Converter EX Error and Solution

[apb]

Specs: RAF files, OSX & Classic (or OS 9), Fuji Converter EX

Problem: Converter EX reports an error message "Process aborted because error occurred" when processing a .RAF file, at approx 90% completion, and fails to save the file.

I tried boot OS9, Converter LE, and calling FUJI Tech Support - who advised me to download the file directly from the camera (I think this must be the equivalent of "restart your computer" as an all purpose fix)

Solution: I use IViewMediaPro to organize and track my image files, and had batch renamed a large group of images to "portland_chiro_portrait_001.raf". "..._002.raf", etc, which is 31 characters long. Converter EX processes the file, and at about 90% begins to save the processed version to the drive. At that point, it adds "_1" to the file name so in theory the file becomes "portland_chiro_portrait_001_1.tif"

OS X has no problem with a file name of 33 characters. However Converter EX is running in Classic (or in boot OS9), and when it saves the file in Classic, the file name is too long, causing a mysterious error.

I just batch changed the file names to fewer characters and BAMMO it works just fine.

Now if I was running an OSX version of Converter EX, this would have never happened.

andy

[lightwrangler]

Just installed Hyper Utility on a new computer, installed in OS9.2, tried in that and in classic mode on OSX, I get the same error message. The files names don't seem to be the problem, enough ram is allocated to the process, the colour settings window comes up and once the selection is made the error message appears - any thoughts?

[apb]

You need to establish if it's the software or the files...

can you process the files out on another computer?

does converter LE work?

can you process any .raf files on this computer? Archived ones that you know work or newly created ones?

have you tried renaming the files, and making sure they have the appropriate .raf extension?

this happens in classic and booting from os9? same error?

at what point in the processing does this message come up? 10%? 90%?

are you attempting to process files that are on a locked volume (CD)? EX is a 'dumb' program, and will only write the files to the location of the .raf file

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andy

[lightwrangler]

I'm working from files copied to the hard drive having learned a while ago that trying to work off the CF card either in a reader or from the camera, was hit and miss. This is the same software and devices used with my other computer, which is in the shop at the moment. I have tried in both classic and OS9, renamed the files and checked that the .raf extension was used. The LE converter works, the EX does not. It gives an error message directly after selecting the colour space that you wish to work in. In other words it doesn't even start to convert. I will try to make it work from archived files tomorrow, I hadn't thought about that. But it does confuse me that this worked just fine on OS9.2 on my old computer with the same software, camera and cards. Perhaps it is an extension I am missing or overlooking, but that's a little harder to track down until my PowerBook comes back from the shop and I can compare.

Cheers

[apb]

a couple of things:

since LE works, and EX does not, the .raf file is fine.
LE automatically uses sRGB - what color space are you picking for EX? Maybe your color profile is damaged or missing (according to EX anyway). Try picking sRGB with EX.

also, you can run profile first aid (in OSX its called color sync utility) to test your profiles, and fix them if nesc.

I've noticed that the FUJI software, all other issues aside, installs a nasty labyrinth of files and software - so perhaps something is out of place, or corrupted or badly linked or something. Try deleting any and all versions of the FUJI install, and re-install again. You could try the old (os9) mac install trick of using the extensions manager to choose to run only the apple sys extensions/control panels on boot, in case you have a conflict that is screwing up the install.

You can also try that method to resolve any conflict when running the software


andy

[apb]

Lightwrangler - did you ever solve your problem?


andy

[lightwrangler]

I have to admit apb, I haven't had a lot of time to work this out, so ... no I haven't. Thanks for asking though!

I work mainly on location and my PowerBook (OS9.2.2) works like a charm. So at the moment I am just using it and transfering files as needed to the eMac on my desk. I have downloaded the OSX update for the viewer, but from some reports it may be more trouble than it's worth. I haven't loaded it up yet.

Looks like PS8 (rumoured to be compatible with the S2 raw files) or a new Fuji software is really the ticket. Everything else just looks like a patch job. I have to agree with those who think raw is the best way to shoot, but it is a royal pain in the butt when it really needn't be so. Currently I shoot a lot of stuff as JPEG and just make extra sure to nail the exposure precisely.