Leica Like Film Simulation on Sony | Freshly Baked series
Sooo many of you have asked if you can get the Leica look on your Sony camera. And I finally get to post a blog post about this Leica like film simulation. Initially, I postponed the project because I hadn’t had the chance to try the Leica M8 or M9 firsthand, and therefore didn't have a hands on experience with Leica M9 colors.
However, after receiving numerous requests, I decided it was time to attempt recreating the iconic Leica look based on JPEG sample photos from DPReview - a fun experiment, if you ask me. This Leica like film simulation recipe aims to replicate the unique charm and character of Leica M9 colors.
Table of Contents
Leica like film simulation on the Sony a6700 camera
P.S - This recipe was created on the Sony a6700. If you own a different camera, you might have to color match it. It's mostly about adjusting the temperature and the tint. Here are some article to help you out
Feel free to send me a message or comment down below if you have any questions!
An overview of the Leicachrome film simulation
This is not a new recipe, it has been part of the bundle for some time now (summer 2022), but this is the first time it's showcased on the blog.
The digital Leica M8 and M9 series are known for incorporating Kodak CCD sensors, leading to a speculation that Leica worked together with Kodak on the M8 M9 sensors to replicate the iconic colors of Kodachrome film. After comparing a few images from Kodachrome 25 and Kodachrome 64, I can see a hint of resemblance, but honestly, it’s not enough to make me a true believer. Besides that, I haven’t come across any official sources to back this up, so it feels more like speculation than fact.
With this in mind, I decided to develop a film simulation that captures the unique colors associated with Leica M9 and named it Leicachrome. This name seemed fitting given the characteristics I aimed to replicate. From what I've noticed, Leica M8 has less saturated colors by default, and a slight magenta ting in the skies. I preferred the look of the M9.
I want to mention that I do not own a Leica, nor do I have any rental house nearby that owns Leica. However, by checking reference images from DPReview and comparing them to Sony colors, I can understand the main characteristics and recreate this look in a Sony camera by using the Picture Profile menu.
These images showcase one of the first times I took out Leicachrome out of the 'development lab' for a short hiking trip. The result will not be perfect from the start, but come very close to the Leica M9 colors. My first version of the recipe had slightly higher contrast and deeper color tones. This was fixed in the current version, adding more of a balanced look.
How to use the Leichachrome
The Leicachrome film simulation has these deep, vibrant colors, which makes it work for pretty much anything — travel, family photos, portraits, street shots, landscapes, you name it. It gives your images a bold but still balanced look that enhances every scene.
One cool thing about Leicachrome is how it handles skies. Underexpose a bit, and you’ll get this velvety texture in the skies. Overexpose, and the blues shift toward this striking cyan tone. It adds a nice layer of interest to your shots.
Overall, Leicachrome's colors are both accurate and natural yet lively, giving your images a bold character without looking overdone.
The Leicachrome film simulation is amazing for its deep, vibrant colors, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of subjects and purposes. Whether you’re capturing travel adventures, family memories, portraits, street photography or breathtaking landscapes, Leicachrome delivers a bold, yet balanced aesthetic that enhances every scene.
One of the standout features of Leicachrome is its ability to render skies with a slightly velvety texture when underexposed, while overexposure shifts the hues toward a captivating cyan. This unique characteristic adds depth and intrigue to your images, making them visually compelling.
Overall, the colors produced by Leicachrome are both accurate and natural, infused with a vibrant quality that brings scenes to life. The simulation’s bold character makes it ideal for those who want an image that pop within the limits of natural.
Fine-Tuning for Perfection
In this initial version, the blues are very deep, adding a bold character to your images. However, with the upcoming update, I balanced these tones for a more relaxed and harmonious appearance. This adjustment will create a softer aesthetic while still retaining the vibrant essence that makes this simulation special.
And if you tried the Leicachrome - I'd be happy to hear your feedback, as they will help me shape future updates & improvements! Plus, it's exciting to see how each of us interprets the same simulation in unique ways.
Tried it? Comment down below
What do you think of the Leicachrome film simulation? I hope you find it as exciting as I do! If you'd like to stay updated on the latest film simulation articles, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page.
You can go check all the film recipes for Sony here!
Hope you enjoy this one!
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