Aperture 3.0.1 Metadata Information

[mby]

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(...)For finding the original in the aperture packet it might be a solution to

1. Look up the date and filename in of the selected image in Aperture

2. the path is: aperture library -> masters -> year -> month -> day -> filmrole -> filename

(...)

 

Works only for managed images.

 

Alternatively, take a look at this: Reveal Photo File

 

Best regards,

Michael

[Fokalfissur]

Michael,

 

this is for aperture 1.5.2. Afaik they've changed the Lib structure in 2. The AS for exiftool use the search command (this causes some problems) and this was the reason I suggested that workaround.

 

For unmanaged pics: I think you can get the path directly out of Aperture (AS).

 

Sven

[mby]

(...) All you have to do is to have Aperture call EXIFtool for each and every import to copy one of the field LensType or LensID into Lens (...)

 

This is the syntax: exiftool -tagsfromfile @ '-XMP-aux:Lens<LensID' my_file where my_file is the images filename...

[Delfi_r]

I'm the only person that would pay something for a plugin to apply the changes on selected files or better an applescript to be executed before importing the images?

[mby]

I'm the only person that would pay something for a plugin to apply the changes on selected files or better an applescript to be executed before importing the images?

 

Dear Delfí,

 

No need, neither for payment, nor for plug-in (albeit both would be nice ): just install EXIFtool for Mac from the website mentioned above and run this as a command line in terminal: exiftool -tagsfromfile @ '-XMP-aux:Lens<LensID' -r directory where directory is the directory of your pics.

This leaves your originals untouched and creates a new .DNG with the additional information.

 

If you'd like to change the originals itself, please use exiftool -overwrite_original_in_place -tagsfromfile @ '-XMP-aux:Lens<LensID' -r directory

 

Have fun and best regards,

Michael

[Delfi_r]

Thanks a lot. I'll try both options. I understant that it's safe to create new DNG files, but if it works flawlesly we don't need more files.

[alex7075]

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As you can use shell code in AppleScript/Automator you can make a simple servicemenue item to use from within Aperture (select all pics of one lens and then run the script via the service menue).

 

Also, a shell script might be easier to implement.

 

Today I found this page and tried to build a script with automator, but I am not familiar enough with Exiftool to complete it.

If someone knows how to instruct Exiftool, it shouldn't be too hard (I hope!).

[mby]

Today I found this page and tried to build a script with automator, but I am not familiar enough with Exiftool to complete it.

If someone knows how to instruct Exiftool, it shouldn't be too hard (I hope!).

 

Dear Alex,

 

That page doesn't help too much in this situation, as it is not about Aperture, only the Finder; it basically provides a file/folder select dialogue and then you still need to run the EXIFtool command from above.

 

Easiest way is to

• Open Terminal
  
• Paste the EXIFtool command string without the directories name (which you don't have to worry about, BUT DO NOT TYPE RETURN!)
  
• Drag&Drop the folder you'd like to convert onto the terminal window (will paste the directory tree name)
  
• NOW press return
  

 

Best regards,

Michael

[alex7075]

Hi Michael,

thanks for your answer.

My try is to:

1) write a little script with Automator that can be launched from within AP3;

2) include in this script an exiftool command that copies metadata from "Approximate F Number" field to "Aperture" field (read by AP3).

 

I tell myself that this way, after running the script for one or more images, AP3 could show the aperture information because it would be written in the right field.

 

That could be done for other metadata, such "Lens Type" or "Lens ID" that are identical, and that would be copied in another field AP3 can read and show.

 

What I am trying to understand right now, is the syntax of the exiftool command line to perform such an operation.

 

Do you think this is a good way to solve the problem?

 

Best Regards,

Alex

[mby]

Hi Michael,

thanks for your answer.

My try is to:

1) write a little script with Automator that can be launched from within AP3;

2) include in this script an exiftool command that copies metadata from "Approximate F Number" field to "Aperture" field (read by AP3).

 

I tell myself that this way, after running the script for one or more images, AP3 could show the aperture information because it would be written in the right field.

 

That could be done for other metadata, such "Lens Type" or "Lens ID" that are identical, and that would be copied in another field AP3 can read and show.

 

What I am trying to understand right now, is the syntax of the exiftool command line to perform such an operation.

 

Do you think this is a good way to solve the problem?

 

Best Regards,

Alex

 

Dear Alex,

 

(1) is really, really hard, as you have to be super-sure, which file(s) on the disk relate(s) to your selection in AP3 (see my coment on referenced vs. managed above); you might want to look into Jon Smith's Web Site - TechBlog as a start...

 

The EXIFtool usage is easy as it relates to getting the Lens tag populated, that's solved by my proposal above.

 

Regarding the estimated f-stop (=: g-stop), I've no idea, where Lightroom derives its guess for ExifIFD:FNumber from; maybe you can transfer info from http://bretteville.com/pdfs/M8Metadata_v2.pdf, where on page 21 it is suggest that the g-stop value is written by M8s to Tag ID 0313h...

 

Please keep us updated on your progress, thanks!

 

Best regards,

Michael

[alex7075]

Michael,

it's clear that I didn't completely wake up this morning

Thanks for reminding me that your previous posts already contain the syntax I am looking for...

For the g-stop, I'll make some tries. Couldn't the syntax be:

exiftool -overwrite_original_in_place -tagsfromfile @ '-XMP-aux:Aperture<Approximate_F_Number' /...(file path)

(but it doesn't work...).

 

As for pointing to the right files from within AP3, you say that it's really hard. I don't yet understand why, but I hope to do it soon!

Have a good sunday, I really appreciate your help.

Alex

[mby]

No worries Alex.

 

When analyzing my M9 metadata, I couldn't find a tag Approximate_F_Number.

 

Given the fact that

1. Lightroom can display the g-stop of imported files and
   
2. Aperture can do it on files exported from Lightroom,
   

I've analyzed those exported Lightroom .DNGs and identified ExifIFD:FNumber as an appropriate candidate.

 

When browsing through Phil's excellent tag descriptions for EXIFtool (ExifTool Tag Names) and Carl's work at http://bretteville.com/pdfs/M8Metadata_v2.pdf, it looks like Tag ID 0313h is what you are looking for, but it doesn't decode on my M9 samples, so you might want to try it either with the direct hex offset or an M8 file...

 

Best regards,

Michael

 

P.S.: Are you sure about the XMP-aux:Aperture tag? - Couldn't find it at XMP Tags

[mby]

Ok, looks like I'm also missing a few cups of coffee : you can have all this by simply pushing your .DNGs through Adobe's DNG Converter, which populates XMP nicely...

[Fokalfissur]

Having looked out for finding a way to tell the file location in the finder. This seems very difficult (I am not that Apple script guy).

 

So for getting the tags I want (standard stuff + lens for non coded glass + gspot) I think the way to go is an automator workflow as services plugin. (selection->export->shell script->import).

 

For new pics I am thinking of a workflow as plugin for digital images import. Check images (I don't know the proper english name) -> choose shell script/parameters -> run shell script on the accepted pics -> import to aperture-> start over ( by this you can assign the right non coded lenses)

 

I am afraid that it will take time and energy to script this.

 

Edit:

Argh - I should start thinking before typing. By re-importing the images you cannot simply delete the old ones. If you made some adjustments these copy rely on the original dng. So you first have to stamp the adjustments on the newly imported dngs before deleting the old ones. No idea how to automate this.

[Fokalfissur]

Ok, looks like I'm also missing a few cups of coffee : you can have all this by simply pushing your .DNGs through Adobe's DNG Converter, which populates XMP nicely...

 

You cannot assign a lens (for non coded lenses). For the gspot I am not sure. And you must re-import all your existing pics.

[mby]

You cannot assign a lens (for non coded lenses).(...)

 

You're right; doesn't apply for me to often as I do manual selection then.

 

(...) And you must re-import all your existing pics.

 

If you didn't change the picture, you can just run Adobe DNG Converter, it will output a new file with a different filename, you could delete the original (after you're sure the process is safe) and rename the converted version to the original name; Aperture will then read the right information for master images without versions...

 

Best regards,

Michael

[mby]

Ok, looks like I'm also missing a few cups of coffee : you can have all this by simply pushing your .DNGs through Adobe's DNG Converter, which populates XMP nicely...

 

Ok, one downside would be not to get the position of the frameline selector...

[Fokalfissur]

Ok. Half semi automated solution for a managed library.

 

• In Finder go to Library and ctrl-click: show package content

• make a finder search with apple-f for file type dng - it shows you all the master dng inside the Library

• make a new folder on you desktop

• make alias of all found dng into new folder

• fire up cornerfix and open batch-convert, point it to the alias folder (select all aliases)

 

The workaround with the alias is necessary as corner fix doesnot batch-open itelligent folders.

Same way should work of cause with any droplet (without alias).

 

For some reason the Finder search does not work with Focal lengh - strange. No idea how to select some specific pictures and add info for uncoded lenses.

[alex7075]

No worries Alex.

 

When analyzing my M9 metadata, I couldn't find a tag Approximate_F_Number.

 

Given the fact that

1. Lightroom can display the g-stop of imported files and
   
2. Aperture can do it on files exported from Lightroom,
   

I've analyzed those exported Lightroom .DNGs and identified ExifIFD:FNumber as an appropriate candidate.

 

When browsing through Phil's excellent tag descriptions for EXIFtool (ExifTool Tag Names) and Carl's work at http://bretteville.com/pdfs/M8Metadata_v2.pdf, it looks like Tag ID 0313h is what you are looking for, but it doesn't decode on my M9 samples, so you might want to try it either with the direct hex offset or an M8 file...

 

Best regards,

Michael

 

P.S.: Are you sure about the XMP-aux:Aperture tag? - Couldn't find it at XMP Tags

 

Dear Michael and Dear All,

Thanks to your directions, I succeeded in obtaining lens type and g-stop in AP3.

Look at this:

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

It works!!!!!

 

The terminal code is the following:

exiftool -tagsfromfile @ '-xmp-aux:Lens<LensType'

and

exiftool -tagsfromfile @ '-xmp-exif:ApertureValue<ApproximateFNumber'

 

Now, these are the problems:

1) how to merge the two instructions in one single line;

2) how to build a script that includes terminal command and can be applied automatically by AP3 while importing.

 

The problem of referenced files remains, but I wonder if it applies when the original DNGs are stored in normal folder instead of AP library.

 

Of course Adobe DNG Converter does a nice job as you point out.

 

Best Regards,

Alex

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[alex7075]

Of course the best would be to add

-overwrite_original_in_place

because AP3 can notice immediately the modifications and display them on the fly.