Author Topic: infrared??? (Read 3742 times)

astrobeck · « **on:** June 26, 2010, 09:44:52 PM »

didn't want to ask this on the weekenders thread, but that IR photo prompted me to ask this:

I've been interested in infrared and maybe developing it myself, but wondered if anyone here has done it, and is it worth the trouble?
Or maybe it's not that much extra trouble?

I've read it's easy enough, but would like to hear about it from fellow filmwasters that have actual experience with it since I am more comfortable with and value your opinions.

Thanks up front for any input.

Harvey · « **Reply #1 on:** June 26, 2010, 10:33:19 PM »

Hi Becky, as I posted the picture I thought I'd add my 'experience' to this thread. I did the developing myself in Ilfotech Lc-29, 7.5 mins at 20c. The developing is standard, the issue with IR is in initial exposure. Using an IR filter (R72) cuts down the light by the equivalent of about 6 stops. As the efke is rated at a nominal 100 ASA the exposure on a sunny day falls into the 4 seconds plus.( I shoot at f16/f22 to avoid the fous problems) plus it pays to bracket. I'd say give it a go. I've got a couple of rolls of the Rollei Infrared waiting for me to buy some more developer. This is 400 ASA so a bit quicker. I will post an example it there's anything that's any good and you're not bored of it by then!

Here's another, I said I had lots!!

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astrobeck · « **Reply #2 on:** June 26, 2010, 10:41:41 PM »

Thanks!
I'll order some chems and then see what happens....but I might pester you for some help when the time comes.
I'm going to go for it, and doubt if I would ever tire of seeing your work. It's been great so far.

Thank you!

Francois · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2010, 10:49:18 PM »

The only thing which makes shooting Infrared potentially harder id you have to use a dark red filter that makes framing with an SLR simply impossible. But a good TLR or rangefinder will do nicely without the added hassle of putting on/removing the filter in order to know what you're doing

astrobeck · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2010, 11:03:23 PM »

Great tip Francois....

I'll probably use my Mamiya 6 for starters.

Harvey · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2010, 05:34:30 PM »

Last from me (for now!) If the rollei film ones are any good I may add one for comparison.

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gothamtomato · « **Reply #6 on:** June 28, 2010, 05:37:54 PM »

When you guys shoot infrared, do you focus normally? Or do you do that, turning back to the red line thing?

Harvey · « **Reply #7 on:** June 28, 2010, 06:54:05 PM »

Quote from: gothamtomato on June 28, 2010, 05:37:54 PM

When you guys shoot infrared, do you focus normally? Or do you do that, turning back to the red line thing?

Quote from: gothamtomato on June 28, 2010, 05:37:54 PM

When you guys shoot infrared, do you focus normally? Or do you do that, turning back to the red line thing?

Personally I focus normally but use f16 or f22 to reduce the risk as much as possible. I'm sure that's not ideal but they seem to be reasonably in focus to me!

LT · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2010, 07:37:31 PM »

I've developed the old Kodak HIE at home before with no problems. Just used the same procedure that I always use. Changing bag for loading, Paterson tank for developing. No fogging at all.

Of course, if you're really worried about it, use SFX with a strong R72 filter in bright sun and I'm sure you'll be quite pleased with the results with none of the true IR concerns

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Alan · « **Reply #9 on:** July 05, 2010, 12:09:10 AM »

Lovely results !

I have a couple of rolls of 35mm SFX to try out soon.

Does there have to be bright sunlight for the IR effect
to register?

astrobeck · « **Reply #10 on:** July 05, 2010, 12:31:46 AM »

Yippi yi yay!

It took six tries, and I need to shoot some more but here's my first somewhat successful attempt at shooting and developing IR!
The film is a big time dust magnet, so please excuse some of the spots....I'll do better next time.

4 x5 sheet film Efke 820
pinhole of course.....you didn't think I'd opt for the easy way out did ya??

ps: thanks for looking and helping me dive in the IR pool!

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LT · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2010, 08:19:21 AM »

superb stuff Becky. pinhole and deep red filters must equate to nightmarishly long exposures?

Aoluain - without the bright sunlight and deep red filter, SFX behaves much like a slightly slower HP5+

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2010, 10:22:14 AM »

Love this, Becky! I have no idea how long you must have exposed this for. A while ago I strapped an IR filter to my Polaroid pinhole after 4 exposures I was still barely getting anything on the film - I think that the longest was 4 hours and I could just begin to see a line caused by the sun's movement across the sky - perhaps time for an all day exposure!

astrobeck · « **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2010, 04:18:41 PM »

ah, should have mentioned the length of exposure...which was a mere 30 minutes with an R72 filter.

Not horribly long, but long enough to give me second thoughts about standing in the weedy ditch where I positioned myself to make this photo.

At any rate, it's something I will pursue and hope to fine tune with pinhole.

thanks for looking!

Francois · « **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2010, 04:29:54 PM »

The optimal pinhole size will vary greatly depending on the wavelength you plan on capturing. If you use the Lord Rayleigh formula, this is taken into account in the calculation...

Maybe I should dig out the pinhole calculator I made years ago...

Harvey · « **Reply #15 on:** July 05, 2010, 08:06:56 PM »

Quote from: astrobeck on July 05, 2010, 12:31:46 AM

Yippi yi yay!

It took six tries, and I need to shoot some more but here's my first somewhat successful attempt at shooting and developing IR!
The film is a big time dust magnet, so please excuse some of the spots....I'll do better next time.

4 x5 sheet film Efke 820
pinhole of course.....you didn't think I'd opt for the easy way out did ya??

ps: thanks for looking and helping me dive in the IR pool!

Excellent Becky, definately worth all the effort. You certainly don't like an easy life do you!

astrobeck · « **Reply #16 on:** July 05, 2010, 08:47:11 PM »

thanks Harvey,

and especially thanks for posting those IR shots on the weekend thread.
That was just the extra push I needed to jump over the rim and so happy that I did!!!!

My fear was unfounded.

I love this place! So much inspiration.

Alan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 06, 2010, 12:18:10 AM »

Quote from: leon taylor on July 05, 2010, 08:19:21 AM

superb stuff Becky. pinhole and deep red filters must equate to nightmarishly long exposures?

Aoluain - without the bright sunlight and deep red filter, SFX behaves much like a slightly slower HP5+

Thanks Leon !

Harvey · « **Reply #18 on:** July 11, 2010, 08:07:54 PM »

As promised

three shots from the Rollei Infrared. Have to admit I had a lot more 'issues' with this film than the Efke, possibly due to it's increased sensitivity but Idon't know.
Anyone who thinks I've tucked these away here because I can't compete with Becky's Mailboxes on the weekend thread is... abolutley right!

astrobeck · « **Reply #19 on:** July 11, 2010, 09:05:04 PM »

Don't kid yourself Harvey, these are all first class!

I love the Lily pond and wondered about shooting one myself.
And snow!

More please!

Francois · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2010, 09:26:50 PM »

Snowy landscape?
When I first saw this I was just about to break into song...
I'm dreaming of a white... July!

Very nice work you both.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #21 on:** July 12, 2010, 12:05:04 AM »

Hell, Harvey, get 'em over there!

cwilk · « **Reply #22 on:** July 15, 2010, 01:57:28 PM »

Could anyone give me a bit of advice?

I've got an eclipse filter which doesn't come with any kind of number on the packet. The only light it lets through is the sun. Would it be useful for IR and would I be looking at 30 min exposures?

Francois · « **Reply #23 on:** July 15, 2010, 04:47:06 PM »

I think it's designed to block the IR rays... I don't think it has much use unless you're looking for a very very dark ND filter

astrobeck · « **Reply #24 on:** July 15, 2010, 04:47:38 PM »

Quote from: cwilk on July 15, 2010, 01:57:28 PM

Could anyone give me a bit of advice?

I've got an eclipse filter which doesn't come with any kind of number on the packet. The only light it lets through is the sun. Would it be useful for IR and would I be looking at 30 min exposures?

The transmission range is going to be wrong since eclipse filters are made specifically to only let 0.01% of the Sun's light through. You can use it to make some terrestrial photos, but the effect is not what you would be happy with.

Vegetation is not going to have that "infrared" glow that we are accustomed to seeing.
Invest in a true infrared filter, you will be much happier in the end with it!