Considering FPP Aerochrome - Advice Needed!!

Lee Birder · Feb 8, 2017

Hello all,
I was hoping to get some advice from the esteemed members of this group regarding the Film Photography Project's "Infrachrome" film, which emulates Kodak's legendary Aerochrome infrared surveillance film. I have a trip to Cuba coming up, and would love to get that beautiful Richard Mosse effect, but I have several questions:
1. Has anyone had personal experience using this FPP product? Have people had success with the film after shipping, and not cold-stored?
2. Is there any way I could use this film with my Canon EOS-1n? I've read that cameras with DX-coding sensors will fog the film with built-in LED sensors -- any way to skirt this issue?

I am also considering what looks to be a similar film, available on eBay, for 120 format. I would love to use this film in my Rolleiflex, even at $50 a roll, should it work well. I am aware that these films must be loaded/unloaded/processed in total darkness.

here are links to the films described:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/35mm-Film-A...237f35&pid=100011&rk=3&rkt=12&sd=320991525264

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kodak-Aeroc...729975c&pid=100005&rk=5&rkt=6&sd=152303589033

Thank you all for your help!
Cheers,
Lee

mjork · Feb 8, 2017

The FPP color infrared works well. There is a thread in the FPP group on flickr with discussion and sample images (mine included):
https://www.flickr.com/groups/1227372@N20/discuss/72157669495004976/

I'm not aware of any trick to avoid issues with the infrared LEDs in EOS cameras. So even though I do own EOS cameras, I've only used old, fully manual cameras with this film.
You can either use a #12 yellow or light orange filter and get good results. While traveling, I would try to keep the film reasonably cool but don't be too concerned about it. I brought two rolls along on a 10 day trip in Canada in summer and never kept them cold. This included some time in a hot car. That wasn't ideal and I think I saw some slight red fog due to this careless treatment. Easy to filter out though if you are scanning the slides.

Lee Birder · Feb 8, 2017

Thanks so much for your reply -- this is a really good thread to know about. Looks like an orange filter might be better than a yellow for the look I am going for. Now I am wondering:
Does this film require you to adjust focus like other IR films?
Is 400 ASA the nominal speed rating with the yellow filter, or without?

mjork · Feb 8, 2017

No need to adjust focus. The yellow or orange filter will block all blue light. But any other wavelength from green to infrared will be recorded. So you still want to focus on the visible light. Maybe avoid large apertures to get more DOF, but I personally haven't noticed a problem with that.

The 400 speed is without considering the filter. With a #12 yellow filter, you loose exactly one stop of light in my experience (so an external light meter would need to be set to ISO 200). And depending on the strength of the orange filter, you loose between 1.5 and 2 stops.

Poisson Du Jour · Feb 8, 2017

Lee Birder said:
2. Is there any way I could use this film with my Canon EOS-1n? I've read that cameras with DX-coding sensors will fog the film with built-in LED sensors -- any way to skirt this issue?

The EOS 1N does not use infrared counters for the film or DX coding, and it is safe to use IR film in this camera with the standard back, but not with the E1 Command Back/Intervalometer.

EdSawyer · Feb 8, 2017

the 120 stuff from Dean on ebay is the real deal, he is basically the only source of it. I have several rolls from him. For 35mm, I'd source some real EIR that has been stored frozen. EOS-1 is fine with infrared, as mentioned. Dean has some good info on metering/exposing, and anywhere between 100-400 ASA depending on filter is about right. Processing as E6 or C41 makes a difference too.

Lee Birder · Feb 9, 2017

Again, thank you all for your replies! Glad to know that I will be able to use the EOS, and that I won't have to worry about adjusting focus. I'm thinking that I may jump on some 120. I don't know how well I'll be able to keep it cool in Cuba.
I read somewhere that it needs to be processed very quickly after being shot -- anyone have any experience with this?

Arctic amateur · Feb 9, 2017

EdSawyer: The FPP stuff is real infrared film, not a fake like Lomochrome.

The FPP has some advice about processing, in particular that not all labs can handle IR film: Dead Link Removed

Berri · Feb 9, 2017

I bought 3 rolls years ago from Germany, I tried both E6 and C41. I like the E6 results best, less grain and better colors (according to my taste) I still have one roll in the fridge I guess I'll use it this spring/summer. I used the orange IR filter and didn't correct the focus. Kodak should seriusly consider the Idea of bringing this emulsion back it would sell!

MattKing · Feb 9, 2017

Berri said:
Kodak should seriusly consider the Idea of bringing this emulsion back it would sell!

You will need to get the US military and some of the industries (like forestry) to reverse field and go back to this film from the digital they have transitioned to before that will ever happen.
This stuff was difficult and expensive to make, and only the high volumes used by the military and industry made it possible.

Considering FPP Aerochrome - Advice Needed!!

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