Focus merge with Raw files

[ajkinchin]

When I stack raw files, the right hand side of the final stack is stretched and distorted. The left hand side and central area is ok. This has happened with every stacked raw file, but doesnt happen with jpegs. I have tried stacking the same images in two other packages with no problems. When I save the image and then re-open it there is no problem. I had rejected several perfectly good images before realising it. This is an intermittent fault.

[ajkinchin]

tried with another item..same effect. hasn't gone away this time

[MEB]

Hi @ajkinchin,
Welcome to Affinity Forums
Do you mind uploading the source RAW files (from the example above or other cases that fail) used for the Focus Merge for us to inspect please? Here's an upload link to send them directly to us. Thank you.

[ajkinchin]

is there a max number of images I can use in a stack?

[walt.farrell]

I would recommend not stacking Raw images. They won't go through all the same development steps as they would if you used File > Open or File > New Batch Job.

Running then through a batch job to get TIFF files, and then stacking the TIFF files, will probably give better looking results.

[MEB]

24 minutes ago, ajkinchin said:

is there a max number of images I can use in a stack?

Thanks for the files @ajkinchin. No, there's no limit (other than your hardware capabilities/specs).

[MEB]

This is due to an issue with the orientation/alignment of the RAW files. I've logged it to be looked at. If you exclude the 1st, 5th and 11th RAW images from the focus merge operation the result will be "correct" (considering some images are missing).

[ajkinchin]

Thanks. I will try this. The only reason I ask is that below a certain number there is no problem. Plenty of memory and oodles of SSD space so processing isn't an issue.

[ajkinchin]

Thanks Walt for your suggestion, but I only use raw files for everything. Never use TIFF's or JPEGs, just the way I am. No problem with raw in photoshop/elements/ON1 (except max 13 images).

[walt.farrell]

11 minutes ago, ajkinchin said:

Thanks Walt for your suggestion, but I only use raw files for everything. Never use TIFF's or JPEGs, just the way I am. No problem with raw in photoshop/elements/ON1 (except max 13 images).

Lack of problems with that approach in other applications says nothing about how it will work with Affinity Photo.

You may be lucky, but I would suggest a small experiment using both meetings in Affinity