Fuji Flavours

X-Trans IVClassic ChromeColour24 photos

Vintage Kodachrome Recipe

Capture nostalgic warmth with vibrant tones reminiscent of bygone eras.

Fuji FlavoursTested on real gear · X-E3 · Updated June 8, 2026
Interior of a cozy cafe with decorative windows and a love-themed painting on the wall.
Difficulty
Any level
Film simulation
Classic Chrome
Tested on
X-E3
Sample frames
24

The lookWhy this one earns a slot

Vintage Kodachrome, built on the Classic Chrome simulation, evokes the warmth and vibrancy of mid-20th century slides. Rich, bold colours are paired with a nostalgic warmth that adds depth and character to urban and interior scenes. Highlights are pushed to the limit, creating a distinct contrast that brings out architectural lines and details brilliantly, while shadows are softened to lend a subtle glow. The strong grain texture adds a tactile, filmic quality perfect for enhancing the retro vibe. This recipe excels in bright conditions, where it transforms contemporary landscapes and everyday scenes into vibrant, timeless moments. Indoor shots in cafes or warm interiors also benefit, as the recipe enriches the atmosphere with golden hues.

The settingsThe recipe

Classic Chrome · X-Trans IV

Film Simulation
Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range
DR200
White Balance
Auto, +2 R / −4 B
Highlight
+4
Shadow
−2
Color
+4
Sharpness
+1
Noise Reduction
−3
Clarity
—
Grain
Strong
ISO
6400
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 Classic Chrome.
  3. Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
  4. Select that slot to shoot Vintage Kodachrome JPEGs straight out of camera.

Sample framesShot on this recipe

Interior of a cozy café with a wall featuring decorative windows and a love-themed sign.
Interior · Indoor · Low Light
A child sitting on a yellow swing in a modern urban setting with a minimalist design.
Street · Urban · Harsh Midday
A tall modern building reaching towards a clear blue sky, showcasing architectural lines and glass.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A modern building with glass windows against a clear blue sky, showcasing architectural design.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A modern glass building against a clear blue sky, showcasing architectural lines and reflections.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A solitary figure walking along a palm-lined pathway during the evening with a textured wall in the background.
Street · Urban · Evening
A palm tree-lined walkway in an urban setting with a clear sky and modern architecture in the background.
Street · Urban · Golden Hour
A palm tree-lined walkway in an urban setting during early evening light.
Street · Urban · Golden Hour
Silhouetted skyscrapers against a bright sun, with a grassy foreground and urban skyline in the background.
Architecture · Urban · Golden Hour
Silhouetted skyscrapers against a bright sky, with a hazy urban landscape in the background.
Architecture · Urban · Backlit
Silhouette of two tall buildings against a hazy sky, with trees and streetlights in the foreground.
Architecture · Urban · Backlit
A playground with colorful equipment shaded by a large blue canopy, surrounded by palm trees.
Other · Outdoor · Golden Hour
City skyline with modern skyscrapers behind a green park under a clear blue sky.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A view of modern skyscrapers against a clear blue sky, with a green park in the foreground.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
View of modern skyscrapers behind a tree in a park setting.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A skyline of modern skyscrapers viewed from a green park under a clear sky.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
City skyline with modern buildings against a clear sky, viewed from a green park.
Architecture · Urban · Harsh Midday
A park scene featuring a large red sculpture, trees, and a clear blue sky.
Landscape · Urban · Golden Hour
A park scene with trees and distant buildings, showcasing green grass and a clear sky.
Landscape · Outdoor · Golden Hour
A traditional-style building with a tiered roof surrounded by palm trees and modern skyscrapers.
Architecture · Urban · Unknown
A monument surrounded by modern buildings and palm trees during golden hour.
Architecture · Urban · Golden Hour
Screenshot of a mobile app displaying camera and sensor information with a vintage Kodachrome theme.
Other · Unknown · Nostalgic
A collection of vintage items including a camera, bottles, and a wooden box on a table.
Still Life · Indoor · Mixed

Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch

What it nails

  • Warm nostalgic tones
  • Vibrant colour rendition
  • Strong filmic grain
  • Bold contrast highlights

What to watch

  • Harsh on skin tones
  • High contrast can clip highlights
  • Strong grain at high ISO

Explore similar

KodachromeCafesUrban ArchitectureChildhood MomentsWarm InteriorsContemporary Landscapes

CompatibilityWill it work on your camera?

Tested across the X-Trans IV, X-Trans III and GFX generations — compatibility is defined by sensor, so any body on these generations can run it. This recipe is tuned for X-Trans IV. It will work on X-Trans V, but blue can render more deeply there — adjust to taste.

Tested sensors & cameras

X-Trans IVX-Trans IIIGFXX-E3X-H1X-Pro2X-T2X-T20X-T3X-T30X100FGFX100

Best forWhen to reach for it

Use it in bright daylight for rich, vibrant urban landscapes and contemporary scenes. Ideal for capturing architectural details and warm interiors. Avoid in low light or for soft skin tones, as the contrast may be too harsh and grain overly pronounced.

Best for

Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.

CafesUrban ArchitectureChildhood MomentsWarm InteriorsContemporary Landscapes

Less suited to

Where another look will likely serve you better.

Low LightSoft Skin Tones
Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What cameras is Vintage Kodachrome suitable for?

It's suitable for X-Trans III, IV, and GFX models like X-T3, X-H1, and GFX100.

When should I avoid using this recipe?

Avoid using it in low light conditions and for portraits needing soft skin tones.

What kind of scenes does Vintage Kodachrome enhance?

It enhances urban architecture, cafes, childhood moments, warm interiors, and contemporary landscapes.