P: Renaming file removes Fuji's maker notes

Report · Feb 29, 2024

When I edit pictures in the Develop module, most Fujiofilm metadata is removed.

I’m now using LrC version 13 on Windows 11, but this has been a problem for at least all versions in the last 10 years.

I’m using Phil Harvey’s excellent Exiftool to verify this.

This are the Exif metadata that get lost after I edit a photo:

…\Exiftool -s -f -m -ImageCount -AFMode -PictureMode -FilmMode -ImageStabilization -NoiseReduction -FujiFlashMode -DynamicRangeSetting -FocusPixel -AutoBracketing -SequenceNumber -NumFaceElements -FaceElementTypes -AF-SPriority -AF-CPriority -AFCSettings -FocusMode2 -FocusMode -BlurWarning -FocusWarning -ExposureWarning -DriveMode -ExposureCount -DynamicRange -SlowSync -ShutterType -Quality -FlickerReduction -ShootingMode DSCF0952cam.JPG

For you to verify this, I enclose a sample photo from my X-H2s camera:

DSCF0952cam.JPG – file from camera

DSCF0952Lr.JPG – file from camera

DSCF0952cam.txt - ExifTool output for Camera file

DSCF0952Lr.txt - ExifTool output for edited Lr file

Report · Feb 29, 2024

Those metadata fields are all stored in the Fujifilm proprietary MakerNotes section of the metadata. You can see that by using "exiftool -a -G" to show which section each field comes from.

By design, LR doesn't preserve the MakerNotes in exported photos. You could file a feature request, but in my opinion, I think it's unlikely Adobe would ever implement it:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-ideas/how-do-i-write-a-feature-request/idi-p/123863...

Report · Feb 29, 2024

Seems like a de-prioritization of Fujifilm cameras, which I strongly regrets.

I checked some photos from my previous Canon SX1 camera, and there all Tags including makernotes are preserved (the Exiftool result are identical)..

The same I found for Pentax Optio RZ18 photos.

I don't have any other brand to compare, but it seems mostly Fujifilm are neglected, but have been recognized by Exiftool for a long time.

NB: This are NOT Exported photo-files

Report · Mar 01, 2024

If you're not looking at exported files, then you must be doing Metadata > Save Metadata To File (or have Catalog Settings > Metadata > Automatically Write Changes Into XMP enabled)? In general, Save Metadata To File does preserve manufacturer Makernotes.

Using your sample photo, I'm not able to reproduce the problem using LR 13.2 / Mac. (I noticed you're on 13.1 -- upgrade to 13.2 before spending more time on this.) Here are the exact steps I took -- if you took different steps, please specify them:

1. Disabled Catalog Settings > Metadata > Automatically Write Changes Into XMP.

2. Copied DSCF0952cam.JPG to DSCF0952cam-before.JPG and DSCF0952cam-after.JPG.

3. Imported DSCF0952cam-before.JPG and DSCF0952cam-after.JPG.

4. Edited DSCF0952cam-after.JPG and changed Exposure to -0.95.

5. With DSCF0952cam-after.JPG selected in Library, did Metadata > Save Metadata To File.

6. Ran the following Exiftool version 12.77 command on both files and observed the same output:

$ exiftool -ver -G -s -f -m -ImageCount -AFMode -PictureMode -FilmMode -ImageStabilization -NoiseReduction -FujiFlashMode -DynamicRangeSetting -FocusPixel -AutoBracketing -SequenceNumber -NumFaceElements -FaceElementTypes -AF-SPriority -AF-CPriority -AFCSettings -FocusMode2 -FocusMode -BlurWarning -FocusWarning -ExposureWarning -DriveMode -ExposureCount -DynamicRange -SlowSync -ShutterType -Quality -FlickerReduction -ShootingMode *.JPG
12.77
======== DSCF0952cam-after.JPG
[MakerNotes]    ImageCount                      : 1450
[MakerNotes]    AFMode                          : Zone
[MakerNotes]    PictureMode                     : Program AE
[MakerNotes]    FilmMode                        : F2/Fujichrome (Velvia)
[MakerNotes]    ImageStabilization              : OIS Lens; On (mode 1, continuous); 0
[MakerNotes]    NoiseReduction                  : 0 (normal)
[MakerNotes]    FujiFlashMode                   : Not Attached
[MakerNotes]    DynamicRangeSetting             : Auto
[MakerNotes]    FocusPixel                      : 2684 2513
[MakerNotes]    AutoBracketing                  : Off
[MakerNotes]    SequenceNumber                  : 0
[MakerNotes]    NumFaceElements                 : 0
[]              FaceElementTypes                : -
[MakerNotes]    AF-SPriority                    : Focus
[MakerNotes]    AF-CPriority                    : Release
[]              AFCSettings                     : -
[MakerNotes]    FocusMode2                      : AF-S
[MakerNotes]    FocusMode                       : Auto
[MakerNotes]    BlurWarning                     : None
[MakerNotes]    FocusWarning                    : Good
[MakerNotes]    ExposureWarning                 : Good
[MakerNotes]    DriveMode                       : Single
[MakerNotes]    ExposureCount                   : 1
[MakerNotes]    DynamicRange                    : Standard
[MakerNotes]    SlowSync                        : Off
[MakerNotes]    ShutterType                     : Mechanical
[MakerNotes]    Quality                         : FINE
[MakerNotes]    FlickerReduction                : Off (0x0001)
[]              ShootingMode                    : -
======== DSCF0952cam-before.JPG
[MakerNotes]    ImageCount                      : 1450
[MakerNotes]    AFMode                          : Zone
[MakerNotes]    PictureMode                     : Program AE
[MakerNotes]    FilmMode                        : F2/Fujichrome (Velvia)
[MakerNotes]    ImageStabilization              : OIS Lens; On (mode 1, continuous); 0
[MakerNotes]    NoiseReduction                  : 0 (normal)
[MakerNotes]    FujiFlashMode                   : Not Attached
[MakerNotes]    DynamicRangeSetting             : Auto
[MakerNotes]    FocusPixel                      : 2684 2513
[MakerNotes]    AutoBracketing                  : Off
[MakerNotes]    SequenceNumber                  : 0
[MakerNotes]    NumFaceElements                 : 0
[]              FaceElementTypes                : -
[MakerNotes]    AF-SPriority                    : Focus
[MakerNotes]    AF-CPriority                    : Release
[]              AFCSettings                     : -
[MakerNotes]    FocusMode2                      : AF-S
[MakerNotes]    FocusMode                       : Auto
[MakerNotes]    BlurWarning                     : None
[MakerNotes]    FocusWarning                    : Good
[MakerNotes]    ExposureWarning                 : Good
[MakerNotes]    DriveMode                       : Single
[MakerNotes]    ExposureCount                   : 1
[MakerNotes]    DynamicRange                    : Standard
[MakerNotes]    SlowSync                        : Off
[MakerNotes]    ShutterType                     : Mechanical
[MakerNotes]    Quality                         : FINE
[MakerNotes]    FlickerReduction                : Off (0x0001)
[]              ShootingMode                    : -

7. Ran "exiftool -a -G file" on both files (see the attached .txt files).

8. Run "diff" to compare both text files (see the attached "diffs.txt").

Observe that the Makernotes, including the specific fields you listed above , are identical in both files.

Report · Mar 07, 2024

Well, the problem still persists.
"Save Metadata To File" keeps the Fuji Makernotes until I rename the photo.
Then all the specific Fujifilm metadata disappears.

( I use a Lightroom macro to add date info to the filename)

Report · Mar 09, 2024

"Well, the problem still persists. "Save Metadata To File" keeps the Fuji Makernotes until I rename the photo. Then all the specific Fujifilm metadata disappears. ( I use a Lightroom macro to add date info to the filename)"

I'm still not able to reproduce this, but I may not be doing the same steps you are. If you want Adobe to pay attention to this, you'll need to provide a precise sequence of steps, including the renaming preset you're using, such as I gave above. If Adobe can't easily reproduce an issue, they generally ignore it.