Juan Melara Print Film Emulation LUTs

Overview

The free PFE set emulates Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383 and Kodak 2393. In Resolve, install a LUT and apply it through a node’s 3D LUT menu. The LUTs expect log film scans in Rec.709 colour space, so the workflow depends on preparing footage for that input; a Color Space Transform is one way to do so. This is a specialized grading tool, not a general-purpose look to apply without regard to colour space.

The distinction between fixed LUTs and editable PowerGrades is consequential. LUTs favour a direct application, but the maker cautions that they can be difficult to use when a client’s product colour must match a swatch precisely. In that situation, the editable PowerGrade is the stronger choice.

Key features

• Three free stock emulations: Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383 and Kodak 2393 offer a no-cost way to work with the PFE approach.
• Five editable PowerGrades: Paid grades cover those three stocks plus Fujifilm 3513DI and Fujifilm 3521XD. They give colourists room to modify the result when a fixed LUT is too restrictive.
• Colour-managed options: RCM / DaVinci Wide Gamut PowerGrades are intended for standard or node-based RCM workflows and SDR or HDR grading, making them the more flexible fit for colour-managed projects.
• Setup and workflow guidance: Each RCM PowerGrade includes an eight-minute video on installation, RCM and SDR/HDR setup, the node graph, and usage.
• Related negative-film emulation: FilmUnlimited includes Kodak 5207 250D and Kodak 5219 500T negative stocks, as well as halation, grain and gate weave emulation. Its in-camera version includes LUTs for previewing its looks on set.

Pricing

The free PFE LUTs are free and include Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383 and Kodak 2393. That is the sensible starting point for editors who want the fixed LUT workflow and can meet its Rec.709 input requirement.

Each individual RCM PowerGrade costs 29.99 USD per once: Kodak 2393, Kodak 2383, Fujifilm 3510, Fujifilm 3513DI or Fujifilm 3521XD. These are a better fit when a project calls for editing, colour-managed workflows, or SDR and HDR grading; the free set does not offer those PowerGrade options. The All PowerGrades Bundle costs 89.99 USD per once and includes all five listed RCM PowerGrades, suiting buyers who want the complete set rather than one stock. Support requests for RCM PowerGrades go to [email protected].

Platforms

The LUTs are for DaVinci Resolve and are available for macOS and Windows. The listed 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 can also be used via a Color Space Transform.

Who it's for

Choose PFE if your work is based in Resolve, you want print-film density and colour response, and your footage can be prepared as log film scans in Rec.709. The free LUTs suit editors who value a direct application over fine adjustment. Choose a paid PowerGrade when you need to modify the grade, work in RCM, or grade for SDR and HDR. If exact swatch matching is central to a product shoot, the fixed LUT workflow is the wrong fit.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Three print-stock emulations are free, so the core PFE look has a no-cost entry point.
• Pro: Five RCM PowerGrades add editable options across the three free stocks and two further Fujifilm stocks.
• Pro: The included setup video addresses RCM and SDR/HDR workflows rather than leaving those steps unexplained.
• Con: The LUTs expect log scans in Rec.709, so footage must fit that input pipeline.
• Con: Fixed LUTs can be difficult when product colours need precise swatch matching; that calls for the paid editable grade.

Alternatives

If you want a broader catalogue to compare, start with Video LUT Libraries. Choose ARRI Look Library for its 87 looks and free log-to-log versions; camera compatibility depends on the camera. Canon LUT Library is a free option with downloadable .cube look files for compatible grading software or supported cameras.

LUTify.me is a freemium alternative spanning Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows, with individual Cine world Pro packs at 15.00 USD per once. For web-based library access, CineColor LUT Library offers freemium access and a monthly all-access plan at 29.00 USD per month. Gamut LUTs is a macOS option with a seven-day free trial for its Final Cut Pro plan, which costs 19.00 USD per month. For a one-time purchase of a larger pack, IWLTBAP LUTs offers 325+ LUTs for 25.00 USD per once. Luttie LUT Packs offers individual LUTs at 3.50 USD per once. CinePacks is the alternative for a much broader asset bundle: its Master Bundle costs 300.00 USD per once and includes 57 packs and 4,700+ assets.

Verdict

Juan Melara PFE is a strong fit for Resolve editors who want a defined print-film look and can work within its Rec.709 log-scan input. Start with the free set if a fixed LUT is enough; choose a PowerGrade for colour-managed flexibility or precise adjustment. Look elsewhere if your workflow does not fit that input pipeline or exact product-colour matching must be achieved with a fixed LUT.