Difficulty
Intermediate
X-Trans VClassic ChromeColour4 photos
Old Classic Color Recipe
Bring nostalgia to life with Classic Colour's warm, timeless tones.
Film simulation
Classic Chrome
Tested on
X-E5
Sample frames
4
The lookWhy this one earns a slot
Classic Colour captures the essence of film photography's golden years, offering a compelling blend of warmth and nostalgia. With its muted highlights and shadows, this recipe softens the image, enhancing the timeless feel. The cool blue shift in white balance imbues scenes with a gentle, bluish cast that accentuates the mood of calm, reminiscent of vintage travelogues. The strong colour chrome effect ensures vibrancy, while the strong, yet small, grain adds a filmic texture without overwhelming detail. Ideal for capturing golden-hour street and travel shots, it retains rich colour in natural scenes. The reduced sharpness and clarity soften the overall image, lending a wistful atmosphere that resonates well with both rural and urban settings. This combination makes Classic Colour a versatile choice for conveying warmth and sentimentality.
The settingsThe recipe
Classic Chrome · X-Trans V
- Film Simulation
- Classic Chrome
- Dynamic Range
- DR400
- White Balance
- Custom Kelvin, 5300K, −6 B
- Highlight
- −0.5
- Shadow
- −2
- Color
- +3
- Sharpness
- −2
- Noise Reduction
- −4
- Clarity
- −2
- Grain
- Strong, 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 Old Classic Color JPEGs straight out of camera.
Sample framesShot on this recipe
Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch
What it nails
- Gently muted highlights for balanced skies
- Cool tones add nostalgic feel
- Strong colour vibrancy enhances subjects
- Small grain provides subtle texture
What to watch
- Not ideal for studio portraits
- Strong grain at higher ISO
- May require exposure adjustments
Explore similar
StreetTravelDaily 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
Classic Colour is perfect for street and travel photography, especially during golden hour. It excels in capturing daily life scenes with a nostalgic touch. However, it might not be the best choice for studio portraits where precise colour accuracy and detail are required. This recipe is an ideal companion for capturing candid moments with a vintage feel.
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
What cameras can use Classic Color?
Classic Color is compatible with select X-Trans V and GFX cameras, like X-T5 and GFX100 II.
What lighting conditions suit Classic Color?
Best used in golden hour or soft evening light to enhance warm, nostalgic tones.
Is Classic Color good for portraits?
While it can work outdoors, it's not ideal for studio portraits due to its softer contrast and colour shifts.
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