Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: vandevanterSH on May 28, 2008, 10:59:11 am

Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: vandevanterSH on May 28, 2008, 10:59:11 am
Phocus 1.0 is now available for download along with FlexColor 4.8.6.

Steve
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 28, 2008, 11:08:09 am
From where? It's nowhere to be seen on Hasselbald.com. For download that is.
The last news is regarding the Beta.  
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: vandevanterSH on May 28, 2008, 11:12:35 am
Quote
From where? It's nowhere to be seen on Hasselbald.com. For download that is.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198534\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I just downloaded it from US site.  You have to be registered and logged in to download software.

Steve
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 28, 2008, 11:46:11 am
That's a bummer when you rent kit and do not own it.
As I still need to proces the images.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: Dustbak on May 28, 2008, 11:59:48 am
There is always someone friendly enough to let you download it from somewhere but I do agree. Why not put it somewhere where you can get it more easily.

PM me if you need it and can't get it.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 28, 2008, 12:38:52 pm
Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on that as I have some pics I need to do some work on and I keep putting off as I hate Flexcolour and Phocus seems a lot better. Even if it is a bit baffling in places.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: Jason F on May 28, 2008, 12:53:58 pm
Also, the release notes say you have to have OS X 10.5 or greater to run Phocus. Just FYI.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 28, 2008, 03:57:04 pm
Thanks to Dustback as I now have Phocus and am also now registered for next time.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 28, 2008, 05:04:17 pm
And annoyingly I have the same bug that made me give up on the Beta version.
namely that when I click on a thumbnail to view/edit nothing happens. To be more specific it works fine initially and then it gets stuck on one image and that's it.  
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: Nick-T on May 28, 2008, 05:57:52 pm
Quote
And annoyingly I have the same bug that made me give up on the Beta version.
namely that when I click on a thumbnail to view/edit nothing happens. To be more specific it works fine initially and then it gets stuck on one image and that's it. 
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198606\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Try a double-click
Nick-T
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 28, 2008, 06:05:38 pm
It seems that you cannot copy Hasselbald files to computer and then expect to view them, as they still have to be imported by the programme converting them in the process to another file format, doubling up no. of files and tripling space consumed.   I have files on my Hard drives that were simply copied to disc in named and dated folders to be worked on later.
'Importing' them then dumps the files in your scratchpad folder, where you then have to copy them back to a accurately named folder.
My guess is that Phocus was designed for tethered shooting and other less studio oriented workflows were simply discarded.  
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: j.miller on May 28, 2008, 06:42:04 pm
With the release of Phocus® v1.0, along with the current H3D/II or H2/F CF Back firmware, Mirror Lock-up is now available as a click-button option within the Capture Tool pane, along with several other features like AF operation, manual focus control, live preview, etc.

Also, Phocus® handles 3FR (as shot to a CF card) the same as FlexColor, it requires that you import them into the application, which will appropriately convert them to .fff files (native format of Phocus® and FlexColor) and locate the files to your current destination. As long as your select your intended destination prior to import the 3FR files, the newly created .fff files will be created in that specified folder. Also, you have the option of automatically deleting the 3FR files after import, therefore keeping you RAW file count to a minimum.

Regards,

Jordan Miller


Quote
Phocus 1.0 is now available for download along with FlexColor 4.8.6.

Steve
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198533\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jecxz on May 28, 2008, 07:13:27 pm
Slightly off topic question: are you guys backing up the FFF files or the 3FR files? I've been backing up the 3FRs only. Mistake?

It was my understanding that the 3FR is the compressed version of the FFF, is this correct?
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: josayeruk on May 28, 2008, 08:11:56 pm
Quote
'Importing' them then dumps the files in your scratchpad folder, where you then have to copy them back to a accurately named folder.
My guess is that Phocus was designed for tethered shooting and other less studio oriented workflows were simply discarded. 
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198617\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Why don't you setup a new Capture Destination in the first place before importing?  It doesn't have to be the 'Scratchpad' you know.

I disagree that this is a software only for tethered shooting.

Ummm   RTFM?    

Jo S.x
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: josayeruk on May 28, 2008, 08:13:31 pm
Quote
Slightly off topic question: are you guys backing up the FFF files or the 3FR files? I've been backing up the 3FRs only. Mistake?

It was my understanding that the 3FR is the compressed version of the FFF, is this correct?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198627\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Only 3F's for me.  I guess you could argue that the 3FR's could be imported again.

Anyhoot in Phocus it looks like the 3F's are staying compressed!  

Jo S.x
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: j.miller on May 28, 2008, 09:24:40 pm
Derek,
     Both .3fr and .fff files are technically RAW files. The .3fr file is slightly smaller, as it designed strictly for in-camera capture, where you are shooting to a CF card. It is more of "transport" format. The size of a .3fr file is approx 55MB, depending on the subject matter. The .fff file is standard working, RAW file for Phocus® and FlexColor, and allows for the complete functionality within these applications. The .fff file is approx 80MB. Technically the same data could extrapolated from either file, however a .3fr will have to (re)imported to make any adjustments, and to export (save) various files.

The .fff files will be your ideal "archiving" RAW format, as it allows for you to track every change to file, starting from original capture, without any side-car or separate XML files. Everything is contained within the .fff file. Not to mention the simple, multi-format, simultaneous export capabilities with Phocus®, which makes re-purposing RAW files for different applications quick, and fairly effortless.

Regards,

Jordan Miller

Quote
Slightly off topic question: are you guys backing up the FFF files or the 3FR files? I've been backing up the 3FRs only. Mistake?

It was my understanding that the 3FR is the compressed version of the FFF, is this correct?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198627\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jecxz on May 28, 2008, 10:23:17 pm
Jo and Jordan - thank you very much! Be well.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 28, 2008, 11:00:15 pm
Quote
Why don't you setup a new Capture Destination in the first place before importing?  It doesn't have to be the 'Scratchpad' you know.

I disagree that this is a software only for tethered shooting.

Ummm   RTFM?   
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198630\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I did read manual.  You still have to reset the capture destination each time or move files to correctly named folder and after using LR/Aperture it seems rather
 lame.
I didn't say it was only for tethered shooting, but that the workflow was  designed for tethered and is clunky if used otherwise.
Though compared to Flexcolour... it's wonderful, then again a poke in the eye is less irritating than using Flexcolour.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 28, 2008, 11:04:14 pm
Quote
Try a double-click
Nick-T
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198615\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
You think I didn't try that? Many times!
It was the fact that you have to import them, even if they are already on your hard drive that was confusing, especially as the files I could view and those I couldn't both produced thumbnails in Phocus.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: rovanpera on May 29, 2008, 01:09:17 am
the beta was sloooow... how is this?
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: Dustbak on May 29, 2008, 02:05:50 am
I am a bit upset about the 3FR/FFF thing as well. I believed Phocus was announced to be able to work directly with 3FR files.

Now, I still have to import 3FR files from CF card into my computer towards FFF files. Importing and converting to FFF files takes definitely longer than just copying from the CF card and working.

The other thing is, thinking about what to store. Allright you only have to do that once but storing 3FR means less HD space but another step if you want to re-process, storing in FFF means no longer the camera format (maybe not important but only a mental issue) and more HD storage.

Maybe it is the fastest way this way but I am not convinced and sofar have heard no argument that really is convincing why it should be done this way.

It would be nice if DAC would be incorporated in the DNG files that you can export. Is it? (I fear not but maybe I am mistaken). The lens correction is downright great (especially when you use the 35 a lot) and missing out on that with DNG is a shame.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: josayeruk on May 29, 2008, 04:17:04 am
Quote
I did read manual.  You still have to reset the capture destination each time or move files to correctly named folder and after using LR/Aperture it seems rather
 lame.
I didn't say it was only for tethered shooting, but that the workflow was  designed for tethered and is clunky if used otherwise.
Though compared to Flexcolour... it's wonderful, then again a poke in the eye is less irritating than using Flexcolour.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198653\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I am not sure I understand you when you say you have to reset the capture destination folder each time?  You can also make and name folders within Phocus.  Have you looked at the Job Info tool?

Jo S.x

PS.  The 3F files in Phocus appear to compressed to a similar level to the 3FR?
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 29, 2008, 07:41:38 am
Quote
the beta was sloooow... how is this?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198675\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
When you adjust say noise reduction, the image returns to initial poor quality [on an underexposed imge say] there's a definite pause and then the image updates. So not exactly speedy on that adjustment, there's also a pause when zooming in and out, but other adjusts seems nippy enough. This is with a recent 8core with standard 2G of RAM.
But when it comes to importing images [from hard drive] then it's pretty good. Less than two mins to import 43 shots.
And 2.31mins to import 68 images, though computer certainly feels sluggish whilst doing so.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 29, 2008, 07:44:06 am
Quote
I am not sure I understand you when you say you have to reset the capture destination folder each time?  You can also make and name folders within Phocus.  Have you looked at the Job Info tool?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198690\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I wondered if drag and drop work with capture destination and it does, hooray. So I can simply drag whatever folder I'm importing from to the capture destination. A big time saver.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jecxz on May 29, 2008, 08:37:59 am
Quote
It would be nice if DAC would be incorporated in the DNG files that you can export. Is it? (I fear not but maybe I am mistaken). The lens correction is downright great (especially when you use the 35 a lot) and missing out on that with DNG is a shame.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198681\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Since this is specific to H backs, I doubt it will ever be done outside of proprietary software programs. Oddly, I find I turn off DAC quite a bit with the 28mm and 35mm.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: josayeruk on May 29, 2008, 10:45:53 am
Quote
I wondered if drag and drop work with capture destination and it does, hooray. So I can simply drag whatever folder I'm importing from to the capture destination. A big time saver.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198711\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

You can also right-mouse-click and say 'Use as Capture Destination'.  

Additionally to...

-Make New Folder
-Add to Favortites.

So basically you can make a new folder, set it to capture destination within the Phocus file browser.. or use the job info tool.

Jo S.x
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 29, 2008, 11:26:58 am
Other observations, there's no help files! I downloaded some trial software the other day and one of the  things missing from the trial compared to the full version was the manual, duh!    Now if you are trying something out, that's when you probably know least about it. And as very basic things were not at all obvious, trial got deleted.

When you rename files when importing, Phocus did the date 'incorrectly' as it did day-month-year, which is useless for filing/sorting as 29-05-2008_name_001 ends up next to 28-05-2001_name_001. I prefer to use 2008-05-29_name_001 and 2001-05-28_name_001. So I wondered if Phocus does it according to how one's system is set up as it's British, not American in order as well. So I went into System Prefs and went into customised on the date preferences and you can reorder the year/month/ day order. So now Phocus labels the images 'correctly', i.e. as I want them.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: Dustbak on May 29, 2008, 11:28:33 am
Quote
Since this is specific to H backs, I doubt it will ever be done outside of proprietary software programs. Oddly, I find I turn off DAC quite a bit with the 28mm and 35mm.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198716\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

IMO, it could be done with DNG's because I make the shot with DAC turned on, Flex or Phocus creates the FFF file. Why can't it be converted towards a DNG with DAC included? I can understand the amount of correction cannot be altered anymore once the FFF is converted to a DNG but that I can live with.

I turn it off when there are people in the shot that are more important than the surroundings. DAC has the tendency to distort them in a strange way. Is that the same reason you turn it off?

When doing interiors I love it, as long as I position the camera right and do my job I am rewarded with really nice straight lines.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jjj on May 29, 2008, 01:01:15 pm
We are so used to see converging verticals and distortions by lens, that images that are corrected can look a bit wrong sometimes.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: josayeruk on May 29, 2008, 01:33:31 pm
Quote
When you rename files when importing, Phocus did the date 'incorrectly' as it did day-month-year, which is useless for filing/sorting as 29-05-2008_name_001 ends up next to 28-05-2001_name_001. I prefer to use 2008-05-29_name_001 and 2001-05-28_name_001. So I wondered if Phocus does it according to how one's system is set up as it's British, not American in order as well. So I went into System Prefs and went into customised on the date preferences and you can reorder the year/month/ day order. So now Phocus labels the images 'correctly', i.e. as I want them.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198755\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Good tip!  
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: jecxz on May 29, 2008, 01:51:46 pm
Quote
IMO, it could be done with DNG's because I make the shot with DAC turned on, Flex or Phocus creates the FFF file. Why can't it be converted towards a DNG with DAC included? I can understand the amount of correction cannot be altered anymore once the FFF is converted to a DNG but that I can live with.

I turn it off when there are people in the shot that are more important than the surroundings. DAC has the tendency to distort them in a strange way. Is that the same reason you turn it off?

When doing interiors I love it, as long as I position the camera right and do my job I am rewarded with really nice straight lines.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198756\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Now I understand what you mean, yes, I suspect part of the conversion from 3FR to FFF could process the DAC. That would be possible because the conversion is handled by Hasselblad's proprietary software. OK - makes sense.

Yes, I turn it off because, as you and jjj said, I'm already used to the lens distortion, I shoot to take advantage of it, and I like the results of the wide angle. But to be honest, I can go either way at this point.
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: yyapp on May 29, 2008, 07:33:49 pm
This is a slightly off-topic question but how do you save the FFF files from a Imacon v96c back? I haven't found any info regarding that. The only option Flexcolor seem to offer is to convert to DNG which duplicates the file size. Is there any way of transferring the original FFF files from the Imacon Image bank to your computer?
I'm using Mac OS X 1.4
Thanks,
Rafa
Title: Phocus 1.0 now available
Post by: josayeruk on May 31, 2008, 04:15:47 am
Quote
This is a slightly off-topic question but how do you save the FFF files from a Imacon v96c back? I haven't found any info regarding that. The only option Flexcolor seem to offer is to convert to DNG which duplicates the file size. Is there any way of transferring the original FFF files from the Imacon Image bank to your computer?
I'm using Mac OS X 1.4
Thanks,
Rafa
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198879\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

You need to select the files you want in the Import window, and then click Import!

They are transferred to the folder which you target in the 'Thumbnails' window.

Jo s.x