"Best" Way to Convert X100s images to B/W?

[tedwhite]

I'm still in the middle of the X100s learning curve so forgive me if I ask stupid questions. As this camera (obviously) feels like a mini Leica I wonder if it's possible to produce high-quality black and white images with it? And if so what is the best road to pursue?

 

[GaryLH]

I use silver fx pro2 to convert to b&w. It is a add on program that will work w/ Apple Aperture as well as Photoshop LR and PS.

Another approach is shoot jpg+raw. Set the mode to b&w w/ or w/o the filter option. This way u get a b&w jpg and a raw file that has all the original color info to play w/ as well.

Gary

 

[Chris101]

I just have Photoshop (but sadly, not an x100s.) I use the Image > Adjustments > Black & White ... command to convert digital color images to black and white. It has very useful filtering options.

 

[Johann Espiritu]

Been using Alien Skin Exposure. I'm a former Silver Efex user, but have been using ASE lately, after finding the tones more subtle and natural. "Grain" looks good too!

 

[Richard G]

Ted, if you use Lightroom you'll be fine just sticking with that. Tweaking contrast, blacks and shadows gets you most of the way. Fiddling with the colour sliders can alter the nastier tonalities of red and some other colours, but to start with just click Black and White top right and then work your way down. I have learnt a little of Silver Efex Pro 2 and rarely find it adds much that I want, other than the nice borders. I notice I've downloaded Alien Skin, but I haven't installed it.

 

[jsrockit]

Ted, if you use Lightroom you'll be fine just sticking with that. Tweaking contrast, blacks and shadows gets you most of the way. Fiddling with the colour sliders can alter the nastier tonalities of red and some other colours, but to start with just click Black and White top right and then work your way down.

I agree.

 

[daveleo]

.........
Another approach is shoot jpg+raw. Set the mode to b&w w/ or w/o the filter option. This way u get a b&w jpg and a raw file that has all the original color info to play w/ as well.
Gary

Give this procedure a try. Works for me with the X100.
Also check out the shadow & highlight "modes" somewhere in the menus - gives some very nice results straight out of the camera.

 

[gns]

I shot color with digital, but I've messed around with converting to B&W a bit and it seems to me that the ability to adjust the various color channels is a pretty cool feature and something you can't really do with any other approach to B&W.