Support for OM Systems OM-1 raw files

[Stuart444]

I'm aware that the problem of Affinity 1 not opening these files was first discussed here over a year ago. For Windows users, it was said that compatibility depended on a program called LibRAW, and its update was expected within 6-9 months. I recently upgraded my M1ii to an OM-1, and found the problems that others described. I'm using Affinity Photo 1.10.6.1665, and have deferred upgrading to Affinity version 2 as I didn't want to buy their bundle with Designer etc which I would never use. Perhaps it's just as well I didn't!

I'm aware that Fast Raw Viewer can view the new orf files, and I've read that Raw Therapee can process them for use in Affinity. I have versions 2.0.6 1971, and 5.9 respectively of these programs. I've not bothered much with those, as Affinity's RAW converted satisfied my needs well. I find that FastRawViewer does display my new orf files OK, but RawTherapee doesn't - I just get black squares for the thumbnails. RawTherapee does display my previous M1ii's orf files correctly.

I've tried to convert the new orf files using DNG converter 15.4.0.1508 and that has converted the new orf files. So I have a work-around, but it's an extra step I don't really want to have to do.

It seems to me that we are still awaiting LibRAW to support Affinity, both versions 1 and 2. What a weakness in the pretender to the throne! I'm as disappointed as I was years ago when Photoshop Elements only supported orf files if I paid for an upgrade, which led me to Affinity in the first place.

Please can you tell me if and when we are going to get both Affinity versions to support my new camera? I'd hate to go back to Photoshop, but without this fix, I might have to.

Thanks.

[James Ritson]

Hi @Stuart444, I shoot with an OM-1 and Affinity Photo V2 has supported it since its initial release in November of last year (V1 is unlikely to receive new RAW file support, only maintenance patches now).

I'm not sure why you would have to purchase a universal license if you don't need to use Designer or Publisher, you can purchase Photo individually: https://affinity.serif.com/photo/#buy

Hope that helps,
James

[Stuart444]

Hi James,

I must admit I didn't read all the cameras supported by V2 which I guess will be on the Affinity web site, and the statement I saw on the forum might have been wrong. It's a shame V1 won't receive any support for new cameras, but none of us can complain about the value for money which V1 was. A friend of mine upgraded as soon as V2 came out and I think at the time it was only as a bundle, and I've received several offers for the bundle since.

So if that's the solution, I'll buy it. Thanks for the link.

Stuart

PS thanks for all your tutorials too - they make such a big difference for oldies who don't use it intensely, like me.

[Stuart444]

Bought, downloaded, installed and it works!

Great stuff, I'm looking forwards to finding the time to try the new features.

Thanks again, James.

Stuart

[Stuart444]

Thanks for your comment and link. I don't necessarily agree with the views expressed there, but that's based on my experience, not any deep technical understanding of how RAW files are developed, either in the camera, in Affinity, or in any other RAW converter.

I'm an amateur photographer who has many hobbies, so I don't spend lots of time looking for "better" when what I have is satisfactory.  I found shooting in RAW and developing them in Affinity 1 gave me good results, and none of my camera club friends disagreed. Others might think my photos could be improved due to my use of Affinity develop were they asked to comment. I've heard a lot about DxO, indeed I have a friend who was an ambassador for them, but I don't really want to spend time and money if what I have isn't broken. So, apart from a quick skurmish with their free trial, I haven't used it. Raw Therapee is a bit impenetrable in my view, again time is needed to learn it well enough to use with confidence.