LUX Brass
About this recipe
LUX Brass is a free Nikon Flexible Color Picture Control by Mihai Serban, shared as an .NP3 file. It works with the Z9, Z8, Z6 III, Z5 II, Zf, Z50 II, and ZR. The Z8 needs firmware 3.00 or later, the Z9 5.30 or later, and the Zf 2.00 or later. Copy the file to the NIKON/CUSTOMPC folder on a memory card, then load it into a custom Picture Control slot (C-1 to C-9).
This recipe introduces a distinct warmth to mid-tones and highlights, while shadows take on a noticeable magenta cast. It gives images a bit of character without feeling overly stylized, leaning toward a somewhat vintage digital aesthetic rather than a film emulation. If you want to lean further into the strenghts of the look, try shifting the white balance slightly warmer (something like A1.50, M0.25 seems to work well in most scenarios).
Picture Control values
Base: Flexible Color- Sharpening
- +2.50
- Mid-range sharpening
- +1.50
- Clarity
- +1.25
- Saturation
- +8
- Tone curve
- Custom
Color Blender
| Color | Hue | Chroma | Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | -4 | -8 | -4 |
| Orange | +24 | +4 | +8 |
| Yellow | -12 | +12 | -10 |
| Green | -10 | -14 | +6 |
| Cyan | +32 | -4 | +20 |
| Blue | -5 | -30 | +40 |
| Purple | -18 | -14 | 0 |
| Magenta | -24 | -18 | -2 |
Color Grading
| Zone | Hue | Chroma | Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlights | 265° | +16 | 0 |
| Midtones | 26° | +16 | 0 |
| Shadows | 58° | +16 | 0 |
Read from the .NP3 file. Its custom tone curve replaces Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, White level and Black level.
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 Mihai Serban — 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 importFor: 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.
LUX Brass
Original creator
Mihai Serban
Visit creator’s website (opens in a new tab)Tested this recipe? Have better settings for your camera?
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Check Nikon Compatibility
Select your Nikon camera to check if this NP3 file loads directly:
Works with
This newer NP3 format requires Flexible Color support. Z6 and Z6 II cannot import Flexible Color presets. Z8 requires firmware 3.00 or later, Z9 5.30 or later, and Zf 2.00 or later.
LUX Brass
NP3 file · 1012 B · 2 files below