Just recently Fuji released a firmware update for the medium format GFX 50R. While several small enhancements are featured, the one thing that sparked my interest was the addition of Classic Neg in the JPEG film simulations.
If you cared to read my previous X-Pro3 review here then you’ll know by now that I had converted myself into a Fuji film simulation fanboy, especially with the arrival of Classic Neg.
However, with the GFX 50R I’m still shooting RAW. I just think if I spent my hard-earned money on a medium format sensor camera with a high pixel count, then I’m supposed to extract the maximum to get the so-called medium format look — whatever that is… Hence with the GFX 50R I shoot RAW.
In any case, I figured some street photos I took in the past with the GFX 50R would perhaps look good (or look better!) on Classic Neg. Since I have the RAW files, I decided to convert them to Classic Neg using the in-camera RAW processor.
I know I can do it in Adobe Camera RAW or Capture One, but I’ve read some reviews saying using post-processing software the results are not the same as the straight out-of-camera JPEGs, processed by the camera itself.
Whatever the case… The results are below and, for the sake of comparison, I’m showing the original files as well.
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The “workflow” in itself was quite simple: I just uploaded the RAW files to an SD card, then loaded my GFX 50R with the SD card containing the files.
The in-camera RAW processing feature is somehow hidden — you won’t find it in the camera menu. Instead, you have to preview the photo in your screen, and then press the Q button.
From that point onward it’s quite straightforward, you just need to follow the steps on the screen — there’s nothing to go wrong. After you finish converting the RAW file, as expected the JPEG will be saved to the SD card.
There are some parameters that you are allowed to tweak and change, like sharpness, grain or even white balance. Obviously you don’t get the same level of functionality and editing power as with proper post-processing software. But for what t is, it works quite well. And if, like me, you are only into applying the film simulation, then the whole thing is quite easy and quick.
Key take-away
I’ve done this exercise more on curiosity than anything else. And, to be frank, I’m not particularly impressed with the results.
Classic Neg does add a layer of feel to the photos, but in the case of the ones above I won’t say the JPEGs look better than the originals — especially in regards to skin tones, which are a tad too dark for my liking.
Anyway, this exercise was about demonstrating that you can use the in-camera RAW processor to apply Fuji film simulations after the fact, providing you shot RAW. While I’m probably not going to do this again, I’m sure this can be a useful tool for some photographers out there.
As for me, I’ll keep the same: with the GFX 50R I’m shooting RAW only. With the X-Pro3, I’ll shoot JPEG and enjoy the film simulations.