Classic Negative film simulation recipe for extreme blacks with X100V
Whilst I tend to try and find nostalgic puns for recipe names, the talented Mehdi Berrada seeks out intresting single word names with all sorts of meanings. The name Loki, seems fitting, with its roots in Norse mythology, suggesting power and mystery. I see the name here and there in other settings, often linked with darkness and power, so I feel that it suits the tone of the images well.
In this recipe, we have an extra deep look with extra dark blacks and a inky, almost glossy aesthetic. As with other recipes by Mehdi, there is an underexposure recommendation, which is an important part of achieving the intended style. Embrace the dark side, as some people like to say 😊
The image samples use this technique to show a striking contrast between light and shadow, and to produce a stongly styled look that draws your eye to different features in the images, such as patterns of light, and the textures of highlight areas, and of course the deep black shadows.
Images: Mehdi Berrada, X100V
Loki Film Recipe by Mehdi Berrada
- Simulation: Classic Negative
- Grain Effect: Off
- Colour Chrome Effect: Off
- Colour Chrome Blue: Off
- White Balance: Auto
- WB Shift: +3 Red, -5 Blue
- Dynamic Range: DR100
- Highlights: +4.0
- Shadows: +4.0
- Color: 0
- Sharpness: +3
- ISO Noise Reduction: -4
- Clarity: +3
- EV compensation: -2/3 (you MUST underexpose to achieve the look)
Flowers and Leaves with Loki
I was excited to try this film recipe and see if my ham fisted attempts at photographing plants and flowers might look good with this super deep film recipe. I was very pleased with the result, and remind you that these images are all taken in full daylight, often strong sunshine. Such is the power of Loki.
Film Recipes for Fujifilm Cameras 