Shooting with Rollei Infrared 400: A Complete Guide to Exploring Infrared Film Photography

Rollei Infrared 400 is a fascinating black and white film that allows photographers to capture surreal-looking images thanks to its sensitivity to near-infrared light. Dramatic skies, white foliage, and striking contrasts: this film opens the door to a unique form of artistic photography.

In this article, discover how to expose, filter, and compose your images to get the most out of Rollei Infrared 400.

Special thanks to Emilie Wouters for her remarkable work illustrating this article.

©Emilie Wouters

What is Rollei Infrared 400?

Rollei Infrared 400 is a panchromatic black and white film with extended sensitivity into the infrared spectrum (up to approximately 820 nm). Unlike historical infrared films, it remains usable as a standard film while offering IR effects when paired with the appropriate filter.

Key features

🎞️ Black and white negative film

📸 Nominal sensitivity: ISO 400

🌈 Extended sensitivity to near infrared

🧪 Standard black and white development

🎨 IR effects vary depending on the filter used

©Emilie Wouters

Why shoot infrared?

Infrared reveals a world invisible to the naked eye. Vegetation strongly reflects IR light, while the sky absorbs it.

Typical visual effects

• White or very bright foliage
• Dark, dramatic skies
• Smoothed skin in portraits
• Dreamlike, surreal atmosphere

👉 The rendering depends heavily on the filter used.

©Emilie Wouters

©Emilie Wouters

Essential filters for infrared photography

Without a filter, Rollei Infrared 400 behaves like a standard black and white film. IR filters unlock its full potential.

Recommended filters

• Red filter (25A): subtle IR effect, enhanced contrast
• Deep red filter (29): stronger IR effect
• Infrared R72 filter: spectacular rendering, white foliage

👉 The more visible light a filter blocks, the stronger the infrared effect.

©Emilie Wouters

Exposure settings by filter

Using an IR filter requires significant exposure compensation.

Example settings

⚠️ These values vary depending on light conditions and camera. Experimentation is essential.

©Emilie Wouters

Ideal conditions for infrared photography

Infrared photography depends heavily on sunlight.

For optimal results

☀️ Shoot in full sun

🌳 Target dense vegetation

🌤️ Include a sky with clouds

💧 After rain: highly reflective foliage

👉 Midday light is often ideal.

©Emilie Wouters

Perfect subjects for Rollei Infrared 400

Landscape

• Forests and parks
• Fields and meadows
• Isolated trees

Architecture

• Buildings contrasted against the sky
• Monuments surrounded by vegetation

Artistic portraiture

• Smoothed skin
• Darkened eyes and hair
• Ethereal effect

©Emilie Wouters

Shooting tips

1. Focus before attaching the filter

IR filters are very dark and make framing difficult.

2. Use a tripod

With very low effective ISO (e.g., 6–12 with R72), exposure times can be long..

3. Avoid light leaks

Some cameras allow IR light to enter through the viewfinder or film back.

4. Test multiple exposures

Infrared rendering varies greatly depending on conditions.

©Emilie Wouters

Development and rendering

Rollei Infrared 400 can be developed like a standard black and white film.

Expected results

• Fine to moderate grain
• Strong contrast with IR filters
• Rich texture detail

👉 Final rendering depends heavily on the developer and scanning process.

©Emilie Wouters

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Shooting in overcast weather

❌ Forgetting exposure compensation

❌ Using a very dark filter without a tripod

❌ Ignoring potential light leaks

Who is this film for?

Rollei Infrared 400 is especially suited to:

• Experimental photographers
• Lovers of artistic landscapes
• Conceptual series creators
• Curious analog photographers

©Emilie Wouters

Conclusion

Rollei Infrared 400 is an accessible gateway into infrared film photography. Versatile, surprising, and highly creative, it transforms ordinary scenes into spectacular images.

🎞️ With a bit of practice and the right filter, every shot becomes a visual exploration beyond the visible spectrum.

Buy Rollei Infrared 400 film in our online shop