The illustration below is a screen copy of my Workspace "before/after" display. Study the links below for a description of the Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effects. I combined these descriptions into one beta Chrome Effect for Olympus. The Fuji Color Chrome effects work for all Fuji "Picture Modes," whereas the Olympus Color Adjust function only works in the "Natural" Picture Mode. The final Fuji Chrome Series for Olympus cameras could be 3 chrome profiles. (Color, blue, and combined)
This short article discusses two processes for developing a new profile. Why are the Olympus EP-7 and Pen-F so different? All digital cameras work with global adjustments like saturation, color filters, and White Balance. They require a good understanding of working with Opposite Colors. For example, the Olympus Color Creator and White Balance functions use analogous and/or opposite colors. Only the Color Adjust Tool of Workspace, Pen-F, and EP-7 target specific colors in the image.
The unique aspect of this Chrome effect is the steps I used to create the profile. The profile is my reaction to the two articles discussing the Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effects. This can happen to anyone seeing or learning something new and like to express that experience in a color profile.
Download this 1st beta "Color and FX-Blue Chrome.oes" profile. Use the Batch tool in Workspace to open and save the profile on your PC. See my Workspace How-to page for more...
Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome Profile.
The Fuji Color plus FX-Blue Chrome Profile is designed for the Pen-F, EP-7, and compatible OMDs. For example, I successfully tried the profile on Raw files from my EM10 II and the original EM-1. Only the Pen F and EP-7 have the Color Adjust function and will accept Color Profiles. The alternative is to apply these profiles via the Enhanced Raw Format to compatible Pen and OMD cameras.
Study the above profile data (summary) and the steps below to tweak the profile:
Use the "Auto" option for your WB, or select a unique WB. (Critical step)
Use Exposure compensation and the histogram to set the ISO brightness.
Use the different Tone Adjustments to tweak the camera's Gamma Curve.
Some Olympus cameras, like the EM10 II, do not have a Midtones Slider.
Use Exposure Compensation for those cameras lacking a Midtones Slider.
The Auto or Normal Gradation option varies your final Tone Curve shape.
Olympus EM1 II with 18mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f7.1, 1/800. The Enhanced Raw File was converted with the Fuji Chrome Profile.
The Tonal Adjustments in the Camera and Workspace are Gradation, Shadows/Midtones/Highlights, and the Workspace Tone Curve option. Why do we need ISO brightness (EC) and separate Tonal Data Adjustments? Workspace and the camera's Gamma Curve convert the sensor's linear raw data to a human (JPEG) format. Tonal adjustments let us tweak the Gamma Curve in the camera and Workspace. Exposure Compensation (ISO) is part of the camera's Exposure Formula.
Study this article for more on exposure compensation, image brightness, and ISO.
Olympus E-P7 with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO100, f8.0, 1/200. The enhanced Raw File was converted with the Fuji Chrome Profile.
Use the Color Adjust tool of Workspace to tweak the Chrome effect. I studied the above information from Fuji and converted +/-50 Enhanced Raw Files to create this Beta profile. What is the next step? The next version of the Fuji Color Chrome effect will be based on Color Cards and Test Images from my Fuji XT-5 and the Olympus Pen-F. Mail me your feedback or input for the 2nd version.
An example of using multiple steps. 1. Tweak the Natural Picture Mode. 2. Tweak the Color Style. 3. Image jpeg adjustments.
One could also use multiple steps to create a unique image look. This is a more advanced option because the different steps happen simultaneously. We can add another level with the Luminance and Hue options of the Color Adjust tool. The Pen F and EP-7 do not have these options. The first step is global adjustments (opposite colors), and the second is specific colors. (Adjust Color Function)
For example:
Tweak the Picture Mode via Color Filters and the White Balance.
Tweak the colors in the Color Style with the Adjust Color function.
Jpeg adjustments like Contrast, Saturation, Clarity, Dehaze, and Sharpness.
Olympus Pen-F with the 9-18mm f4-5.6 lens - ISO200, f4.5, 1/1250 - Version 2 of the Color Chrome effect.
Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome Effect - Version 2
I used a "controlled" studio, standard camera settings, and Color Cards. Both cameras were in Manual Mode, with the XT-5 at ISO125 and the Pen F at ISO200. That meant I needed to correct the ISO brightness of the XT-5's raw sample in Fuji's X Raw Studio. I exported the different raw images as 16-bit Tiffs. That meant the color samples were ready for Workspace and the Adjust Color tool.
I used these 16-bit samples in the "Compare Multiple Images" display of Workspace. This enabled me to copy the XT-5 "chrome effect" and transfer it to the Pen F color card. The illustration below shows the original and the new Adjust Color Style for my Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effect.
You are welcome to download the new version here. - link
What is the main difference between these profiles? The Color Cards allowed me to create a more accurate version of the Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effect. Only the Adjust Color tool has the new Color Style values. None of the other functions were used to create the new Color Style. This allowed me to use default values for the remaining Camera and Workspace settings. Verify that only the Adjust Color tool was adjusted before you continue to edit the profile in Workspace.
The previous version of the Fuji Chrome Profile was created from the information I found. The profile consisted of a combination of the Adjust Color function and other image settings. As can be seen, this method is not necessarily incorrect. It's simply a creative reaction to general information. The second method is more reliable because I used a different Color Card for each camera.
The new Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effect has a specific Color Style. We only need the color style to apply the new profile. Any other image tweaks, like Tonal Adjustments, are unique to the scene. This makes the new profile very unique. It lets users develop a basic step-by-step process for using the profile and editing images with the new Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effect.
Olympus OM10 II with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f3.2, 1/2500. Workspace with Version 2 of the Fuji Chrome effect.
More info on the Fuji V2 Chrome Effect? The final profile is not only more accurate, but it is also more user-friendly. How could that be? Workspace has become my default raw converter and editor in the past two years. Workspace and Photoshop cover +95% of my editing needs. I export my converted 16-bit Tiff files to Photoshop. Like everything, the more we use it, the more we learn.
The new profile highlights one of the main differences between Olympus and other brands. Almost all brands use global adjustments, whereas Workspace, the Pen-f, and the E-P7 allow us to adjust global and targetted colors. Targeted colors are unique for Workspace, Pen-F, and the EP-7. What makes it different is that the camera's Adjust Color Style is part of the Enhanced Raw Format.
Olympus Pen-F with 17mm f1.8 and the new Fuji Color Chrome effect.
It's critical to master the main difference between targeted and global settings. The Color Creator is an example of using Global Settings. The Color Creator, White Balance, and Color Filters change the selected and opposite colors. Color profiles created with Global Adjustments need additional steps, like tweaking the Image jpeg Settings. Targeted color profiles are only done in the Adjust Color tool. The resulting configuration defines the new Color Style. That means more freedom to edit and tweak the remaining image (scene) settings because the Color Style stays fixed.
How to use the new Fuji Color Chrome Profile? The first step is studying the above chart. The next step is downloading the new profile. Save it in your Workspace profile folder.
Do the following steps to open and edit your Fuji Color Chrome effect in Workspace:
Open any Pen-F or EM1 Raw file and select the "Load Batch Processing file" option.
View the camera settings in Workspace. You will see only the Adjust Color was used.
The Adjust Color settings show the Color Style. That means you have the right profile.
Study the above chart for tips to tweak and edit your image. Apply small adjustments.
You can apply the following editing steps in Workspace:-
Focus on the critical Raw settings like (ISO) Exposure Compensation and WB.
The next step is to tweak the Gamma Curve with different Tonal Adjustments.
The final step is typical Jpeg Image Adjustments and the Noise Filter selection.
Adjust the Fuji Color Chrome effect (Weak/Strong) with the Adjust Color function.
Olympus Pen-F with 9-18mm F4 lens - ISO200, f4, 1/1000. The Pen-F with the Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effect.
Everyone should try the color samples below to create a Fuji Color Chrome effect. For example, I only used saturation with the Adjust Color function. You could add Hue and Luminance adjustments for a more accurate profile. I used saturation adjustments in Workspace because I wanted the new Fuji Color Chrome Profile ready for my Olympus Pen-F and the EP-7.
Conclusion
The next step is taking a few images with my Fuji XT-5 and Olympus Pen-F. This is the best way to test the new Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effect for Olympus. The challenge is the winter season, with poor conditions and cold photo walks. That means my final testing will wait a while...
Best Regards
Siegfried
Olympus EP-7 with 17mm f2.8 lens - ISO200, f5, 1/200. The EP-7 image with the Fuji Color and FX-Blue Chrome effect.
Use these Color Samples and Workspace to create your Chrome Profile.
I have been having this question for weeks. I have a few older E-Series Olympus cameras and I thought why not? I read newer M43 models do not use these famous Olympus colors, they have been toned down with more neutral color profiles. I guess the question is, are they really different?
General notes or comments:-
Below you see the 4 different E-Series cameras with an image taken with the listed cameras. What do you think, is it possible to build a traditional "Olympus Color Profile" for my Pen F?
I will not be able to test the final profiles at the moment because we have boring winter weather, and you need rich colors. This final testing for the profile might take a bit...
Does any of you have one of these E-series cameras plus a Pen F and are willing to try beta profiles...?
Are you ready for a challenge to develop your own "Olympus Color Profile," let me know...
I had an E1 but sold it. The E1 does have a unique JPEG look when you study the images. You can easily use the E1 jpeg straight out of the camera.
Do you think there is a difference between the cameras having a Kodak CCD sensor and the newer models with CMOS sensors?
Some say there is a difference between the Kodak and CMOS sensors. Must say when I study the images I have from my E400 (10MP Kodak CCD), then I find the jpegs are really good. Interesting, the E400 was never really popular?
I have an idea for how I will prepare the color checker images to have a muster I can work from. I will do a short video explaining how I do the profile and color checker images soon...
For anyone interested see this interesting discussion on Flickr about the E5 and others...
Here are the 1st images you can study. I obviously have to do more work on my lighting, the jump from RC on my Pen F to the slave flash mode on the E330, E400, and E500 did not work so well. Still, the colors seem really interesting...
14th September update: I have been working on, and testing my new E-Series color profile. It's basically done and I am happy with the result. See the brief description below.
The Pen F was the first M43 camera with the Olympus Creative Color, Computational, and Enhanced Raw format (ORF+) package. The Enhanced Raw Format is unique as it lets us review and edit our camera settings in Workspace. The Pen F, E-P7, and OM System OM-3 are the only cameras with advanced Monochrome and Color profile functions targeting specific colors. These cameras can edit or create global color effects, or target specific colors. Let's explore the Pen-F and the Creative Dial and why this is an interesting solution for artists and creative photographers.
Olympus differentiated itself with solutions like IBIS and the digital M43 sensor format. The Creative Dial and full Creative Color package are unique Pen F differentiators. When Olympus introduced the Pen F and the Creative Dial, most M43 photographers thought it was another Color Profile (LUT) option. Although not entirely wrong, the user manuals revealed more. The Creative Dial accesses different Creative Color features like the Color Creator, Color/Monochrome Profiles, and ART Filters.
Also, see Part 6 of my series on Creative Color photography.
These images were part of the ad campaign introducing the Pen F as a definition of style and substance in 2016
Each photography style like landscape, wildlife, or sport is unique, Creative photographers and artists use familiar objects, natural light, and contrasts to create day-to-day life and street art. The Pen-F is a flexible street and rangefinder-style camera that became popular after a slow start in 2016. The demand for used Pen F and E-P7 cameras didn't change much in 2025 as collectors and artists value their Creative Color features. Pen F owners also prefer high-quality cameras, controls on the right, and the optional handgrip. It would be interesting to follow the new OM-3 in this space.
The Enhanced Raw Format is perfect for the Pen F as it replicates the camera settings in Workspace. We can now edit our camera settings and monitor the changes because the camera's final Live View display is available on our Workspace PCs. For instance, I improved my Color Creator, Adjust Color, and Monochrome skills with Workspace. This unique integration became a game changer.
Study this article for more about Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format.
What is different between Adjust Color and Color Profiles? The Adjust Color function of Workspace is called Color Profiles in the Pen-F. The Adjust Color (Color Profile) function targets one of 12 colors and adjusts its saturation for the Pen-F versus saturation, luminance, and hue for Workspace. We can also select all 12 colors and increase/decrease the saturation, luminance, and hue.
Here is a short summary from ChatGPT."The Olympus systems—including the Pen F, E-P7, and the OM-3 are indeed unique with a dual-tiered approach. They separate global color adjustments from targeted color controls, enabling precise manipulation of specific color ranges while also applying broader image-wide settings. This design is a distinct departure from most other camera systems, which typically offer only global adjustments via LUTs or film simulations. It’s a feature that really sets Olympus (now OM System) apart in its workflow and creative flexibility."
What is a Color Profile (Custom Preset) in the Olympus world? With their ability to target specific and global colors, Olympus cameras have the most advanced color control compared to other brands. Another advanced aspect of Olympus Color Profiles is saving the complete camera configuration. That means 3 SCP Color or Monochrome Profiles (separate profiles) are saved to a Custom Preset C1, 2, 3, or 4 at a time. The Creative Dial has to be in Color or Mono mode when saving to, or selecting any of the C1 to 4 presets. For example, one could have the "same" Color Profile saved in C1 and C2, with C1 configured for SAF (Single AF) and C2 for CAF applications.
This was the launch video of the Pen-F (Interesting - less than 5 minutes)
How do I use Custom Presets after 8 years with the Pen F? I never used C1 and C2 and configured C3/4 for Photo Story and SCN modes. I use the 3 SCP profiles as needed. For example, Profile 1 is my clipboard, and Profile 2 and 3 might be my 1020 and Kodak 64 Profiles on any specific day.
The Pen F had five firmware updates: details below:-
Olympus added a "Bleach Bypass " ART filter to the Pen F
Custom settings C1 to 4 are saved with the camera configuration
This makes it possible to share Pen F configurations with friends
The ability to extract color and monochrome profiles from JPEG images
You can now share color or monochrome profiles by sharing a JPEG file
Shading effects have been added to the Adjust Color and the Color Creator
The ISO auto settings have been expanded and are the same as the EM1 II
They improved the operability of the AF Targeting Pad (camera display)
ART filter selection and the touch function operation have been improved
The current firmware version of the Pen F is V3.1
Creative Color summary. Pen F User Manual (V3.1) and page #:-
Page 38 - Basics about the Creative Dial operation
Page 39 - The Adjust Color function and SCP Profiles 1 - 3
Page 40 - The Monochrome Profile function and SCP Profiles 1 - 3
Page 67 - Monochrome Picture Mode - Color filter selection
Page 64, 65 - Sharpness, Contrast, and Saturation adjustments
Page 116 - Assigning Photo Story to C3 and SCN Modes to C4
Page 116, 117 - How to use Photo Story (Newer cameras do not have this function)
Page 118 - More about SCN Modes - Handheld Starlight, e-Portrait, and other
Page 33 - 44, 88 - How to use Creative Color functions. How to set Custom Modes
Page 179 - 182 - A summary plus how to use the V2 & V3 Firmware updates
Olympus E-P5 with the Lumix 20mm f1.7 lens. ISO200, f5.0, 1/1250. I converted the Enhanced Raw File and re-edited the jpeg in Workspace.
Configuring your Olympus Pen F
My focus was Color Profiles when I wrote the original article in 2020. Over the past 5 years, my focus changed from Color Profiles to making Creative Color adjustments while photographing. Everyone's personal preference or photography style determines their focus or photography style. Some like the look of traditional film roles (Color Profiles) and others create beautiful photos in Photoshop. One is universal profiles like LUTs and the other is tailored adjustments for specific scenes.
The Pen F is always ready for that next inspirational or creative moment. It might be a sunset, a city scene, a family event, or walking your dog. What is the first thing you do when spotting a photo? Do you consider framing options, foreground objects, and leading lines, or do you study the light (paint with light), colors, color harmonies, targeted/global colors, and post-processing options?
A = Creative Dial / B = Mode Dial (Custom Modes) / C = Lever
The Pen-F Mode Dial differs from the EM5 II, the EPL9, or the EM1 II. For example, the Pen-F has no Photo Story or SCN Modes on the Mode Dial. You must reconfigure Custom Presets C3 and C4 to Photo Story and SCN Modes. See the above user manual info and summary. That leaves C1 and C2 for camera configurations or unique color and monochrome profiles. That means you can have 9 color and 6 monochrome profiles as Custom Presets (C1 and C2 plus the 3 Profiles in the SCP).
Tip:- Custom Presets (Color Profiles) are more than Adjust Color or other Creative Color options. The complete camera or Workspace configuration is saved as a Custom Preset or Batch-Processing file. This means specific Adjust Color settings, tonal adjustments, and other camera settings. For example, I use C1 for 3 color profiles and C2 as a backup for my normal camera configuration.
Olympus Pen F with the G Vario 12 - 60mm f3.5 - 5.6 lens with ND filter (right). I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace.
The Pen F and E-P7 are very different cameras. Except for some performance differences, the Pen F and EM1 II have more in common. The Pen E-P7 is a minimalistic camera for excellent Creative Color control while photographing. Considering these three cameras, one can summarize Olympus' Creative Color and Computational features as follows:-
Global and targeted colors (Color Creator, Color and Monochrome profiles, WB)
Tonal (Gamma) profile (Gradation, highlights, mid-tones, shadows, Tone Curve)
Unique photo filters and adjustable effects with Olympus' ART filters and Photoshop
Old school Picture modes like Natural, Vivid, Monotone, Color Filters, and Grain
Traditional image adjustments like contrast, saturation, sharpening, clarity, and dehaze
Unique creative features like Photo Story, SCN modes, HDR, Multiple Exposures
Computational (Live Composite, Live Time, High Ress, Focus Stacking, Live ND)
The TruePic Image Processor, Enhanced Raw Format, and Workspace integration
Most functions listed in points 1, 3, and 6 have more options such as tonal adjustments, grain options, color filters, framing, and shading options.
The Color Profile (Adjust Color) Tool
A = You can select 1 of 3 factory set Profiles (Profile 1 is neutral)
Olympus describes the above SCP Color Profiles as:
"Of the three presets, Profile 2: Chrome Film Rich Color has rich, deep tones, and Profile 3: Chrome Film VS gives rich film colors with more saturation. You can adjust these two presets, or create your own profiles from scratch using the Color Profile 1 preset."
The Super Control Panel (SCP) Profile 1 option is an interesting "clipboard" while photographing. SCP Profiles 2 and 3 are factory presets. I often use the 3 SCP profiles as placeholders while photographing nature, city scenes, or family events. For example, I will have 2 or 3 unique monochrome or color profiles while photographing. The 3 SCP profiles help me to quickly change profiles.
The following camera variables are included in Color Profiles:
All the camera settings like Picture mode, SAF or CAF, IBIS, and more
The Color Profile tool with 12 different color and saturation selections
Tonal Adjustments like Highlight/Shadow & Midtone and Gradation
SCP settings like sharpness, contrast, and saturation adjustments
Exposure Mode, Exposure compensation (Pen F Exposure Comp dial)
Experiment by saving different camera configurations in C1 and C2
Olympus Pen E-P7 with the M.Zuiko 17mm f2.8 lens. I converted/edited the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
For example, practice your color awareness with the following:-
Practice scanning your surroundings, identifying colors, and color harmonies
When paging through a magazine identify the main colors and the color harmonies
Be aware of the people's clothes (colors) by checking color selection and harmonies
Practice using different color harmonies (Complementary, Analogous, and Opposite)
In time you will find your color awareness and harmony considerations will improve
Advanced Monochrome Profiles
A = Monochrome Profiles / B = Grain filter setting or selection
Olympus describes the above monochrome profile presets as:
"Of the three monochrome profile presets, Monochrome Profile 2: Classic Film B&W provides a grainy monochrome look, and Monochrome Profile 3: Classic Film IR emphasizes red color filter effects for the look of infrared film. You can adjust these two presets, or create your own monochrome profile from scratch using the Monochrome Profile 1 preset."
Pen F with M.Zuiko 12mm f2.0 lens. I converted/edited the ORF+ file in Workspace.
The Pen F and E-P7 have two monochrome options. One is the advanced monochrome profile option and the other is Monotone Picture Mode. Both are great B&W or monochrome options. Traditional film photographers had color filters on the front of the lens. The Monochrome Profile option has 27 old-school color filters. In my experience, it's good to start with opposite colors, unique lighting conditions, and contrasts. Practice is critical because each monochrome photo is unique.
Original image on the left and the Monochrome profile using a yellow base color on the right
Again the original image was done with a color profile, then a monochrome profile, and monochrome with a base color.
Pen E-P7 with 12mm f2.0 - ISO100, f5.6, 1/250. (MonoChrome Profile plus a little Photoshop)
How does one create/manage and share color or monochrome profiles?
See my how-to page here and technique #8 for a description of how to manage profiles. Olympus added a new gallery with color and monochrome images by Olympus visionaries. Each image can be downloaded to study the Exif data in Workspace. Each image also has additional information about the profile. This is a great source for Pen F photographers looking for ideas and inspiration. You can now lift any color or monochrome profiles with WorkSpace and transfer them to your Pen-F. You can also open the image and Exif data in WorkSpace, and manually transfer the settings to your Pen F.
Folks, I never copied a profile from an image, saved my camera settings in Workspace, or shared custom settings (profiles) with someone, in the 8 years I have owned my Pen F. I did learn how to work with color and how to apply that knowledge with my Pen F, E-P7, and Workspace.
I don't know if any of them are visionaries for OM-System (March 25 edited)
Part of Olympus' previous Pen F color and monochrome profile image collection.
An example of the available information for each image in the gallery
A more advanced technique for developing profiles is described in this article.
For example, use color cards to copy or create personalized profiles. I made a series of color cards with DXO film profiles. Each image represents another DXO film profile. This is a more advanced option and requires lots of patience and practice. These color cards also help photographers develop a good feel for color and learn how others create profiles.
Have you wondered what it's like to have Fuji film simulations for your Olympus camera? Would you like more flexibility or options for your Olympus camera, or are you happy with ART filters and adjustments like sharpness, saturation, and White Balance? Did you know it's possible to create advanced Color and Monochrome Profiles with your Olympus Pen F, Pen E-P7, and Workspace?
For example, I tried a Fuji XT-10 to learn more about film simulations. Fuji simulations are interesting and fun to use. The downside is, that we cannot tweak or adjust them, except for tweaking settings like color, clarity, WB, and chrome effect. Fuji photographers literally use the same film simulations. The only benefit is, they are well-designed, complex, and ready to use.
See this article for more on Enhanced Raw files...
This article shows a basic way of creating your own film simulations. I used DxO FilmPack to create 21 color cards. Each of these color cards is a unique film simulation. I also included a neutral gray color card. The neutral card is used to create film simulations (profiles) from the 21-color cards.
If you are new to Olympus' Creative Color concepts, allow yourself enough time to practice designing Workspace profiles. It took me weeks of studying and practicing to create profiles with Workspace. The same is true for the Pen F and E-P7. Workspace is a remarkable piece of software once you get to know it. I can only encourage readers to read my articles and practice with Workspace.
Why create Fuji or Kodak film simulations for the Pen F?
DxO claims that..... "DxO FilmPack 5, faithfully applies legendary color-negatives, black and white film presets or slide film presets for digital images."
FilmPack 5 has different Kodak, Agfa, and Fuji film simulations or presets. The user can further modify these presets and save them as personal profiles. If you asked me, I prefer something like FilmPack for older film profiles. The only reason I develop my own "scaled-down" Pen F profiles is the fun aspect and to have my own profiles when I am out photographing.
How to Create your own Profiles?
The secret with the Pen F is to know that you cannot simulate a film look as accurately as you would with DxO FimPack 5 or WorkSpace. Always use the raw + jpeg option on your camera so that you can edit your "Enhanced Raw" files in WorkSpace.
Further down in this article, I created 5 image groups. Each group has a set of images with a master (neutral) on the left and a film simulation on the right. The process of creating your own profiles is simple. As you study the film simulation, adjust the master until they look the same.
The final group of images is the same film simulations but now they are applied to a Spider Color Checker. You can download the master (neutral) color checker and the different film simulations here. I matched the colors on the Color Checker with the colors on the Color Creator in WS. See my WS how-to page for more info on the V1.5 update and the new color additions.
Olympus WorkSpace
DxO film simulation and master color card opened in WorkSpace.
To create your own profiles, open both the film simulation and the master copy in WorkSpace. The film simulation is your master and your aim is to apply the colors in the film simulation to the master copy with the WS color creator. This really is an advanced method of creating profiles and requires lots of practice. See the steps below and see if they work for you:-
Before adjusting the master, study the 2 templates. Summarize all the differences,
Identify the dominant colors or any specific look like pastel and write it all down,
The numbers on the color card correspond with the numbers on the color creator,
It works well to start with RGB colors, followed by CMY colors, followed by the rest,
List the steps and color sequence you think you need to follow when creating the profile,
These first few steps are important because it is a process you develop and improve on,
Start with RGB colors adjusting saturation, hue & luminance, then CMY and others,
Adjust small steps at a time, finish one color before moving to the next,
Some colors have more than one number - it takes a little more time to master,
Make regular breaks - after 15 minutes they all look the same,
The final step is to test your profiles and to compare them with the profile images,
I strongly recommend you get DXO Filmpack 5. These are still the best profiles.
The best way to develop your own profiles is to practice. As I listed above starting with RGB colors is one way of progressing when building your profiles. Another method that works well is, to follow the above steps in analyzing and prepping your new profile. Instead of starting with RGB colors, follow these steps:-
Select "All Colors" on the creator and test if a "global" saturation change is required,
Deselect the "All Colors" and target individual colors following the next 3 steps below,
Next target all the single-digit colors and adjust them (For example, the colors marked "1"),
Next adjust colors with double numbers, where one of the numbers was one of the above,
You will see very few numbers are left to adjust after following the above sequence,
Testing and fine-tuning your new profile is critical - this takes time and patience.
Keep in mind the Color Creator in WorkSpace is more powerful than the Color Creator in your Pen F. You will typically build separate profiles, one for WorkSpace using the 3 color profile options Hue, Saturation, and Brightness, and a separately simplified profile for the Pen F using only saturation.
Color Profile in WorkSpace
As said, it is a little more challenging to create profiles for the Pen-F because the Pen-F color profile will mainly have saturation changes. Think of combining the color creator with curves and contrast adjustments, or in special cases fine-tune the camera WB sliders to get a final look. I mostly develop my Pen F profiles with WorkSpace. When done, I enter the profile manually into my Pen F.
I keep a list of all my profile information on my mobile phone. For more information on how to save your Pen F profiles to your PC, see my WorkSpace, how-to page (Technique #7).
The image below was from the previous Olympus website.
Image pulled from the web with Exif data of the profile used.
See my Creative Color series Part 6, discussing how to work with color in WorkSpace. You could also consider downloading a test version of DxO FilmPack 5.
Use the master color checker to copy Fuji profiles or any other profiles you like to use as inspiration. Always have a separate master copy ready and use a "working" master to photograph or apply software profiles as inspiration when creating new profiles.
