The mission was simple: take the Fuji X-Pro2 with the XF 35mm F1.4 and head downtown to capture some Vancouver moments using the latest ACROS film simulation from Fuji.
We were after strong shadows, noticeable highlights and most importantly captivating scenes. We have already had a chance to shoot with this new film simulation and we really liked the new ‘weak’ grain effect. Therefore, we turned on this new option.
For those of you who would like to read more about the ACROS film simulation and its inner-workings, Patrick LaRoque shares some fascinating insights here.
Let’s get to the images.
All images taken with the Fuji X-Pro2, the XF 35mm F1.4
Acros + R film simulation,
Mostly JPEGs straight from the camera,
Sharpening +1,
Grain Effect – weak,
Highlights +1 or +2,
Shadows +3 or +4.
Stay tuned for more coverage.
2016 © Kasia & Olaf Sztaba Photography. All rights reserved.
I have some questions around the Acros Film Simulation and the grain sensitivity. According to this article (https://fujifilm-x.com/global/stories/the-newest-film-simulation-acros/) the grain of the simulation reacts to the “sensitivity”. The specific quote is:
ACROS also changes the output of graininess depending on the sensitivity setting. As the sensitivity gets higher, stronger grain effect becomes visible, just like the film.
An added quote is:
The unique grain effect, which becomes apparent at the higher ISO sensitivity. You can intentionally set the sensitivity high to enjoy the effect.
Based on this I would say the assumption that the grain effect of specifically the Acros film simulation is dependent on the ISO and not the “Grain” setting.
What I am trying to ascertain is whether the “Grain” setting hurts the Wizardry done by the Fujifilm engineers and is as they refer to it themselves within the article, simply a “grain element” on the original image?
Quoted below
Most of them try to achieve this by adding “grain-like element” to the original image. They simply add another layer of “dotted graininess” on top without changing the original photo composition. So something becomes unnatural in the process.
Cheers!
Really nice? What Noise Reduction setting was used for these? Thank you.
I still shoot film primarily. Acros is my favorite black and white go to film. I am really impressed with your images here. Beautiful work….really striking. Think I need to give a Xpro2 a try.
Fred,
I really appreciate your kind comment. I have never had a chance to work with the ACROS film. How do compare the film version of ACROS to its digital counterpart?
Olaf
Well that is the exciting part to me…based on your images it really has the Acros look that I have come to depend on. I have shot digital next to film since the beginning (dslr’s since 2002…remember the Nikon D1x?? yikes) but have ended up using film exclusively for black and white landscapes (Pentax 67 4×5 and xpan) as I haven’t been fond of “conversions” (and I suck in PP) Acros is my stand by, love the look. If I could shoot acros like images (and not be stuck at 100 ISO!) it would be playtime! thanks for your blog. Great info…but may cost me money. Just put in to rent a x70 (which doesn’t have acros?) to see what it “feels” like.
…don’t stop, ever. Dziekuje, ze jestescie. Jacek
Jacek,
Dziekujemy za mile slowa i pozdrawiamy.
Olaf
Very nice shots indeed! Still, comparing to analogue aesthetics they look little too clear and digital for my eyes.
Robert,
I agree with you. However, I’m not sure whether replicating a film look was the main objective when creating the ACROS simulation. Digital and film are different and they have their own advantages/disadvantages.
Also, you have the option to add more grain. I used the “weak” grain option, but there is also a “strong” mode. I wonder if you would like that one better.
Thank you for commenting.
Olaf
Goodness Gracious. Normally I LOVE your work, but these are, wow. I’m not going to be rude so I’ll stop here.
Jorge,
We said at the beginning of the year that we are going to try new things. We appreciate you feedback.
Olaf
Look great to me. Maybe I’d lose the subway (or skytrain, or whatever it’s called in Vancouver) shots, but otherwise very nice!
These are great street shots and in my opinion you should show us more.
Always interesting blog.
John,
Thanks for your feedback. We will do a lot of new things this year.
All the best,
Olaf
Wow, amazing series and fab results.
Reinhold,
We appreciate your kind comment.
Olaf
Nice street work, guys.
Thanks.
Olaf