Acros Filmsimulation

One of the coolest new features of the latest generation of Fujifilm x-series cameras is certainly the Fujifilm Acros black and white film simulation. On my last trip to Hong Kong I tested this simulation a bit. The Fujifilm engineers put a lot of effort into the algorithm for this film profile. The tonal value distribution is very specific and is providing wonderful black and white images. Additionally the grain simulation engine has been adapted to replicate film grain. Film shows totally different grain structure in the highlights than in the shadows. What you need to know is that you don't need to switch on film grain in the menu of the camera, it will be implemented depending on the ISO setting. Look at this article from Fujifilm where the features of this profile are nicely explained. Images with the Acros profile are supposed to look like shot on classic black and white film. I feel they are a bit flat and as I prefer a bolder look I tend to adjust the tone curve in Lightroom. I do use jpegs from camera. Yes! No raw workflow here.

Camera Settings

Noise Reduction -4 Sharpness +1
Acros + Red Filter
Highlights +1 Shadows +2

Lightroom mobile

On the road I often use a little SD Card reader and import the jpegs to my iPhone and edit them with Lightroom mobile. I like this workflow. It is simple and efficient. The synch function automatically imports these files to my desktop computer including all changes. I normally only manipulate the tone curve and I am done in a minute. From time to time I feel an image requires some local adjustments like gradients and a little doge and burn. This is a bit complicated to do on the iPhone, but still possible. The workflow is very close to shooting black and white film. You determine the settings for a good starting point and all the final edits are similar to printing in the darkroom.

INTRODUCTION

What is it that draws photographers to film, despite its somewhat outdated nature? I've written at length on this blog about the tactile, emotional, and aesthetic qualities of analog photography — and I still believe that digital can rarely replace the joy of loading a roll, advancing the film lever, hearing the satisfying shutter sound, and embracing the beautiful uncertainty of results.

Still, digital photography is often more practical. That’s why so many film photographers — myself included — look for tools to emulate the feel of analog film in a digital workflow. Over the years, a number of companies have emerged in this space: Mastin Labs, RNI, The Classic Presets, Dehancer — and now, a new contender: ColorPrecision, developed by film enthusiast and colorist Owen Markham.

Exploring the Floating City with a Canon AE-1

Venice in the fall. The city breathes differently when the summer crowds fade. The soft, diffused light reflects on the water, casting subtle ripples on ancient facades. The damp air carries the scent of salt and history. I arrived with no fixed plan—just my Canon AE-1 and a few rolls of Kodak Vision3, ready to capture whatever unfolded in front of me.

DEHANCER FILM LIGHTROOM PLUGIN REVIEW

A personal take on one of the most popular film emulation tools

This isn’t your typical review! Instead, it’s a report on my hands-on experience with Dehancer Film, breaking down the key aspects of the software. After experimenting with its interface and creating a range of looks, I wanted to see if Dehancer could complement my digital workflow, especially since I primarily shoot analog film.

ColorPrecision Review

A FRESH TAKE ON KODAK FILM EMULATION FOR LIGHTROOM

A SILENT JOURNEY THROUGH VENICE

The Ultimate Way of Digital Film Emulation

No. 24 — A Visual Journey

Introduction On many of my travels, I often seek out architectural gems: small houses that are iconic and stylistically significant but lie off the beaten tourist paths and aren't featured on every influencer's account. One of these significant masterpieces is the Alvar Aalto House in Helsinki, a place where architecture and light form a poetic symbiosis. During my visit, I was impressed by the thoughtful spatial design and the warm, natural lighting. The flowing forms and organic materials tell the story of an architect who masterfully knew how to direct light. To view the rooms undisturbed and in peace, the Alvar Aalto Foundation limits group sizes to a small number of participants. After a very knowledgeable and engaging tour, I had the opportunity to explore and photograph the house on my own. I will elaborate on the specific photographic techniques later, but first, let’s take a brief look at who Alvar Aalto

Camera Scanning Part IV

If, like me, you've been captivated by scanning over the years and simply enjoy digitizing film, it's clear that you follow the market and the countless options available to you. I've written several times about the possibility of building your own small scanner setup. By now, my own setup has changed significantly and what started with a few simple components has grown into a very precise tool. I get a lot of joy from it and can finally scan films the way I want. However, to get this far, I had to overcome several hurdles. But let's start from the beginning.