Rollei Infrared 400

[Ari]

I'm trying to find a filter for this film, so I'm wondering what filters people already use.
Complicating matters, I need to find a 95mm filter, which isn't always available.
The ultimate goal is to get a real infrared look, or as much as is possible, post-HIE/Konica.

I've read some threads and reviews online that a 760nm filter was used with great success, while others said that the 720nm filter is the only one that'll work, at least practically.
Also, looking to process this in HC-110, either dilution A or B.

Would love to hear anyone's thoughts on this film, and exposure/processing, as it's the last IR film standing.

Thanks in advance.

[paulbarden]

Ari, I use the R72 filter 95% of the time with this film. The rest of the time I use a #25 red, but the R72 is better. I’ve tried the polyester IR filters with a higher cutoff, and gotten blank film for my reward.
Rollei IR processes beautifully in Xtol.

I've used the 4x5 sheet film version of the Rollei IR, and as others have said, sometimes its cut a bit too large for film holders. But I've found only an occasional sheet suffers from this. Otherwise its excellent in 4x5. Here's an example Click on it in your browser to see full size.

[Barry Kirsten]

Hi Ari,

I used a 720nm filter with Rollei 400 IR rollfilm. I developed it in home-mixed D76 stock for 6 min. The results were excellent and I wouldn't change a thing. I haven't used it in sheet film, but I wouldn't expect it to be much different. Regards...

[agregov]

I just finished some testing to get a normal development time for Rollei 400 4x5 in a Jobo 3010 drum. 8m at stock dilution XTOL (500ml for 10 sheets). I rated the film at 100asa without the IR filter. One interesting note in the documentation for the film, Rollei says it's a 400 speed film for IR and a 200 speed film for standard b&w. That's probably why I'm down at 100asa for getting a full ten zones for my N (with no filter). I use 092 filters and I'm quite happy with the IR effect--don't feel I need more wood effect. They're about 4 stops versus the R72 which is 5 stops I believe. The R72 will likely get you the max IR effect you can see with the film. I use the 092 because I also shoot the film in 35mm. There I shoot with a Leica and wanted to hand shoot. So, a less powerful filter makes more sense there. Nice thing about the Leica is it's a rangefinder so you can keep the filter on the lens and see what you're shooting as well as meter accurately in camera. I personally use 6asa for 4x5 film with the 092 filter. An R72 might need 3asa. I'd suggest bracketing several images at 12asa to 3asa and see which ones give you the best density, shadows and IR effect. IR film is so contrasty, I might err on a more dilute HC110 and longer dev times if you go that developer route. I don't think the developer type matters much personally.

Here's a few image samples, again with the 092 filter. These are 35mm.

[Tin Can]

Like!

Image 1 as it suits my apocalyptic worldview

I need to try IR again

I just finished some testing to get a normal development time for Rollei 400 4x5 in a Jobo 3010 drum. 8m at stock dilution XTOL (500ml for 10 sheets). I rated the film at 100asa without the IR filter. One interesting note in the documentation for the film, Rollei says it's a 400 speed film for IR and a 200 speed film for standard b&w. That's probably why I'm down at 100asa for getting a full ten zones for my N (with no filter). I use 092 filters and I'm quite happy with the IR effect--don't feel I need more wood effect. They're about 4 stops versus the R72 which is 5 stops I believe. The R72 will likely get you the max IR effect you can see with the film. I use the 092 because I also shoot the film in 35mm. There I shoot with a Leica and wanted to hand shoot. So, a less powerful filter makes more sense there. Nice thing about the Leica is it's a rangefinder so you can keep the filter on the lens and see what you're shooting as well as meter accurately in camera. I personally use 6asa for 4x5 film with the 092 filter. An R72 might need 3asa. I'd suggest bracketing several images at 12asa to 3asa and see which ones give you the best density, shadows and IR effect. IR film is so contrasty, I might err on a more dilute HC110 and longer dev times if you go that developer route. I don't think the developer type matters much personally.

Here's a few image samples, again with the 092 filter. These are 35mm.

[Ari]

Thanks for the helpful replies, gents.

Paul, I'll try Xtol since that seems to be the go-to for this film, based on several sources.

Barry, I ordered an affordable 95mm R76 yesterday, then I read about your trials with the R76 filter, and cancelled my order before it shipped.
I'm now trying to find an affordable R72 in 95mm threads, much harder, but thanks for your help. You saved me from a huge headache.

Thanks for the images, Andrej. I'll be shooting 120 film on a GX680 camera (hence the need for a 95mm filter). Would be happy to try the 4x5, but I've also heard of QC problems with it. Some sheets are too big to fit in a regular 4x5 holder.

[carlo.dainese]

I'm using Rollei 400 IR 4x5 with R72. Exposing like a 6 iso and developed as 320 iso. Very thin film that sometimes moves in the holder.
Developed in D76 1+1 or ID11 1+1.

[Ari]

Nice shot, Carlo. Reminds me a bit of the Kodak HIE.

[JayJayOkocha]

I used a 720nm GreenL Filter that I bought when in China. No complaints here

[Ari]

Here's an example Click on it in your browser to see full size.

Gorgeous shot, Paul.