Today’s cameras are computers with lenses. As such, there are myriad settings, and tweaking the camera’s behavior the way you want can take some time. Also, you may not be able to remember all the changes you’ve made. So it’s a good idea to back up the settings.
I only recently found out that there is an app that lets you do this for Fujifilm cameras. (I have two: the X100F and the X-Pro 2.) Here’s how.
Download the FUJIFILM X Acquire Tethered Shooting Software. This app lets you connect an X series or GFX camera to a Mac or PC to transfer images from the camera, and also to back up settings. With some cameras you can also use it for tethered shooting (seeing images immediately on your computer as you shoot them).
On the camera, change the connection settings to USB RAW CONV. / BACKUP RESTORE, or to AUTO > PC SHOOT AUTO / USB AUTO / USB TETHER SHOOTING AUTO (this depends on your camera’s options). Connect the camera to your computer via USB. (You can also do this via wi-fi; this page explains how. I find USB connections much more reliable.)
Launch the FUJIFILM X Acquire app; no window will display, but you’ll see an icon in the menubar (Mac) or in the system tray (Windows). Click that icon and choose BACKUP CAMERA SETTINGS.
You’ll be asked to select a folder, then you can save the file, which will have a name like this, containing the camera model and the date and time you saved the settings: FUJIFILM_X100F_2018 712_1801.dat If you ever lose your settings and need to restore them, just use the RESTORE CAMERA SETTINGS option.
It’s a good idea to save your settings regularly, at least if you change them. I know I’ve spent hours going through the menus and deciding how I want the cameras to function, and I’d hate to have to do it all again. It’s worth noting that you can restore the backup to a new camera, if, for example, yours has been lost, stolen, or damaged, and you replace it.
Check out my photo website, follow me on Instagram, and subscribe to PhotoActive, a podcast about photograph and the Apple ecosystem.