I have been experimenting with including the sun into some of my photographs and have met with miserable results. After seeing (and buying an expensive coffee table book... first time) the photographs of Mark Brant (look him up if you've not seen his work... fantastic!) I went out and bought a 720nm filter. Since this is classed as an opaque filter I was able to compose shots with the sun included without blinding myself. The results, though, were less than spectacular.

It appears that the anti-halation layer of Ilford HP-5 is not adequate to overcome the direct image of the sun. The image is a blurred blob rather than a disc or point. Has anyone had experience shooting the sun while retaining vision in both eyes? My next attempts were going to be circular polarizer or UV but I thought I'd ask arouband first.

Any suggestions other than 'seek professional help'.

jr