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Infrared B/W


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I was told by an Illford rep a few years ago that they make/sell SFX200 for 16mm. I've used this film for still photography but not 16mm. My understanding is that SFX200 is not full-on B&W infrared film, but a hybrid which will approximate infrared film if the same filtration is employed (dark red filters, etc). See:

 

http://www.mawddwy.freeserve.co.uk/sfx200.htm

 

One benefit of using SFX200 is that the film is not as sensitive as infrared, and therefore can be handled more like standard film.

 

I shot about 3 rolls of the still-film variety. Only a few pictures were usable. Hard to get the exposure right. I can only imagine how frustrating real infrared film must be. But the effect is wonderful and it's too bad infrared B&W isn't used more often for dramatic features.

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  • 1 month later...

Ilford SFX 200 is red base film (not infrared) and will give you excellent results especially when using red or green filters.

Processing available at www.blackandwhitefilmfactory.com

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The Kodak website has a few items regarding use of infrared sensitive films, which are NOT normally supplied for motion-picture use by Kodak:

 

http://www.kodak.com/country/US/en/motion/...rguy_9-16.shtml

 

http://www.kodak.com/country/US/en/motion/...guy_17-24.shtml

 

http://www.kodak.com/country/US/en/motion/...002/aicpP.shtml Jeff Darling's work

 

http://www.kodak.com/cluster/global/en/pro...s/f13/f13.jhtml

 

Stock of both B&W and color infrared film in lengths suitable for motion picture use is generally available from this dealer in Hollywood:

 

Calumet Photographic Supply

805 N Highland Ave (at Santa Monica Blvd)

Hollywood, CA 90036

Tel: (323) 466-1238

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John - would Kodak ever sell it's infared film in long rolls for MP use? What would be the minimum amount in order for them to consider this offer? I recall seeing infared footage in "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control" - how was this obtained? The images seemed like true infared and not simply extended-red sensitive film.

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Generally, to even be considered, the quantities likely need to be on the order of what a slit wide roll would yield (each roll is at least 6000 feet long, and yields 38 35mm strips, or 83 16mm strips). Since the film is not specifically designed for motion-picture use (halation protection, lubrication for camera transport, finishing characteristics, etc.), it would likely be sold "as is". For infrared, you then need to find a lab willing to process it (many labs use infrared night-vision scopes and infrared leader detectors in their darkrooms).

 

Each request is considered on a one-by-one basis, so check with your Kodak sales and engineering rep if you have a project that has "off the wall" film requirements.

 

Here's the "scoop" on "finish to order" or "special order":

 

http://www.kodak.com/US/plugins/acrobat/en...talog/terms.pdf

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So then the order would have to be an absolute minumum of 228 thousand-foot rolls of 35mm? (38 x 6000') But, anything then could be theoretically ordered? Color infared? Technical Pan?

 

Is HIE still film even sold as bulk loads (100')?

 

Huh. I could have sworn that that robot shot in "Fast, Cheap and out of Control" was infared. Maybe it was SFX...?

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As I said, it is done on a case-by-case basis. The example I gave was general, as many products are coated as at least 6000 foot lengths. The link I gave indicated the minimum quantity may vary with the product. For example, if the product is normally slit to 35mm for other uses, it may be possible to use motion picture perfs on less than the full wide roll quantity. Or 2000 feet of a 6000 foot wide roll may be slit and perforated. But I'm not in the production "flow" and marketing areas that need to set the rules and decide what is feasible (and profitable).

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