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A common canard has it that weird, surreal photographic effects are modern phenomena, entirely the doing of those Adobe Photoshop jockeys and their digital cameras. Well, actually, the digital dudes and divas are just copying the antics of “conventional” photographers of, oh, the last 125 years. And one of the most time-honored techniques is the use of offbeat and oddball films, such as emulsions originally intended for scientific purposes (notably infrared). Here’s a baker’s half-dozen “different” films you may want to try when you’re bored with Anycolor 400.
The usual disclaimers: You won’t get any of these developed at your local minilab. As noted, most are jobs for a custom lab, or, in the case of any of the black-and-white films, home processing. Some films also have serious handling precautions. Check manufacturers’ web sites for complete info before taking the leap.
FILM, PRICE, CONTACT: Kodak Ektachrome Professional Infrared (EIR), $22 street for 36-exposure roll. www.kodak.com
CLAIM TO FAME: Psychedelica without pharmaceuticals—magenta trees!
BEST THING: It’s like One-Stop Photoshop for sunny landscapes and flowers
WORST THING: You have to load and unload in total darkness (use a changing bag in the field) and keep it in the outer canister until processed. Custom-lab E-6 slide processing is best choice.
TIPS: Best with a yellow filter (No. 12) over the lens. ISO index is advisory—bracket like mad.
FACTOIDS: Intended technical purposes include materials testing—showing cracks or stresses. Not great for portraits unless you’re going for the surreal look.
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| © Russell Hart |
FILM, PRICE, CONTACT: Ilford SFX 200, $7 street for 36-exposure roll. www.ilford.com
CLAIM TO FAME: Infrared effect without tears
BEST THING: Fine-grained images with predictable exposures
WORST THING: Best with home or custom-lab processing
TIPS: Landscapes are best with a deep red (No. 25) filter over the lens. Don’t use a black infrared filter—you won’t get anything!
FACTOIDS: Regular panchromatic film with extended sensitivity in red. While it lightens most skin tones in portraits, it does suppress facial blemishes. Less infrared effect than true infrared films, but very sharp and fine-grained, far easier to work with.
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