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Wex Photo Video£12.40Visit shop Ilford SFX200 135 Film - 36 Exposure - Black and White
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The Ilford SFX 200 Infrared 135-36 film is designed for photographers seeking unique visual effects by capturing infrared light. It's ideal for landscape and nature photographers wanting to create dramatic images with enhanced contrast in skies and foliage, especially when paired with a dark red filter. A key consideration is the need for specialized handling and potential adjustments in shooting and developing due to its infrared sensitivity.
| Brand | Ilford |
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Infrared film is sensitive to infrared light, which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond visible red light. This allows it to capture details and create tonal differences that are not visible to the human eye.
No, Ilford SFX 200 Infrared film uses a standard 135 cartridge and is compatible with any 35mm film camera. However, you will likely need to use a red filter on your lens for the desired effect.
A dark red filter is recommended to achieve the dramatic infrared effect. Common choices include the Wratten #25, #29, or #70 filters. The darker the filter, the more pronounced the infrared effect will be.
A general guideline is to add 2 to 3 stops of exposure when using a dark red filter with this film. Always test and calibrate based on your specific camera, filter, and lighting conditions.
Yes, Ilford SFX 200 can be developed in standard black and white film developers like Ilford DD-X, ID-11, or Kodak D-76. Follow the recommended developing times for ISO 200.
You can expect images with unique, high contrast. Foliage may appear very bright, skies dark and dramatic, and clouds will stand out sharply. It's ideal for creating surreal or atmospheric landscapes.
While it can be used for portraits, its strong contrast effects may not be ideal for all skin tones or flattering portraits. It is most commonly used and celebrated for landscape and nature photography.
Increase exposure. The combination of the red filter and the film's sensitivity often requires adding 2-3 stops of light compared to standard metering. Ensure your meter is accurately reading the scene through the filter, or apply a manual exposure compensation.
Ensure the film was loaded and unloaded in appropriate light. While less common with standard shooting, prolonged exposure to very intense light sources *before* shooting might affect the film. Check your camera's light seals for any leaks.
This is often the desired infrared effect. If it's too extreme, consider slightly reducing exposure or using a less dense red filter. Ensure your ISO setting on the camera matches the film's ISO (200) unless you are intentionally pushing or pulling.
Use a darker red filter (e.g., Wratten #29 or #70) and ensure sufficient exposure. The intensity of the infrared effect on the sky is dependent on atmospheric conditions and the density of the filter used.
Loading and Handling: Load the film in subdued light or complete darkness, similar to any other black and white film. However, be mindful that excessive exposure to strong infrared light *before* shooting could potentially fog the film, although this is generally less of a concern during daylight shooting for a fully exposed roll.
Camera Compatibility: This is a standard 135 film cartridge and is compatible with any 35mm camera. Ensure your camera's light seals are in good condition to prevent light leaks.
Filter Usage: For the most dramatic effects, a dark red filter (e.g., #25, #29, or #70) is highly recommended. Attach the filter to your lens *before* composing and metering.
Exposure Adjustments: Due to the filter's effect and the film's infrared sensitivity, you will typically need to increase exposure. A common starting point is to add 2-3 stops of exposure (or adjust your meter accordingly). Consult your camera or filter manufacturer's recommendations for specific guidance.
Development: Ilford SFX 200 can be developed in standard black and white developers. Follow the recommended development times for ISO 200 or adjust slightly based on your desired contrast and developer choice. Some photographers prefer specialized development techniques for infrared films, but standard methods usually yield good results.
Storage: Store unexposed film in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original packaging. Exposed film should be processed as soon as possible.
