PP Tips 20 - Using The FujiFilm RFC EX

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The new FujiFilm X100, HS-20 EXR and the F550 EXR all have Raw capability and each comes bundled with a raw file converter (RFC).

For the EXR series cameras, this is called RFC EX and is powered by SilkyPix. As far as I can tell, it is the same version for all the EXR sensor cameras.

I am a long time user of Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw and use them daily. I have also been using SilkyPix products for the past year, or so. Personally, I think they are excellent products. It just takes a little time to learn to use them.

My first introduction to SilkyPix products was with the RFC supplied with the FujiFilm HS-10. That RFC had quite limited functionality and many settings were simply non-adjustable presets.

Fortunately, the new RFC EX has the important 'controller panes' fully operable and adjustable.

Anyway, I have made a very simple overview of an image conversion/edit. As it will be difficult to see the images here, I have created a PDF file which can be downloaded here

A zipped version is available here

Note : The file is quite large (8 mb) as there are quite a number of image examples

In the example, I am simply running through an overview of how to use the RFC EX. The settings I am using are purely subjective and I would always encourage you to try your own variations. Typically, I step through an image edit in the order that I am showing. This always works well, for me.

Hopefully, you will find this helpful.

Update : Below is an example of an HS-20 EXR file converted with the RFC EX

A friend of mine has just got the HS-20 EXR and sent me a couple of sample Raw files.

The first image below is the Raw file converted in RFC EX but with no adjustments applied. In other words, it is just a 'flat' conversion with the default settings.

The second is the adjusted image which has also then had some additional sharpening applied in Photoshop.

Note : Clicking either image will take you to a larger size

Cheers


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Other posts in this series - Click here for the index page.

FujiFilm X100 - Right On Mio Cade

One of the photographers I have been following, with regard to FujiFilm X100 images, is Mio Cade (not real name).

His images are superb.

To view the set of his X100 images at Flickr, click here

As he displays the images he makes some small observations. One of my favourites is this one :

' ... I do not care if the camera has interchangeable lenses, bulletproof, idiot proof, fastest focus, great IQ (I just learned of this term today), etc. Rather I will think of how to move to the right place at the right time, at the right angle, at the right exposure setting, at the right composition and at the effect that I want ... I deliberately leave out mentioning the weakness of the camera. The greatest weakness is the photographer himself, including myself ... '

Right on Mio Cade !

Make sure you also have a look at his entire photo stream. A fascinating set of images. Click here


For all FujiFilm X100 - Related Posts, click here


Cheers


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Instant Fan

I was looking at the recent samples from the FujiFilm X100 and eventually worked out that they were by a Japanese Photographer called Masaaki Aihara.

After doing some digging, I found some links to his work. I for one really like his style.

If you're interested, have a look here :

Masaaki Aihara Link 1

Masaaki Aihara Link 2


Cheers


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FujiFilm X100

The recently announced FujiFilm X100 is, for me, a pretty exciting new camera. I think that in the overall scheme of things, it's biggest innovation is the optical/electronic viewfinder (OVF/EVF). I think this will herald in a new breed of camera designs.

I am not going to try and explain anything technical here, so you can read up on it at :

http://www.fujifilm.com/news/n100920.html

A lot has been said on some of the camera forums, about the downside of the X100 having a fixed focal length lens. It has a 23 mm fixed focal length lens. In 35 mm camera terms, this equates to a focal length of 35 mm. Some state that this is very limiting. Well, depends what you want it for. I'm not quite sure what I want it for, but I do know I want it. Not as a primary camera, but certainly a secondary one.

I still have my FujiFilm GA645 (film) but haven't used it in a while. It takes simply superb images though. The GA645 has a fixed focal length equivalent to 37 mm. I've never found this an impediment. In fact, it forces me to make the shot, not just take it.

The X100 announcement spurred me on to get batteries for the GA645. I still have a lot of film in the fridge which I plan to get through in the next few weeks.

Anyway, I've started practicing shooting some stuff at 35 mm. The image below is from one of my current digitals, which has a much smaller sensor than the X100. Hence it has far greater DOF than the X100 will.

I'd like to say I have my better half's permission to post this here. Well, truth is I didn't ask. Still, I like the pic. I think she would also, at least I hope so.

Cheers.