Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

When Kodak pulled out of the film market, I tried every infrared film available from B&H and the Efke Aura is the only one that can compare to Kodak's true infrared film. Only the Aura gives that great hazy glow that is part of the infrared experience. While it's not quite as sharp as the old Kodak film, I would still highly recommend it.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

I have used this film in a Kodak Stereo 35 and a Pentax K1000 with 25A filters and had direct positive processing done by dr.5. It is absolutely necessary to load and unload in low light. Excellent grainy photos, but noticed the occasional pinhole flaw in the film. Somewhat lacking in contrast. Fun to play with.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

It is the closest replacement to Kodak High Speed Infrared! I usually use a Hoya R72 filter and compensate +6 Stops at ISO 200.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

I used this film for a project in school. My camera broke halfway through this roll so I only got 15 exposures. What I did capture does look nice overall, so I am happy with the product.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

If used correctly, this film gives the most beautiful aura to the most simplest things.

Load in as close to complete darkness if you can.
If you camera has a film window, cover it!

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

I shot a roll of Efke IR820 in 120 form with my Mamiya 645 and thought I might try the 35mm version with my F100. The results for both shoots were so-so, but that was because with the Mamiya, I used an 25 red filter. So, I bought a B&W 092 for the Nikon and got better results, but now I understand I should have bought a Hoya R72, which cuts off at 720nm. So, go for that one. Another alternative film is Rollei IR. I've seen a lot of good results with this. It's also somewhat less expensive. In fact, the reason I didn't give this film the 5 stars is because of the cost. I think the key to successful IR is to experiment. For development, I used Xtol @ 1 to 2 dilution, @68 degrees F, for 16 minutes. Oh yes, with both the 120 and 35mm (especially), LOAD IT IN THE CAMERA IN COMPLETE DARKNESS AND DO THE SAME WHEN REMOVING THE ROLL FROM THE CAMERA TO LOAD THE DEVELOPING TANK! I also covered the window on the back of the F100 with electrical tape.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

The halo effect is extremely visible, as described. And the tonal range of the blacks, white and grays is very wide. I've made some beautiful prints with this film onto matte paper that are not too contrasted and perfect to be hand tinted! Just make sure you load and unload the film into your camera in complete darkness.

I gave 4 stars because there is no ISO on the package. But I shot at ISO/ASA 25 and it worked great in lit areas. Don't shoot in low light, obviously. Also, focus about 6 inches in front of what you truly wish to focus on... This is a weird film; bracket just in case... but a nice film for fine art photography.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

No issues

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

Shot this on a cloudy day and still got some nice halo effects. This film is grainier than Rollei infrared, so be forewarned. It's also so sensitive that it picked up the pattern from my camera's pressure plate on a couple of exposures. Still, a very nice substitute for Kodak infrared.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

Use a B+W 092 filter with either Efke IR anti-halation and halation films. I prefer using the anti-halation, because of the sharp focus and fine art photography look. The B+W 092 Filter brings-out all the IR effects without the gimiky look of auras. Though auras a great for graphic artwork, and Efke Aura IR works well with this filter.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

This film works great when you know what ISO to shoot it at. I looked on the entire box and couldn't find what to shoot at. So I shot at 800...Hahaha. For anyone that is reading this shoot at 25. I know sounds crazy but that is what you are supposed to shoot it at. I ended up processing for 16 minutes...double the time. Otherwise the quality is great.

Comments about Efke AURA IR820 35mm Black and White Infrared Film:

This stuff is really cool. You need to get a real infrared filter to use this film. A medium red filter won't give you the effect you need. This is one of the few viable alternatives since other manufacturers have abandonned infrared. Use a infrared filter and a tripod for best results. You must load this in darkness. Get a changing bag too. Works well with rangefinder cameras.