When Maco (Germany), Agfa-Gevaert (Belgium), Foma (Czech Republic) and Harman (England) gets around

[Fortepun]

Let's take a look at the Rollei films, from a point of their infrared ranges. It's easy to say that most of the Rollei films are Aviphot Pan 80 or 200, or Kentmere 100 and 400 (RPX). However, there's a lot more going on, and it's pretty interesting, at least for me.

RPX 25: Aviphot Pan 80 / on Polyester / panchromatic / finished by Harman / NOT for the infrared range
Retro 80: Aviphot Pan 80 / on transparent Polyester (great for slides) / super-panchromatic / finished by Foma / for infrared (up to 750nm)
Superpan 200: Aviphot Pan 200 / clear Triacetate (great for slides) / panchromatic / finished by Foma / for infrared (up to 750nm)
Retro 400S: Aviphot Pan 200 / transparent Polyester (great for slides) / panchromatic / finished by Foma / NOT for infrared (limited to 730nm)
Infrared IR400: Aviphot Pan 400S 200 / transparent Polyester (great for slides) / panchromatic with extended IR sensitivity / finished by Agfa-Geaert) / for infrared (up to 750nm)

Basically: if you are using Retro 80 or Superpan 200, they are going be contrasty at box speeds, but give them more light and yellow/orange/red filters, and they will get closer to normal, all while ready for infrared as well (with an R72 filter).
Retro 400S isn't as good as Superpan 200. And it's possibly not up to 750nm to make sure you are buying the Infrared 400 instead, which is a more versatile film all around, even under its infrared range.

Cool, Belgium, and thank you, Agfa-Gevaert!

 

[polaromar]

Rollei IR is Aviphot 200 unless you're talking about the old Rollei IR, from many years ago. Aviphot 400 hasn't been produced in over a decade and the last respools were sold ~2018-2019, when JCH Streetpan quietly switched to Aviphot 200.

All panchro aerial film benefits from ~1-2 stops of overexposure due to the difference in contrast between aerial and ground photography. Adox's value add for HR-50 vs regular Aviphot 80 is the preflashing that they do, that controls the contrast enough for it to be reasonably shot at EI 50, rather than ~EI 25-30.

 

[Fortepun]

Rollei IR is Aviphot 200 unless you're talking about the old Rollei IR, from many years ago. Aviphot 400 hasn't been produced in over a decade and the last respools were sold ~2018-2019, when JCH Streetpan quietly switched to Aviphot 200.

All panchro aerial film benefits from ~1-2 stops of overexposure due to the difference in contrast between aerial and ground photography. Adox's value add for HR-50 vs regular Aviphot 80 is the preflashing that they do, that controls the contrast enough for it to be reasonably shot at EI 50, rather than ~EI 25-30.

Thank you!

 

[revdoc]

I hope most people know by now that the Rollei data sheets are of little relevance.

I buy RPX25 or Retro 80s, whichever is cheaper. I usually rate it at 25, which is a realistic speed for Aviphot 80 in non-aerial use. I find the recommended development times are also excessive, so adjust those as well. It's a good slow film when used this way.