Fuji Flavours

X-Trans IVAcros+YBlack & White65 photos

Moody Monochrome Recipe

Unlock the power of monochrome with striking contrast and serene isolation.

Fuji Pic StudioTested on real gear · X-E4 · Updated June 8, 2026
A highway scene with vehicles and tall streetlights under a clear sky.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Film simulation
Acros+Y
Tested on
X-E4
Sample frames
65

The lookWhy this one earns a slot

Moody Monochrome channels the timeless elegance of classic black and white photography, reminiscent of Ansel Adams' dramatic landscapes or the gritty street scenes of early 20th-century photojournalism. This recipe is all about stark contrasts, deep shadows, and a textured, organic feel that captures the essence of monochrome film. The Acros+Y simulation enriches details with its fine grain and smooth tonal transitions, offering a serene yet bold aesthetic. Highlights are subdued to maintain detail in bright areas, while shadows are accentuated to add depth and drama. The cool white balance shift gives images a subtle bluish tint, enhancing the atmosphere of isolation and introspection. Perfect for capturing architecture, street scenes, and landscapes where mood and texture reign supreme.

The settingsThe recipe

Acros+Y · X-Trans IV

Film Simulation
Acros+Y
Dynamic Range
DR400
White Balance
Fluorescent 3, −4 R / −9 B
Highlight
−1
Shadow
+4
Color
—
Sharpness
−2
Noise Reduction
−4
Clarity
−3
Grain
Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect
Off
Color Chrome FX Blue
Off
ISO
—
Exposure Comp.
+1/3 to +1

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 Acros+Y.
  3. Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
  4. Select that slot to shoot Moody Monochrome JPEGs straight out of camera.

Sample framesShot on this recipe

A barren landscape with a winding dirt road and sparse vegetation under a clear sky.
Landscape · Rural · Unknown
A dirt road alongside a chain-link fence in a barren landscape under bright sunlight.
Landscape · Rural · Harsh Midday
A chain-link fence along a dirt road leading into a barren landscape under a bright sky.
Landscape · Rural · Harsh Midday
A close-up of a chain-link fence against a bright sky, capturing the texture and structure of the fence.
Architecture · Outdoor · Backlit
A barren desert landscape with distant mountains and a fence line under a clear sky.
Landscape · Desert · Unknown
Black and white photo of mountains viewed through a car window, with a focus on the landscape outside.
Landscape · Rural · Unknown
A vintage food trailer in a barren landscape under a clear sky.
Architecture · Rural · Harsh Midday
A food truck parked in a desolate landscape, viewed from inside a car.
Architecture · Rural · Harsh Midday
A vintage trailer in a barren landscape, viewed from inside a car with mountains in the background.
Architecture · Rural · Unknown
A food truck in a desolate landscape, captured from a car window, with mountains in the background.
Architecture · Rural · Harsh Midday
A winding road with mountains in the background, captured from inside a vehicle.
Landscape · Rural · Unknown
A black and white photo of a winding road with mountains in the background under a clear sky.
Landscape · Rural · Unknown
View from a car window showing mountains in the distance and a side mirror reflecting part of the car.
Landscape · Urban · Unknown
Black and white photo of mountains viewed from a car window, with a side mirror reflecting the landscape.
Landscape · Rural · Harsh Midday
A mountainous landscape with a road leading towards a tower and buildings in the foreground.
Landscape · Rural · Unknown
A black and white photo of a mosque tower surrounded by mountains and parked cars on a street.
Architecture · Urban · Unknown
Black and white image of a decorative fence with lampposts against a mountainous backdrop.
Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown
A vintage-style lamppost stands near a wrought iron fence against a clear sky.
Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown
A black Mercedes-Benz car driving on a winding road with rocky mountains in the background.
Automotive · Rural · Unknown
A solitary tree stands between two rocky cliffs in a monochrome landscape.
Nature · Outdoor · Unknown
Two black SUVs driving on a winding road surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A person walking away on a path surrounded by trees and mountains in black and white.
Portrait · Rural · Unknown
Black and white photo of a mountain landscape with a stone railing in the foreground.
Landscape · Outdoor · Unknown
A large, modern house with palm trees in front, captured in black and white.
Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown
A sleek black sports car parked in front of a modern building with city skyline in the background.
Automotive · Urban · Harsh Midday
A vintage car displayed in front of a modern building, with city skyline in the background.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A vintage car parked indoors with a sleek design and floral decals on the front.
Automotive · Indoor · Mixed
A close-up of a modified car with a unique headlight design, parked in an urban setting.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
Two vintage cars parked in front of a reflective building, showcasing their unique designs.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A modified car parked in front of a modern building with a person in white attire standing nearby.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A modified car parked in front of a building with a person in traditional attire standing nearby.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A vintage car with floral decals parked in front of a modern building, with a person in white attire standing nearby.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A classic convertible car parked beside palm trees with a city skyline in the background.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
Side view of a classic car parked at an event, with palm trees and urban backdrop.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A classic black car parked near palm trees with a city skyline in the background.
Automotive · Urban · Harsh Midday
A classic black car parked under palm trees with a city skyline in the background.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A classic black car parked on a street with palm trees and city skyline in the background.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
Close-up of a Porsche emblem on a silver car surface, highlighting the logo's details.
Automotive · Outdoor · Overcast
Close-up of a Porsche emblem on a car's surface with a sleek design.
Automotive · Outdoor · Overcast
Close-up of a silver sports car with detailed alloy wheels, set against a blurred background of another car.
Automotive · Outdoor · Unknown
A silver sports car parked in front of a modern building with reflections and stage lights.
Automotive · Urban · Mixed
Classic car parked in front of a modern glass building, showcasing a blend of old and new architecture.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
Classic car parked on a stage with modern architecture in the background.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A classic black car parked in front of a modern building with stage lights.
Automotive · Urban · Mixed
Classic black and white photo of a vintage car parked in front of a modern building.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
Two classic cars parked in front of a modern glass building with stage lights.
Automotive · Urban · Harsh Midday
Two classic cars parked in front of a modern building with large glass windows.
Automotive · Urban · Harsh Midday
Two classic cars parked in front of a modern building, showcasing vintage design against contemporary architecture.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A classic black BMW car parked in front of a reflective glass building, showcasing its sleek design.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
A classic black BMW car parked in front of a reflective glass building.
Automotive · Urban · Unknown
Close-up of a black car's front grille featuring the BMW M logo.
Automotive · Outdoor · Mixed
Close-up of a car's grille featuring the BMW M logo, with horizontal slats in the background.
Automotive · Outdoor · Unknown
Close-up of a classic black car's front grille with blurred vintage cars in the background.
Automotive · Outdoor · Mixed
Close-up of a BMW car emblem on a sleek black surface with reflections.
Automotive · Outdoor · Mixed
Interior of a modern shopping mall with a large Christmas tree and a unique patterned roof.
Architecture · Indoor · Mixed
A monochrome image of a shop window displaying stacked boxes and products behind glass.
Architecture · Urban · Mixed
A person in a cap stands behind a glass display filled with bottles, captured in black and white.
Street · Urban · Mixed
A man in a cap stands behind a bar, illuminated by soft light, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
Portrait · Urban · Mixed
A man in a white cap stands near glass bottles in a shop, illuminated by natural light.
Street · Urban · Mixed
A modern building facade with neatly trimmed hedges and a sign in a sunny urban setting.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A man stands near a transparent structure with intricate patterns, surrounded by dark shadows.
Architecture · Indoor · Low Light
A man walking towards a glass structure with intricate designs in a dimly lit environment.
Architecture · Urban · Low Light
A monochrome photo with a moody atmosphere, featuring a landscape scene with dramatic clouds.
Landscape · Outdoor · Overcast
List of Fujifilm camera models and sensors displayed on a smartphone screen.
Other · Indoor · Mixed

Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch

What it nails

  • Perfect for high-contrast landscapes
  • Ideal for minimalistic architecture shots
  • Enhances mood in gritty street scenes
  • Strong grain adds filmic texture

What to watch

  • Challenging in low-light conditions
  • May flatten vibrant subjects
  • Cool tones can shift skin tones

Explore similar

Black & whiteArchitectureStreet

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 capturing dramatic architecture and moody landscapes. Suits harsh sunlight and overcast light, revealing depth and texture. Avoid busy scenes and vibrant colours, as they may lose impact in monochrome. Excellent for creating atmospheric images that evoke a sense of solitude and calm.

Best for

Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.

Black & whiteArchitectureStreet

Less suited to

Where another look will likely serve you better.

Vibrant ColorsSoft Skin TonesBusy Scenes
Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What cameras support Moody Monochrome?

It supports Fujifilm X-Trans IV, X-Trans V, and GFX cameras.

How does it handle vibrant colours?

Moody Monochrome may flatten vibrant colours, focusing on contrast and texture.

Can it be used in low-light?

Low-light conditions can be challenging; highlights may not retain detail.