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aeros · 05-13-2015, 07:10 PM

I just got the shock of my life, all my 645D archived DNG files on BR disc are somehow converted to PEF. Please someone tell me what's going on. I can no longer edit in C1 as it will not even import the PEF files. Is this a conspiracy by Phase One to screw over the 645D and Z owners? I understand at least that the files are being converted as they are read by my CPU, but what is the workaround and will I ever be able to use C1 for RAW editing of my Pentax files? I hope someone can help.

Not a Number · 05-13-2015, 07:26 PM

You should be able to convert them back to DNG using Adobe Camera RAW and DNG converter.

Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Macintosh
Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Windows

That doesn't solve the problem as to why they were converted. Perhaps there is a setting in the import/export options.

Adam · 05-13-2015, 07:47 PM

Originally posted by aeros

I just got the shock of my life, all my 645D archived DNG files on BR disc are somehow converted to PEF. Please someone tell me what's going on. I can no longer edit in C1 as it will not even import the PEF files. Is this a conspiracy by Phase One to screw over the 645D and Z owners? I understand at least that the files are being converted as they are read by my CPU, but what is the workaround and will I ever be able to use C1 for RAW editing of my Pentax files? I hope someone can help.

The Pentax software included with the camera can also convert PEFs to DNGs.

aeros · 05-13-2015, 10:06 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

You should be able to convert them back to DNG using Adobe Camera RAW and DNG converter.

Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Macintosh
Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Windows

That doesn't solve the problem as to why they were converted. Perhaps there is a setting in the import/export options.

Thanks for your help. I have them converted back to DNG. What is a huge mystery to me is, it did the same thing on my older computer and on my laptop that's not online. How can files on a disk get converted to another file format?

Volker76 · 05-14-2015, 05:30 AM

Originally posted by aeros

Thanks for your help. I have them converted back to DNG. What is a huge mystery to me is, it did the same thing on my older computer and on my laptop that's not online. How can files on a disk get converted to another file format?

they can't. You did it. You wrote the wrong files to the disk.

**BigMackCam** · 05-14-2015, 05:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Volker76

they can't. You did it. You wrote the wrong files to the disk.

A rather kurt way of putting the point across...

However, as mentioned in another response, there is undoubtedly something in your workflow that is systematically doing the conversions. Probably a setting in your image library management or photo processing software. A google search or digging into the manual would be in order. Hope you get it sorted!

aeros · 05-14-2015, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

A rather kurt way of putting the point across...

However, as mentioned in another response, there is undoubtedly something in your workflow that is systematically doing the conversions. Probably a setting in your image library management or photo processing software. A google search or digging into the manual would be in order. Hope you get it sorted!

A rather kurt way of putting the point across...

+1

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/48-pentax-medium-format/295379-file-forma...#ixzz3a83lcqsp

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

algrove · 05-14-2015, 10:14 AM

Why beat around the bush? At least he got it solved for now-that is what is most important. He asked-he got an honest answer.

**BigMackCam** · 05-14-2015, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by algrove

Why beat around the bush? At least he got it solved for now-that is what is most important. He asked-he got an honest answer.

You can be courteous without beating around the bush, and I didn't find the reply courteous. The OP was already frustrated - a more supportive reply could have been given just as briefly... But, as you say, the important thing is that the OP has his DNG files back

Primus · 05-14-2015, 12:00 PM - **1 Like**

I think the 645z has the option of saving files in either PEF or DNG format right in the camera. The former results in an average file size of over 70MB while the latter is less, around 55 MB or so depending upon the ISO used.

The second time you have the option to convert is when you import from your SD card, either directly into C1 or LR or Aperture. The program will ask you if you want to import as it is or convert it to DNG (I can't remember if Aperture offers it or you have to select it somewhere else). C1 as far as I know does not read PEF files directly so you have to convert them. For me it is not a favorite anyway. I have all three programs and have basically moved my entire library to LR now.

The other thing to remember in this debate is that AFAIK there is no way to convert a DNG back to PEF, so if you want to submit that once-in-a-lifetime shot to the BBC you are out of luck since they want only the 'original RAW' image and not a converted DNG whether done in or out of the camera.

Pradeep

**BigMackCam** · 05-14-2015, 02:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Primus

The other thing to remember in this debate is that AFAIK there is no way to convert a DNG back to PEF, so if you want to submit that once-in-a-lifetime shot to the BBC you are out of luck since they want only the 'original RAW' image and not a converted DNG whether done in or out of the camera.

That's interesting. But they *would* accept a DNG file taken in-camera, presumably? Not that I have anything worthy of submitting to the Beeb

Primus · 05-15-2015, 06:13 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

That's interesting. But they *would* accept a DNG file taken in-camera, presumably? Not that I have anything worthy of submitting to the Beeb

Heh, me neither, but apparently they do not take a DNG from camera either (at least that is what I hear) because there is no way to know if the camera converted it or software did. Which is why they like to see a proprietary .pef, .cr2, etc at the end of the filename.

OTOH, DNG does have smaller file sizes, there is no sidecar file to lose and a program like LR can do a 'system wide' search on your entire hard drive with keywords since it does not have to look into just the sidecars, the metadata is buried in the DNG file. Now that too may be a problem for some people, so when you take such a modified DNG into say C1 it may cause problems (I don't know about this since I've never tried it).

Pradeep

algrove · 05-15-2015, 09:59 AM - **1 Like**

Curious stuff. I hear that in the US courts the only camera files acceptable are Leica DNG from the M9. Mpt sire if later Leica M models are also acceptable.

aeros · 05-15-2015, 11:02 AM

I'm relatively new to C1 and although for me it's a steep learning curve, I have no experience with LR and so offer no opinions. I have watched a user in France do some amazing things in LR, that said, I just happened to land on the C1 square. I am very pleased with it even though its very deep, comprehensive and challenging. At the end of the day I'm just more pleased with the look of my 645Z files RAW edited in C1.. I'm very pleased to be able to continue to work with my DNG files as C1 will not even look at PEF.

I know this for a fact....I have never cognitively chosen to save files as PEF or burn them to disc. Logic alone would dictate that they didn't get in my archive as PEF by themselves, so I'm at a loss to understand it and what mistakes were made. Lastly, my thanks for all the help I got here.

Fogel70 · 05-15-2015, 01:08 PM

I believe that PEF is the default RAW format on 645D, so if you ever reset the camera to default (or if the camera lost the settings) it would use PEF for RAW.

05-13-2015, 07:10 PM	#1
aeros Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: EDMONTON Posts: 105	File format RAW I just got the shock of my life, all my 645D archived DNG files on BR disc are somehow converted to PEF. Please someone tell me what's going on. I can no longer edit in C1 as it will not even import the PEF files. Is this a conspiracy by Phase One to screw over the 645D and Z owners? I understand at least that the files are being converted as they are read by my CPU, but what is the workaround and will I ever be able to use C1 for RAW editing of my Pentax files? I hope someone can help.

05-13-2015, 07:47 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by aeros I just got the shock of my life, all my 645D archived DNG files on BR disc are somehow converted to PEF. Please someone tell me what's going on. I can no longer edit in C1 as it will not even import the PEF files. Is this a conspiracy by Phase One to screw over the 645D and Z owners? I understand at least that the files are being converted as they are read by my CPU, but what is the workaround and will I ever be able to use C1 for RAW editing of my Pentax files? I hope someone can help. The Pentax software included with the camera can also convert PEFs to DNGs. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-13-2015, 07:26 PM	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	You should be able to convert them back to DNG using Adobe Camera RAW and DNG converter. Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Macintosh Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Windows That doesn't solve the problem as to why they were converted. Perhaps there is a setting in the import/export options.

05-13-2015, 10:06 PM	#4
aeros Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: EDMONTON Posts: 105 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number You should be able to convert them back to DNG using Adobe Camera RAW and DNG converter. Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Macintosh Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Windows That doesn't solve the problem as to why they were converted. Perhaps there is a setting in the import/export options. Thanks for your help. I have them converted back to DNG. What is a huge mystery to me is, it did the same thing on my older computer and on my laptop that's not online. How can files on a disk get converted to another file format?

05-14-2015, 05:30 AM	#5
Volker76 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 211	Originally posted by aeros Thanks for your help. I have them converted back to DNG. What is a huge mystery to me is, it did the same thing on my older computer and on my laptop that's not online. How can files on a disk get converted to another file format? they can't. You did it. You wrote the wrong files to the disk.

05-14-2015, 05:51 AM - 1 Like	#6
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,706	Originally posted by Volker76 they can't. You did it. You wrote the wrong files to the disk. A rather kurt way of putting the point across... However, as mentioned in another response, there is undoubtedly something in your workflow that is systematically doing the conversions. Probably a setting in your image library management or photo processing software. A google search or digging into the manual would be in order. Hope you get it sorted!

05-14-2015, 08:57 AM	#7
aeros Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: EDMONTON Posts: 105 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam A rather kurt way of putting the point across... However, as mentioned in another response, there is undoubtedly something in your workflow that is systematically doing the conversions. Probably a setting in your image library management or photo processing software. A google search or digging into the manual would be in order. Hope you get it sorted! A rather kurt way of putting the point across... +1 Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/48-pentax-medium-format/295379-file-forma...#ixzz3a83lcqsp Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

05-14-2015, 10:14 AM	#8
algrove Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 160	Why beat around the bush? At least he got it solved for now-that is what is most important. He asked-he got an honest answer.

05-14-2015, 11:04 AM	#9
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,706	Originally posted by algrove Why beat around the bush? At least he got it solved for now-that is what is most important. He asked-he got an honest answer. You can be courteous without beating around the bush, and I didn't find the reply courteous. The OP was already frustrated - a more supportive reply could have been given just as briefly... But, as you say, the important thing is that the OP has his DNG files back

05-14-2015, 12:00 PM - 1 Like	#10
Primus Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 39	I think the 645z has the option of saving files in either PEF or DNG format right in the camera. The former results in an average file size of over 70MB while the latter is less, around 55 MB or so depending upon the ISO used. The second time you have the option to convert is when you import from your SD card, either directly into C1 or LR or Aperture. The program will ask you if you want to import as it is or convert it to DNG (I can't remember if Aperture offers it or you have to select it somewhere else). C1 as far as I know does not read PEF files directly so you have to convert them. For me it is not a favorite anyway. I have all three programs and have basically moved my entire library to LR now. The other thing to remember in this debate is that AFAIK there is no way to convert a DNG back to PEF, so if you want to submit that once-in-a-lifetime shot to the BBC you are out of luck since they want only the 'original RAW' image and not a converted DNG whether done in or out of the camera. Pradeep

05-14-2015, 02:31 PM - 1 Like	#11
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,706	Originally posted by Primus The other thing to remember in this debate is that AFAIK there is no way to convert a DNG back to PEF, so if you want to submit that once-in-a-lifetime shot to the BBC you are out of luck since they want only the 'original RAW' image and not a converted DNG whether done in or out of the camera. That's interesting. But they would accept a DNG file taken in-camera, presumably? Not that I have anything worthy of submitting to the Beeb

05-15-2015, 06:13 AM	#12
Primus Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 39	Originally posted by BigMackCam That's interesting. But they would accept a DNG file taken in-camera, presumably? Not that I have anything worthy of submitting to the Beeb Heh, me neither, but apparently they do not take a DNG from camera either (at least that is what I hear) because there is no way to know if the camera converted it or software did. Which is why they like to see a proprietary .pef, .cr2, etc at the end of the filename. OTOH, DNG does have smaller file sizes, there is no sidecar file to lose and a program like LR can do a 'system wide' search on your entire hard drive with keywords since it does not have to look into just the sidecars, the metadata is buried in the DNG file. Now that too may be a problem for some people, so when you take such a modified DNG into say C1 it may cause problems (I don't know about this since I've never tried it). Pradeep

05-15-2015, 09:59 AM - 1 Like	#13
algrove Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 160	Curious stuff. I hear that in the US courts the only camera files acceptable are Leica DNG from the M9. Mpt sire if later Leica M models are also acceptable.

05-15-2015, 11:02 AM	#14
aeros Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: EDMONTON Posts: 105 Original Poster	I'm relatively new to C1 and although for me it's a steep learning curve, I have no experience with LR and so offer no opinions. I have watched a user in France do some amazing things in LR, that said, I just happened to land on the C1 square. I am very pleased with it even though its very deep, comprehensive and challenging. At the end of the day I'm just more pleased with the look of my 645Z files RAW edited in C1.. I'm very pleased to be able to continue to work with my DNG files as C1 will not even look at PEF. I know this for a fact....I have never cognitively chosen to save files as PEF or burn them to disc. Logic alone would dictate that they didn't get in my archive as PEF by themselves, so I'm at a loss to understand it and what mistakes were made. Lastly, my thanks for all the help I got here.

05-15-2015, 01:08 PM	#15
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	I believe that PEF is the default RAW format on 645D, so if you ever reset the camera to default (or if the camera lost the settings) it would use PEF for RAW.

File format RAW

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