Table of contents
Currently available is a prototype production of 35mm film in cartridges as well as 4x5" sheet film.
Standard production will take place in February 2000.
Generally, the graininess of infrared films is dependent on the choice of the developer, even more so than with "conventional films". We recommend the use of LP-Docufine LC. This developer will assure excellent results, the negatives show unusually fine grain and yield a wide tonal range.This is especially important if shooting under contrasty lighting con-ditions.
Currently, photographers who are seriously working in the field of infrared photography, whether pictorial /
experimental or scientific, need a high infrared sensitization to achieve strikingly different images as compared to pan-chromatic films with extended red sensitivity.
However, available films of this type feature a grey colored base thus having a higher base fog level and halo phenome-nons
The MACO IR820c films have a special Anti-halation coating (see note for processing) in combination with a very stable crystal clear polyester base.
This feature is advantageous for pictorial and scientific applications:
Film speed and contrast range are similar to infrared films already being available (spectral sensitivity of 750 nm and up).
For short to medium term storage (several months) store at 3-5°C / 37-41 F in the refrigerator.
For longterm storage deep freezing at -18°C / 0 F is recommended. Higher storage tempertures may lead to fogging of the films.
Note: Before using stored films, please allow films to reach room temperature within the film container. This avoids con-densation of moisture. After exposure develop promptly.
Handling - Loading and unloading of cameras:
To avoid fogging load and unload your camera in complete darkness, either in your darkroom or by using a changing bag (available as an accessory at almost any dealer).
Cameras with metal backs and/or metal pressure plate are usually safe for use
(cameras or data backs using IR diodes may cause fogging). If in doubt, check
with your camera manual or the manufacturer whether your camera is safe for use
with highly sensitized infrared films.
Esoecially if using filters which block most or all of the visible spectrum,
a focus adjustment is necessary. Most lenses have an IR index. For those which
have not, extend the focus by 1/100 of the focal length. If shooting landscapes
at the infinity setting and the lens is closed down to f=8, depth of field is
usually sufficient. For close up photography a more critical ap-proach as
described above is necessary. Start with wide angle rather than with telephoto
lenses due to the better depth of field and thus less critical focusing.
Preferably use stainless steel developing tanks or wrap aluminum foil around plastic tanks or develop in complete dar-kness.
Important: As the antihalation coating is water dissolvable, a prewash of one
minute before development will be carried out in order to remove it. The prewash
water will have a greenish blue color.
All given times are to be viewed as a guideline and are based on 21°C / 70 F. Agitate the first 30 seconds constantly, then once every 30 seconds! Thus the best possible acutance (edge sharpness) will be achieved.
Following chart has been worked out by using a PENTAX Spotmeter in combination with an infrared filter HELIOPAN 695 (89B) for close up photography.
| Manufacturer/product | Dilution | Measure | time in min. | ISO Speed setting |
| Kodak XTOL |
(1+3) |
Spot |
14 |
12/12° = N+3 |
| Kodak XTOL |
(1+3) |
Integral |
14 |
50/18° = N+3 |
| LP Docufine LC |
(1+4) |
Spot |
7 |
32/13° = N+2 |
| LP Docufine LC |
(1+4) |
Integral |
7 |
40/17° = N+2 |
| LP-GRAIN liquid |
(1+7) |
Spot |
7 |
40/17° = N+2,5 |
| FIXING | ||||
| LP-FIX SUPRA | (1+7) | 5 |
Preferably use LP-FIX SUPRA, a high energy rapid fixer based on X-Ray
technology, rather than using a conventional fixer(e.g. MACO ecofix). After
washing has been completed, the use of LP-MASTERPROOF wetting agent is
recommended, more so with polyester base.
General photography makes use of light visible for humans (400 - 700 nm). If you expose infrared senistized films without filter, the visible part of the light spectrum would also be recorded. Strikingly different and interesting images can be achie-ved in portrait/nude, landscape and experimental photographic areas if you block the visible light by filters. For experi-mental /pictorial photography following filters are proven (spectral transmission):
695 nm, Kodak 89B, as well as 715 nm, Kodak Wratten 88A. HELIOPAN-Filter 695
+ 715 are screw in type with threaded metal frame and are available for many
lens diameters.
Without filter the MACO IR 820c film should be exposed with a setting of ISO 200/24° - ISO 400/27° depending on image contrast and the developer.
As humans as well as standard exposure meters can only see and measure the visible spectrum it is difficult to state preci-se ISO settings for use with filters. Best seasons for outdoor photography are late spring to early autumn. Outdoors, on sunny days, infrared radiation is stronger before noon and past noon.
Therefore, preferably use a tripod ! Tests with the MACO IR820c in combination with HELIOPAN 715 have shown that exposure can be based on an effective film speed of ISO 25/15° depending on available infrared radiation.
Individual notes are most helpful for gaining experience being helpful in mastering this special but very attractive photogra-phic area..
Starting point: Set your camera/exposure at ISO64/19° and make three exposures bracketing one f-stop over and under.