Helicon Filter - an ongoing thread for users / beginners ??? Part 1

[Mikedigi]

I have just bought Helicon Filter v. 5.6.1, RAW converter and general photo editor.

I have the FZ200. Until now I have used mainly FastStone Image Viewer and Picasa for JPEGs. I have been thinking of shooting, sometimes, RAW files, and was looking for one simple, user-friendly tool, like FastStone and Picasa but with more capabilities.

I have started bumbling about in Helicon Filter, I have joined the HeliconSoft Forum and I am already asking stupid questions there. The HF Forum is quiet, after the DPR, I am sometimes the only person there.

So, is an ongoing thread, here, a good idea, or should I try to start one on the Retouching Forum ? Thing is, I feel more at home here, but I have been on the Retouching Forum a couple of times and the natives seemed friendly enough.

Help !

If appropriate, I'll shut this thread down and start again elsewhere.

Mike

 

[Mikedigi]

PS: "Retouching Forum" seems a funny name to me ?

Is "Retouching" not just one small part of the whole PP scene?

But I cannot see another Forum about PP in general.

Mike

 

[gardenersassistant]

PS: "Retouching Forum" seems a funny name to me ?

Is "Retouching" not just one small part of the whole PP scene?

But I cannot see another Forum about PP in general.

I'm sure that's the one. In principle it's the best place for PP stuff I suppose. My only two experiences with the forum have been a bit uncomfortable, but from what you say I have presumably just struck unlucky.

It should be worth floating the idea over there in case there are people there who can help. My suspicion is that almost all the active members on that forum probably use other, more "advanced" software, but that is entirely uninformed guesswork and hopefully I'm wrong about it.

If that doesn't work we can discuss it here. Or we can discuss it here anyway and/or as well as there. Whatever works, wherever it works.

Mike

 

[gardenersassistant]

PS: "Retouching Forum" seems a funny name to me ?

Is "Retouching" not just one small part of the whole PP scene?

But I cannot see another Forum about PP in general.

I'm sure that's the one. In principle it's the best place for PP stuff I suppose. My only two experiences with the forum have been a bit uncomfortable, but from what you say I have presumably just struck unlucky.

It should be worth floating the idea over there in case there are people there who can help. My suspicion is that almost all the active members on that forum probably use other, more "advanced" software, but that is entirely uninformed guesswork and hopefully I'm wrong about it.

If that doesn't work we can discuss it here. Or we can discuss it here anyway and/or as well as there. Whatever works, wherever it works.

In the meantime, just a reminder that I made an introductory video about Helicon Filter that might be of interest.

Mike

 

[old jim]

I have just bought Helicon Filter v. 5.6.1, RAW converter and general photo editor.

Congratulations on a new adventure Mike!

I have the FZ200. Until now I have used mainly FastStone Image Viewer and Picasa for JPEGs. I have been thinking of shooting, sometimes, RAW files, and was looking for one simple, user-friendly tool, like FastStone and Picasa but with more capabilities.

As a result of reading this thread I watched Nicks tutorial on Helicon again, and was impressed with what it can do. It didn't register the last time. However, I'm not looking to start something new so I'll just read for now,

I have started bumbling about in Helicon Filter, I have joined the HeliconSoft Forum and I am already asking stupid questions there. The HF Forum is quiet, after the DPR, I am sometimes the only person there.

Perhaps there will be others here who are interested. It looks pretty comprehensive! Besides the only real stupid question is the one not asked!!!!

So, is an ongoing thread, here, a good idea, or should I try to start one on the Retouching Forum ? Thing is, I feel more at home here, but I have been on the Retouching Forum a couple of times and the natives seemed friendly enough.

Help !

Don't know the answer to that one Mike:-(. It might seem more appropriate because of your FZ200 camera/images etc.

If appropriate, I'll shut this thread down and start again elsewhere.

Mike

Give this a little time. See what happens? Nick seems to have Helicon figured out, and His answers to questions are always interesting and educational. BTW how much did you pay for your copy?

Warmest regards,

--
DP Review - Where else?
Old Jim ;-)

 

[Mikedigi]

In the meantime, just a reminder that I made an introductory video about Helicon Filter that might be of interest.

Yes, thanks Nick, I watched it twice and shall watch it again.

Please see this screenshot:

I can change the width of the left panel by dragging on the 5 dots, both ways.

But with the right panel, by dragging the 5 dots to the right, I cannot narrow the right panel any further than shown here.

Stas at HF says that this is the minimum width. Do you agree, comparing it with your copy ?

Re Retouching v Pan Forum, there are so many users of more upmarket software on the Retouching Forum that there might be more interest in HF here. Especially as others also choose lean options for the FZ200, which is in itself a lean option.

Helicon Filter is of course a new unknown kid on the block and seems to me to be ideal for a lot of FZ and ZS/TZ users who are deterred by more complex software.

I'll kind of ask the same question on the Retouching Forum, while seeing what response there is here. That's a fair way to play it I think.

Mike

 

[Mikedigi]

. . . . . . . Give this a little time. See what happens? Nick seems to have Helicon figured out, and His answers to questions are always interesting and educational. BTW how much did you pay for your copy?

Thanks Jim, I'll kind of float the idea on both Forums over a few days and see how it goes.

Then, even if I finish up here in Bridgecamera Madland, at least the Retouching members will know of this thread over here.

Helicon Filter is a newer kid on the block and may suit people who like simple things, like jam donuts.

Mike

 

[Mikedigi]

PS: Jim, forgot your question. It costs 30 US$, which somehow translated into UK£ 28.79.

Not sure how, because a £ is supposed to be worth about 1.4 $. But sometimes I get tired of arguing about such things . . .

Mike

 

[Mikedigi]

. . . . . . It should be worth floating the idea over there in case there are people there who can help. My suspicion is that almost all the active members on that forum probably use other, more "advanced" software, but that is entirely uninformed guesswork and hopefully I'm wrong about it.

Thanks, I have floated it over there at Retouching too, I'll see how it goes. They should know about it, even if it stays here.

Mike

 

[gardenersassistant]

In the meantime, just a reminder that I made an introductory video about Helicon Filter that might be of interest.

Yes, thanks Nick, I watched it twice and shall watch it again.

Please see this screenshot:

I can change the width of the left panel by dragging on the 5 dots, both ways.

But with the right panel, by dragging the 5 dots to the right, I cannot narrow the right panel any further than shown here.

Stas at HF says that this is the minimum width. Do you agree, comparing it with your copy ?

Yes, that is almost exactly how it lines up on mine.

Re Retouching v Pan Forum, there are so many users of more upmarket software on the Retouching Forum that there might be more interest in HF here. Especially as others also choose lean options for the FZ200, which is in itself a lean option.

Helicon Filter is of course a new unknown kid on the block and seems to me to be ideal for a lot of FZ and ZS/TZ users who are deterred by more complex software.

Good point. I had not thought of that.

I'll kind of ask the same question on the Retouching Forum, while seeing what response there is here. That's a fair way to play it I think.

I think so. You never know where these things might lead. Worth a try.

Mike

--
Nick

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https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/bridge-mft-achromats-dslr-primes-a-journey-of-exploration.531050/

 

[Mikedigi]

But with the right panel, by dragging the 5 dots to the right, I cannot narrow the right panel any further than shown here.

Stas at HF says that this is the minimum width. Do you agree, comparing it with your copy ?

Yes, that is almost exactly how it lines up on mine.

Thanks Nick, that is OK then.

Mike

 

[Mikedigi]

LOL !!! This thread is not exactly going viral but I'll persevere, in case it is on a time fuse.



It has been more viral here than on the Retouching Forum, where it has sunk without trace.

I've always wanted to have my own thread, like Baldrick's ambition to one day own his own turnip.

Mike

 

[gardenersassistant]

LOL !!! This thread is not exactly going viral but I'll persevere, in case it is on a time fuse.

When you start using Helicon Filter I'm sure you'll have questions. That will kick it into motion.

It has been more viral here than on the Retouching Forum, where it has sunk without trace.

Well, we did think that might happen. At least it has the merit of clarifying matters - for discussing Helicon Filter, here is better.

I've always wanted to have my own thread, like Baldrick's ambition to one day own his own turnip.

LOL!

Mike

 

[KenTel]

OK Mike you have another HF user here, since about version 1. But has not been used as my main PP software, but can come in useful at times.

I think the UI is very good for a start, almost self explanatory. I found it very useful recently as a RAW processor for my FZ330, before DxO coughed up their promised module.

Re the right hand window, when I run HF it first comes up narrow, but if I adjust it, then it goes wide to the same size as in your screen copy, and then will not adjust smaller. Weird! Never noticed this before. :-O

Although I have had it a long time, I don't consider myself an expert on it's usage. But saying that, if you have any queries then I might get lucky and know an answer, but no promises. ;-)

 

[Mikedigi]

Wow !!! (falls off chair) . . .a second Helicon Filter user !!! We must be on an Endangered Species List !!!

OK Mike you have another HF user here, since about version 1. But has not been used as my main PP software, but can come in useful at times.

I think the UI is very good for a start, almost self explanatory. I found it very useful recently as a RAW processor for my FZ330, before DxO coughed up their promised module.

Re the right hand window, when I run HF it first comes up narrow, but if I adjust it, then it goes wide to the same size as in your screen copy, and then will not adjust smaller. Weird! Never noticed this before. :-O

At the widest limit it seems much too wide to me, very interested that it comes up narrower for you at first - still does that, is that right ?? I'll watch out for that too, but I don't think mine ever goes back to the narrower position. It may be a bug in this latest 5.6.1 version.

Although I have had it a long time, I don't consider myself an expert on it's usage. But saying that, if you have any queries then I might get lucky and know an answer, but no promises. ;-)

Thanks Ken, no promises is fine, I am just grateful to find signs of intelligent life.

Mike

 

[Mikedigi]

Yes, that is almost exactly how it lines up on mine.

Nick, below, here is a new screenshot from your video, clearly with narrower right panel. Was that in v. 5.5, and did you update to v.5.6.1 when you bought the app? Maybe the wider panel error came in with 5.6.1?

Mike

 

[Mikedigi]

Hi Nick, I have reply from Stas. He wrote this before reading my latest email showing the screenshot from your video.

Copy:

"You have received an answer to your message (bfQ5FwCzsm) from our support.

=================================================

Hello Mike, We will adjust the right panel in next versions. Please wait till new release is out.

=================================================

Best regards,
Stas Yatsenko
Helicon Help Desk

------------------------------------
You received this email as a registered user of one of the Helicon Soft Products."

It is nice to get a reply. It is even nicer when a manufacturer listens to his customers and takes their comments on board.

Happy with that.

Mike

 

[gardenersassistant]

Hi Nick, I have reply from Stas. He wrote this before reading my latest email showing the screenshot from your video.

Copy:

"You have received an answer to your message (bfQ5FwCzsm) from our support.

=================================================

Hello Mike, We will adjust the right panel in next versions. Please wait till new release is out.

=================================================

Best regards,
Stas Yatsenko
Helicon Help Desk

------------------------------------
You received this email as a registered user of one of the Helicon Soft Products."

It is nice to get a reply. It is even nicer when a manufacturer listens to his customers and takes their comments on board.

Happy with that.

Mike

Yes, that's good.

 

[KenTel]

Glad you had a positive reply from HF Mike. I remember when I first used HF I had a query and received a prompt reply with suitable advice and help! Can't recall what my query was now, lost in the mists of time..

But found much help on the HF forum, though lately have not paid their forum a visit. Must have a look soon and see if I recognize any of the active members there.

Looking forward to the next update, thanks to you Mike and Stas.

 

[Mikedigi]

Nick, re "here is a new screenshot from your video, clearly with narrower right panel. Was that in v. 5.5, and did you update to v.5.6.1 when you bought the app? Maybe the wider panel error came in with 5.6.1?"

Did you do the video using version 5.5, then upgrade to version 5.6.1, please? The "wide panel" bug may have come in with 5.6.1?

Mike