Known Participant

Question

How to import X3F file into Lightroom?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
March 11, 2020
8 replies
12053 views

Hi.

I just purchased a Sigma DP2 Merrill to photograph artwork.

I am shooting in RAW and AdobeRGB colorspace.

The file created is an X3F file.

Does anyone know a good workflow to end up with a Camera Raw file in Lightroom?

Thank you!

This topic has been closed for replies.

johnrellis

Legend

"I just purchased a Sigma DP2 Merrill to photograph artwork."

LR and Camera raw support the Sigma DP2 but not the Sigma DP2 Merrill, which is a different camera:
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sigmadp2
https://www.dpreview.com/products/sigma/compacts/sigma_dp2m
https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/kb/camera-raw-plug-supported-cameras.html

(Following up from this related thread:

https://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/lightroom-classic-no-x3f-support)

[Use the blue reply button under the first post to ensure replies sort properly.]

P

pincopallo75

Participant

Old thread, but just for reference: Sigma DP2 (and DP1, DP3) "Merrill" X3F files are supported only by a handful of softwares, the best of wich, in terms of results, is the slow but free Sigma Photo Pro. Affinity is another one, and there is a plugin for Photoshop that converts the files to DNGs, but neither is as good as a solution as SPP, in my opinion.

DdeGannes

Community Expert

Ok, so I do believe there a need for the problems with the support for Sigma DP2 Merille X3F raw files to be reported.as a Bug to the appropriate forum.
The current versions of Lightroom Classic 9.2.1 / Photoshop 21.1.2 / ACR 12.2.1 and The DNG Converter are all unable to read and process the RAW files from this Camera Model. The Official Adobe list of Camera Models supported by Adobe Camera Raw includes this camera model since 2012. I do not know if recent changes to profile and new procedures are the cause as I have no recollection of seeing this issue raised previously.

I recommend that the OP begin the process.

Regards, Denis: iMac 27” mid-2015, macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur; 2TB SSD, 24 GB Ram, GPU 2 GB; LrC 12.5,; Lr 6.5, PS 24.7,; ACR 15.5,; (also Laptop Win 11, ver 24H2, LrC 15.0.1, PS 27.0; ) Camera Oly OM-D E-M1.

Rob_Cullen

Community Expert

Thanks Denis for your conclusion. I do concur after much trying options with Eons...

I also tried to import the files with no luck in Classic and Photoshop/ACR. I was able to view the images with XnView (but assume I was just looking at an embedded preview- not the raw data)

Maybe the advice that was given to buy this camera was not the best advice afterall.

Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.1.1, Photoshop 27.3.1, ACR 18.1.1, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.2 .

E

EonsCreative1Author

Known Participant

And thank you to WobertC!

As I mentioned previously, I am only able to view the files in Sigma Photo Pro (but to the photographer's credit who recommened it, he did inform me that SPP was the only application that could read the file - although I was under the impression that SPP only needed to be used as a "bridge" and that once it was imported, a secondary import to LRC would be possible) and from there able to ColorChecker Camera Calibration and Photoshop.

He also now says he sometimes uses this application: https://www.iridientdigital.com

He stressed... the functionality issues are balanced out by the image quality, color accuracy, depth and detail.

All that said, I was looking for camera that would be a good choice for photographing artworks in a studio setting to achieve accurate colors and details AND that I work with Adobe Creative Cloud software... so you may be right in the end - there were probably better choices with less headaches.

DdeGannes

Community Expert

Ok, I now have some better news after my last post, I am pretty sure your raw files are not corrupt and I was able to process them using a program that I have installed on my Windows system which is a Professional Printing software, application which is only available for Windows, and is called Qimage Ultimate.

However it can also work with Raw files from digital cameras. The 3 screen captures are from it Raw Develop window. Two are from the files you sent to me and the other is what I downloaded from the internet. You can see the full specs of the images in the lower left. The one of the ColorChecker Card was adjusted with an eyedropper click on the third grey patch in the bottom row of colour patches.

Regards, Denis: iMac 27” mid-2015, macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur; 2TB SSD, 24 GB Ram, GPU 2 GB; LrC 12.5,; Lr 6.5, PS 24.7,; ACR 15.5,; (also Laptop Win 11, ver 24H2, LrC 15.0.1, PS 27.0; ) Camera Oly OM-D E-M1.

DdeGannes

Community Expert

Is it possible to share a couple of the raw files from the camera on line via Dropbox or the like. Users in the forum could check to see if they can import into their system.

Regards, Denis: iMac 27” mid-2015, macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur; 2TB SSD, 24 GB Ram, GPU 2 GB; LrC 12.5,; Lr 6.5, PS 24.7,; ACR 15.5,; (also Laptop Win 11, ver 24H2, LrC 15.0.1, PS 27.0; ) Camera Oly OM-D E-M1.

E

EonsCreative1Author

Known Participant

Hi Denis,

Here is a link to a folder on Google Drive with 3 X3F files... a couple of the files are of the ColorChecker Passport 2 that I've been trying to create a profile from through Lightroom.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ay4mg9a-CWDOAxU2jw3ceyElyUC8Xdia

DdeGannes

Community Expert

I am seeing the link you sent but I cannot directly get access to the actual image files, it appears that I have to install some software and sign up for the service so that I can get the actual files.

PS. Ok got the files, on import I am experiencing the same problem you reported and the same error message. Will try some other things and provide info later this efternoon. In the meantime if there any users of this camera model care to have a go.

Regards, Denis: iMac 27” mid-2015, macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur; 2TB SSD, 24 GB Ram, GPU 2 GB; LrC 12.5,; Lr 6.5, PS 24.7,; ACR 15.5,; (also Laptop Win 11, ver 24H2, LrC 15.0.1, PS 27.0; ) Camera Oly OM-D E-M1.

GoldingD

Legend

In your workflow. If you are converting to TIFF as a step to include the ColorCheck, do not do that. You only need one photo to calibrate/ create profile, for the ColorCheck

Keep all photos as RAW or DNG as long as you can, only convert (export) to TIFF when you need to use a third party plug-in (external editor) or edit in Photoshop. Once you convert to a raster format, options decrease.

GoldingD

Legend

Please post your System Information as Lightroom Classic reports it. In Lightroom Classic, click on Help, click on System Info, click on Copy. Paste into reply. Include all info from first line down to and including plugin info.

E

EonsCreative1Author

Known Participant

Lightroom Classic version: 9.2.1 [ 202004070813-7699d98a ]
License: Creative Cloud
Language setting: en-US
Operating system: Mac OS 10
Version: 10.13.6 [17G11023]
Application architecture: x64
Logical processor count: 8
Processor speed: 4.0 GHz
SqLite Version: 3.30.1
Built-in memory: 16,384.0 MB
Real memory available to Lightroom: 16,384.0 MB
Real memory used by Lightroom: 245.9 MB (1.5%)
Virtual memory used by Lightroom: 5,828.6 MB
Memory cache size: 0.0MB
Internal Camera Raw version: 12.2.1 [ 415 ]
Maximum thread count used by Camera Raw: 5
Camera Raw SIMD optimization: SSE2,AVX,AVX2
Camera Raw virtual memory: 0MB / 8191MB (0%)
Camera Raw real memory: 0MB / 16384MB (0%)
Displays: 1) 5120x2880, 2) 2560x1440

Graphics Processor Info:
Metal: AMD Radeon R9 M395X

Application folder: /Applications/Adobe Lightroom Classic
Library Path: /Users/michaelellenbogen/Documents/Ellenbogen Gallery/Eg Image Folder/Ellenbogen Gallery/Ellenbogen Gallery.lrcat
Settings Folder: /Users/michaelellenbogen/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom

Installed Plugins:
1) AdobeStock
2) Aperture/iPhoto Importer Plug-in
3) ColorChecker Camera Calibration
4) Facebook
5) Flickr
6) Nikon Tether Plugin

Config.lua flags: None

AudioDeviceIOBlockSize: 512
AudioDeviceName: Built-in Output
AudioDeviceNumberOfChannels: 2
AudioDeviceSampleRate: 44100
Build: 12.1x4
CoreImage: true
GL_ACCUM_ALPHA_BITS: 0
GL_ACCUM_BLUE_BITS: 0
GL_ACCUM_GREEN_BITS: 0
GL_ACCUM_RED_BITS: 0
GL_ALPHA_BITS: 8
GL_BLUE_BITS: 8
GL_DEPTH_BITS: 24
GL_GREEN_BITS: 8
GL_MAX_3D_TEXTURE_SIZE: 16384
GL_MAX_TEXTURE_SIZE: 16384
GL_MAX_TEXTURE_UNITS: 8
GL_MAX_VIEWPORT_DIMS: 16384,16384
GL_RED_BITS: 8
GL_RENDERER: AMD Radeon R9 M395X OpenGL Engine
GL_SHADING_LANGUAGE_VERSION: 1.20
GL_STENCIL_BITS: 8
GL_VENDOR: ATI Technologies Inc.
GL_VERSION: 2.1 ATI-1.68.24
OGLEnabled: true
GL_EXTENSIONS: GL_ARB_color_buffer_float GL_ARB_depth_buffer_float GL_ARB_depth_clamp GL_ARB_depth_texture GL_ARB_draw_buffers GL_ARB_draw_elements_base_vertex GL_ARB_draw_instanced GL_ARB_fragment_program GL_ARB_fragment_program_shadow GL_ARB_fragment_shader GL_ARB_framebuffer_object GL_ARB_framebuffer_sRGB GL_ARB_half_float_pixel GL_ARB_half_float_vertex GL_ARB_imaging GL_ARB_instanced_arrays GL_ARB_multisample GL_ARB_multitexture GL_ARB_occlusion_query GL_ARB_pixel_buffer_object GL_ARB_point_parameters GL_ARB_point_sprite GL_ARB_provoking_vertex GL_ARB_seamless_cube_map GL_ARB_shader_objects GL_ARB_shader_texture_lod GL_ARB_shading_language_100 GL_ARB_shadow GL_ARB_shadow_ambient GL_ARB_sync GL_ARB_texture_border_clamp GL_ARB_texture_compression GL_ARB_texture_compression_rgtc GL_ARB_texture_cube_map GL_ARB_texture_env_add GL_ARB_texture_env_combine GL_ARB_texture_env_crossbar GL_ARB_texture_env_dot3 GL_ARB_texture_float GL_ARB_texture_mirrored_repeat GL_ARB_texture_non_power_of_two GL_ARB_texture_rectangle GL_ARB_texture_rg GL_ARB_transpose_matrix GL_ARB_vertex_array_bgra GL_ARB_vertex_blend GL_ARB_vertex_buffer_object GL_ARB_vertex_program GL_ARB_vertex_shader GL_ARB_window_pos GL_EXT_abgr GL_EXT_bgra GL_EXT_bindable_uniform GL_EXT_blend_color GL_EXT_blend_equation_separate GL_EXT_blend_func_separate GL_EXT_blend_minmax GL_EXT_blend_subtract GL_EXT_clip_volume_hint GL_EXT_debug_label GL_EXT_debug_marker GL_EXT_depth_bounds_test GL_EXT_draw_buffers2 GL_EXT_draw_range_elements GL_EXT_fog_coord GL_EXT_framebuffer_blit GL_EXT_framebuffer_multisample GL_EXT_framebuffer_object GL_EXT_framebuffer_sRGB GL_EXT_geometry_shader4 GL_EXT_gpu_program_parameters GL_EXT_gpu_shader4 GL_EXT_multi_draw_arrays GL_EXT_packed_depth_stencil GL_EXT_packed_float GL_EXT_provoking_vertex GL_EXT_rescale_normal GL_EXT_secondary_color GL_EXT_separate_specular_color GL_EXT_shadow_funcs GL_EXT_stencil_two_side GL_EXT_stencil_wrap GL_EXT_texture_array GL_EXT_texture_compression_dxt1 GL_EXT_texture_compression_s3tc GL_EXT_texture_env_add GL_EXT_texture_filter_anisotropic GL_EXT_texture_integer GL_EXT_texture_lod_bias GL_EXT_texture_mirror_clamp GL_EXT_texture_rectangle GL_EXT_texture_shared_exponent GL_EXT_texture_sRGB GL_EXT_texture_sRGB_decode GL_EXT_timer_query GL_EXT_transform_feedback GL_EXT_vertex_array_bgra GL_APPLE_aux_depth_stencil GL_APPLE_client_storage GL_APPLE_element_array GL_APPLE_fence GL_APPLE_float_pixels GL_APPLE_flush_buffer_range GL_APPLE_flush_render GL_APPLE_object_purgeable GL_APPLE_packed_pixels GL_APPLE_pixel_buffer GL_APPLE_rgb_422 GL_APPLE_row_bytes GL_APPLE_specular_vector GL_APPLE_texture_range GL_APPLE_transform_hint GL_APPLE_vertex_array_object GL_APPLE_vertex_array_range GL_APPLE_vertex_point_size GL_APPLE_vertex_program_evaluators GL_APPLE_ycbcr_422 GL_ATI_blend_equation_separate GL_ATI_blend_weighted_minmax GL_ATI_separate_stencil GL_ATI_texture_compression_3dc GL_ATI_texture_env_combine3 GL_ATI_texture_float GL_ATI_texture_mirror_once GL_IBM_rasterpos_clip GL_NV_blend_square GL_NV_conditional_render GL_NV_depth_clamp GL_NV_fog_distance GL_NV_light_max_exponent GL_NV_texgen_reflection GL_NV_texture_barrier GL_SGI_color_matrix GL_SGIS_generate_mipmap GL_SGIS_texture_edge_clamp GL_SGIS_texture_lod

GoldingD

Legend

Camera RAW is the name of the RAW converter, not a format. Any copy of Lightroom after old v2.44 should support your cameras RAW.

Rob_Cullen

Community Expert

The Sigma DP2 camera appears to be supported in many Lightroom-Classic versions (Perpetual 2.4 - Classic 9.2)

! SUPPORTED CAMERAS

If you are using the 'new' Lightroom (Cloud based) you need version 2.4 or highter (currently 3.2)

X3F files are RAW. Import to Lightroom and you have the (Camera) Raw file referenced in the Lightroom catalog. So I am not sure what "workflow" you are wanting. There are many videos and articles in the web for 'Developing' your images.

(The setting in the camera for "Adobe RGB" will only apply to camera JPG files. RAW files do not have a colorspace.)

Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.1.1, Photoshop 27.3.1, ACR 18.1.1, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.2 .

E

EonsCreative1Author

Known Participant

Thank you WobertC,

I am using Lightroom via Creative Cloud subscription and always update, now at 9.2.1 release.

Since this post I have learned that the .x3f file created by the DP2 Merrill must be run through Sigma Photo Pro, and export as a TIFF or JPG. I export 16-bit TIFF files.

I can then import and edit the .tif files in Lightroom.

However, I am also using the x-rite i1 ColorChecker Passport Photo 2 in order to create color profiles for each shoot.

Have you heard of it?

It requires a Lightroom plug-in to create a profile for the camera specific to each shoot, from a photo of the color table.

Unfortunately it does not like the .tif file format. I believe it is looking for a DNG... trying to get response from x-rite about this.

Rob_Cullen

Community Expert

I am using Lightroom via Creative Cloud subscription and always update, now at 9.2.1 release.

Since this post I have learned that the .x3f file created by the DP2 Merrill must be run through Sigma Photo Pro, and export as a TIFF or JPG. I export 16-bit TIFF files.

Where did you learn?

TBMK - Not true! As in my post above the Sigma DP2 Merril has been supported by Lightroom versions for several years.(the camera is from 2012)

Using the Photo Pro software for a TIF is not needed.

You simply Import the .x3f files into Lightroom-Classic.

*And if you cannot import- there is some other problem that you need to explain. (show error messages, etc)

However, I am also using the x-rite i1 ColorChecker Passport Photo 2 in order to create color profiles for each shoot.

Have you heard of it?

Yes- heard of it - I have it, and use it also.

It requires a Lightroom plug-in to create a profile for the camera specific to each shoot,

"each shoot"- now you are getting really particular.

I create one profile for my Nikon D750 from the xRite color-checker, and that is the profile I use always.

I do not expect my camera's sensor will change dramatically between shoots (requiring a profile for every shoot). However a shot of the Color-Checker at each shoot is useful to easily correct White Balance.

Unfortunately it does not like the .tif file format. I believe it is looking for a DNG... trying to get response from x-rite about this.

You should not need a response from xRite. You do not need .TIFs.

With a .x3f photo of the xRite Color-checker in Lightroom-Classic, you can convert it to DNG from the Menu: [Library > Convert Photo to DNG]. Or you can photograph the Color-Checker and Import direct from the camera using the [Copy as DNG] option in the Import dialog.

Then to create a profile you 'Export' the DNG by selecting [Color Checker Passport] Preset in the Export dialog.

I repeat- If you cannot Import the .x3f files, then something is amiss with the Import that needs correcting!!

Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.1.1, Photoshop 27.3.1, ACR 18.1.1, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.2 .

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded