🎬 What If Tri-X Was Digital… and Had a Pint with a Curve?
Welcome to the first in my Z24 B&W Preset Series — starting, quite fittingly, with Kodak’s classic rebel: Tri-X 400.
Gritty, contrasty, and unapologetically moody — this preset delivers the essence of Tri-X, minus the chemicals and drying clips in your bathroom.
Designed for Nikon’s 24MP cameras (Zf, Z6 series, Z5 series, Zfc), this preset is your no-nonsense, apply-and-walk-away solution for those days when colour just gets in the way of the mood.
I've shot it, tweaked it, and yes, slightly over-edited it late at night when I probably should’ve been asleep.
Let’s just say — it’s got character.
🧪 The Look
The “Bold Grain” version is your main course. Built on the Flat Monochrome profile, with a contrast curve that punches without shouting, crispy whites, and a touch of grain you can almost hear.
Think high-contrast city streets, dramatic portraits, or your cat looking suspiciously like a French existentialist.
“Looks like film, but without the smell of fixer.”
🎥 Watch the Walkthrough
I've prepared a short walkthrough of the preset. If you're the type who reads user manuals for fun, you'll enjoy this:
⬇️ Download the Preset (for Free!)
Z24 – Tri-X – Bold Grain is available in .xmp format, tested on Nikon Zf, Z6, Z5, and Zfc.
👉 Download the preset
💸 Like it? Buy me a coffee so I can keep the caffeine flowing and the sliders sliding.
📦 What You’re Getting
This pack includes:
Z24 – Tri-X – Bold Grain – Your base look.
Z24 – Tri-X – Velvet Skin – Slightly gentler contrast for portraits and finer skin tones.
Z24 – Tri-X – Shadow Line – A punchier version for architecture, street, or when you want that extra crunch.
All three come in one .zip file. Unpack, load in Lightroom, and pretend you’re back in the darkroom.
🧼 Final Thoughts
This preset isn’t a perfect replica of the film — it’s a love letter to it, rewritten in Lightroom sliders.
It’s built to be tweaked, adapted, and occasionally overused.
Next in the queue: Ilford HP5+, Delta 3200, TMax 100, and possibly a wild card (looking at you, Agfa Scala).
If you do use it, tag me or send a screenshot. If it ruins your photo, that’s on you. Or your ex. Possibly both.