Juan Melara Print Film Emulation LUTs

Overview

The free PFE set covers 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, so footage must meet that input requirement; a Color Space Transform is one way to prepare it.

This is a specialized print-film tool, not a universal look for any image. A fixed LUT favors a direct workflow, but can be difficult to use when a client needs a product colour to match a swatch precisely. The editable PowerGrades are the more suitable choice for that work.

Key features

• Three free stock emulations: Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383 and Kodak 2393 provide a no-cost entry point for a Resolve workflow.
• Five editable PowerGrades: Alongside those three stocks, paid options include Fujifilm 3513DI and Fujifilm 3521XD. Choose these when a fixed LUT is too restrictive.
• Colour-managed grading: RCM / DaVinci Wide Gamut PowerGrades are intended for standard or node-based RCM workflows and SDR or HDR grading.
• Setup guidance: Each RCM PowerGrade includes an eight-minute video covering 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 those looks on set.

Pricing

The free PFE LUTs are free and include Fujifilm 3510, Kodak 2383 and Kodak 2393. They fit Resolve users who want those three fixed looks without paying, provided their footage meets the stated input requirement.

Each individual RCM PowerGrade costs 29.99 USD per once: Kodak 2393, Kodak 2383, Fujifilm 3510, Fujifilm 3513DI or Fujifilm 3521XD. Each provides its named grade for Resolve Colour Managed / DaVinci Wide Gamut workflows, including SDR and HDR grading. The All PowerGrades Bundle costs 89.99 USD per once and includes all five. It suits colourists who want the full set; buying a single grade costs less if only one stock is needed.

Platforms

The LUTs are for DaVinci Resolve, on macOS and Windows. The maker’s instructions describe installing them in Resolve and choosing them from a node’s 3D LUT menu. The LUTs expect log film scans in Rec.709 colour space. 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 CST.

Who it's for

This set is a good fit for Resolve editors and colourists seeking a small, defined group of print-film looks, especially when a free LUT is enough or the project already uses RCM. Those matching product colours to a client’s swatch should favor an editable PowerGrade. Editors looking for negative-stock emulation or additional film-style effects may prefer FilmUnlimited.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Three named stock emulations are free, and the paid options add two more stocks with editable, colour-managed grades.
• Pros: RCM PowerGrades cover SDR and HDR workflows, with a short included video addressing setup and use.
• Cons: The free LUTs expect log film scans in Rec.709 colour space, so footage may need a Color Space Transform before application.
• Cons: A fixed LUT can be a poor fit when precise swatch matching matters; that calls for a paid editable grade.

Alternatives

Video LUT Libraries is a directory starting point for comparing other LUT collections. For a free downloadable camera-focused option, Canon LUT Library provides .cube look files for compatible grading software or supported cameras. ARRI Look Library offers 87 looks and free log-to-log versions, with camera compatibility depending on the look.

Panasonic VariCam LUT Library is another free option, with 35 conversion looks. For broader paid collections, LUTify.me sells Cine world Pro Warm and Cold LUT packs for 15.00 USD per once each; IWLTBAP LUTs offers a 325+ LUT pack for 25.00 USD per once. CinePacks is the broader asset choice, with a 57-pack, 4,700+ asset bundle for 300.00 USD per once. For a recurring library, CineColor LUT Library charges 29.00 USD per month for full catalog access and unlimited downloads. Gamut LUTs may suit Final Cut Pro users: its plan is 19.00 USD per month with a 7-day free trial.

Verdict

Choose Juan Melara’s PFE set if you work in Resolve and want three free, focused print-film emulations or editable grades for a colour-managed SDR/HDR workflow. Its strongest reason to choose is the progression from free fixed LUTs to adjustable PowerGrades; its main limitation is that the LUT input requirements and fixed result make it less suitable for unprepared footage or exact product-colour matching.