Difficulty
Intermediate
X-Trans IVSepiaBlack & White4 photos
Vintage Sepia Recipe
Transform everyday scenes with a warm, nostalgic sepia glow.
Film simulation
Sepia
Tested on
X-E4
Sample frames
4
The lookWhy this one earns a slot
The B&w Sepia (universal Neg) recipe captures the essence of vintage photographs, infusing images with a rich, warm sepia tone that instantly transports the viewer to a bygone era. The muted shadows and soft sharpness create a dreamy, timeless quality perfect for evoking nostalgia. This look brings out the character in architectural details, street scenes, and quiet corners, providing a comforting, aged patina that softens the harshness of modern life. The strong grain adds texture reminiscent of traditional film, enhancing the vintage feel. Perfect under soft or overcast lighting, the recipe's cool WB shift introduces a subtle bluish cast that complements its earthy hues, making it a versatile choice for those seeking an evocative, filmic aesthetic.
The settingsThe recipe
Sepia · X-Trans IV
- Film Simulation
- Sepia
- 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
- Open the Image Quality (IQ) menu and select an empty custom setting slot (C1–C7).
- Set the base film simulation to Sepia.
- Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
- Select that slot to shoot Vintage Sepia JPEGs straight out of camera.
Sample framesShot on this recipe
Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch
What it nails
- Beautiful vintage sepia tone
- Softens harsh modern details
- Strong grain adds texture
- Warm, nostalgic character
What to watch
- Cool WB shift may be noticeable
- Not ideal for bright scenes
- Strong grain in high ISO
Explore similar
VintageToned B&W
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.
Best forWhen to reach for it
Best employed in soft or overcast light, this recipe excels in capturing vintage or toned black-and-white scenes. While it's excellent for nostalgic or atmospheric subjects, it may not suit vibrant, modern settings or brightly lit environments. Ideal for creating a sense of timelessness.
Best for
Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.
VintageToned B&W
Less suited to
Where another look will likely serve you better.
Modern bright scenes
Frequently asked questions
What cameras are compatible with this recipe?
This recipe works with X-Trans IV, X-Trans V, and GFX sensors.
What's the best lighting for this recipe?
Soft or overcast lighting enhances the sepia tone and nostalgic feel.
Can I use this recipe for modern scenes?
It's best for vintage or toned B&W scenes, not modern bright settings.
Related recipes
All recipes
Astia Reverie
Natural tones with gentle contrast and subdued grain. Perfect for calm, warm portraits in rural settings.
PremiumTungsten Clean Frame
Gentle grain and soft tones create a vibrant colour palette. Ideal for portraits with an urban backdrop.
Velvia Punch
Intense contrast and deep hues make landscapes captivating. Suited for vibrant outdoor scenes.
Standard Provia
Strong, small grain and calm tones suit serene scenes indoors and out.
Kodak Fine Mono
Kodak T-Max inspired greys with a calming, gentle grain perfect for capturing serene moments and everyday scenes.
Clean Mono
Gritty texture with strong grain and deep shadows for a timeless feel.
