Rollei Infrared film can be referred to as a super-panchromatic film, meaning it is sensitive to the entire range of the visible spectrum - our good friend ROY G BIV - but it’s also able to reach beyond the red end and into the near-infrared spectrum. Before we go too much farther with the Rollei Infrared film itself, let’s talk just a bit about infrared film in general, as a foundation of knowledge will help you with any infrared film you pick up for your cameras. So here goes.

Most black and white film is panchromatic, with its sensitivity running from the red end of visible light to the violet end. The red end of the visible spectrum stops at about 700-740nm. At that point you are in the near-infrared which runs from about 740-780nm to roughly 2500nm. All infrared films on the market, and any of those that are gone but remembered fondly - such as Kodak HIE - operate in the near-infrared spectrum. We point this out because we have read film reviews that mistake near-infrared sensitivity as not being “true” infrared, when in reality any and every infrared film we can use is going to be in the near-infrared and as far as we are concerned, they are all pretty true infrared in the sense of delivering what we typically think of as infrared photography. Hopefully that makes sense. To sum up, all IR films are near-infrared and to think of a film as not being “true” IR because it is merely near-infrared is not the most accurate way to sum up IR films.

Since infrared films are sensitive to the visible spectrum, in order to get an effective IR image one must use proper filtration to block out visible light and allow the infrared exposure to dominate. The correct filter depends on both the film and the effect you would like to achieve. The best starting filter, because of how easy it is to work with, is typically the Red 25. This filter cuts off much of the visible spectrum but still allows visible red light to hit the film, this means that the final IR exposure is still diluted by visible light and not as strong. But the nice thing about red filters is you can see through them for focusing and composition, as well as metering and the their filter factor (the amount you need to compensate exposure for light blocked by the filter) is relatively light at 2-3 stops. The most common infrared filter we work with is the R72 filter. This filter cuts off the spectrum at 720nm, which is right about where the visible spectrum ends. So an R72 eliminates most visible light ensuring that any exposure that occurs is going to be almost entirely near-infrared. This is the best filter if you are interested in getting the “Wood effect” which is the snowy white look to vegetation that is common among infrared photography. The R72 will also work with all infrared films on the market including JCH Street Pan, Ilford SFX, Rollei Infrared and Rollei Retro films. Of course, a filter that cuts off all visible light is more than a little tough to see through, cannot really be metered through and cuts out about 5-6 stops of light. If you are looking to experiment with “infrared-light” then pick up a red filter. It will be easier to work with and can be used with normal panchromatic films. But if you are really looking to knock it out of the park with your infrared film, then go in on an R72 and learn how to use it as these filters give the best effects. One last note on IR filters: there are even stronger filters than the R72 but be aware of where in the spectrum they cut off. Some filters cut out light up to 850nm for example, but if a film isn’t sensitive that far out into the spectrum then you are effectively blinding it and you will simply get blank exposures, hence the versatility of the R72.

Ok, now that we have all that business under our belts, let’s talk about the Rollei Infrared more directly!

The typical and dramatic infrared look with its deep, black skies and glowing vegetation. Rollei Infrared with an R72 filter shot in a Horseman SW612.

Rollei Infrared is the most sensitive infrared film currently on the market, with a sensitivity going up to 820nm. It is a highly functional film for infrared photography, if used properly, and has the big benefit of being available in a variety of formats including 35mm, 120 and 4x5. It is distributed by Maco out of Germany with permission from Rollei to be branded with their name. Rollei does not actually make film and this film is likely coming from the Agfa-Gavaert factory in Belgium, though with the murky nature of the European film market it is hard to know for sure.

Overall, Rollei Infrared is a lovely film and has been a staple of our film shelves for many years now, so it is not a new kid on the block. It has an ISO of 400 but with a surprisingly fine grain structure. It is finer-grained than Ilford’s SFX infrared film, which is a stop slower at ISO 200. In addition to its fine grain, it is also a nicely sharp film but it does have a fair bit of contrast to it, depending on how you develop it. Due to the popularity of Kodak HIE and Efke IR820C Aura films from several years ago, glowing highlights became associated with IR photography. This was because of a lack of an anti-halation layer on film that allowed light to bounce and refract through the film. It is the same effect you see on Cinestill film by the way. Rollei Infrared film is coated on a PET base which is both super strong but also prone to light piping, so the film has an internal anti-halation layer to help prevent this, but it also means that you do not as easily get the halation glow on this infrared film that you may have seen on earlier IR films. You can force the issue with Rollei IR by overexposing it a couple of stops though, so keep that in mind.

The Wood effect really shining through on this Rollei Infrared exposure. With proper filtration you can make green vegetation look white and snowy. Rollei Infrared 4x5 with an R72, shot on a Linhof Technika IV.

The cool thing about Rollei Infrared is that you don’t have to shoot it only as an infrared film, it works quite well as a normal black and white film if not filtered. Or you can pick up a red filter and split the difference. Personally though, we do most of our shooting on Rollei Infrared with an R72 and all the samples we are sharing here today are shot through an R72. As stated above, unfiltered Rollei Infrared can be treated as an ISO 400 film. Using it with a red 25 filter will knock out about two stops of light, essentially making the film ISO 100 in terms of its speed. With an R72 we typically calculate a loss of light of 6 stops, making Rollei Infrared about ISO 6. Better make sure you have your tripod with you.

Rollei Infrared shot at ISO 6 with an R72 on a Hasselblad Superwide.

One does not have to go all in on the Wood effect when using infrared film and can instead let it be a subtle addition to the landscape being photographed. Rollei Infrared with R72 shot on a Linhof Technika IV 4x5.

Of course Rollei Infrared is not just an excellent and interesting landscape film. Since infrared film works its magic with subject matter that reflects a lot of infrared light, which includes not just green vegetation but also human skin, it can be used to make some really interesting portraiture. In infrared, skin turns white while eyes (and even blood vessels just under the skin) render dark, or even black. At the more toned-down end of things this can help give subjects more of a snowy white look to their complexion and cover up blemishes such as acne. At the heavier end of the effect, you can produce some startling or spooky portraits with white faces, deep black eyes and blood veins visible through the skin..

Infrared film can be used in a variety of fashions for portraiture, including smoothing out skin tones and giving a bit of a glow to the subject. Rollei Infrared unfiltered, shot through a Kodak Medalist.

Rollei Infrared is a more versatile film than you might think and can be used in a variety of situations and light. While much infrared photography is done during the bright summer months, bear in mind that it can be just as effective during fall, winter and spring. In fact the mossy and green landscapes of spring can make excellent conditions for a roll of Rollei Infrared. Or maybe a snowy white portrait against a snowy backdrop? And that is why we are featuring this film now, because it is not just a sunny day film, but a film that can be enjoyed all year long.

So why not try a roll? Go explore a bit of the spectrum normally invisible to you. Hit this link to the Rollei Infrared films we keep in stock, as well as the R72 filters you’ll need to get the most bang for your buck.

We hope this ignites your curiosity and answers your questions about IR film in one fell swoop, but if there is anything we left out that you are wondering about, hit us up with a phone call or e-mail and we will be happy to answer any other questions on infrared film you may have!

Rollei Infrared with an R72 shot on a Horseman SW612.

Rollei Infrared with an R72, shot on a Hasselblad Superwide.

Film Friday - August 4th, 2023. Rollei Infrared