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.
