Processing .raf without losing grain and color

[a1020]

To set one thing straight at the start, there is no option for me to not use Lightroom. I can't work without it, but most people would agree that LR does a bad job processing Fuji's .raf files. I have seen examples so many times, I have tried myself and saw it with my own eyes.

I have found things like PureRAW and iridient x-transformer which work great for processing RAW files, so you can use LR without sacrificing image quality. In a perfect world I would use those, but what I came to understand is that it doesn't really preserve the grain and the color from Fuji's film simulation. Most photos I shoot are for artistic purposes and they are not intended to be the most sharp, noiseless, perfect color looking images. I want to keep the film simulation color and the beautiful noise and grain that fuji cameras make.

Is there a way to keep all of that after processing the raw file in a program that handles well fuji sensors? In best case scenario, there would be something like iridient x-transformer that doesn't remove the film color, grain, and noise, which would also do a great job at processing the .raf file and allowing me to tweak the image in Lightroom without sacrificing quality where it is not meant to be sacrificed.

Is there a way to achieve that or am I stuck with jpegs? Or did I hear lots of bologne about PureRAW and iridient x-transformer not preserving film color and film grain? I am just very new to Fujifilm (Been an avid Nikon user, but now I'm switching) and I'm very confused about the post-processing side of things.

 

[Erik Baumgartner]

No RAW editor (except for Fuji’s own X-Raw Studio which uses your camera’s processor), exactly reproduces the color, grain and noise of camera-processed jpeg. Lightroom, like Capture One offers Fuji’s film simulations as color profiles that are extremely close to the in-camera versions, but aren’t exact (you don’t get the proprietary grain simulation with Acros, for example).

Like Capture One, Lightroom can apply the corresponding Fuji film sim you shot with in-camera automatically at import (it’s an import preference option). You will just the basic profile initially and, though it usually very close to the jpeg, won’t include some of the other proprietary jpeg processing or “recipe” settings - that will be for you to fine-tune.

Iridient X-Transformer or Pure Raw 3 can both be used within Lightroom without losing the film simulations, but Lightroom’s new A.I. NR and X-Trans demosaicing options are at least as good as anything from DxO or Capture One.

Honestly, if you want to reproduce the Fuji “look” exactly, you’re probably just better off using the SOOC jpegs, they’re excellent.

 

[a1020]

No RAW editor (except for Fuji’s own X-Raw Studio which uses your camera’s processor), exactly reproduces the color, grain and noise of camera-processed jpeg. Lightroom, like Capture One offers Fuji’s film simulations as color profiles that are extremely close to the in-camera versions, but aren’t exact (you don’t get the proprietary grain simulation with Acros, for example).

Like Capture One, Lightroom can apply the corresponding Fuji film sim you shot with in-camera automatically at import (it’s an import preference option). You will just the basic profile initially and, though it usually very close to the jpeg, won’t include some of the other proprietary jpeg processing or “recipe” settings - that will be for you to fine-tune.

Iridient X-Transformer or Pure Raw 3 can both be used within Lightroom without losing the film simulations, but Lightroom’s new A.I. NR and X-Trans demosaicing options are at least as good as anything from DxO or Capture One.

Honestly, if you want to reproduce the Fuji “look” exactly, you’re probably just better off using the SOOC jpegs, they’re excellent.

what if I use fujifilm x raw studio to apply my own film recipe, then export it as dng , so I can further improve it in Lightroom? Would that work or will it not do anything?

 

[Erik Baumgartner]

No RAW editor (except for Fuji’s own X-Raw Studio which uses your camera’s processor), exactly reproduces the color, grain and noise of camera-processed jpeg. Lightroom, like Capture One offers Fuji’s film simulations as color profiles that are extremely close to the in-camera versions, but aren’t exact (you don’t get the proprietary grain simulation with Acros, for example).

Like Capture One, Lightroom can apply the corresponding Fuji film sim you shot with in-camera automatically at import (it’s an import preference option). You will just the basic profile initially and, though it usually very close to the jpeg, won’t include some of the other proprietary jpeg processing or “recipe” settings - that will be for you to fine-tune.

Iridient X-Transformer or Pure Raw 3 can both be used within Lightroom without losing the film simulations, but Lightroom’s new A.I. NR and X-Trans demosaicing options are at least as good as anything from DxO or Capture One.

Honestly, if you want to reproduce the Fuji “look” exactly, you’re probably just better off using the SOOC jpegs, they’re excellent.

what if I use fujifilm x raw studio to apply my own film recipe, then export it as dng , so I can further improve it in Lightroom? Would that work or will it not do anything?

You could, but if the original jpeg is "in the ballpark", I would just tweak that instead. Either way, you will lose significant adjustment latitude relative to working with the RAW file if it isn't "in the ballpark".

I don't mess with the film sims at all, but if I did, I would develop the RAW in Lightroom using the "as shot" film sim and white balance and create a preset that mimics your recipe fine-tuning. Most images will require some tweaking in any case, RAW or SOOC, IMO.

This is Lightroom's Classic Chrome with no adjustments next to the SOOC - they are very close, and certainly close enough as a starting point for applying some further 'recipe" enhancements (i don't especially like either, by the way)...

 

[a1020]

No RAW editor (except for Fuji’s own X-Raw Studio which uses your camera’s processor), exactly reproduces the color, grain and noise of camera-processed jpeg. Lightroom, like Capture One offers Fuji’s film simulations as color profiles that are extremely close to the in-camera versions, but aren’t exact (you don’t get the proprietary grain simulation with Acros, for example).

Like Capture One, Lightroom can apply the corresponding Fuji film sim you shot with in-camera automatically at import (it’s an import preference option). You will just the basic profile initially and, though it usually very close to the jpeg, won’t include some of the other proprietary jpeg processing or “recipe” settings - that will be for you to fine-tune.

Iridient X-Transformer or Pure Raw 3 can both be used within Lightroom without losing the film simulations, but Lightroom’s new A.I. NR and X-Trans demosaicing options are at least as good as anything from DxO or Capture One.

Honestly, if you want to reproduce the Fuji “look” exactly, you’re probably just better off using the SOOC jpegs, they’re excellent.

what if I use fujifilm x raw studio to apply my own film recipe, then export it as dng , so I can further improve it in Lightroom? Would that work or will it not do anything?

You could, but if the original jpeg is "in the ballpark", I would just tweak that instead. Either way, you will lose significant adjustment latitude relative to working with the RAW file if it isn't "in the ballpark".

I don't mess with the film sims at all, but if I did, I would develop the RAW in Lightroom using the "as shot" film sim and white balance and create a preset that mimics your recipe fine-tuning. Most images will require some tweaking in any case, RAW or SOOC, IMO.

This is Lightroom's Classic Chrome with no adjustments next to the SOOC - they are very close, and certainly close enough as a starting point for applying some further 'recipe" enhancements (i don't especially like either, by the way)...

can you please elaborate on " using the "as shot" film sim"?

--
A1020/ Crow
insta: @the_a1020

 

[Erik Baumgartner]

No RAW editor (except for Fuji’s own X-Raw Studio which uses your camera’s processor), exactly reproduces the color, grain and noise of camera-processed jpeg. Lightroom, like Capture One offers Fuji’s film simulations as color profiles that are extremely close to the in-camera versions, but aren’t exact (you don’t get the proprietary grain simulation with Acros, for example).

Like Capture One, Lightroom can apply the corresponding Fuji film sim you shot with in-camera automatically at import (it’s an import preference option). You will just the basic profile initially and, though it usually very close to the jpeg, won’t include some of the other proprietary jpeg processing or “recipe” settings - that will be for you to fine-tune.

Iridient X-Transformer or Pure Raw 3 can both be used within Lightroom without losing the film simulations, but Lightroom’s new A.I. NR and X-Trans demosaicing options are at least as good as anything from DxO or Capture One.

Honestly, if you want to reproduce the Fuji “look” exactly, you’re probably just better off using the SOOC jpegs, they’re excellent.

what if I use fujifilm x raw studio to apply my own film recipe, then export it as dng , so I can further improve it in Lightroom? Would that work or will it not do anything?

You could, but if the original jpeg is "in the ballpark", I would just tweak that instead. Either way, you will lose significant adjustment latitude relative to working with the RAW file if it isn't "in the ballpark".

I don't mess with the film sims at all, but if I did, I would develop the RAW in Lightroom using the "as shot" film sim and white balance and create a preset that mimics your recipe fine-tuning. Most images will require some tweaking in any case, RAW or SOOC, IMO.

This is Lightroom's Classic Chrome with no adjustments next to the SOOC - they are very close, and certainly close enough as a starting point for applying some further 'recipe" enhancements (i don't especially like either, by the way)...

can you please elaborate on " using the "as shot" film sim"?

As I mentioned earlier, Lightroom can be configured to “use camera settings” (or something like that) which will automatically apply the l same film sim you used in-camera to the RAW file at import, as well as the “as shot” white balance. I mention this because older Fuji cameras don’t include any WB Shift settings (commonly used in film sim “ recipes) in the recorded WB value that Lightroom will apply automatically.

 

[a1020]

No RAW editor (except for Fuji’s own X-Raw Studio which uses your camera’s processor), exactly reproduces the color, grain and noise of camera-processed jpeg. Lightroom, like Capture One offers Fuji’s film simulations as color profiles that are extremely close to the in-camera versions, but aren’t exact (you don’t get the proprietary grain simulation with Acros, for example).

Like Capture One, Lightroom can apply the corresponding Fuji film sim you shot with in-camera automatically at import (it’s an import preference option). You will just the basic profile initially and, though it usually very close to the jpeg, won’t include some of the other proprietary jpeg processing or “recipe” settings - that will be for you to fine-tune.

Iridient X-Transformer or Pure Raw 3 can both be used within Lightroom without losing the film simulations, but Lightroom’s new A.I. NR and X-Trans demosaicing options are at least as good as anything from DxO or Capture One.

Honestly, if you want to reproduce the Fuji “look” exactly, you’re probably just better off using the SOOC jpegs, they’re excellent.

what if I use fujifilm x raw studio to apply my own film recipe, then export it as dng , so I can further improve it in Lightroom? Would that work or will it not do anything?

You could, but if the original jpeg is "in the ballpark", I would just tweak that instead. Either way, you will lose significant adjustment latitude relative to working with the RAW file if it isn't "in the ballpark".

I don't mess with the film sims at all, but if I did, I would develop the RAW in Lightroom using the "as shot" film sim and white balance and create a preset that mimics your recipe fine-tuning. Most images will require some tweaking in any case, RAW or SOOC, IMO.

This is Lightroom's Classic Chrome with no adjustments next to the SOOC - they are very close, and certainly close enough as a starting point for applying some further 'recipe" enhancements (i don't especially like either, by the way)...

can you please elaborate on " using the "as shot" film sim"?

As I mentioned earlier, Lightroom can be configured to “use camera settings” (or something like that) which will automatically apply the l same film sim you used in-camera to the RAW file at import, as well as the “as shot” white balance. I mention this because older Fuji cameras don’t include any WB Shift settings (commonly used in film sim “ recipes) in the recorded WB value that Lightroom will apply automatically.

This?





--
A1020/ Crow
insta: @the_a1020

 

[Erik Baumgartner]

No RAW editor (except for Fuji’s own X-Raw Studio which uses your camera’s processor), exactly reproduces the color, grain and noise of camera-processed jpeg. Lightroom, like Capture One offers Fuji’s film simulations as color profiles that are extremely close to the in-camera versions, but aren’t exact (you don’t get the proprietary grain simulation with Acros, for example).

Like Capture One, Lightroom can apply the corresponding Fuji film sim you shot with in-camera automatically at import (it’s an import preference option). You will just the basic profile initially and, though it usually very close to the jpeg, won’t include some of the other proprietary jpeg processing or “recipe” settings - that will be for you to fine-tune.

Iridient X-Transformer or Pure Raw 3 can both be used within Lightroom without losing the film simulations, but Lightroom’s new A.I. NR and X-Trans demosaicing options are at least as good as anything from DxO or Capture One.

Honestly, if you want to reproduce the Fuji “look” exactly, you’re probably just better off using the SOOC jpegs, they’re excellent.

what if I use fujifilm x raw studio to apply my own film recipe, then export it as dng , so I can further improve it in Lightroom? Would that work or will it not do anything?

You could, but if the original jpeg is "in the ballpark", I would just tweak that instead. Either way, you will lose significant adjustment latitude relative to working with the RAW file if it isn't "in the ballpark".

I don't mess with the film sims at all, but if I did, I would develop the RAW in Lightroom using the "as shot" film sim and white balance and create a preset that mimics your recipe fine-tuning. Most images will require some tweaking in any case, RAW or SOOC, IMO.

This is Lightroom's Classic Chrome with no adjustments next to the SOOC - they are very close, and certainly close enough as a starting point for applying some further 'recipe" enhancements (i don't especially like either, by the way)...

can you please elaborate on " using the "as shot" film sim"?

As I mentioned earlier, Lightroom can be configured to “use camera settings” (or something like that) which will automatically apply the l same film sim you used in-camera to the RAW file at import, as well as the “as shot” white balance. I mention this because older Fuji cameras don’t include any WB Shift settings (commonly used in film sim “ recipes) in the recorded WB value that Lightroom will apply automatically.

This?



--
A1020/ Crow
insta: @the_a1020

Yup

 

[tbcass]

To set one thing straight at the start, there is no option for me to not use Lightroom. I can't work without it, but most people would agree that LR does a bad job processing Fuji's .raf files. I have seen examples so many times, I have tried myself and saw it with my own eyes.

I have found things like PureRAW and iridient x-transformer which work great for processing RAW files, so you can use LR without sacrificing image quality. In a perfect world I would use those, but what I came to understand is that it doesn't really preserve the grain and the color from Fuji's film simulation. Most photos I shoot are for artistic purposes and they are not intended to be the most sharp, noiseless, perfect color looking images. I want to keep the film simulation color and the beautiful noise and grain that fuji cameras make.

Is there a way to keep all of that after processing the raw file in a program that handles well fuji sensors? In best case scenario, there would be something like iridient x-transformer that doesn't remove the film color, grain, and noise, which would also do a great job at processing the .raf file and allowing me to tweak the image in Lightroom without sacrificing quality where it is not meant to be sacrificed.

Is there a way to achieve that or am I stuck with jpegs? Or did I hear lots of bologne about PureRAW and iridient x-transformer not preserving film color and film grain? I am just very new to Fujifilm (Been an avid Nikon user, but now I'm switching) and I'm very confused about the post-processing side of things.

Try turning off noise reduction. The software interprets film grain as noise so it eliminates it.