Fuji Flavours

X-Trans VReala AceColour22 photos

Retro Negative Recipe

Capture vibrant urban scenes with a splash of nostalgic charm.

Fuji Pic StudioTested on real gear · X-E5 · Updated June 8, 2026
A tall observation tower against a clear blue sky.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Film simulation
Reala Ace
Tested on
X-E5
Sample frames
22

The lookWhy this one earns a slot

Retro Negetive (universal Neg) is a recipe that brings the essence of old film photography into your digital shots. With a base in the Reala Ace simulation, it creates a dynamic tapestry of rich colours and subdued shadows. The skin tones are natural and pleasing, making portraits come alive with a classic touch. The highlights are gently restrained, ensuring the sky and bright areas don't overwhelm. Meanwhile, the grain is strong yet fine, lending images a filmic texture that adds depth and character. This recipe especially shines in urban environments, where the interplay of colour and architecture can be fully appreciated. It's like stepping back in time, capturing memories with a modern twist.

The settingsThe recipe

Reala Ace · X-Trans V

Film Simulation
Reala Ace
Dynamic Range
DR400
White Balance
Custom Kelvin, 4000K, −5 B
Highlight
0
Shadow
−2
Color
−2
Sharpness
−2
Noise Reduction
−4
Clarity
0
Grain
Strong, Small
Color Chrome Effect
Strong
Color Chrome FX Blue
Strong
ISO
6400
Exposure Comp.
-1/3 to +2/3

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 Reala Ace.
  3. Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
  4. Select that slot to shoot Retro Negative JPEGs straight out of camera.

Sample framesShot on this recipe

A colorful espresso cafe kiosk by the waterfront with modern skyscrapers in the background.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A pastel green food kiosk named 'Minty Grapes' by the waterfront with benches and a clear blue sky.
Architecture · Outdoor · Harsh Midday
A small crepe stand with a green and white color scheme, surrounded by outdoor seating and a waterfront view.
Architecture · Outdoor · Unknown
Coastal view of modern buildings and palm trees along a waterfront promenade.
Architecture · Coastal · Harsh Midday
Modern architectural structure with white curves and green trees under a cloudy sky.
Architecture · Urban · Overcast
A person cleaning a white outdoor staircase near a waterfront with buildings in the background.
Architecture · Outdoor · Mixed
A person in a brown hoodie walks along a white pathway by a calm water body with distant buildings.
Street · Coastal · Overcast
A person in a brown hoodie stands on a waterfront promenade, looking at their phone with a gray sky above.
Street · Urban · Overcast
A person walking near a waterfront with modern architecture and greenery in the foreground.
Street · Coastal · Overcast
A person walking along a waterfront promenade with modern architecture and greenery.
Street · Coastal · Overcast
A person in a brown jacket stands on a white terrace overlooking a calm body of water.
Street · Urban · Overcast
A person in a brown jacket stands on a white terrace overlooking a calm water body with distant buildings.
Street · Urban · Overcast
A person walking on a white terrace by the water, with a city skyline in the background.
Street · Urban · Overcast
A person walking on a white terrace by the water, with a city skyline in the background.
Street · Urban · Overcast
A person walking on a white terrace by the water, with a city skyline in the background.
Street · Coastal · Overcast
A person in a brown jacket stands on a white terrace by the water, with a hazy skyline in the background.
Portrait · Outdoor · Overcast
A person in a brown shirt gestures while standing on a white deck by a calm water body.
Street · Outdoor · Overcast
A person performing a dance move on a white deck by the water, with a hazy skyline in the background.
Street · Outdoor · Overcast
A person performing a high kick on a snowy outdoor platform with a view of a body of water.
Sport · Outdoor · Overcast
Settings for a Fujifilm film simulation recipe displayed on a mobile device screen.
Other · Indoor · Mixed
Screenshot of a mobile interface displaying camera and sensor information related to film simulation.
Other · Unknown · Informative

Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch

What it nails

  • Rich, vibrant colours stand out
  • Natural skin tones for portraits
  • Fine grain adds filmic texture
  • Gentle handling of highlights

What to watch

  • May struggle with high-contrast scenes
  • Strong grain at high ISO
  • Cool casts in some lighting conditions

Explore similar

PortraitsSkin tonesDaily

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.

Tested sensors & cameras

X-Trans VGFXX-E5X-H2X-H2SX-M5X-S20X-T30-IIIX-T5X-T50X100VIGFX100-IIGFX100RFGFX100S-II

Best forWhen to reach for it

Ideal for days with varied lighting and urban exploration. It excels in preserving skin tones in portraits. Avoid high-contrast scenes, as the look might struggle with extreme differences between dark and light areas. Its vibrant tones suit daily adventures and casual walks.

Best for

Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.

PortraitsSkin tonesDaily

Less suited to

Where another look will likely serve you better.

High-contrast scenes
Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What film simulation is Retro Negetive based on?

Retro Negetive uses the Reala Ace film simulation for its vibrant and nostalgic look.

Which cameras can use this recipe?

Compatible with X-Trans V and GFX cameras, including models like the X-T5 and GFX100S II.

Is Retro Negetive suitable for high-contrast scenes?

No, it's not recommended for high-contrast scenes as the shadows and highlights might not balance well.