Ilford SFX 200

Ilford SFX 200 is a 35mm black and white film with extended red sensitivity, giving you the option to shoot it as a conventional black and white film or use filters to create something much more unusual.

At ISO 200, it is straightforward enough for everyday daylight photography, with a wide tonal range and full panchromatic sensitivity. The real fun starts when you add a yellow, orange or red filter. With stronger red filtration, skies can become much darker and green vegetation can take on a much lighter appearance, creating the distinctive look SFX is known for.

It is particularly interesting for landscapes, architecture, portraits and townscapes, especially in bright sunshine. It can also be used under tungsten studio lighting, making it more versatile than a film designed purely for a specific infrared effect.

SFX 200 is not true infrared film, but its extended sensitivity into the red part of the spectrum gives you some of the creative possibilities associated with infrared photography.

Best for

Creative black and white photography, landscapes, architecture, portraits, townscapes, bright daylight and experimenting with red filters.

What to expect

A 36 exposure roll of ISO 200 black and white film with extended red sensitivity. Shoot it normally for conventional results, or add a red filter for much more dramatic tonal effects.

Developing

Black and white negative film. SFX 200 is compatible with normal black and white developers. Ilford recommends some experimentation with exposure when using strong filters and suggests bracketing exposures when first getting familiar with the film.