ROLLEI INFRARED 120 SIZE

Rollei Infrared 120 is a specialized black-and-white medium format film made for photographers who want to explore the distinctive visual world of infrared-style imagery. Known for its ability to record light beyond the visible spectrum into the near-infrared range, this film can create dramatic results such as bright white foliage, deep dark skies, luminous skin tones, and an unmistakably surreal atmosphere. In standard black-and-white use, it also performs as a capable high-speed film with strong contrast and a classic monochrome character.

This 120-size roll film is especially appealing to medium format shooters who want the larger negative area and enhanced tonal richness that the format provides. Whether you are photographing landscapes, abandoned architecture, portraits, or fine art subjects, Rollei Infrared 120 gives you creative flexibility that goes well beyond conventional panchromatic films.

With a nominal speed of ISO 400, Rollei Infrared 120 balances sensitivity and versatility well. It can be used as a regular black-and-white film for bold, contrast-rich images, or paired with infrared filters to unlock its signature near-infrared response. The film is also valued for its good sharpness and relatively fine grain for its speed class, making it a strong choice for photographers who want both creative effects and practical image quality.

• 120 medium format roll film
• Black-and-white film process
• ISO 400 rated speed
• Extended red and near-infrared sensitivity
• Strong sharpness and detailed rendering
• Excellent for landscapes, architecture, and experimental photography

One of the most compelling reasons to shoot Rollei Infrared 120 is its unusual tonal reproduction. Green foliage can turn pale or almost white, blue skies often become dramatically darker, and clouds can stand out with exceptional clarity. Water, stone, and man-made materials can also take on a distinct look that differs noticeably from standard black-and-white films. These effects become most pronounced when the film is used with an appropriate red or infrared filter.

Even without heavy filtration, the film offers a punchy monochrome look with crisp detail and rich separation. This makes it practical for photographers who want one stock that can serve both expressive and more traditional black-and-white purposes.

Medium format photography has long been favored for its larger image area, smoother gradation, and higher resolving potential compared to 35mm. When combined with infrared-sensitive emulsions, the result can be especially striking. Rollei Infrared 120 allows photographers to create negatives with substantial detail and a broad tonal range, making scans and darkroom prints look especially rich and dimensional.

For landscape photographers, the format helps maximize the clarity of fine textures such as leaves, grass, clouds, and rock formations. For portrait and fine art work, the larger negative can deliver a more refined tonal structure and a distinctive rendering that stands out from everyday monochrome photography.

Infrared photography requires a bit more care than shooting standard film, but the creative reward can be significant. Rollei Infrared 120 can be exposed in different ways depending on your chosen filter and the visual effect you want. Exposure adjustments are often necessary when using red, deep red, or true infrared filters, and metering can vary by camera, light source, and filtration strength. Many photographers bracket exposures to ensure the best result, especially when working in bright daylight scenes with high foliage content.

• Use bright sunlight for stronger infrared-style effects.
• Pair with a sturdy tripod when exposures become longer through deep filters.
• Bracket exposures when testing new filters or unfamiliar lighting.
• Consider red or infrared filters for more dramatic foliage and sky separation.
• Store unexposed film cool and dry to preserve performance.

Rollei Infrared 120 is a black-and-white film, so it can be processed through standard black-and-white chemistry rather than color processes. Development choices have a major influence on contrast, grain, and highlight control, allowing experienced film photographers to tailor the final result to their style. Scanning is often a practical route for infrared film users because it enables easy tonal adjustment and channel interpretation during post-processing, while darkroom printers can take full advantage of the film’s dramatic contrast and tonal depth.

As with most specialty films, careful handling is recommended. Load and unload film away from direct sunlight, and keep notes on exposure and filtration so you can refine your workflow over time.

Compared with conventional black-and-white 120 film, Rollei Infrared 120 offers expanded sensitivity in the red and near-infrared spectrum, enabling visual effects that ordinary panchromatic films cannot reproduce. Standard films may still be preferred for general documentary or portrait work where predictable tonal rendering is the goal, but Rollei Infrared stands apart when a more atmospheric, surreal, or interpretive look is desired.

It also differs from slower black-and-white films by providing ISO 400 speed, which can be helpful when handholding in brighter conditions or when using less aggressive filters. This makes it more flexible than some lower-speed specialty emulsions while still delivering the unique imaging possibilities that infrared-sensitive film enthusiasts seek.

• Red, deep red, or infrared filters for stronger infrared-style effects
• Lens hood to help reduce flare and maintain contrast
• Tripod for long filtered exposures
• Handheld light meter for more consistent exposure testing
• Archival negative sleeves for safe long-term storage
• Medium format film scanner or high-quality lab scanning service

Rollei Infrared 120 is a great choice for fine art photographers, landscape specialists, alternative-process enthusiasts, and medium format shooters who want something visually distinctive. It is especially well suited to photographers who enjoy experimenting with filtration, exposure, and tonal interpretation. Beginners can certainly use it, but it is most rewarding for those willing to test and learn the nuances of infrared-sensitive film.

The Rollei name has a long and respected history in photography, especially in medium format imaging. While the brand is famously associated with classic cameras, Rollei-branded films have also earned a strong following among analog photographers for offering specialized emulsions that support creative work. Infrared-sensitive black-and-white film occupies a unique niche in film photography history, having long been used for artistic, scientific, and exploratory applications. Rollei Infrared 120 continues that tradition by giving today’s medium format photographers access to a distinctive and expressive film stock.

• Product: Rollei Infrared
• Manufacturer Number: 8104120
• UPC: 4024951218112
• Film Size: 120
• Film Format: Medium Format
• Film Type: Black & White Film
• Film Speed: ISO 400
• Exposures: 12 exp (format dependent on camera frame size)
• Primary Use: Infrared-style black-and-white photography