Fujifilm Simulation Recipe: CC-MMFC

This Recipe is a continuation of the CC-MM (classic chrome-medium Modern) recipe developed for documentary purposes between Rishikesh and Amritsar. For this iteration, I take to the streets of Amritsar and use the slightly altered variant to capture the essence of the streets and the people inhabiting them. Discover this new variant of my documentary recipe series Fujifilm Simulation Recipe: CC-MMFC (Medium Modern Flat Curve).

Table of Contents

Recipe Development
Positive Observations of the Fujifilm Simulation Recipe: CC-MMFC
Negative Observations of the Fujifilm Simulation Recipe: CC-MMFC
Fujifilm Simulation Recipe: CC-MMFC
Conclusion

Fujifilm Simulation Recipe: CC-MMFC sample image

Recipe Development

Following the observations made in the last post, I decided to continue developing my modern documentary recipe to achieve a suitably modern aesthetic that will perform across multiple environments and be a good all-rounder that can remain a permanent addition to my Q menu. The changes made are minor. However, they have moved me closer to achieving this goal.

Firstly, completely flattening the curve has reduced the contrast to a more suitable balance. In the previous iteration, although it was only a minor one, in some instances, the curve crushed the blacks too far for it to be considered a suitable recipe for all shooting situations. Fortunately, the classic chrome has some natural contrast within it. And the added clarity also brings enough range in the highlights and shadows that there is no need to alter the curve.

Secondly, I decided to bump up the contrast by one stop. I did this because of my taste preferences. I find that I always add a little clarity in my post-processing, especially in my subjects, and as these are the things that are typically in focus, it makes sense to add them in the camera settings.

The downside is that clarity is heavy on the camera’s processor. Meaning the processing time between shots can be lengthy. Moreover, it is impossible to add when shooting in CH or CL modes. This effect means any shots in these modes won’t match the rest of the set.

Positive Observations of the Fujifilm Simulation Recipe: CC-MMFC

The tonal range flattened to a suitable level for most shooting environments. In no instances can I notice blacks crushing too far. Moreover, the highlights are often within acceptable parameters. There are some cases where they are too high, such as in very well-lit and lightly coloured environments. And also from the surfaces of reflective objects. Although, this is normal. Overall, the contrast is pleasing and the added clarity even seconds as a slight dehazing tool.

The colours are also incredibly close to those in real life. That is, besides the blues and reds. But the added cyan to the blue and increased luminance in the reds is a welcome variation. This colour profile means that the simulation recipe is suitable for documentary purposes.

Negative Observations of the Fujifilm Simulation Recipe: CC-MMFC

The most predominant of my negative observations come from assessing the simulation under flat lighting conditions, such as images taken under overcast grey skies. In these cases, the images lack distinguishable characters. It is true that in these environments, it is rarely possible to capture pleasing images. However, it is more so with this setting, especially in areas such as the sky, where the increased contrast gives a dehazing effect and renders one with a low dirty luminance.

Secondly, I feel like the images are sacrificing a level of dynamic range for performance in more conditions. Of course, this was the intention. However, I can’t help but notice the sacrifice in the images. Nevertheless, these adjustments can be made in post-processing if necessary, and it’s always better to start with flat images.