What exposure compensation should I use with Ilford SFX 200 and a Hoya R72 filter?
Asked 5/17/2018
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I’m shooting Ilford SFX 200 with a Hoya R72 infrared filter and I’m unsure how much extra exposure to give. Roughly how many stops should I add compared with an unfiltered meter reading, and are there any other factors to watch for when exposing this combination?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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SFX200 is sensitive to light up to 740nm.
The Hoya R72 blocks all wavelengths up to 720nm.
So, first and foremost, you need to be aware that you are photographing a range that you can't see and your camera can't meter - and it's a very slim range at that.
Ilford's Tech Info recommends increasing the exposure by 4 stops over what your meter would say when the filter is off.
But, that's not quite the whole story. If your shutter speeds are starting to get long, you may have to also account for reciprocity failure. Ilford lists a correctional factor of exposure^1.43.
But, also consider that IR light is both absorbed and reflected differently than visible light. For example, it gets absorbed by water and scattered and reflected by foliage. You'll have to keep this in mind, especially when it comes to shadow detail.
So, the reality is: taking a meter reading and then adjusting by 4 stops will be your baseline. You'd be wise to bracket your shots.
Sidenote: Also be aware that IR focuses differently as well. Lenses typically have an IR adjustment line/lines/dot. You'll need to obtain focus and then minutely move the focus using the IR guide.
Originally by user67377. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67377
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A good starting point is about +4 stops over the meter reading taken without the filter. That matches Ilford’s guidance for SFX 200 with a deep IR filter.
In practice, many photographers bracket around +4 to +6 stops, with about +5 stops often working well depending on the scene and light. Infrared response varies a lot by subject: foliage tends to reflect IR strongly, while water absorbs it, so exposure can shift from scene to scene.
Also watch for reciprocity failure if exposures get long. For SFX 200, additional correction may be needed beyond the filter compensation at slower shutter speeds.
A few practical tips:
- Meter without the filter, then add roughly 4 stops.
- Bracket if possible, especially at +4, +5, and +6 stops.
- Bright sun usually gives the strongest IR effect.
- Avoid opening the aperture too much, since infrared focus can shift; stopping down helps.
So the short answer: start at +4 stops, but expect to bracket and often land closer to +5 depending on conditions.
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