p.1 #1 · Rediscovering Film – Looking for Lesser-Known Stocks
Hi everyone,
I’ve recently started shooting film again and absolutely love it—the tactile feel of the camera, the slap of the shutter, and that satisfying lever action when advancing the film. If film and developing weren’t so expensive, I’d honestly shoot nothing else.
So far, I’ve been really enjoying Tri-X for black and white, and like a lot of people, I jumped on the Cinestill train and did the classic night shots with Cinestill 800. I’m also familiar with the usual suspects like Fuji 400, Kodak Gold 200, and of course Portra.
What I’m looking for now are some less mainstream, maybe slightly off-the-radar film stocks to explore—things with interesting character, unique color palettes, or distinctive grain that aren’t just the standard big-name options.
I’ve also been curious about infrared film. I read somewhere that true infrared film isn’t being made anymore, but I’m not sure how accurate that is or what the current options are for that look (whether via actual film or “near IR” alternatives).
Would love to hear what more niche films you’re all shooting, what you like about them, and how you typically rate and develop them. Any recommendations for hidden gem stocks, black and white or color, would be greatly appreciated.
p.1 #2 · Rediscovering Film – Looking for Lesser-Known Stocks
Welcome to the club!
For infrared, try any of the respooled brands of Agfa Aviphot. I've mainly shot Rollei Superpan 200 and Reflx Lab Pan 200, which are the same film (Agfa Aviphot 200). It's also sold as Rollei Retro 400s, Rollei Infrared 400, and Catlabs 320 (although apparently there's a new version of Catlabs 320 that may be a different film stock). There's also Ilford SFX 200, which is its own thing. Any of these look really good with just a red filter, it adds a lot of drama, but if you want the infrared effect you'll need an R72 filter and shoot with a tripod unless you push the film (I push Aviphot to 1600 so I can do handeld shots at ISO 25 with the R72 filter).
The Film Photography Project has a lot of interesting and unusual film stocks in B&W and colour. Also look up Film Washi: it's a one-man film company in western France. He makes some films himself by coating washi paper with film emulsion that are tricky to develop and scan (most labs will refuse to touch it; I develop and scan it at home), but he also respools films that were never meant for regular photography, such as x-ray film, cinema sound-recording film, film for making printed circuit boards, and long-expired aerial surveillance film. I've shot most of these; I like Washi F, which is x-ray film, ISO 100, and it has a lot of cool halation effects.
Lomography makes some cool experimental films like Lomochrome Purple and Lomochrome Turquoise. Harman Shift Azure uses the same technique as Lomochrome Turquoise and the photos look very similar but they use different films as starting points.
For distinctive grain and character I like Fomapan 400; it's best shot at ISO 200, no need to ask the lab to pull it in development; if they develop it for box speed it'll look good. If you shoot it at 400 the shadows get very blocky and it looks underexposed.
Also check out orthochromatic films (never use a red filter on those films or your film will come out totally blank). Foma makes Ortho 400, the fastest orthochromatic film by a long shot, and it can be shot at ISO 400 no problem; it's best there. Ilford makes Ortho 80, which is a lovely film. There are a few others as well such as the fantastic Ferrania Orto. These will give you an older look; reminiscent of wet-plate collodion which is also orthochromatic (check out Sally Mann's large-format photos for examples of wet-plate collodion, which was also used extensively in the Civil War).
p.1 #3 · Rediscovering Film – Looking for Lesser-Known Stocks
Thanks for the detail reply! I completely agree that this hobby can get addicting. The thought of a completely new look with a different film stock is always exciting. Will definitely check some of these out!
p.1 #4 · Rediscovering Film – Looking for Lesser-Known Stocks
For IR film, I recommend specifically Rollei 400 IR film and overexpose about one 1-1.5 stops with R72 filter for best vibrant white foliage. Ilford SFX 200 is just a B&W film which is a bit more receptive for IR, but I wouldn't call it an IR film.
p.1 #6 · Rediscovering Film – Looking for Lesser-Known Stocks
tofunjay wrote:
Wow those images are otherworldly. I will definitely check our some Rollei 400 IR. Thanks!
Keep in mind that you only get this effect if you put an R72 filter on the lens. And if you shoot with an SLR you won't be able to see through once the filter is on the lens. Also, focus shifts with IR. Older lenses have an indicator for that, but you're effectively zone focusing.. IR on film is a PITA imo.. but the effect does look cool
For the opposite effect you could also try Ilford Ortho Plus 80. It's a film with weak / no red sensitivity, which can look very interesting for portraits. Not always flattering, but interesting
p.1 #9 · Rediscovering Film – Looking for Lesser-Known Stocks
I would specifically advise AGAINST Rollei IR films as they curl as heck and make scanning difficult as heck. Astrum IR-200 is a much better option. Way more difficult to get your hands as well.
Kodak technical pan is another fantastic option.
But aside from those two, I have found that I much prefer the current mainstream of film stocks - Acros II, FP4, HP5, Portra, Ektar, Velvia.
