Which filter for SFX IR ?

[Peter Rockstroh01]

Hoya sells a transparent RM-72 IR/UV Filter and a very dark R-72 IR Filter. According to several references, they are one and the same. Obviously not. Has someone tested both on Ilford's SFX 200 to see the effect ?

 

[MattKing]

The IR/UV filter cuts out both UV and IR light, leaving just the visible part of the spectrum. If you use SFX with it, you will end up with just a standard looking, slightly grainy negative.

The IR filter is the one that looks opaque. It transmits the near infrared light, and blocks out much of the visible light. It is the one you need if you are looking for the IR (Wood) effect.

 

[Peter Rockstroh01]

Thank you Matt ! The RM-72 turned out to be an expensive wrong choice. Apart from producing slightly grainy negatives, does it have any benefits ?

 

[MattKing]

Thank you Matt ! The RM-72 turned out to be an expensive wrong choice. Apart from producing slightly grainy negatives, does it have any benefits ?

For digital sensors IR can be a problem, so if a camera lacks a built in IR filter, it will be helpful.

And UV filters help filter out UV, so there is benefit there.

 

[removed-user-1]

Some photographers use DSLR cameras modified to see "full spectrum" (the internal filter was removed). These are used with various UV or IR filters for special purposes. The RM72 would allow such a camera to be used as a normal DSLR.

 

[DcAnalogue]

Just posted some days ago in my blog the results of a test shot made with sfx (and one with Rollei IR 400) and a cheap chinese filter IR 720 (about 10€) .....
You can evaluate (and compare Ilford sfx with Rollei IR 400) by yourself the results..... HERE