ClassicMono

by Martin Knecht— (0)0 downloads

Demo images (10)

About this recipe

ClassicMono is a free Nikon Picture Control by Martin Knecht.

ClassicMono – My Image Recipe for Timeless Black & White Photography Black and white photography holds a special kind of power for me. It inevitably draws the eye to what truly matters: light, brightness, depth, and structure. Without color, an image feels more reduced, more focused — and often more emotional. It creates an atmosphere that instantly evokes memories of bygone eras, historic moments, or personal events that stay with us. This monochrome recipe works beautifully for portraits because it makes emotions even more palpable. At the same time, it’s surprisingly versatile — whether you're shooting landscapes, urban environments, or high-contrast scenes. The buttery highlight rolloff and the gentle, deep shadows give the image an organic depth that I absolutely love. ClassicMono is inspired by early 20th-century photography. I prefer a subtly warm black-and-white look, which is why I activate the sepia tone — sometimes more pronounced, sometimes more restrained, depending on what the motif calls for. A small but important element for the final look:I generally underexpose by ⅓ to a full stop to preserve more detail in the highlights and create a more cinematic feel. In addition, Active D-Lighting is turned off. Get your copy now 🎟️📸😉https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b7IaP1vsiPq9ixzXU6A_9IImyfMRcn74/view?usp=sharing https://www.instagram.com/itsme.martin.k/

Before using this recipe

This recipe or downloadable preset may not include all settings recommended by the original creator. For the intended look, also set the recommended White Balance, WB shift, exposure compensation (EV), and any other camera settings.

Not recorded here yet: White Balance, WB shift, Exposure compensation (EV). Check the creator’s original recipe for them.

Please visit Martin Knecht — creator’s website for complete instructions and the latest updates. The exact original recipe page has not yet been verified. The recipe or file hosted here may be an older version.

How to apply

Nikon · File import

For: Nikon Z cameras (Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9, Z30, Z50, Z fc, Zf…) and recent DSLRs such as the D780

1
Download the file
Save the .NP3 file to your computer. Keep the original name — it becomes the Picture Control name on the camera.
2
Copy it to the memory card
Use a card formatted in the camera. Put the file in the NIKON/CUSTOMPC folder (create it if missing) or in the card root.
3
Load it into the camera
Choose the file, then pick a free custom slot (C-1 to C-9). You can rename it on the camera.
MENUPhoto shooting menuManage Picture ControlLoad/saveCopy to camera
4
Select the look and shoot
Pick the custom slot you just filled. It is also available from the i menu.
MENUPhoto shooting menuSet Picture ControlC-1…C-9

The look is baked into JPEG/HEIF files. RAW files keep it as metadata — NX Studio shows it, Lightroom does not.
Copy file to memory card under NIKON/CUSTOMPC/ folder, then load via Menu › Manage Picture Control › Load/save › Copy to camera.
Flexible Color presets require a Nikon Zf (firmware 2.00+), Z6 III, Z8 (firmware 3.00+), Z9 (firmware 5.30+), Z50 II, Z5 II, or ZR.
The Zf, Z6 III, Z50 II, and Z5 II can also sync Picture Controls wirelessly via Nikon Imaging Cloud or Nikon NX Studio.
Menu names vary slightly by model and firmware.

Nikon setup guide ↗Tweak it in the Picture Control Editor ↗