Best software for black and white work with M8

[eleskin]

I have CS2, Lightroom, NX2, and I am wondering which software do all of you like to convert your RAW M8 files to Black and White and why.

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

I have CS2, Lightroom, NX2, and I am wondering which software do all of you like to convert your RAW M8 files to Black and White and why.

Nik Software's "Silver Efex." It does, by far, the best replication of B&W film I have seen.....and I've tried MANY.

 

[zeitz]

Photoshop, by far. Allows you to work in LAB color space. More control than any other program. See Digital Photo Pro magazine, May/June 2008, page 94.

 

[Rayt]

Digital files converted to b/w are smooth and grainless. Anyone tried softwares that can add grain and grit to give these files an authentic look?

 

[kenn]

Another vote for CS with Nik Software's "Silver Efex". If you don't want to spend that level of money, B/W Styler is $49 US and does a neat, quick job. If you have the skill and time, native CS ultimately is best, but these are "one click" to get close to what you want and then adjust from there. Also Silver Efex lets you easily save your "style" of B/W and use it on future shots with one click.

B/W Styler - http://www.thepluginsite.com/products/photowiz/bwstyler/index.htm
Nik Silver Efex - http://www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro/usa/entry.php

 

[eleskin]

I like Photoshop best

I like Photoshop best

I just tried Silver Efex, and I feel I have much better control in Photoshop. Here are some samples. Color, and then, Black and White.

 

[jaapv]

Alien Skin without contest...

 

[gavinlg]

Nik Software's "Silver Efex." It does, by far, the best replication of B&W film I have seen.....and I've tried MANY.

Agreed. I have found Nik silver EFEX to be by far the best BW software. It allows pretty decent emulation of popular film types, as well as detailed adjustment of grain, contrast points, zones etc etc. I've found it to be very close or even better in some instances than film, while still being easy to use.. I'm even considering buying it (*&%^ it's expensive though!).

Some examples from 5d + 50 1.2L run through nik silver efex software, all wide open:

 

[gavinlg]

More examples using same camera combo, and both wide open once again.

 

[gavinlg]

Just realized that this was Leica M8 specific, but I think my answer with the 5d is still valid.

 

[J. Borger]

Digital files converted to b/w are smooth and grainless. Anyone tried softwares that can add grain and grit to give these files an authentic look?

One could also say the converted digital files have more of a Medium Format look ......
So i shoot my M8 at iso 640 and ad grain with alien skin when i want a 35mm look and shoot iso 160 and add no grain if i want a MF look....😉

 

[gavinlg]

Digital files converted to b/w are smooth and grainless. Anyone tried softwares that can add grain and grit to give these files an authentic look?

See my pics above. The grain in them certainly wasn't created by my 5d, even though most of them were at iso3200... The silver efex software emulated films grittiness and I think they look pretty damn authentic. Gotta decide for yourself though.

 

[Rayt]

Those shots from the 5D look great. I print b/w at home with the R2400 and will try out the Nik software asap. Thanks!!

 

[jaapv]

Actually, shooting the M8 at Jpeg / B&W and ISO 1250 gives rather good results.

 

[taxi38]

There are some comments here that puzzle me.Why would you spend youre hard earned on an m8 and then try to pretend the images were taken with film.If digital produces results you dont like its better not to go there.

 

[Nh3]

There are some comments here that puzzle me.Why would you spend youre hard earned on an m8 and then try to pretend the images were taken with film.If digital produces results you dont like its better not to go there.

Thank you sir for being the voice of reason and saving my head from exploding... thank you.

 

[jaapv]

It is not about making it look like film. It is about getting the end result that is most pleasing. If it happens to look a bit like film that is coincidental.

 

[etrigan63]

Biibble Pro with the Andy Pro plugin. Truly a secret sauce for B&W conversions.

 

[taxi38]

It is not about making it look like film. It is about getting the end result that is most pleasing. If it happens to look a bit like film that is coincidental.

This is one of the problems with digital,its lack of honesty or character,Im not saying this is a fault,its just the way it is.:angel:

 

[Nh3]

It is not about making it look like film. It is about getting the end result that is most pleasing. If it happens to look a bit like film that is coincidental.

Excellent point. But why not just shoot with film and have the 'pleasing' result right there in the negative instead of all the gymnastics with software and the waste of time and the fatigued eyes and constant dissatisfaction?

Buying an M8 and then turning the pictures to B&W is an ironic tragedy.