Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

KobraCarry · **Silver Efex Pro -** 06-19-2010, 07:10 AM

Does anyone use this? What do you think? I love B/W work more than anything and have read some good things about this program. I'd love to hear some feedback or see some photos that were processed with this. Thanks

tml · 06-19-2010, 07:14 AM

Mike, I have been using that program since it first came out. All the monotone photos I posted on various forum were PP using Silver Efex. Tri

srwatters · 06-19-2010, 07:27 AM

I have tried it on a trial basis, but for my work I prefer Alien Skin's Exposure. It's much easier for me to use, although I do like the control points that all the Nik products offer. All of my B&W conversions are done with Exposure.

KobraCarry · 06-19-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tml

Mike, I have been using that program since it first came out. All the monotone photos I posted on various forum were PP using Silver Efex. Tri

Thanks! How do you like using SmugMug? I've been considering using them.

photostein · 06-23-2010, 12:28 PM

If I want to process a BW seriously, I use Silver Efex Pro and have since its debut.

KobraCarry · 06-23-2010, 01:32 PM

Guess I'm going to have to break down and buy it!

jeffkohn · 06-23-2010, 01:38 PM

Silver Efex Pro is my preferred B/W conversion tool, I find it to be very powerful. Alien Skin Exposure has better controls for grain, but I find the actual B/W conversion parameters more limited than Silver Efex.

My only complaint with Silver Efex Pro is that it's pretty buggy, and it's only 32-bit. Before converting a file (especially a large file), I always save first because there seems to be about a 1 in 4 chance that the plugin will crash or hang, sometimes taking Photoshop with it. It seems Nik's developers need to learn a thing or two about memory management. Hopefully they'll hurry up and get a 64-bit version out that eliminates this problem.

venchka · 06-23-2010, 01:41 PM

I have been using D-76 or Rodinal or Xtol for all of my B&W work since forever. 64-bit version not available nor needed nor wanted.

KobraCarry · 06-23-2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffkohn

Silver Efex Pro is my preferred B/W conversion tool, I find it to be very powerful. Alien Skin Exposure has better controls for grain, but I find the actual B/W conversion parameters more limited than Silver Efex.

My only complaint with Silver Efex Pro is that it's pretty buggy, and it's only 32-bit. Before converting a file (especially a large file), I always save first because there seems to be about a 1 in 4 chance that the plugin will crash or hang, sometimes taking Photoshop with it. It seems Nik's developers need to learn a thing or two about memory management. Hopefully they'll hurry up and get a 64-bit version out that eliminates this problem.

Thier website says they have a 64 bit version, which is what I need!

billbunton · 06-23-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KobraCarry

Thier website says they have a 64 bit version, which is what I need!

Unless it's changed in the last week or so, their website says they're working on a 64-bit version. Last I checked, Viveza 2 was the only one that was actually shipping as a 64-bit version.

jeffkohn · 06-23-2010, 02:58 PM

From Nik website:

Quote:

Are Nik Software products compatible with 64-bit host application?

Currently, Viveza 2 for Windows is the only available 64-bit compatible application.

Nik Software is pleased to announce our commitment to developing native Windows and Macintosh 64-bit versions of our current plug-ins. We will make them available free of charge to registered customers who use Photoshop, Lightroom, or Apple Aperture 3. We are actively working to add 64-bit compatibility to the Macintosh version of Viveza 2 product and expect to be finished mid-year. Once the update for Viveza 2 is released, we will deliver cross-platform 64-bit versions of our remaining products as they become available. Registered customers will be notified of the availability of 64-bit versions by email, including instructions on how to access the updated versions.

andyz · 06-23-2010, 03:29 PM

I recently used the trial version and bought Silver Efex. Love it. Try the trial version.

I'm using 32-bit and haven't experienced any of the problems Jeff mentioned with CS4 or my recent CS5 upgrade.

DoublyDan · 06-23-2010, 03:39 PM

I use it when in Photoshop! They also have a Lightroom version, but haven't tried it.

It is buggy! I am always saving (Ctrl + S) before initiating the program.

You might want to buy the bundle because Color Efex Pro is also really good as well as DFine (noise reducer)

photostein · 06-23-2010, 10:41 PM

Currently I used CS4 in case I need plugins, then CS5 if I need its features. Some software plugin companies, like onone, are not updating their prior version to 64 bit, so you have to upgrade to get that compatibility. At least it appears that way.

newtune3 · 06-23-2010, 10:48 PM

My version of Color Efex Pro 3 will not run in the 64 bit environment. Lucky for me PS4 loads both a 32 and 64 bit version of itself. I have used the B & W converter in it and like it so I would guess Silver Efex is great. They say they are working on the 64 bit versions of these softwares. I will be so ready. Finally migrated from XP to 7 this weekend and I want everything to work. My versions of Neat Image or Color Efex will not run in 64 bit.