Difficulty
Intermediate
X-Trans VClassic ChromeColour4 photos
Kodak Softlight Recipe
Capture everyday moments with warm nostalgia using Kodak Softlight in Classic Chrome.
Film simulation
Classic Chrome
Tested on
X-E5
Sample frames
4
The lookWhy this one earns a slot
Kodak Softlight with Classic Chrome is a love letter to the lush, vivid tones and gentle warmth of bygone photographic eras. Its character is warm and inviting, with a subtle grain that adds a nostalgic feel without overpowering the scene. The colours pop with a natural vibrancy, enhanced by the strong colour chrome effect, making greens and browns particularly lush and immersive. Highlights are softened to maintain detail in bright light, while shadows remain gentle, creating a balanced, serene image. This recipe truly sings in street and travel photography, where its ability to evoke mood and atmosphere enhances storytelling. The look is consistently warm, making it ideal for creating timeless captures that echo the comfort and familiarity of classic film days.
The settingsThe recipe
Classic Chrome · X-Trans V
- Film Simulation
- Classic Chrome
- Dynamic Range
- DR400
- White Balance
- Auto White Priority, +2 R / −4 B
- Highlight
- −1.5
- Shadow
- −1
- Color
- +3
- Sharpness
- −1
- Noise Reduction
- −4
- Clarity
- −2
- Grain
- Weak, Small
- Color Chrome Effect
- Strong
- Color Chrome FX Blue
- Weak
- ISO
- 6400
- Exposure Comp.
- 0 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 Chrome.
- Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
- Select that slot to shoot Kodak Softlight JPEGs straight out of camera.
Sample framesShot on this recipe
Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch
What it nails
- Warm, nostalgic filmic feel
- Enhanced greens and browns
- Balanced highlights and shadows
- Minimal grain for a clean look
What to watch
- Not ideal for studio portraits
- Watch for warm colour cast indoors
- High ISO may reduce sharpness
Explore similar
KodakStreetTravelDaily life
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
Great for street, travel, and daily life captures where warmth and vibrancy are desired. It thrives in natural lighting situations, capturing serene outdoor scenes beautifully, but is less suited for studio portraits due to its softer shadow detail and warm tones.
Best for
Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.
StreetTravelDaily life
Less suited to
Where another look will likely serve you better.
Studio portraits
Frequently asked questions
Which cameras support Kodak Softlight?
Kodak Softlight is designed specifically for X-Trans V and GFX cameras, with no listed X-Trans IV compatibility. Supported bodies include the X-E5, X-H2, X-H2S, X-M5, X-S20, X-T30 III, X-T5, X-T50, X100VI, GFX100 II, GFX100RF, and GFX100S II.
What scenes suit Kodak Softlight best?
Kodak Softlight works naturally with quiet, detail-rich scenes such as craft spaces, artwork, interiors, and everyday surroundings. This works best around dried flowers in window light, a weaving workshop, paintings in a gallery, and a columned corridor, all fitting its warm, nostalgic filmic character.
Is Kodak Softlight good for travel photography?
Yes. Travel photography is one of the recipe's stated strengths, alongside street and daily-life photography. Its warm colour, gentle rendering, and nostalgic character can add atmosphere to travel scenes while keeping the overall image balanced and natural-looking in suitable lighting conditions.
When should you avoid using Kodak Softlight?
Studio portraits are the clearest situation to approach cautiously. The recipe's shooting notes specifically say it is less suited to studio portraits because of its warm tones and softer shadow detail, while natural-light situations are described as a stronger fit for its overall character.
What kind of lighting works best with Kodak Softlight?
Natural light is the strongest fit for Kodak Softlight based on the recipe notes and sample frames. Window light works particularly well with its warm, gentle character, while the recipe is intended for everyday scenes where its balanced highlights, softer shadows, and subtle filmic texture can show naturally.
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