The ACROS Film Mode in the Fujifilm X-E3:
Hey everyone! So, I am definitely a RAW shooter. I have friends that shoot in jpeg, and they even edit from them but my personal preference has always been to shoot in RAW. In fact, pretty much every photo on this blog has been processed from a RAW file. So, when Fujifilm came out with the ACROS film simulation mode for their X Series cameras a while back, I thought it was really cool but I haven’t really used it much. I think I tried it once or twice but that was about it.
So, as some of you know, I’ve been reviewing the new Fuji X-E3. I was scrolling through the menu the other day, and I felt like trying something different. I ended up switching the film simulation mode from my usual setting, which is Provia (the standard setting) to ACROS. I felt like shooting in black and white, and the truth is, I had nothing to really lose. I had the X-E3 set to shoot both jpeg and RAW, so if I didn’t like the results of the jpegs, I could still edit the RAW files. The cool thing is by setting the camera to shoot in ACROS mode, whatever I would see through my EVF would be in black and white.
So, what do I think of the ACROS mode? I raved about the out of camera jpegs from the X series over the years but I was really talking more about the color pictures. I was never really a big fan of black and white jpegs direct from cameras in general. I always felt like processing photos into black and white myself yielded better results in my eyes. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels this way. But the ACROS mode is decent. Decent may even be an understatement. The photos produced have plenty of great characteristics like beautiful contrast, and rich blacks that I like to particularly see in black and white photos. The whites are also really nice and pure. Some images even have a film-like look to them, which is definitely a bonus.
What’s also great is that you can modify the ACROS mode with red, green, and yellow filter simulations. Now, I know what you’re about to say; a lot of cameras have the ability to apply filter simulations as well but quite honestly, I don’t always see a significant difference in the image when I try it with a lot of cameras. I only tried the red filter simulation on the X-E3 so far but I am quite happy to see it actually works! Blue skies for example, were noticeably darker. As you’re switching the different filter simulations, you can actually see what changes in the EVF too.
With all this said, I don’t know if I will give up RAW files, and converting photos into black and white through something like Photoshop anytime soon. I can’t help it, I like total control lol, and RAW files give me that but I think Fuji did a great job with the ACROS simulation, and I will be using it a lot more to see what I can get out of it. I may even add this to my workflow. I could imagine this mode saving me some time. I definitely would rather spend more time shooting than sitting in front of the computer editing. This is a really cool setting, so if there’s some of you with an X Series camera, I urge you to give it a try if you haven’t yet.
As for info on these images, they were all taken with the Fuji X-E3, and actually just one lens, which is the Zeiss Touit 12mm f2.8. As some of you know, it’s one of my most used lenses. I love it. I did bring a couple of other lenses, since I am reviewing the X-E3 but I just ended up using my trusty 12mm. All the photos were taken with the ACROS setting with a couple shot with the red filter simulation. Those were mainly the photos with the sky in them. I did take a couple of portraits, and I thought the ACROS mode did an amazing job on them. They looked very film-like and the contrast was absolutely beautiful. I want to share them so badly but unfortunately, my friend is a little blog shy, so I have not post them. I will meet up with someone else this weekend, and I’m hoping to have some photos to share afterwards.
Have any of you tried the ACROS mode on your Fuji cameras yet? Let me know what you think of it. Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for my X-E3 review, which is coming soon!
A really useful feature (for a change)!
Hi inthedarkroom,
Good to hear from you again! Yes, this is definitely a good one!
Best,
Patrick
Hi Patrick, I must see you when I visit New York. I am not blog shy 🙂
Look forward to seeing some portraits as I’m into them. I played with xe3 over the weekend, loved the size and controls. Just a bit of shame that the screen does not swivel for selfies etc.
Hi Mahesh!
It’s great to hear from you, and yes, if you are ever in NYC, let’s go out shooting! As for the X-E3, the lack of a swivel screen is actually one of my complaints as well. At first, it felt a little off when I was using the X-E3 because I’ve gotten so used to having one on my X-T2. I’ve actually been comparing it with my X-E1 a lot as well. There are actually a few things that I prefer on the X-E1’s body.
Best,
Patrick
Thanks Patrick. The camera companies like to give something and take something away. I’m going to trade in my Sony A7ii this month for A7Riii. Looking forward to it. Meanwhile I also have a dingy fuji xa3 with27/2.8
Hi Mahesh!
I guess that’s how they keep us buying haha. The Sony looks cool. My brother in-law pre-ordered one. Right now, I’m done with buying anything no matter how tempting it may be :). I’m waiting for an SL lens to be released.
Best,
Patrick
Wow these are awesome! That’s a selling point for Fuji film shooters who wants to shoot digital and get that familiar look.
Thanks Dane!
Most definitely. I’m going to try it a bit more this weekend.
Best,
Patrick
Patrick,
I’m using my Pro 2 in the same way – Acros with the EVF and I had the same intention with having the RAWs with all information and the great Acros JPGs. The surprise came when I spent some time to see the RAWs – several of them were a real surprise – I had never made them with Provia or the OVF. So I continue with this setup and I enjoy my „RAW-sessions“ afterwards to learn and sharpen my view regarding e.g. exposure.
Best,
Markus
Hi Markus!
That’s good to hear. I just spent the whole day today shooting in ACROS, and it’s really cool! The black and white is superb for straight out of the camera jpegs. I can’t believe I never used this feature lol. I may make another post with just the ACROS setting. Thanks for leaving a comment, and sharing your thoughts with us.
Best,
Patrick
I wonder if it is your pp or the way the camera spits out the images but to me (and this is true for every Fuji camera with x-trans sensor) there is little to none tone variation or details in the shadow areas of the images. Like what would happen if i would apply contrast heavily on all my images. I tend to think it is the camera because i know your other work (even with film cameras) and i like those images far better.
Hi Elderin,
Good to hear from you! These were all straight out of camera jpegs. I thought I’d post something different, so there was no Photoshopping involved here.
Best,
Patrick
Oh and i see this in everything Fuji related here, so it is not the acros mode which is pushing contrast already.
I see, Patrick. Thanks for the info.
Hi Elderin,
No problem, anytime!
Best,
Patrick
Hello,
Need a clarification please. On the X E3 (or Xpro 2) if its shot on ACROS mode in RAW and then downloaded to a PC, will the file itself be a monochrome pic if viewed on Photoshop/Lightroom? Or will it download it along with the XMP file without which it will be a non-monochrome pic. Please clarify
Hi Bala,
Apologies for the late reply. When you shoot in a Film Simulation Mode on your Fuji, such as, ACROS, it’s only the out of camera jpegs that are changed. The RAW files stay in their original color state. But in the Camera Profiles in Camera Raw, you can pick from several different ACROS settings. I hope this helps!
Best,
Patrick