Juan Melara Print Film Emulation LUTs

Overview

The free set emulates Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383 and Kodak 2393. In Resolve, install a LUT and apply it from a node’s 3D LUT menu. The LUTs expect log film scans in Rec.709 colour space; a Color Space Transform is one way to prepare footage. This input requirement makes the set a specialist tool rather than a look to apply indiscriminately to any image.

The choice is between a fixed LUT and a modifiable PowerGrade. The maker cautions that the LUTs can be difficult to use when a client’s product colour must match a swatch precisely. In that situation, an editable grade is the more suitable option.

Key features

• Three free print-stock emulations: Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383 and Kodak 2393 offer a no-cost way to try this approach.
• Five editable PowerGrades: Paid options cover those three stocks plus Fujifilm 3513DI and Fujifilm 3521XD, giving colourists room to modify the grade.
• Colour-managed workflow: RCM / DaVinci Wide Gamut PowerGrades are described for standard or node-based RCM workflows and SDR and HDR grading.
• Setup guidance: Each RCM PowerGrade includes an eight-minute video on installation, RCM and SDR/HDR setup, nodegraph structure and usage.
• Related film effects: FilmUnlimited adds Kodak 5207 250D and Kodak 5219 500T negative stocks, plus halation, grain and gate weave emulation. Its in-camera version includes LUTs for previewing looks on set.

Pricing

The Free PFE LUTs plan is free and includes Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383 and Kodak 2393. It is the sensible starting point for editors who want those three fixed looks without paying, but it does not offer the modification available in the PowerGrades.

Each RCM PowerGrade costs 29.99 USD per once: Kodak 2393, Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383, Fujifilm 3513DI or Fujifilm 3521XD. Choose an individual grade for a particular stock; the All PowerGrades Bundle costs 89.99 USD per once and includes all five. The paid options are aimed at colourists who need editable, colour-managed grades rather than a fixed LUT. Support requests for RCM PowerGrades go to [email protected].

Platforms

The LUTs are for DaVinci Resolve on macOS and Windows. Camera support includes ARRI Alexa and Amira; Fujifilm X-H2S; Canon C70 and C300 Mark III; Sony A7SIII, A7IV, FX3 and FX6; Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 6K; and Blackmagic URSA Mini G2. Blackmagic, Sony, Canon, Panasonic and DJI cameras are also supported via CST.

Who it's for

This is a good fit for Resolve editors working with log scans who want a small selection of print-film emulations, especially if they are comfortable preparing footage for the expected input colour space. Colourists handling product work with exact swatch requirements should favour an editable PowerGrade. It is less suitable for someone seeking a general-purpose LUT that needs no input preparation.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Three named print-stock looks are free, making it possible to explore the PFE approach before buying.
• Pro: RCM / DaVinci Wide Gamut PowerGrades cover SDR and HDR grading and include a short setup and workflow video.
• Con: The fixed LUTs expect log film scans in Rec.709, so footage may need a Color Space Transform first.
• Con: Precise product-colour matching can be difficult with the LUTs; the editable grades are the better route when that constraint matters.

Alternatives

For a broader directory of choices, see Video LUT Libraries. Choose Canon LUT Library instead for free downloadable .cube look files compatible with supported cameras or grading software. LUTify.me is another freemium option, with Cine world Pro LUT packs priced at 15.00 USD per once.

Gamut LUTs may suit Mac users who want a Final Cut Pro offering with a 7-day free trial and a 19.00 USD per month plan. ARRI Look Library is a free alternative with 87 looks and free log-to-log versions; camera compatibility depends on the look. Bounce Color LUTs offers Cinematic Film LUTs for 12.99 GBP per once, with Rec709 and Log LUTs for major cameras. Panasonic VariCam LUT Library is a free library of 35 conversion looks. IWLTBAP LUTs has a 25.00 USD per once pack with 325+ LUTs. For a paid LUT option, LUT Co offers creative packs including the Samuel Elkins LUT Pack at 49.00 USD per once.

Verdict

Choose Juan Melara’s PFE LUTs if you work in Resolve with log scans and want a focused set of print-film looks, starting with three free options. The editable PowerGrades make the range more useful when the grade needs adjustment or colour-managed SDR/HDR handling. Look elsewhere if you need a plug-in look for unprepared footage or exact product-colour matching without further grading work.