ACROS made by the Fujifilm X-mount system: Black and White into the digital photographic world.

 Monochrome has always been synonym of photography for multiple generations of amateurs over the past two centuries. Yes, color photographs have gained their own respectability especially with the event of the news and people magazines and also through the democratization of the travel. But black and white photography have preserved its remarkable credibility over the decades and even today for many it remains a very popular way to visually document our surrounding world.

Although many have praised the Kodak and Ilford black and white analog films over the years like the famous Kodak Panatomic X(32ASA/ISO), the Plus-X (125 ASA/ISO) and Tri-X (320-400ASA/ISO) or the popular Ilford Pan-F(50 ASA/ISO), FP 4(125 ASA/ISO) & HP 5 (400 ASA), Fujifilm have always offer their own version of monochrome films with the NEOPAN series that have evolute to the Acros newest interpretations.

With the introduction by Leica Camera of exclusive monochrome digital models, Leica M Monochrom, Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) & Leica M10 Monochrom, we have seen the start of a keen interest to own specialized black and white camera models. Moreover It is fascinating to observe that all digital cameras can be configure to monochrome photo devices since the start of this technology. Parallel to that B&W rush for niche photo devices, there is also an analogue-film resurgence that appeal for many monochrome lovers.

But there is, at least, a more reasonable solution in terms of dollars and future versatility and it is to buy a small ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) and use its monochrome ability. For example the compact Fujifilm X-E4 and X-S10 are offering two different black and white rendering (Acros and standard monochrome/old Neopan) with an integrated B&W filter functionality (Red, Yellow, Green). In my sense it represent exactly what you might looking for a real black and white photographic full experience similar to what people have during the analogically-film era. Another optionality allows you to mimic the analog-film texture into the picture. Finally, a good printer alongside with specialize photo paper can reproduce the whole traditional cycle with a final and tangible print. CQFD

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Photos Daniel M: Fujifilm X-E4 / Fujinon XF27mm F2.8 R WR; Fujifilm X-S10 / Fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS / Fujinon XC50-230mm F4.5-6.7 II OIS