For those who find themselves searching for the 'correct' film simulation.

When you start using a FUJIFILM camera, many people struggle with this at least once.

'In the end, which film simulation is the best?'

Classic Chrome?
REALA ACE?
NOSTALGIC Neg.?
Or perhaps Velvia?

When you look at social media or YouTube, you see many recommended settings and popular recipes. Of course, those are very helpful, aren't they?

I also write a Film Simulation Recipe Collection, and I hope it serves as a starting point for using FS.

But, before you know it, aren't you becoming more obsessed with finding the 'correct settings' rather than finding the 'colors you like'?

Today's article is for you. It's a quick read that takes about 2 minutes. Please take a look.

What does it mean to search for the correct answer?

What does it actually mean to search for the correct FS?

'For this subject, use this film simulation.'
'For cloudy weather, use this setting.'
'For portraits, use this one.'

There are many articles that speak as if there are no other options. While it is true that some fit better than others depending on the situation, I don't believe there is a 'single correct answer'.

Don't you find yourself getting more confused the more information you gather?

It's that feeling where, even though your options have increased, you've become unable to choose for yourself.

I tried comparing them

One day, I took several photos in the same spot, changing only the film simulation.

I wanted to know which one was the correct one.

While shooting, every FS was fun to use.
That's when I realized: none of them were wrong.

The vivid colors were beautiful.
I also liked the muted colors.
The slightly nostalgic atmosphere wasn't bad either.

What differed wasn't 'good or bad,' but rather 'how I felt'.

What do you think?
They are all good, and they are all correct.

Don't you have an intuitive sense of which one you like?

From that moment on, the way I looked at film simulations began to change.

FS is not a feature for choosing the correct answer, but rather a feature for confirming what you personally find beautiful, isn't it?

Even with the same scenery, different people prefer different colors.
That is why popular settings are not necessarily the best for you.

The recipes for the photos used in the Before/After are available here.

So, what are recipes for, then?

Of course, I don't want to deny the use of recipes.

I use plenty of recipes myself. After all, I'm the one writing the recipe book. Haha.

FS recipes can be a catalyst for discovering new expressions, and you might encounter colors you never would have thought of yourself.

However, a recipe is not an 'answer,' but one of many 'options.'

The important thing is that after using that recipe, you think, 'Do I like this color?'.

The charm of film simulation is that there is no correct answer.

That is why it's confusing. But I don't think that confusion is a bad thing.
It might just be the time you spend gradually getting to know your own sensibilities.

Even so, if you find yourself lost.

If you've become unsure of which film simulation to use, try stopping your search for the 'correct answer' just once.

Getting a sense of what 'doesn't quite fit' is also an important step. Instead of trying to find the correct answer, try various things to learn which FS you prefer in the situation right in front of you.

It is never a failed photo.
It is just not to your taste. Being able to know that is a very important thing.

Today, I'm in a calm mood for Classic Chrome, somehow.
The sky is beautiful, so let's try the vivid Velvia.

Isn't it fine to choose for reasons like that?

Film simulation is not about checking answers on a test.

I think it is a tool to find what you 'like' in order to enjoy photography even more.