Photo tip: black and white infrared
Infrared film in the middle of the Southwest day — a 25 red filter, the focus mark on the lens, and why I still look for Konica and Kodak on the used market.
Black-and-white infrared film can make exciting and interesting images. The film captures light at about 750nm or longer. I use a 25 red filter. I prefer to shoot it in the middle of the day, because that is when there is the most infrared light. In the Southwest, midday is usually the worst time for traditional photography — the light is so harsh. Infrared lets you work all day and still come home with something. There is a wide range of subjects that become interesting. Experiment.
Film you can still find
Kodak stopped making High Speed Infrared in 2007. You can still find it on eBay. The price runs from reasonable to ridiculous depending on the auction. I have seen it at $35 a roll. Konica also made an infrared film which in many respects I prefer. It turns up from time to time. Freestyle Photographic Supplies in California still sells infrared stocks.
Focus is not the visible-light focus
A 25 or 29 red filter is necessary. Focusing is a little different than with visible light. Lenses are designed for what we see, about 400 to 750nm. Infrared focuses at a different point. Most older lenses have a red dot or an R. Focus normally, note the distance, and move that mark to the R. If you were at ten feet, put ten feet on the infrared mark. If you were at infinity, move infinity to the R. Turn autofocus off or you will be out of focus. If the lens has no mark, guess a little past the regular focus. Wide angle has more depth of field, so it is more forgiving. Telephoto is less so.
Handling
Kodak High Speed Infrared needs to be kept cool to cold. Heat can fog it. Load and unload in complete darkness — a changing bag and a cooler if you plan more than one roll. I rate it at 160 ISO, or about 60 if I want more of the infrared look. Try both. Konica does not have to be kept as cold, and you can load it like regular film. It is much finer grain. A 120 Konica negative can print with finer grain than a 4×5 Kodak HIE negative. I rate the Konica at 25 ISO.
Newer films from Freestyle I have not all used. Do not be afraid to experiment. One that said 25 ISO behaved better for me at 12 or 6. Their staff have been helpful. Ask questions. If you have one for me, write. Prints from this film are in the shop and on the Superior work. Process notes are also on how the prints are made.