Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> I could use some advice on Kodak's infrared film, and also the semi- > infrared film by Ilford. A recommended starting point for the Kodak film would > be very helpful. Richard- I've shot 50-60 rolls of Kodak's infrared emulsion and 1 roll of Ilford's SFX. The cool thing about the Leica rangefinder is that you can use an 87 infrared filter. This baby is black and passes no visible light at all...just infrared. Bright sunshine calls for 1/60 at f16 with a bracket to 1/30. If I use the standard red filter it's 1/125 at f16. The worst part of handling the film is that you must load and unload the film in the dark so you need a changing bag ( a good heavy one, not a cheesy one ) if you plan to shoot more than one roll. A stainless steel developing tank with a stainless steel lid is a good idea, as some plastic lids may leak infrared, or so I'm told. I use HC-110 to soup it at Kodak's recommended time. The wet emulsion is extremely fragile. SFX can look OK and is easier to handle ( loads fine in shade ) but frankly I prefer the coarse grain and halation highlight glow of the Kodak film.----Bill Bresler