California Summer'.
Other · Unknown
A close-up of a colorful playground structure with swings and slides against a blue sky.
Other · Outdoor · Golden Hour

Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch

What it nails

  • Warm, nostalgic tones
  • Soft, golden-hour highlights
  • Vibrant, yet subtle colours
  • Film-like grain texture

What to watch

  • Muted shadows can lose detail
  • Cool WB may shift skin tones
  • Not ideal for harsh midday light

Explore similar

VintageFadedTravel

CompatibilityWill it work on your camera?

Tested across the X-Trans V and GFX generations — compatibility is defined by sensor, so any body on these generations can run it.

Tested sensors & cameras

X-Trans VGFXX-E5X-H2X-H2SX-M5X-S20X-T30-IIIX-T5X-T50X100VIGFX100-IIGFX100RFGFX100S-II

Best forWhen to reach for it

California Summer shines in golden-hour light, bringing warmth and vibrancy to landscapes, nature, and travel scenes. It excels in creating a nostalgic feel, but might not be the best choice for sharp, modern architecture or subjects requiring crisp detail. Capture the essence of a sunlit, carefree day.

Best for

Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.

VintageFadedTravel

Less suited to

Where another look will likely serve you better.

Sharp modern subjects
Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What cameras support California Summer?

California Summer works with X-E5, X-H2, X-T5, X100VI, and GFX100 models, among others.

How does California Summer affect image tones?

It provides warm, nostalgic tones with vibrant colours and a soft, film-like texture.

Is this recipe good for studio portraits?

It's better suited for natural light and travel scenes, not studio portraits.