[JohnR]

Hi folks, has anyone managed yet to successfully simulate "the look" of (grainy) B&W film with digital? Preferably without using Photoshop plugins (since I don't have a current version of Photoshop).

[Photon46]

You don't say what version of Photoshop you do have, but in CS4 you've got "add noise" in the drop down from the "filter" tool bar menu. Add after B&W conversion. You've also got "film grain" in the drop down menu for "filter-artistic." However, none of Photoshop's native filters to simulate film grain look anywhere near as good as a good dedicated plugin.

[JohnR]

Thanks, perhaps I could rephrase the question? Has anyone here managed to successfully simulate "the look" of B&W film digitally? If so, how? I'd be particularly interested in solutions that are a) standalone i.e. don't require the use of Photoshop and b) work on Mac.

Thanks

[Photon46]

http://www.topazlabs.com/bweffects/

Perhaps this software will fulfill your needs? From what I can see, it will work with the usual image processing programs or as a stand alone.

[PeteG]

The best one I've used is from the Nik Collection "Silver Efex Pro 2" the only problem for you, is its a plug-in. But Nik has plug-in's for Apple's Aperture, if that helps.

Silver Efex Pro

[JohnR]

Thanks guys. I do have Aperture, to be honest I'd forgotten... shows how often I use it!  I'll get set up for a trial and see how I go.

I'm (just being honest) a bit dubious, but it's gotten so much more difficult to get film done since I last spent time with it.

[geowak]

Whenever I feel lazy, I don't take RAW files on my digital camera. That is when I don't want to do post processing in Photoshop. But Photoshop Elements is inexpensive, and you can do more than you think with this program.
Instead of taking RAW shots, I take jpg in B/W by changing custom settings on the camera itself. You can get some nice monochrome B/W shots this way!!!!

[Jon L]

Nik Silver Efex Pro is widely well regarded, and I certainly love it, as it gives you a wide range of specific B&W film brands you can choose to emulate.  Also, if there is a Nik bundle, their Color Efex Pro is a fabulous program that happens to include even a larger array of color film brands to emulate, such as Fuji Velvia, Kodak Kotachrome 64, etc. 

[SET Man]

...
I'm (just being honest) a bit dubious, but it's gotten so much more difficult to get film done since I last spent time with it.

Hey!

    I know what you mean

  Currently I'm using Lightroom 4, before that I was using the CS2 and the "channel mixer" feature in there. Now with Lightroom 4 there are more options and more control with color to B&W conversion. Still, I can't get the same feel as I would get from a true B&W films and prints. But I have to admit that some of them come close and I do appreciate that with digital I do have option for color or/and B&W.

   These were the most recently done in Lightroom 4.... I think it looks OK but still not 100% film-like feel


Salt & Pepper Shakers MoMA Cafe Original Color Version by setpower1, on Flickr

Salt & Pepper Shakers MoMA Cafe by setpower1, on Flickr

  I've never explore all those programs mentioned here. Maybe I should, wonder if they will work with Lightroom 4.... I'm still learning on this digital color to B&W with LR4.

Take care,
Buddy

[JohnR]

Hi Buddy, here's another one that I found that might give that film look better. I think I will try this too:

http://www.alienskin.com/exposure/index.aspx

Hi Jon, Nik only comes as a bundle now it seems, about $150.

[SET Man]

Hi Buddy, here's another one that I found that might give that film look better. I think I will try this too:

http://www.alienskin.com/exposure/index.aspx

Hi Jon, Nik only comes as a bundle now it seems, about $150.

Hey!

   Thanks John, that actually looks pretty good with lots of options and work with LR. But it is $199 

   Anyway, funny isn't it, that we are looking to simulate the old analog film feel with our new modern digital camera? 

    Well, if you or anyone try this let me know. Would love to see the real world result.

Take care,
Buddy

   

[Jon L]

    Well, if you or anyone try this let me know. Would love to see the real world result.

Take care,
Buddy

   

Here's a shot of my nephew, post-processed with Color Efex.  The original was nice but not as nice


EOSD3626 by drjlo1, on Flickr