Fuji Pro 400H Recipe w Sony a6700 picture profiles - An underrated film simulation
This blog post will focus on the beloved Fuji Pro 400H recipe, which I believe is often unfairly overlooked. Despite its ability to produce stunning, film-like images, it hasn't received the attention it truly deserves. In this article, I aim to give it the recognition it merits by showcasing some beautiful colors straight out of the camera, using the Sony a6700.
Fujifilm Pro 400h film stock
Fujifilm Pro 400H is a highly regarded color negative film stock that has captured the hearts of photographers, especially in the wedding and lifestyle sectors. Introduced in 2004, it quickly became a favorite due to its unique color palette and exceptional exposure latitude. The film is known for its ability to produce soft, natural skin tones while maintaining true to life colors, making it ideal for capturing memorable moments.
Unfortunately, Pro 400H was discontinued in early 2021, leaving many photographers searching for alternatives. Despite its scarcity, those who have experienced its qualities often speak fondly of the unique aesthetic it provides. Whether used for portraits or environmental shots, Fujifilm Pro 400H remains a beloved choice that continues to inspire creativity among film enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of Pro 400H is its cooler color rendition. This characteristic sets it apart from competitors like Kodak Portra 400, which tends to produce warmer tones. The film's fine grain structure allows for sharp images, even when enlarged, adding to its appeal for professional use.
Online photo sample of Fuji400H vary a lot in terms of colors, ranging from accurate but rather cold tones, to warm but highly green or magenta cast images. Since it was discontinued in early 2021, I assumed the results from the latter would be expired or badly developed film.
So today I'll present a Fujicolor pro 400h recipe with cold but richer, more vibrant color than the original Fujifilm Fujicolor Pro 400H.
Color Characteristics
Taking multiple references into comparison, Fuji 400H sometimes appears to have warmer tones, but after researching its main characteristics, I found that it designed to produce cold colors. This is why my version will emphasize those cooler tonalities. But, if you want a warmer tone, you can easily adjust this recipe by simply raising the temperature by 300-500 Kelvin.
Film photography is inherently unpredictable, and various factors can influence the final results. For Fuji 400H, the colors can vary based on storage conditions, light exposure, and development methods. While sometimes the film comes out as warmer, it’s essential to understand that its true nature leans towards cooler hues. By focusing on the film's cooler characteristics, I aim to showcase its unique color palette effectively.
The Fuji 400H film simulation will have a higher saturation compared to the original analog film. This adjustment is made to enhance the colors and bring them to life, resulting in more vibrant and dynamic images.
Fujifilm Pro 400h recipe - SOOC shots
Straight-out-of-camera JPEGs captured using the Sony a6700
Fujifilm Pro 400h Lightroom Preset samples
If you also want to take advantage of RAW power, I have a set a presets to match the JPEGs. One of the presets matches the JPEG that you get from using the custom Sony Picture Profile in-camera. And one of the presets uses the extra tools in Lightroom/Capture One to get you closer to the original film stock.
Choose between 3 presets: one matching the in-camera Sony recipe, and 2 that use Lightroom's full editing power to get you closer to the Fuji 400H film stock. I created 2 versions because online samples of this film stock vary - some show a magenta-leaning image, and some show a slightly warmer version, with yellow-greens in the shadows. Here's what you can expect 👇
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset - meant to match in-camera simulation
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset 1 - meant to get you closer to the original film stock - more magenta leaning
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset 2 - meant to get you closer to the original film stock - with yellow in shadows
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset - meant to match in-camera simulation
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset 1 - meant to get you closer to the original film stock - more magenta leaning
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset 2 - meant to get you closer to the original film stock - with yellow in shadows
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset - meant to match in-camera simulation
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset 1 - meant to get you closer to the original film stock - more magenta leaning
Fuji 400h Lightroom Preset 2 - meant to get you closer to the original film stock - with yellow in shadows
The Magic of Fuji 400H, on your Sony camera
I believe that this Fuji 400H recipe will quickly become a favorite once you try it. It transforms your images with its magical quality - the same appeal that made the original film so special. Known for beautiful color reproduction and versatility, this recipe excels in various lighting conditions, making it perfect for weddings, portraits, and lifestyle photography. What really sets it apart is how it captures beautifully soft skin tones while maintaining those signature cool, enchanting colors.
Although the discontinuation of Pro 400H was a significant loss for the film community, but with this simulations, you can still get that magical film look - just digitally. I'll leave you with a couple more samples of this superb film simulation.
You can explore all available film simulations below.
Some more samples on the Sony a6700
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