Difficulty
Intermediate
X-Trans VClassic NegativeColour4 photos
Fuji HG Cool Tone Recipe
Capture rugged landscapes with soft, vibrant tones and gentle contrasts.
Film simulation
Classic Negative
Tested on
X-E5
Sample frames
4
The lookWhy this one earns a slot
Fuji HG Cool Tone, built on Fujifilm's Classic Negative simulation, channels the spirit of vintage film with its soft tonal shifts and vibrant colour palette. The shadows are deep yet nuanced, while highlights are subtly restrained, offering a gentle contrast that feels both rich and inviting. The recipe shines in capturing the rugged beauty of landscapes, with a weakness for earthy tones and a vivid portrayal of blues and greens. The texture is slightly coarse, reminiscent of large-grain film, adding an authentic analogue feel without overwhelming detail. This recipe beautifully balances vibrancy and restraint, making it ideal for street and urban photography where dynamic subjects are complemented by subtle tonal variations.
The settingsThe recipe
Classic Negative · X-Trans V
- Film Simulation
- Classic Negative
- Dynamic Range
- DR400
- White Balance
- Auto White Priority, −3 R / −1 B
- Highlight
- −1
- Shadow
- +1
- Color
- +2
- Sharpness
- 0
- Noise Reduction
- −4
- Clarity
- +2
- Grain
- Weak, Large
- Color Chrome Effect
- Weak
- Color Chrome FX Blue
- Weak
- ISO
- 6400
- Exposure Comp.
- +2/3 to +1
How to copy it to your camera
- Open the Image Quality (IQ) menu and select an empty custom setting slot (C1–C7).
- Set the base film simulation to Classic Negative.
- Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
- Select that slot to shoot Fuji HG Cool Tone JPEGs straight out of camera.
Sample framesShot on this recipe
Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch
What it nails
- Emphasises soft, vibrant tones.
- Balances shadows with gentle highlights.
- Adds a vintage film feel.
- Ideal for rugged, natural landscapes.
What to watch
- Large grain may overpower at high ISO.
- Cool WB shift affects warm tones.
- Avoid overly bright conditions.
Explore similar
StreetUrbanOvercast
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.
Best forWhen to reach for it
Fuji HG Cool Tone thrives in street and urban settings, especially during overcast conditions. It's less suited for studio portraits or pure landscapes where controlled lighting or grandeur is key. Ideal for capturing the rugged beauty and moody essence of everyday scenes.
Best for
Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.
StreetUrbanOvercast
Less suited to
Where another look will likely serve you better.
Studio portraitsPure landscape
Frequently asked questions
Which cameras support Fuji HG Cool Tone?
Compatible with the X-E5, X-H2, X-T5 series, X100VI, and select GFX models.
What conditions suit this recipe best?
Fuji HG Cool Tone excels in overcast conditions and urban environments.
Is this recipe suitable for portraits?
It's not ideal for studio portraits; better for candid street scenes.
Related recipes
All recipes
PremiumLate Night Print
Small, strong grain and warm tones evoke a nostalgic feel. Perfect for urban exploration and overcast days.
PremiumSuperia Almanac
Subdued shadows paired with rich hues create an inviting calm for urban exploration.
PremiumClassic Superia
Retro-inspired hues and fine grain evoke nostalgia, perfect for photographing cityscapes in overcast conditions.
PremiumKodak Royal Warmth
Small, strong grain and warm tones evoke a nostalgic feel. Perfect for urban exploration and overcast days.
Vintage Amber
Amber tones with rich shadows and gentle grain. Ideal for overcast urban settings.
Marigold Afternoon
Earthy hues with subtle contrast bring a nostalgic warmth to urban images.
