Lomopedia: Efke IR820 Aura

A black and white true infrared film sought by many photographers interested in exploring infrared film photography, the Efke IR820 Aura was once the best option after Kodak announced the discontinuation of their High-Speed Infrared (HIE) film.

Editor’s note: New to infrared photography? Lomographer rater has explained some infrared photography basics in his detailed review of the Efke IR820 Aura; you might want to check it out before reading the rest of this post!

As shared on the I Shoot Film Flickr Group, Efke IR820 Aura has the same formulation as Efke IR820c but without the anti-halation backing. This layer is usually coated on the film base’s back, and absorbs the light that passes through the emulsion. The lack of this layer — as was the case in Kodak’s High-Speed Infrared film (HIE) — created the “glowing” effect typically seen in infrared film photography.

However, because of this lack of anti-halation layer, the Kodak HIE and Ekfe IR820 Aura should be loaded in very subdued light or total darkness so the first few exposures won’t be fogged.

The Efke IR820 Aura has a spectral sensitivity of 820nm, and should ideally be used with filters that are deep to opaque red to achieve white foliage and clouds, and coal-black waters and blue skies. Warm tones and lips will also appear white. Recommended filter for this film is the Hoya R72 filter, and the film speed rating should be set at 1 – 2 ISO. Aperture should be set at f/16, and the exposure time between 1 – 8 seconds. When shot without a filter, it has a film speed of 400 ISO, and you will typically get conventional black and white photographs.

Production for this infrared film has already stopped, so if by some rare chance you manage to spot one or more rolls, go ahead and get yourself some!

Try the Efke IR820 Aura 120 or Efke IR820 Aura 35mm, which gives your photos a soft and glowing effect. Ever imagined the trees and foliage tinted in white? How about black skies and water? These strange but breathtakingly beautiful effects are achieved with the use of a red filter and this infrared film. Enter a new photographic dimension and see our selection of Infrared films!

written by plasticpopsicle on 2014-02-04 #gear #lomopedia #black-and-white #review #efke-ir820-aura #infrared-film #lomopedia