Kodak Gold 200: Italy Through a Timeless Look

Jan 273 min read

Kodak Gold V1 is probably the most beloved film simulation I've created, more popular than Classic Chrome or anything else, with its golden nostalgic tone, and it's pretty hard not to fall in love with it.

It's important to know that Kodak gold has gone through a couple updates since the first blog was published, and now it resembles more the authentic film look, while the first one was filled with a predominantly golden hue. I even created a second version, which is characteristic of more vibrant colors and teal skies.

Kodak Gold V1 vs Kodak Gold V2

Film is a volatile medium, and results vary depending on many factors like heat, exposure to light, shelf life, ways of developing, and especially the scanner used.

This is why, when comparing results from the same film, you’ll often notice significant differences in color—and presets will reflect these differences too.

When using the Kodak Gold film, some people are getting Blue skies, other users are getting Teal shifted skies. Same thing what is happening here. The first version is based on an Amber - Blue-Violet color science, while the second one has vibrant Golden colors with Teal skies.

When I create these film recipes, I carefully study and cross-reference as many sources as possible to accurately replicate a film stock as closely as possible in-camera. While Kodak Gold can sometimes appear as the second version, I’ve found that more often than not, it’s characterized by amber hues and blue-violet skies. That’s why I initially designed my recipe to reflect this look.

However, after receiving numerous requests for a recipe inspired by the second version, I decided to create one as well.

You can get the Kodak Gold 200 recipe for free, along with other 7 simulations!

Kodak Gold V1 film recipe - an overview

Kodak Gold 200 is one of the most known and used film stock ever. And it's been recreated time and time again through presets and film simulations. And it's no wonder - the look of the Kodak Gold 200 is timeless, it's a film well-loved for its ability to capture your dearest memories in warm, inviting and nostalgic tones.

And the film simulation is a community favorite, exactly for that reason.

Kodak Gold simulation recreates the same film's signature color palette and tones. Scenes take on a warm yellow-orange cast with vibrant but soft-focused colors. Blue skies and water take on a brilliant yet hazy quality. Skin tones are flattered with a sunny glow. Shadow details are preserved with fine grain and soft transitions.

The whole look is warm and welcoming—it feels like a trip down memory lane to simpler times. It’s perfect for portraits, travel shots, nature, street photography, or pretty much anything you want to give a nostalgic touch to.

JPEGs taken with the Kodak Gold film recipe could have easily been pulled from your parents' photo albums from the 80s.

That just hits different.

In a world that’s all about crisp, digital perfection, these simulations give your photos a sense of connection to the past. They breathe life into modern images, blending the convenience of digital with the charm of those memories we all grew up seeing in photo albums.

If you’re looking to bring the look of the 80's & 90's to your shots, Kodak Gold is a solid go-to. It’s approachable, flattering, and ridiculously easy to use.

Give it a try—you’ll see what I mean.

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