E64 – Free Lightroom Preset | Kodak Ektachrome 64 Film Look

Bring the iconic clarity of professional slide film to your photography with the E64 – Free Lightroom Preset. Inspired by the legendary Kodak Ektachrome 64, this preset delivers ultra-fine grain, sharp detail, and a clean, archival look characteristic of vintage low-speed transparency film.

Introduction

The E64 – Free Lightroom Preset draws its inspiration from the world of Kodak Ektachrome 64, one of the most respected daylight-balanced slide films ever produced. Known for its remarkable sharpness, natural color rendition, and exceptional archival quality, Ektachrome 64 became the standard for landscape, editorial, and commercial photographers who demanded precision. E64 brings this clean, high-fidelity aesthetic to your digital workflow, balancing realistic colors with the refined texture of professional slide film to create a timeless look in just one click.

History of Kodak Ektachrome 64

Kodak Ektachrome films have been the gold standard for transparency (slide) photography for decades. Introduced as a professional-grade alternative to Kodachrome, Ektachrome 64 was prized for its E-6 process compatibility and its ability to render realistic colors. It became a favorite for National Geographic explorers and fashion photographers alike because of its unique ability to capture true-to-life skin tones while maintaining cool, clean whites—a look that digital sensors often find difficult to replicate without the specific tonal grading provided by an archival preset.

Film Characteristics

Here’s what defines the aesthetic of classic Kodak Ektachrome 64:

• Sharpness: Incredible edge definition and clarity typical of low-ISO film.
• Color Palette: Accurate, natural colors with a subtle emphasis on blues and greens.
• Contrast: A clean, moderate contrast curve that preserves archival detail.
• Highlights: Pure, neutral whites with a smooth rolloff.
• Grain Structure: Ultra-fine, almost imperceptible grain for a polished look.

E64 – Lightroom Preset

The E64 Preset is designed to give your digital images the clinical precision and archival beauty of professional slide film. It achieves this by emulating ultra-fine grain and sharp detail while balancing the tonal range for a clean, realistic finish. The color grading is specifically tuned to enhance natural light and skin tones without over-saturation, making it perfect for travel photography, outdoor portraits, and landscapes where you want an authentic, vintage archival feel.

• Archival Look: Instantly adds a clean, professional “magazine” aesthetic.
• Sharp Detail: Enhances micro-contrast for superior edge definition.
• Fine Grain Texture: Mimics the smooth, organic feel of low-speed slide film.
• Natural Color Grade: Balanced hues that stay true to the original scene.

Conclusion

The E64 – Free Lightroom Preset is an essential tool for photographers seeking a refined, archival look. By emulating the characteristics of Kodak Ektachrome 64—sharp detail, ultra-fine grain, and natural colors—it transforms digital files into sophisticated, film-inspired captures. If you want your photography to reflect the precision of classic slide film, the E64 preset is the perfect choice.

Key Takeaways

Feature

Details

Film Type

Daylight-Balanced Slide (Transparency) Film

Color Palette

Neutral tones, clean whites, and refined color accuracy

Best For

Landscape, editorial portraits, nature, and travel photography

FAQs

Q: Does this look like real Ektachrome 64?

A: Yes — it is specifically tuned to mimic Ektachrome’s signature sharpness and archival color response.

Q: What lighting is best for the E64 preset?

A: Like the original film, it works best in bright daylight or well-lit outdoor scenes.

Q: Can I use this on JPEG images?

A: Yes, but RAW files are recommended to fully appreciate the detail and archival tonal range.

Q: Where can I download it?

A: Download it free here: FreePresets.com