Monochrom Processing

[jplomley]

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Curious as to how critical it is to implement SFX into the MM post-processing workflow. I've only ever used the program (amongst others such as TrueGrain and DxO FilmPack) for converting color images to B&W. But why would such a program be included with the MM if the image file is already monochomatic. Also, how many users tag their processed files as Grayscale 2.2 vs RGB. Again, from what I have seen, many use RGB. But why, it's a grayscale image with no color information.

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[Jeff S]

Curious as to how critical it is to implement SFX into the MM post-processing workflow. I've only ever used the program (amongst others such as TrueGrain and DxO FilmPack) for converting color images to B&W. But why would such a program be included with the MM if the image file is already monochomatic.

 

Jeff, answers to some of your question here and elsewhere. As far as your question as to why a program is included, or even necessary, the reason is the same as why folks spend so much time in the darkroom making adjustments to prints using b/w film. SFX is a PP edit program (like LR or other), not just a conversion program. Only the method has changed; the reasons for 'tweaking' are the same, particularly as MM files have been reported to be 'flat' out of camera.

 

Jeff

[250swb]

The Monochrome provides basically a straight line linear image, the unprocessed file looks flat, so a typical S shaped characteristic curve is needed to make the images look alive. SFX can either do that for you, or you can do it yourself, or even do it in Lightroom or Photoshop without SFX. Its just that SFX is geared towards more complex adjustments done far more easily than possible in Lightroom and Photoshop.

 

The reason people make the RAW file RGB is for the basic reason that almost no B&W image you see reproduced, either as an original silver print, or in fine art photography books, is a pure Greyscale image. They all have more or less either a cool or warm tone, or they are duotone, or triton, or quadtone etc. So using RGB allows you to employ the emotional resonances that a colour tone (tint if you like) brings to the image. It is about refining to the last degree artistic expression, rather than thinking of B&W as a neutral Greyscale medium without any further subtlety.

 

Steve

[vdb]

IMO there is no need Jeff. A properly exposed mm file needs only some global adjustments and I use Lightroom for this. If I want local adjustments I use ps. Never use dxo or sfx for mm files.

[charby57]

Virgil,

 

You have great tonality in your pictures. Powerful portraits also. Great work.