Rollei Infrared 400

Rollei Infrared 400 is Maco/Rollei's near-infrared-sensitive B&W film — extends sensitivity to ~750nm (further than Ilford SFX 200's 740nm), allowing stronger IR-aesthetic effects with appropriate filtration. Rollei Infrared 400 is one of the few extended-IR films still in production after the discontinuation of Kodak HIE (true infrared, sensitive to ~900nm).

Key features

• ISO 400 rated under daylight (without filter)
• Extended sensitivity to ~750nm — captures more near-IR than Ilford SFX 200
• Use with deep red filter (Hoya R72, Wratten 89B, 720nm cut) for strong IR effect
• Effective EI 6-25 with R72 filter
• Polyester base (not acetate) — handles slightly differently in some processing
• Available in 35mm, 120, and 4×5 sheet in current production
• Manufactured by Maco in Germany under the Rollei brand

Workflow

Without filter (normal panchromatic use):

• Box-speed exposure at EI 400; standard development
• Slightly more contrast than HP5+ at the same speed

With R72 filter (IR-effect use):

• Meter without filter; multiply exposure by 64-128; tripod required
• Effective EI 6-12 in daylight
• Develop normally — IR effect captured during exposure
• Foliage renders white; sky renders dark; haze penetrates dramatically

Practical notes

• Rollei Infrared 400's stronger IR sensitivity (vs Ilford SFX 200) produces more dramatic IR-aesthetic effects
• Polyester base is more dimensionally stable but feels different to handle
• Cold storage extends shelf life — IR films oxidize faster than panchromatic
• Available in 4×5 sheet — one of the few large-format IR-sensitive films in current production

Related films

• Ilford SFX 200 — Ilford alternative; less extended IR (740 vs 750nm)
• Rollei RPX 400 — sibling Rollei panchromatic film at same speed
• Ilford HP5 Plus 400 — standard panchromatic alternative