Ilford SFX 200

Ilford SFX 200 is Ilford's extended-red-sensitive B&W film — sensitive into the near-infrared (~740nm), used with a deep red filter (Hoya R72 or Wratten 89B) to produce infrared photography effects: white foliage, dark skies, dramatic atmospheric haze penetration. SFX 200 is not a true infrared film (it's a panchromatic film with extended red sensitivity), but the IR-effect results closely approximate true IR film like the discontinued Kodak HIE.

Key features

• ISO 200 rated under daylight (without filter)
• Extended red sensitivity to ~740nm — captures near-IR but not deep-IR
• Use with deep red filter (Hoya R72, Wratten 89B, or 720nm cut filter) for IR effect
• Effective EI 6-12 with R72 filter — requires tripod in normal lighting
• Standard panchromatic-film handling — develops in normal B&W chemistry under safe-light protocols (no IR-darkroom required, unlike true IR film)
• Available in 35mm and 120 in current production

Workflow

Without filter (normal panchromatic use):

• Box-speed exposure at EI 200; standard development
• Slightly more contrast than HP5+ at the same speed; finer grain than Delta 3200

With R72 filter (IR-effect use):

• Meter without filter; multiply exposure by 64-128 (6-7 stops); use tripod
• Effective EI 6-12 in daylight
• Develop normally — extended red sensitivity is captured during exposure, not modified in development
• Foliage renders white (chlorophyll reflects strong NIR); sky renders dark

Practical notes

• Not a true IR film — true IR films (Kodak HIE, Rollei IR 400) extend further into the IR spectrum and produce stronger IR effect
• R72 filter is mandatory for the IR aesthetic — without it, SFX 200 just looks like a slightly extended-red panchromatic film
• Cold storage extends shelf life; SFX has shorter usable life than other Ilford films
• Available in 35mm and 120 in current production

Related films

• Rollei Infrared 400 — alternative extended-red-sensitive film at higher speed
• Ilford HP5 Plus 400 — standard panchromatic alternative when IR effect isn't needed
• Ilford Delta 400 — alternative B&W at faster speed
• Ilford Ortho Plus 80 — opposite spectral extreme; blue-green-only