Soft Negative film recipe with Classic Negative

Fujifilm simulation Soft Negative recipe for X-Trans IV cameras

This film recipe is intended to be a versatile all rounder which can be used in a wide variety of conditions. It is based on the excellent classic negative simulation, adapted with color balance amd tone curve for softer, nostalgic tone.

These changes add softness and warmth to the classic negative look, giving a gentle mood a bit loke old negative prints. I call it Soft Negative, because of this characteristic, although I did initially call it Aged Negative when I first created it.

It works espcially well in the golden hour around sunrise or sunset, and renders lovely skies around this time of day. Even in twilight, the tones have a cosy, but not overpowering style. That doesn’t mean it’s not suitable at other times of course, and I find it works well on cloudy and dull days too.

For me, this is the soft and nostalgic style I was looking to achieve with my Fujifilm X-Series, and I take more shots with this and other soft tones recipes than anything else.

You might also like: Pale Negative, which has a similar look and feel, or Nostalgic Fujicolor with a retro feel from similar settings.

New Forest Pony, taken with Soft Negative film recipe

Film Recipe for Soft Negative / Aged Negative

  • Simulation: Classic Negative
  • Grain Effect: Strong, Small
  • Colour Chrome Effect: Off
  • Colour Chrome Blue: Strong
  • White Balance: 4800K
  • WB Shift: +5 Red, -5 Blue
  • Dynamic Range: DR200
  • Highlights: -1
  • Shadows: -1
  • Colour: -3
  • Sharpness: -1
  • ISO Noise Reduction: -4
  • Clarity: 0
  • EV compensation: 0 or +1/3
Spring Bluebells, taken with Soft Negative film recipe
Chilling on the beach
Post-sunset SUP
The ultimate bug hotel?
Dartington Trust, taken with Soft Negative film recipe
Shrub in bloom
Inquisitive donkey
Pine tree detail, taken with Soft Negative film recipe
Winter is wonderful for photos in a softer style. Soft Negative recipe
Autumn in the woodland, using Soft Negative film recipe
Forest mushroom (fly agaric), with Soft Negative film recipe
Scenic route, taken with the Soft Negative film recipe
Winter Sunset, taken with Soft Negative film recipe for Fujifilm cameras
Floral display, using the Soft Negative film recipe
Sunrise over the pond, with the Soft Negative film recipe
Frosted teasels are one of my favourite things. Soft Negative film recipe
Ivy in full sunlight, taken with the Soft Negative film recipe
Woodland view, with the Soft Negative film recipe
Summer greens, captured with Soft Negative film recipe
Wintertime captures using the Soft Negative film recipe

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3 responses to “Soft Negative film recipe with Classic Negative”

  1. Hi.
    I like your profiles

    Obviously you’re using a late model fuji. I’m wondering if you have any recipes for the older model fujis? I have an xpro1, which obviously has just range and fine control to the lens recipes. But it’s such a wonderful camera to use.

    Like

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