B&W infrared photography

I just read an earlier post about Ektachrome IR film and

technique and am curious about B&W IR photography. What are

your preferred films? And what about focusing? I don't see the

red dot (not to be confused with The Red Dot) on the lens that

Gavin refers to for focus compensation. So, then, how do I focus

for IR? Also, I know that I need a red filter. Does Leica make

one for the 35 Summilux ASPH? I believe it's the E46 diameter.

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Any tips or tricks you can share are appreciated.

Also, can I have this processed at a good custom lab, or should I

expect to do it myself? Is it prohibitively costly to process?

I haven't shot a lot of IR, but I prefer Kodak's HIE (I think it's the

only one with true infrared sensitivity--the Konica and Ilford films

just have increased red and near-IR sensitivity). I haven't used the

Leica for IR shooting, so I can't really answer your question

regarding focusing. With a wide angle at moderate to small apertures,

DOF should take care of it. To get the IR look, you will need to use

a deep red filter (I think I have the #25 red).

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Using a handheld meter, an EI of about 50 to 100 gives a reasonably

good exposure most of the time; if metering through the red filter, I

use an EI of about 320 to 800. The amount of IR in the

scene/reflected by subjects doesn't necessarily match what you'd

expect from seeing the visible light, so bracketing is a good idea.

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In the shot below, her shirt was actually black:

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<img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/alexir03.jpg">

Almost forgot: given an appropriate developer, it's no more difficult

to develop than regular b&w film. A b&w lab should have no problem

with it.

Interesting question, I don't see any IR-index on my Summicron 50

either.

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If I may follow up Lukes question with another: Is it a No-no to

bring IR-film such as the Kodak during flights where it will be

submitted to X-ray machines?

<I>In the shot below, her shirt was actually black</I><BR><BR>Good you

mentioned that, Mike...;o) Nice shot.

Be aware that you must load and unload your camera in total darkness. Just popping the back even after the film is rewound into the cassette will fog your film.

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<img src="http://www.photo.net/photo/472968"

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I get the best effects with an opaque (visually) #87 filter.

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<img src="http://www.photo.net/photo/472968">

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The best filter to use is the 87B. B&W makes them in 39mm, 43mm,

46mm and larger. I bought mine from B&H who STOCKS them.

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You can't see through the 87B. That's why SLR's are tough to use

with the 87B so most folks use the red #29 which is dark but viewable

through an SLR.

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Rangefinders are the best type camera to use with the 87B filter.

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One trick I use is to put an 87B filter over the FLASH to expose IR

film indoors at night.

Hi Luke,

Leica lenses are corrected into the infrared. Shoot away. As to

Kodak's color infrared, you'll need a #12 deep yellow filter to

filter out the blue cast of the film. With the # 12 the images

produced will not be overly cool. Keep in mind that it is a very

snappy rendition this film produces. Great for rainy or hazy days.

On Very sunny days, bracket. Finally, don't send this film to Kodak

or any other processing firm that uses infrared sensors on their

processors. I did and the roll came back totally fogged.

Good Luck,

Peter

hello all

my brother in law spent most of his college career working in IR

he has written a fairly concise how-to for me.

email me and i can forward the word document along to you

peter-

the xray machine in airports is death to IR film.

the same brother in law was nearly not permitted to return to US from Italy after he refused to scan his film in customs.

a large portion of his 3 month photo trek was fogged

even the lead bags don't block it all out i've heard

or they're just opened and scanned anyway

defeating the whole purpose