Difficulty
Intermediate
X-Trans IVClassic ChromeColour4 photos
Soft Gold Retro Recipe
Capture the timeless charm of nostalgia with inviting warmth and soft tones.
Film simulation
Classic Chrome
Tested on
X-E4
Sample frames
4
The lookWhy this one earns a slot
With Soft Gold Retro, step back into a world where warm, nostalgic tones envelop your scenes in a gentle embrace. The Classic Chrome base lends a muted, vintage vibe, reminiscent of photographs from the 1970s. The softened shadows and subdued highlights create a delicate balance that flatters street and travel photography, allowing colours to bloom without overpowering the scene. A cooler white balance shift adds an intriguing, slightly bluish tint, evoking the feel of old film photographs. The subtle presence of grain adds to the filmic texture, enhancing the overall mood without distracting from the subject. This recipe sings in overcast conditions and during the golden hour, where the interplay of natural light and warm tones can truly shine.
The settingsThe recipe
Classic Chrome · X-Trans IV
- Film Simulation
- Classic Chrome
- Dynamic Range
- DR400
- White Balance
- Fluorescent 3, +4 R / −6 B
- Highlight
- 0
- Shadow
- −2
- Color
- +4
- Sharpness
- 0
- Noise Reduction
- −4
- Clarity
- −3
- Grain
- Weak, Small
- Color Chrome Effect
- Strong
- Color Chrome FX Blue
- Strong
- ISO
- 6400
- Exposure Comp.
- 0 to -2/3
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 Soft Gold Retro JPEGs straight out of camera.
Sample framesShot on this recipe
Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch
What it nails
- Warm, nostalgic tones for vintage feel
- Gentle shadows enhance depth and mood
- Cool WB shift adds unique character
- Delicate grain enhances filmic texture
What to watch
- May not suit studio portraits
- Strong colour shifts in overcast light
Explore similar
StreetTravelDaily life
CompatibilityWill it work on your camera?
Tested across the X-Trans IV and GFX generations — compatibility is defined by sensor, so any body on these generations can run it. On X-Trans V bodies, blue renders more deeply. If you adapt this recipe to X-Trans V, reduce Color Chrome FX Blue by one step (Strong → Weak).
Best forWhen to reach for it
Soft Gold Retro is ideal for street and travel photography, especially in overcast or golden hour light. Its warm tones bring out the best in urban scenes. Avoid studio portraits, as the recipe's soft contrasts may not complement controlled lighting environments.
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 film era does Soft Gold Retro evoke?
It evokes the warm, nostalgic tones of 1970s film photography, with a vintage charm.
Which Fujifilm cameras support this recipe?
Compatible models include X-E4, X-Pro3, X-S10, X-T30 II, X-T4, X100V, and GFX100S.
What lighting conditions work best with this recipe?
It works best in overcast or golden hour lighting, enhancing the warm, nostalgic tones.
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