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Start at SFX 200’s daylight rating of ISO 200, then choose a filter for the look you want and account for that filter’s exposure factor. ILFORD describes SFX 200 as a film with extended red sensitivity up to 740 nm that can produce an infrared-style look—not as true infrared film. Metering through a deep red filter can be unreliable on some cameras, so bracket rather than trusting one reading.
How do I meter ILFORD SFX 200 with a red filter?
Use ISO 200 as your starting speed. If you meter without the filter, apply the factor for the actual filter—or the manufacturer’s stated equivalent—before exposing. If you meter through the filter with a camera’s TTL meter, take extra care: ILFORD warns that some systems can underexpose by up to 1½ stops with deep red or orange filters.
- Set the meter to ISO 200. This is ILFORD’s daylight speed rating for SFX 200.
- Choose how to meter. With an external meter or a TTL reading taken before fitting the filter, apply the filter factor. With TTL metering through the fitted filter, use the reading as a starting point rather than assuming it is accurate.
- Bracket. ILFORD’s November 2018 technical sheet advises bracketing ±2 stops from either the filtered TTL reading or the reading with the filter factor applied.
- Evaluate the negatives. For a camera-specific check, the sheet suggests exposing a bracket at EI 200 with the filter on, then choosing the best negative and adjusting exposure for subsequent rolls.
When metering without the filter, the factor converts to exposure as follows:
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|---|---|---|
| Red, Wratten 25 | 2.8 | 1½ stops |
| Deep red, Wratten 29 | 3 | 1⅔ stops |
| Very deep red, Wratten 89B | 16 | 4 stops |
These are guide values for the listed filter colors and Wratten equivalents, not a universal factor for every filter sold as “infrared.” Check the instructions for your particular filter and bracket, since transmission can vary between models.
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Which filter gives the strongest infrared-like effect?
Filter choice is the main creative variable: ILFORD says SFX 200 can be used with yellow, orange, or red filters, and that redder filters produce a more dramatic result. A deep red filter can render blue skies almost black and green vegetation almost white. The stronger effect generally comes with a greater exposure increase.
| Filter example in ILFORD’s guide | Factor | Effect and exposure trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Very light yellow, Wratten 3 | 2 | A comparatively light filter; factor corresponds to a 1-stop increase. |
| Red, Wratten 25 | 2.8 | 1½-stop increase. |
| Deep red, Wratten 29 | 3 | 1⅔-stop increase; can give the dramatic sky and vegetation effect described above. |
| Very deep red, Wratten 89B | 16 | 4-stop increase; the darkest option in this guide and a substantial exposure cost. |
The sheet does not give a specific factor for every aftermarket infrared filter. Confirm the factor supplied for your filter rather than transferring one of these values to a different model.
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- 2 rolls of film
- ISO 400
- 35 mm
- 36 poses
- Black and white film
How much exposure should I use in bright sunlight?
For illustration, ILFORD gives about 1/30 second at f/5.6 in bright sunlight with a deep red filter. This is an example, not a universal recipe: actual light, filter transmission, and your camera’s metering behavior affect the exposure. Very dark filters can lead to long shutter times; use a tripod when needed.
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How should I focus and handle SFX 200?
Focus before mounting a deep red filter
A deep red filter makes focusing difficult, so focus first and then fit the filter. ILFORD also notes that some lenses focus red light at a slightly different point from white light. With short to moderate focal lengths, stopping down to the smallest working aperture can accommodate the difference; some apochromatic lenses may need no correction.
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- ISO200, 36EXP
- 35MM Color Negative Film
- C-41 Processing
- DX Coded
Load and process it like black-and-white film
Load SFX 200 in subdued light; total darkness is not required. The film works with normal black-and-white developers. As one official example, ILFORD lists ID-11 stock for 10 minutes at 20°C; consult the current product instructions for the full development details.
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- Low Speed Color Negative: for kodak gold 200 35mm gold film is a low speed color negative.
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