Rollei Infrared 400 Field Guide

True Near-Infrared Film for Atmospheric and Experimental Photography

Last Updated: 2026-06-01

Quick Reference Card

Specification	Value
Film Type	True near-infrared B&W negative film
Base ISO	400 (no filter)
Effective ISO with R72 (720nm)	6-12 (6 stop compensation)
Effective ISO with RG780	3 (7 stop compensation)
Spectral Sensitivity	400-820nm (true near-infrared)¹
Grain	Medium-coarse
Formats	35mm, 120, 4x5" sheet film
Anti-Halation	Internal anti-halation layer (water-soluble)²
Reciprocity Failure	Minimal (tested reliable up to 8 minutes)³
Exposure Latitude	±1 stop (with IR filter)

What Makes Rollei Infrared 400 Special?

True Near-Infrared Sensitivity

CRITICAL DISTINCTION: Rollei Infrared 400 is a true near-infrared film with sensitivity extending to 820nm.⁴ This is the highest available sensitivity range in currently manufactured infrared films.

Comparison with Other IR Films:

Film	Spectral Sensitivity	IR Capability
Rollei Infrared 400	Up to 820nm	True near-infrared (highest current)
Ilford SFX 200	Up to 740nm	Extended red sensitivity (not true IR)
Kodak HIE (discontinued)	Up to 900nm	Deep infrared (no longer available)

What 820nm sensitivity means: - Maximum "Wood Effect" (glowing foliage) - Darkest black skies - Strongest atmospheric haze penetration - Ability to use 780nm and 800nm filters (not just R72/720nm)

PET Base with Internal Anti-Halation Layer

Unlike older infrared films (Kodak HIE), Rollei IR 400 has:⁵

PET (polyester) base - more stable than acetate
Internal anti-halation layer - reduces light piping through film base
Water-soluble dye layer - washes out during development

Practical Implications:

Traditional IR Halation Glow: - Older IR films (Kodak HIE) produced strong halation halos around bright objects - Rollei IR 400 has minimal halation due to anti-halation layer - Can force halation by overexposing 2+ stops

Why this matters: - More controlled IR effect - Less unpredictable flare - Cleaner, sharper infrared imagery - Can still achieve halation glow if desired (creative choice)

Visual Character

With R72 (720nm) Filter: - Bright white glowing foliage (strong Wood Effect) - Near-black skies (deeper than SFX 200) - Dramatic cloud contrast - Atmospheric haze penetration - Moderate halation (can be enhanced by overexposure)

With RG780 or RG800 Filters: - Maximum infrared effect (beyond R72) - Even darker skies - Strongest foliage glow - Extreme contrast - Surreal, alien-like landscapes

Without Filter: - Acts as ISO 400 panchromatic B&W film - Slightly higher contrast than HP5 Plus - Medium-coarse grain - Full visible spectrum sensitivity

Filter Recommendations

For Maximum Infrared Effect

R72 (720nm) Filter - Most Common: - Hoya R72, B+W 092 - Cuts off visible spectrum at 720nm - Exposure compensation: +6 stops - Metering: Set handheld meter to ISO 6-12

RG780 (780nm) Filter - Stronger IR: - Heliopan RG780 - Blocks more visible light than R72 - Exposure compensation: +7 stops - Metering: Set handheld meter to ISO 3

RG800 (800nm) Filter - Maximum IR: - Heliopan RG800, B+W 093 - Extreme infrared effect - Exposure compensation: +8 stops - Metering: Set handheld meter to ISO 1-2

Important: Rollei IR 400's sensitivity extends to 820nm, so it benefits from stronger IR filters (780nm, 800nm) unlike SFX 200 (which tops out at 740nm).

For Moderate Infrared Effect

25A Red Filter: - Traditional deep red filter - Exposure compensation: +3 stops - Metering: Set ISO to 50 - Enhanced red sensitivity, less extreme than R72

29 Deep Red Filter: - Darker than 25A - Exposure compensation: +4 stops - Intermediate IR effect

Without Filter

Use as ISO 400 panchromatic film: - General purpose B&W photography - Available light shooting - Situations where infrared effect not desired

Exposure and Metering

With R72 (720nm) Filter

Method 1: Handheld Meter (Recommended) - Meter scene without filter at ISO 400 - Add +6 stops compensation - Example: f/11 @ 1/125s → f/11 @ 1/2s (6 stops slower)

Method 2: In-Camera TTL Meter - Some cameras can meter through R72 filter - Set camera ISO to 6-12 (test your camera) - Meter through the filter - Note: Many TTL meters underexpose with IR filters - bracket

Method 3: ISO Rating Approach - Set separate handheld meter to ISO 6 (for R72 filter) - Meter without filter on lens - Shoot at indicated exposure

Bracketing Strategy: - Calculate base exposure with +6 stop compensation - Bracket: -1 stop, base, +1 stop, +2 stops - IR reflectance varies by subject - bracketing essential - Total: 4 frames per composition for safety

With RG780 (780nm) Filter

Exposure Compensation: +7 stops from ISO 400 base

Example: - Metered at ISO 400: f/11 @ 1/125s - With RG780: f/11 @ 1s (7 stops slower) - Set handheld meter to ISO 3 for direct metering

Reciprocity Failure

EXCELLENT NEWS: Rollei IR 400 shows minimal reciprocity failure up to 8 minute exposures.⁶

Practical Testing Results: - Exposures from 1 second to 8 minutes: No significant reciprocity correction needed - This is exceptional compared to most B&W films - Makes long IR exposures predictable and reliable

Comparison: - Ilford SFX 200: P = 1.43 (significant reciprocity failure after 1 second) - Rollei IR 400: Minimal reciprocity failure up to 8 minutes - Advantage: Rollei IR 400 for twilight/night IR photography

Long Exposure Workflow: - Calculate exposure with +6 stops (R72) or +7 stops (RG780) - No reciprocity correction needed for exposures up to 8 minutes - Example: 2 minute metered exposure = 2 minute actual exposure (no adjustment)

Sunny 16 Equivalent with R72 Filter

Starting Point in Bright Sun: - f/16 @ 1/6s (R72 filter, ISO 400 base + 6 stop compensation) - Bracket ±1 stop from this baseline

Development Recommendations

Standard Development Times

Rodinal: - 1:100 dilution: 15 minutes @ 20°C with intermittent agitation⁷ - 1:25 dilution: 5.25, 7.5, or 10.5 minutes @ 20°C (different sources)⁸ - Sharp, accentuated grain

XTOL: - Stock dilution: 8 minutes @ 20°C (for 4x5 sheets) - Fine grain, good tonal range

D-76 / ID-11: - 1+1 dilution: 9-11 minutes @ 20°C - Lower contrast, finer grain

Tmax Developer: - 1:4 dilution: 7 minutes @ 24°C - Fine grain, modern developer

Aculux 3: - Stock: 6 minutes @ 20°C - Less common developer, good results reported

Pre-Soak Requirement

CRITICAL: Rollei IR 400 has a water-soluble anti-halation/dye layer.

Pre-Soak Procedure:⁹ 1. Before developer, pre-soak film in water for 5 minutes 2. Water temperature: 20°C (same as developer) 3. Gently agitate during pre-soak 4. Discard pre-soak water (will be dyed from anti-halation layer) 5. Proceed with normal development

Why this is important: - Anti-halation layer must wash out before development - Skipping pre-soak can cause uneven development or staining - Pre-soak water will be visibly colored (this is normal)

Development for Contrast Control

For Lower Contrast (Recommended for R72 Filter Shots): - D-76/ID-11 1+1: 9 minutes @ 20°C - Reduces extreme contrast common in IR photography - Preserves highlight and shadow detail

For Higher Contrast (Maximum IR Effect): - Rodinal 1:25 or 1:50: Standard times - Accentuates IR effect - Risk of blocked highlights and shadows

For Fine Grain: - XTOL stock or 1+1 dilution - Tmax Developer 1:4 - Reduces medium-coarse grain structure

Push/Pull Processing

Push to ISO 800 (no filter): - Add 20-25% development time - Example: Rodinal 1:100 → 18-19 minutes instead of 15 minutes - Increased grain, higher contrast

Pull to ISO 200 (no filter): - Reduce development time by 20% - Lower contrast, slightly finer grain

Note: Push/pull applies to unfiltered shooting. With R72/RG780 filters, expose at recommended EI (6-12 for R72) and develop normally.

Shooting Workflow with R72 Filter

Step-by-Step Field Procedure

1. Focus First (CRITICAL): - Focus without IR filter on camera - Infrared light focuses at different plane than visible light - Use lens IR focus mark (red line/dot) if available: - Focus visually - Note focus distance - Shift focus to IR mark at same distance - If no IR mark: Stop down to f/11 or f/16 to ensure depth of field covers IR shift

2. Compose: - Attach R72 or RG780 filter - Viewfinder will be nearly black - Compose before attaching filter, or use Live View (mirrorless cameras)

3. Meter: - Handheld meter (incident or reflected) at ISO 400, no filter - Calculate exposure compensation: - R72: +6 stops - RG780: +7 stops - Example: f/11 @ 1/125s → f/11 @ 1/2s (R72, 6 stops)

4. Reciprocity Correction: - None needed - Rollei IR 400 has minimal reciprocity failure up to 8 minutes - Shoot calculated exposure directly

5. Bracket Exposures: - Base exposure (calculated) - +1 stop - +2 stops - Optionally: -1 stop - Total: 3-4 frames per composition

6. Use Tripod: - Exposures with R72/RG780 range from 1 second to several minutes - Sturdy tripod mandatory - Cable release or self-timer - Mirror lock-up (if SLR)

Best Subjects for Rollei IR 400

Landscapes with Foliage: - Trees, grass, agricultural fields glow bright white - Maximum Wood Effect (stronger than SFX 200) - Blue sky goes near-black - Dramatic cloud formations - Surreal, alien-like atmosphere

Architectural Photography: - Brick, stone, concrete textures enhanced - Strong shadow/highlight separation - Atmospheric haze penetration for distant structures - Urban landscapes with trees

Water and Reflections: - Water surface can appear dark or reflective - Cloud reflections in water are dramatic - Coastal scenes with foliage

Portraits (Experimental): - Skin tones lighten (can be unflattering - veins visible) - Eyes appear dark (melanin in iris absorbs IR) - Unique, ethereal quality - Use with caution - test first on yourself

Abstract and Experimental: - Familiar scenes rendered unfamiliar - High-contrast graphic compositions - Grain structure contributes to abstract aesthetic

Conditions That Work Best

Bright Sunlight: - Maximum IR reflection from foliage - Strongest Wood Effect - Darkest skies - Optimal IR effect

Partly Cloudy Days: - Dramatic cloud formations - Good tonal separation - Strong subject contrast

Twilight/Night IR Photography (Unique Application): - Rollei IR 400's minimal reciprocity failure makes night IR possible - Moonlit landscapes (requires very long exposures - 5-30 minutes) - Artificial light sources (tungsten, LED) have IR component - Experimental, surreal results

Avoid: - Overcast/flat light - reduces IR reflection from foliage - Shade/open shade - minimal IR effect - Very cold temperatures (below 5°C) - IR reflection diminishes

Technical Characteristics

Grain Structure

Medium-coarse grain - noticeably grainier than SFX 200, similar to HP5 Plus pushed.

Grain characteristics: - Visible at normal viewing distances - Contributes to "film look" aesthetic - Can be reduced with XTOL or Tmax developer - Accentuated with Rodinal

Artistic consideration: Grain is part of Rollei IR 400's character. Embrace it rather than fight it.

Sharpness and Acutance

Good acutance when developed in Rodinal.

IR focus shift consideration: - Critical for sharpness - Stop down to f/11-f/16 if lens has no IR mark - Test your lenses - modern lenses may have minimal IR shift

Contrast

Without filter: Medium-high contrast

With R72 filter: Very high contrast - Extreme tonal separation (white foliage, black skies) - May require contrast reduction during development - Use D-76 1+1 or reduce development time by 10-15%

With RG780/RG800: Extreme contrast - Maximum IR effect - Careful exposure and development essential

Halation and Glow

Important characteristic: Rollei IR 400 has internal anti-halation layer, resulting in minimal halation compared to older IR films (Kodak HIE).¹⁰

To minimize halation: - Shoot at recommended exposure - Avoid direct sun in frame - Use lens hood

To maximize halation (creative effect): - Overexpose by 2+ stops - Shoot backlit subjects - Include sun or bright light sources in frame - Forces halation despite anti-halation layer

Aesthetic note: Some photographers prefer the "clean" IR look (minimal halation), while others seek vintage IR glow. Rollei IR 400 allows both approaches through exposure control.

Practical Tips and Techniques

Loading Film (Important)

No special loading required - Unlike discontinued Kodak HIE (which required complete darkness for loading), Rollei IR 400 can be loaded in normal subdued light.

Best practice: - Load film in shade or subdued indoor light - Avoid loading in bright direct sunlight - Standard 35mm cassette is IR-safe (no light piping issues)

Focus Techniques for Infrared

Problem: IR light focuses ~0.25-1% farther from lens than visible light.

Solutions:

Use lens IR focus mark (if available):
Red dot, line, or "R" marking on focus ring
Focus visually, then shift to IR mark
Most accurate method
Stop down to f/11 or f/16:
Depth of field covers IR focus shift
Safest approach for lenses without IR mark
Hyperfocal distance:
Set focus to hyperfocal for f/11 or f/16
Ensures IR focus within DOF
Test your lenses:
Modern multi-coated lenses may have minimal IR shift
Shoot test roll with different focus techniques
Determine which lenses need IR correction

Handling Long Exposures

Typical R72 exposures: 1-30 seconds in bright sun, up to several minutes in shade or twilight.

Workflow: - Sturdy tripod essential - Cable release or 10-second self-timer - Mirror lock-up (SLR cameras) - Shield lens from wind vibration - Advantage: Minimal reciprocity failure - exposures are predictable

Pre-Development Handling

Pre-Soak Procedure (5 minutes in water): - Critical to remove water-soluble anti-halation layer - Water will be dyed (normal - anti-halation dye washing out) - Use same temperature as developer (20°C) - Discard pre-soak water before adding developer

Scanning and Post-Processing

Scanning: - Scan as B&W negative - Rollei IR 400 negatives may be dense (high contrast) - Adjust scanner curves for contrast control - Medium-coarse grain will be visible

Digital Post-Processing: - Minimal adjustment needed if properly exposed and developed - Contrast reduction may be beneficial (IR scenes are inherently contrasty) - Dodging skies, burning foliage - Grain reduction (if desired) - but grain is part of aesthetic

Darkroom Printing: - Prints well on variable contrast paper - High-contrast negatives may benefit from grade 1-2 paper - Split-filter printing useful for sky/foreground balance - Dodge and burn essential for tonal control

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: Minimal Infrared Effect

Causes: - Wrong filter (not R72 or stronger) - Shooting in shade or overcast light - Underexposure

Solutions: - Verify R72 (720nm) or stronger IR filter in use - Shoot in bright sunlight - Increase exposure by +1 stop (bracket up)

Issue: Extreme Contrast (Blocked Highlights/Shadows)

Causes: - IR effect creates very high contrast - Over-development

Solutions: - Reduce development time by 10-15% - Use softer developer (D-76 1+1, XTOL) - Expose for highlights, accept shadow loss - Use graduated ND filter to balance sky/foreground

Issue: Uneven Development or Staining

Cause: Skipped or inadequate pre-soak

Solution: - Always pre-soak film for 5 minutes before development - Ensure water-soluble anti-halation layer fully washes out

Issue: Negatives Too Thin (Underexposed)

Causes: - Insufficient exposure compensation with IR filter - TTL meter underreading through IR filter

Solutions: - Verify +6 stops (R72) or +7 stops (RG780) applied - Use handheld meter instead of TTL - Bracket exposures (+1, +2 stops from calculated)

Issue: Negatives Too Dense (Overexposed)

Cause: Excessive exposure or over-development

Solutions: - Reduce exposure by 1 stop - Reduce development time by 10% - Check metering technique

Issue: Soft Focus / Lack of Sharpness

Causes: - IR focus shift not corrected - Wide aperture (shallow DOF doesn't cover IR shift)

Solutions: - Use lens IR focus mark (if available) - Stop down to f/11 or f/16 - Focus slightly past infinity after visual focus

Issue: No Halation Glow (Desired for Vintage IR Look)

Cause: Internal anti-halation layer prevents halation

Solution: - Overexpose by 2+ stops to force halation - Shoot backlit subjects with sun in frame - Include bright light sources (reflections, sun)

Comparison: Rollei IR 400 vs Ilford SFX 200

Aspect	Rollei IR 400	Ilford SFX 200
Spectral Sensitivity	Up to 820nm (true near-IR)	Up to 740nm (extended red)
ISO (no filter)	400	200
ISO (with R72)	6-12	3-6
Infrared Effect Strength	Strong (true near-IR)	Moderate (extended red)
Wood Effect	Maximum (glowing foliage)	Strong (but less than Rollei)
Halation	Minimal (anti-halation layer)	Moderate halation
Reciprocity Failure	Minimal (up to 8 min)	Significant (P=1.43 after 1s)
Grain	Medium-coarse	Medium
Availability	Limited (specialty retailers)	Widely available
Cost	Higher (~$15-20/roll 35mm)	Moderate (~$10-12/roll)
Best Use	Maximum IR effect, 780/800nm filters	Learning IR, R72 filter, wide availability

When to choose Rollei IR 400: - Maximum infrared sensitivity (820nm) - Strongest Wood Effect - Long exposure IR (minimal reciprocity failure) - Use with 780nm or 800nm filters - True near-infrared photography

When to choose SFX 200: - Wider availability - Lower cost - Easier to work with (less extreme) - Good for learning IR photography - Moderate halation desired

Recommended Uses and Aesthetic

Best Applications

Landscape Photography: - Maximum Wood Effect (brightest glowing foliage) - Darkest black skies - Strongest cloud contrast - Atmospheric haze penetration - Surreal, otherworldly quality

Architectural Photography: - Texture emphasis (brick, stone, wood) - Strong shadow/highlight separation - Urban landscapes with vegetation - Historical structures in nature settings

Experimental Fine Art: - Surreal, alien-like imagery - High-contrast abstract compositions - Melancholic, dreamlike atmospheres - Alternative vision of familiar scenes

Night and Twilight IR: - Unique application enabled by minimal reciprocity failure - Moonlit landscapes (5-30 minute exposures) - Artificial light IR components - Experimental, unpredictable results

Atmospheric Character

Rollei IR 400 produces: - Maximum otherworldly, surreal quality (stronger than SFX 200) - Extreme high contrast (graphic, dramatic) - Brightest glowing foliage (Wood Effect) - Darkest skies (near-black in R72, blacker with RG780/800) - Grain contributes to "film look" aesthetic - Clean IR effect (minimal halation unless forced)

Visual Signature

White glowing trees and grass against black skies
Strong atmospheric haze penetration
Dramatic tonal separation
Medium-coarse grain structure
Sharp, clean infrared effect (vs. vintage halation glow)

Fine Art and Limited Edition Prints

Market Appeal: - True near-infrared film (up to 820nm) - Rare medium (limited availability increases collector interest) - Strongest infrared effect commercially available - Unique aesthetic not achievable with digital IR conversion

Print Presentation: - Emphasize film-based true near-IR process - Describe 820nm spectral sensitivity (highest current) - Highlight handmade development (pre-soak requirement) - Limited series (5-15 prints) of signature IR landscapes - Higher price point justified by rarity and technical complexity

Pricing Guidance: - Rollei IR 400 prints command 20-30% premium over SFX 200 - Emphasize "true near-infrared" vs "extended red sensitivity" - Limited film availability adds scarcity value

Development Time Reference Table

Developer	Dilution	Time @ 20°C	Notes
Rodinal	1:100	15 min	Sharp, accentuated grain, intermittent agitation
Rodinal	1:50	10.5 min	Higher contrast
Rodinal	1:25	5.25-10.5 min	Various sources, test required
XTOL	Stock	8 min	Fine grain (4x5 sheets tested)
D-76/ID-11	1+1	9-11 min	Lower contrast, finer grain
Tmax Developer	1:4	7 min @ 24°C	Modern developer, fine grain
Aculux 3	Stock	6 min	Less common, good results

ALWAYS PRE-SOAK FILM FOR 5 MINUTES IN WATER BEFORE DEVELOPMENT

Filter Exposure Compensation Quick Reference

Filter Type	Filter Examples	Wavelength	Exposure Comp	Effective ISO
None	-	Full spectrum	0 stops	400
Yellow	K2, 8	-	+1 stop	200
Orange	21, G	-	+2 stops	100
Red	25A, 29	-	+3 stops	50
R72	Hoya R72, B+W 092	720nm	+6 stops	6-12
RG780	Heliopan RG780	780nm	+7 stops	3
RG800	B+W 093, Heliopan RG800	800nm	+8 stops	1-2

Sources and Further Reading

Official Rollei Resources: - Rollei Analog - ROLLEI INFRARED Product Page - Rollei Analog - INFRARED Data Sheet (PDF)

Comprehensive Reviews and Guides: - EMULSIVE - Film stock review: Rollei Infrared 400 - 35mmc - Rollei Infrared Film: An Introduction by Tony Warren - Blue Moon Camera Codex - Film Friday Rollei Infrared Film Review - Jeremy Mudd Photography - Shooting B&W Infrared Film: Rollei IR 400 - Lomography - Reviewing the Rollei Infrared 120 ISO 400

Technical Tests and Data: - Ian Turpin - Rollei 400 IR Reciprocity Tests - Mark Cassino Photography - Rollei IR 400 First Impressions - FilmDev - Recipes & dev times using Film Rollei Infrared IR 400

Community Discussions: - Photrio - Optimizing results with Rollei Infrared 400 film - Photrio - Exposure time/use of RG780 filter for Rollei IR 400 - Rangefinderforum - Developing Rollei infrared film - Large Format Photography Forum - Rollei Infrared 400 discussions

Spectral Sensitivity Data: - Digital Truth - Infrared film spectral sensitivity - Japan Camera Hunter - Infrared Film Shootout: JCH Streetpan vs. Rollei Infrared

End of Field Guide

This guide prioritizes verified technical information from Rollei official documentation, spectral sensitivity testing, reciprocity failure tests by Ian Turpin, and practitioner community consensus. Where information varies (e.g., exact R72 compensation, Rodinal 1:25 development times), multiple perspectives are presented with recommendation to test and bracket.