Is it possible to get f-spot to work with Ubuntu (MATE) 24.04.4?

Support & Help Requests
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Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS

Is it possible to get f-spot to work with this release? I am heavily dependent on it as I have nearly 50000 images in it distributed across 6 f-spot databases. Currently 'stuck' in 20.04 ...

Regards

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Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS Released
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Humm…

I thought F-Spot was discontinued. Hence not adapted to new versions or flavors.
Replaced with Shotwell… if I’m right.
When images were imported into F-Spot, they are written to disk.
Maybe worth ‘moving’ the databases to some secured cloud (just saying)

W

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Thanks, for reply.
I have a system with backup - that's not the problem.
The problem is migrating from F-spot to e.g. Shotwell, as you mention.
I've studied shotwell before and it didn't impress me then. Maybe I'll look at shotwell again... :wink:

regards

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4

Why not google for “shotwell linux alternatives” ?

What about: https://ente.io/

W

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Hi, W
I bow and thank you for your commitment :slight_smile:
but I have some kind of allergy to cloud services (to upload files).
Earlier in my life I worked with, among other things, Internet security - in Sweden.
I have my own domain and it is housed in a cave in Sweden. In the same cave there is also the possibility of a 'cloud' service.
And as a loyal Linux user, data services, for me, should preferably not cost anything. However, I am all in for investing in hardware.
Started a GAMBAS project a few years ago that could replace f-spot.
Maybe I'll take it up again.
But that's the thing about age, I'm 70+.
There's not enough time - I barely have any free time :smiley:

Best regards

PS
I'm looking forward to some kind of workaround to get f-spot working in Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS.
A virtual drive with ubuntu 20.04 and f-spot could be a solution if I install Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS.
By the way; f-spot is not supposed to work in ubuntu 20.04 either, but I managed it :wink:
DS

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From an old client/acquaintance of mine (back then he was 98 yrs old and passed away quite a while ago)
He was saying:
”If over your neck and under your belt all works fine, then you’re still young”
:laughing:

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:grin: :laughing: :grin: :laughing:
Then I is 50% Young …
:wink:

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Hi Nils,

For what it's worth, there seem to be at least two fotosuites that can read f-spot databases: Shotwell and Digikam

I don't know how reliable this info is (retreived by A.I. so it has to be doublechecked) but it seems legit:

Linux Photo Suites Compatible with F-Spot Database

F-Spot is a photo management application primarily designed for the GNOME desktop environment. While it has been discontinued, some Linux photo suites can read F-Spot databases or import its data.

Compatible Photo Suites:

PHOTO SUITE | COMPATIBILITY | FEATURES
Shotwell    | Yes           | Supports importing from F-Spot, offers photo editing, tagging, and organization.
Darktable   | Limited	    | Can import images but may not directly read F-Spot databases.
GIMP		| No            | Primarily an image editor, not a photo manager; does not read F-Spot databases.
digiKam     | Yes           | Can import images and metadata from F-Spot, offers extensive management features.

Importing from F-Spot
Shotwell: This is the most recommended option as it was designed to replace F-Spot in many distributions. It can import photos and metadata directly from the F-Spot database.
digiKam: Another robust option that can handle F-Spot data, allowing for a smooth transition of your photo library.

Conclusion

For users looking to transition from F-Spot, Shotwell and digiKam are the best choices for reading and managing F-Spot databases effectively.

Again, I don't know how accurate this info is but I hope it helps :slight_smile:

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The F-Spot development web site shows no true development activity for at least 10 years.

Have you looked to see

if the currently outstanding issues are "make or break" for you, and have you tried to compile it for yourself directly within a 24.04.4 LTS, or even 26.04 LTS, to see how well it works, or how broken it might be?


You may also wish to look at at discusion about reviving f-spot that was Gnome-centred/-initiated.


For consideration, a utility which might be useful:

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tkn & ericmarceau

Thanks a lot for your efforts to help me :slight_smile:
I Use GNOME desktop so maybe that's the reason why f-spot works with 20.04?

I promise, I'll look more into Shotwell & digiKam.
I'll also see if there's a way to compile f-spot in the Ubuntu distribution I choose.
I'll keep an eye on: "F-Spot renaissance"
I'll look more into: "pyfspot"
I'll also take a deeper look into: "github . com/f-spot/f-spot/issues"
Many thanks

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In case you are interested, there is a version of f-spot available here:

but there is a more recent tar bundle available from the developer site here:

I don't know which version you are working with, but if it is below that 0.6.2, you may want to try building that 0.6.2 version. The GitHub site also offers later versions, but I don't know how good those are if problems started creeping into the code before development was suspended:


I was also wondering if, by chance, you were aware of any f-spot User Group that might have formed independantly of any Distro? If so, that might be a good place to find like-minded people with a same interest/passion for f-spot which could, together, pool their experience, knowledge and skills to either perform a "clean up" or even an updating of the code for a Distro which the Users could form a concensus as a shared desired target for those efforts. Together, you could then set up a "Go Fund Me" or "Patreon" page to help fund those efforts with some specific contractual commitments.

Just a few random thoughts on the f-spot "business continuity" issue.

Hope that helps!

:slight_smile:

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Provided your flavor of Linux supports the Gnome desktop, F-Spot can be a solid choice to manage your photo collection over the two leading contenders. - February 3, 2010

https://www.linuxinsider.com/story/F-Spot-An-Able-Bodied-All-in-One-Image-Machine-69251.html
(21) F-Spot Alternatives for Linux
https://alternativeto.net/software/f-spot/?platform=linux

F-Spot alternatives page was last updated Dec 30, 2022

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Thanks! I'll consider 'everything' :slight_smile:

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Thanks! I'll check out these links :slight_smile:

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Another possible channel to connect: flickr

f-spot group at flickr_signIn
f-spot group at flickr_signIn718×561 97.2 KB

f-spot group at flickr
f-spot group at flickr1062×600 195 KB


I don't know anything about f-spot, but I came across this article raising a concern, but maybe the software was fixed since the issue was reported. Being a user, you would know more intimately whether that issue still exists or not.


Last but not least, there is the information offered on Launchpad which is f-spot specific:

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Hi, Many Thanks :smiley:
In my version of f-spot (0.9.025 for GNOME) I can influence how EXIF ​​information is affected. I can also edit EXIF ​​if, for example, the camera has been set to the wrong time / date.
The link about the bug is about version 0.6.1.3 so for me it is outdated.

However, I have other (not too big problems);

  1. If I try to import a larger amount of images, f-spot crashes.
  2. The same (sometimes) when I want to add or change the name of a tag.

In the other link it is about version 0.8.2-5, so it is not quite up to date, for me.

Regarding flickr (www . flickr . com/groups/f-spot/).
I checked a bit and I feel hesitant because it is connected to a cloud service.
If I want to upload more than 1000 images it costs money.
For the f-spot group there is a image limit for free members set to 30 images.
One advantage, however, is that it is quite easy to create physical photo books.

Best regards

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My mention of flickr was not to persuade you to use a cloud service. It was more as a means to identify other individuals who might have similar needs/wants regarding your f-spot software and how you use it, for like-minded individuals trying to accomplish similar things, even if on different computers or Distros, the f-spot would be the same, for the most part.

Again, finding a group (4, 5 or 10) people who might share the same needs and be able, together, to fund possible custom coding (or fixing the latest f-spot code) to suit shared needs.

About the cloud service, I would never put my personal images in a remote (potentially world-accessible) repository which I could not control the access of who could view, and possibly retrieve, what was in it. :slight_smile:

I wish you luck with your attempts to conquer your challenges!

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Hi,

Thanks for the enlightening information on how I can use your tip about flickr. I'll keep an eye on that too :slight_smile:

Best regards

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