X-Trans IVAcrosBlack & White4 photos

High Contrast Roll Recipe

For lovers of monochrome, High Contrast Roll captures shadowy drama.

Fuji FlavoursTested on real gear · X-E3 · Updated October 26, 2026

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Black and white photo of modern skyscrapers behind trees in an urban park setting.

Difficulty

Any level

Film simulation

Acros

Tested on

X-E3

Sample frames

The lookWhy this one earns a slot

High Contrast Roll is a love letter to classic black-and-white photography, bringing a sense of nostalgia and drama to your images. It offers deep, inky blacks and bright, crisp whites, creating a stark contrast that emphasises shapes and shadows. With strong grain and a slightly lifted exposure, it mimics the look of film pushed during development, enhancing the textures and mood of your urban, architectural, or minimalist interior shots. This recipe shines in high-contrast scenes, beautifully capturing the interplay of light and shadow. It's ideal for creating a mood that feels both timeless and contemporary, perfect for photographers who want their monochrome images to stand out with a bold, graphic quality.

The settingsThe recipe

Acros · X-Trans IV

Premium recipe

Unlock the full recipe

The white balance, tone curve, grain and ISO for High Contrast Roll are part of Fuji Pic Premium. Get them in the app, then load the recipe straight onto your camera.

App Store Google Play

Free to download · iPhone and Android

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 Acros.
Enter each value from the recipe's card in the Fuji Pic app, then save the slot.
Select that slot to shoot High Contrast Roll JPEGs straight out of camera.

Sample framesShot on this recipe

A minimalist street lamp against a clear sky, partially obscured by a white wall. — Architecture · Urban · Unknown

Black and white photo of bare trees in a park during the day with a clear sky. — Nature · Outdoor · Unknown

A black and white photo of a pagoda-style building surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery. — Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown

Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch

What it nails

High-contrast black and white
Strong filmic grain texture
Great for dramatic shadows
Perfect for urban architecture

What to watch

Not ideal for vivid colours
Soft skin tones may suffer
Strong grain at high ISO

Explore similar

Urban ArchitectureMinimalist InteriorsNostalgic ScenesCalm Street PhotographyDramatic Shadows

CompatibilityWill it work on your camera?

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

Tested sensors & cameras

X-Trans IV X-Trans III GFX X-E3 X-H1 X-Pro2 X-T2 X-T20 X-T3 X-T30 X100F GFX100

Best forWhen to reach for it

Ideal for capturing urban architecture, minimalist interiors, and scenes with dramatic shadows. Works best in daylight or harsh lighting. Its strong contrast beautifully captures architectural details, making cityscapes and modern structures come alive with texture and depth.

Best for

Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.

Urban ArchitectureMinimalist InteriorsNostalgic ScenesCalm Street PhotographyDramatic Shadows

Less suited to

Where another look will likely serve you better.

Vivid ColorsSoft Skin Tones

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

Which Fujifilm cameras support High Contrast Roll?

High Contrast Roll is listed as compatible with X-Trans III, X-Trans IV, and GFX sensors. Supported bodies include the X-E3, X-H1, X-Pro2, X-T2, X-T20, X-T3, X-T30, X100F, and GFX100, covering several generations of Fujifilm cameras.

What subjects suit High Contrast Roll best?

This recipe is suited to urban architecture, minimalist interiors, and scenes where strong shadows define the composition. Its deep blacks, bright whites, and pronounced grain give buildings and simple structures a bold graphic character, particularly when the light creates clear separation between illuminated and shaded areas.

How does Acros shape the look of High Contrast Roll?

Acros provides the black-and-white foundation for High Contrast Roll. The recipe's described character centres on deep, inky blacks, crisp whites, and pronounced grain, producing a dramatic monochrome image rather than a colour-rich or delicately toned result. Shapes, textures, and shadows become central to the photograph.

Does High Contrast Roll work well for portraits?

High Contrast Roll is not the strongest choice when soft, flattering skin tones are the priority. Its dramatic contrast and strong grain can make facial textures more pronounced, so it is better suited to graphic monochrome work than portraits that depend on gentle tonal transitions and smooth skin rendering.

What lighting conditions suit High Contrast Roll?

Daylight and harsh lighting suit this recipe because they create the strong light-and-shadow patterns that define its look. Architectural edges become more pronounced, while deep shadows add drama. In scenes without meaningful tonal separation, its bold monochrome character may feel less distinctive.