Experimentation with Infrared Film: Field Tests with Catlabs 320 and Ilford SFX 200
Experimentation with Infrared Film: Field Tests with Catlabs 320 and Ilford SFX 200
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Experimentation with Infrared Film: Field Tests with Catlabs 320 and Ilford SFX 200
Some people online mentioned that Catlabs 320 is a respooled version of Aviphot 200, a near-IR sensitivity black and white negative film. This reminded me of the Harkonnen Arena fight scene when considering an IR scene. I had previously used this film in China, not paying much attention to the ISO settings, which led to me underexposing most of my shots. I neglected the advice on their website to “rate it at ISO 200 when in outdoor sunlight.” Between rolls, I became curious about another website description suggesting you can rate the film at ISO 3 with an IR72 filter, which led to some interesting results and tips I’d like to share for those interested in exploring infrared photography.
IR72 filter
“The R72 INFRARED filter does not let any wavelengths before 740nm pass through, allowing only light in the high red area and infrared spectrum to enter the lens. From 760nm to 860nm, the light transmission rate is 95%.” According to Hoya website
I recently revisited infrared black and white photography, spurred by a grainydays YouTube video on using Aerochrome. It felt like watching a tantalizing ad and then searching your fridge to satisfy your craving. So, I took another look in my fridge and found some Ilford SFX 200 and Catlabs 320. After shooting a few frames of Catlabs 320 with an IR filter on my Rolleiflex 2.8F, I found it a promising option to try again during a hiking trip on Po Toi Island, the southernmost island off Hong Kong Island.
From Catlabs website it said “Unique IR capabilities with extended sensitivity in the 750nm range: use an R72 type IR filter and use ISO 3-5 on your light meter for best results. IR photography can “see through” rain/mist and provide a unique rendering of plant life and leaves (see examples HERE)”. I followed these instructions but overlooked one crucial tool for infrared photography—a tripod.
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Infrared Film Without a Tripod
That day, we packed sandwiches for a 4-5 hour hike on a slightly adventurous route in Po Toi Island. The morning clouds were dense, but the forecast promised clearing skies after noon. When the light finally broke through, albeit patchily, I managed to take my shots at f/5.6 or f/8, depending on what minimum handheld shutter speed I could manage, with speeds at 1/30 and 1/15 respectively. Sometimes, when the sun was bright enough, I could shoot at f/8 and 1/30 or f/5.6 and 1/60. Aiming for more depth of field, I kept to a general rule I developed after shooting 6 rolls of Catlabs and 2 rolls of Ilford SFX 200, keeping everything at ISO 3, even with my Ilford SFX 200.
Focusing was also crucial, especially with the IR scale on my Hasselblad Xpan II. I tried to align with the red line on the 45mm f/4 lens, but it always pays to double-check to ensure everything is in focus. Unfortunately, the images weren’t as sharp as I expected, likely due to the slow shutter speeds.
Shooting Tips
- Bring a tripod if possible to achieve the sharpest image and use smaller apertures for a flatter image across the frame.
- Shoot at ISO 3 or 4 and observe your lighting: On a super sunny day, you might achieve f/5.6 at 1/60, but on darker days, you might be limited to f/5.6 at 1/30. Note that insufficient light can weaken the infrared effect.
- Avoid TTL metering: Most cameras can’t set ISO 3 in their light meters—at least my Hasselblad Xpan cannot. Instead, I used a Sekonic L-758 for precise metering, focusing on the mid-tones.
Overall, I find Ilford SFX 200 to be less contrasty than Catlabs 320, with a more uniform grain structure and a powdery tone reminiscent of the Kodak HIE I’ve used before. In contrast, Catlabs 320 is punchy and rich, like fine art style black and white tone. For those who appreciate films with deep, rich blacks like Rollei 400S, Catlabs might be worth a try. Although it’s rated at ISO 320, I recommend shooting this film at ISO 200 for optimal results. Unlike with Kodak HIE or Rollei Infrared 400, I must confess I didn’t load the film in total darkness, but it still worked for me.
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Thanks for a great article. I had not been able to find the manufacturer of Catlabs 320 but I know now. You shots were great and I enjoyed slowly going through them.
I’ve been shooting Catlabs in IR for about two years in 35mm (but use bulk Rollei IR 400 now). This year, I have perfected Catlabs 320 in my Holga 120N. That’s right, no exposure setting or focus to IR markings. I just shoot at the camera’s 1/100-1/125 and f/8-f/11. There seems to be some ambiguity of settings but it doesn’t matter. I just leave focus on infinity. It makes my Holgas sharp, contrasty, and with all the infrared effects with the 720nm filter forced onto the plastic lens. I push the Catlabs to ISO 1600 and images are perfect when shot in bright sunlight. I never need a tripod. I have a Holga Infrared album in a Flick album. The website link or Flickr – Neal3K will get you there.
Thanks for your kind words and sharing your experience with the film. Your shots looks really nice and I like the photo “Holga IR at the Court House”. I should shoot more with the Catlabs in IR later! 🙂