120 Ilford SFX 200
Product information
120 Ilford SFX 200| Manufacturer | Ilford |
| Film | SFX 200 |
| Type | Black and White |
| ISO | 200 |
| Format | 120 Medium Format |
Ilford SFX 200 120: Infrared Magic in Medium Format
Photographing the invisible requires a very special emulsion. The Ilford SFX 200 120 film roll lets you capture light spectra that the human eye ignores. This film completely transforms the landscape. White foliage and dramatic black skies are possible using the right filter. It is the perfect tool for creators seeking dreamlike atmospheres in their medium format cameras.
What makes the Ilford SFX 200 special?
Its chemical secret lies in an extended red sensitivity up to 740 nm. Technically it is not a pure infrared, but a brilliant hybrid. This characteristic allows you to use it as a normal ISO 200 black and white. However, when you attach a dark red filter (such as an R72), the emulsion unleashes the famous "Wood effect." Tree leaves reflect infrared light and turn white, creating unmistakable surreal landscapes.
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Level up Move to Format 120.
If the sharpness of 35mm amazes you, imagine shooting this same emulsion in your medium format camera. Absolute detail for gallery enlargements.
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Technical Specifications of the Ilford SFX 200
Knowing the limits of this emulsion is vital to control the infrared effect. Here is the detailed technical data sheet.
| Feature | Technical Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Medium Format 120 |
| Nominal Sensitivity | ISO 200 (Without filter) |
| Emulsion Type | Black and White (Extended Sensitivity) |
| Spectral Sensitivity | Peaks up to 740 nanometers |
Technical Variables of the Film
- Contrast and Tonal Range: Moderate contrast without filtering. Extreme and dramatic contrast when using deep red filters, radically separating the highlights.
- Spectral Sensitivity: Absorbs far-red wavelengths. Turns the green of chlorophyll into pure white tones (Wood effect).
- Grain Structure: Classic grain, quite present. In the immense 120 negative, this texture provides a beautiful organic and painterly character.
- Acutance: Very defined. The outlines between the black sky and the white trees stand out with overwhelming sharpness.
- Resolution (Resolving Power): Excellent for large enlargements. Maintains structural detail even under dense filtering.
- Push/Pull Flexibility: Very malleable. Responds great to pushing to ISO 400 or 800, something almost mandatory to compensate for the light loss from the filter.
- Base Support and Antihalation Layer: Standard Ilford acetate base. It lacks the special antihalation layer of pure infrared films, avoiding annoying specular halos.
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Why buy your Ilford SFX at Camera Market?
We have accumulated more than ten years of experience processing experimental emulsions in our laboratory. We know perfectly the behavior of infrared films. We store the material under optimal thermal conditions to preserve its delicate red sensitivity. We ship urgently within 24/48 hours with detailed tracking. In addition, our technicians are available by phone to answer your questions about filtering or light metering.
Pros and Cons of the Ilford SFX 200
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Safe loading under dim light (does not require total darkness). | Requires expensive and dense filters (R72) for the real effect. |
| Standard development in any black and white chemistry. | The filter reduces the effective speed to ISO 6 or 12. |
| Works as a normal ISO 200 if you remove the filter. | Grain can be invasive if underexposed. |
Comparison Table: Infrared and Special Films
| Film Roll Model | Emulsion Type | Camera Loading |
|---|---|---|
| Ilford SFX 200 | Extended Sensitivity (Near-IR) | Normal low light |
| Rollei Infrared 400 | Pure Infrared (High contrast) | Total darkness mandatory |
| Ilford FP4 Plus | Standard Panchromatic | Normal low light |
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The essentials The most desired 35mm.
Discover the black and white 35mm format films that our regular customers buy the most. Proven quality.
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Development Times for Ilford SFX 200 (at 20°C)
Achieving dense blacks requires chemical precision. These are the proven times to get the most out of your 120 film roll.
| Developer | Dilution | Exposed ISO | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilford ID-11 / D-76 | Stock | 200 | 10:00 |
| Ilfotec DD-X | 1+4 | 200 | 10:00 |
| Adox Rodinal | 1+25 | 200 | 9:00 |
| Kodak HC-110 | Dilution B | 200 | 6:30 |
Camera Market Pro Tip: The Light Meter Deception
The most frustrating mistake with Ilford SFX 200 is getting completely transparent negatives after using an R72 filter. The problem lies in your light meter.
The correct technique: In-camera light meters do not read infrared light correctly through a dense filter. An R72 filter usually subtracts between 4 and 5 stops of light. If the film is ISO 200, your effective speed drops to ISO 6 or ISO 12. Meter the scene without the filter attached, adjust your exposure and then mathematically add the 5 additional stops of light before screwing on the filter and shooting. Always use a sturdy tripod.
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Physical Behavior and Scanability
Post-development handling is the main concern of those who process and digitize in their own home.
Flatness (Film Curling)
Ilford acetate is legendary for its stability. After drying, the film stays perfectly flat. It does not suffer the dreaded roof-tile curl common in polyester bases from other infrared brands. This makes it much easier to place in the masks of your Epson scanner, guaranteeing perfect focus across the entire 6×6 frame.
Inversion profiles (Scanning)
When inverting using SilverFast or Negative Lab Pro, be careful with the highlights. The infrared effect produces very dense whites in the negative (foliage). Use a linear contrast profile. Make sure not to clip the right side of the histogram so you don't lose the magical texture of the illuminated leaves.
At the Limit: Extreme Exposure and the Zone System
Explore the boundaries of this emulsion to avoid unpleasant surprises in your long exposures.
Reciprocity Failure
Using dark filters means long times. SFX suffers from moderate reciprocity failure. Apply this rule if your light meter reads more than 1 second:
- Metered 1 sec: Expose 2 sec.
- Metered 10 sec: Expose 30 sec.
- Metered 30 sec: Expose 110 sec.
Extreme Push and Pull
This film loves pushing. Pushing SFX to ISO 400 or 800 is a common practice to achieve decent shutter speeds with red filters. Contrast will increase dramatically, darkening skies even further and magnifying the dreamlike effect. Underdeveloping is generally not recommended, as it dampens the sought-after visual impact.
Dynamic Range Map
Dynamic range is heavily compressed when filtering. Deep shadows (Zones II and III) block up quickly. Always expose prioritizing the shadows if you want to preserve detail in areas where direct sunlight doesn't fall.
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Feed the push Microphen and DD-X developers.
Don't ruin your night session. Get the Ilford-specific liquid developers designed to safely push this film to ISO 3200 and 6400.
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Camera Market Pro Tip: Infrared focusing
A landscape with a perfect Wood effect is of little use if the image is slightly blurry. Infrared light does not focus on the same plane as normal visible light.
The red dot technique: Long wavelengths refract differently inside the lens. If you focus normally at infinity and shoot with an R72 filter, the landscape will be out of focus. Check the barrel of your medium format lens. You will see a red mark, dot or line near the central focus indicator. First focus normally. Then, manually shift that distance point to the infrared red mark before shooting. This will compensate for the focal shift and guarantee absolute sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ilford SFX 200 (FAQ)
Do I need to load Ilford SFX in total darkness?
No, it's not necessary. Unlike the pure infrared films of the past, SFX 200 has a more stable base and can be loaded and unloaded in low-light conditions, just as you would with any other standard black and white film roll.
What chemicals do I use to develop it at home?
Any standard black and white developer works perfectly (D-76, Rodinal, Ilfotec DD-X). It doesn't require special chemistry or complex processes, which makes it ideal for experimenting with infrared photography easily.
Is a filter mandatory to see the effect?
Without a filter, SFX acts as a normal ISO 200 panchromatic film with very nice contrast. However, to achieve the famous "Wood effect" (white foliage and black skies), you imperatively need a dark red filter (R72) or, at least, a strong red (Hoya 25A).
Does it have the same effect as the legendary Kodak HIE?
Not exactly. Kodak HIE was pure infrared and lacked an antihalation layer, which created a bloom in the highlights. SFX is a "near-infrared" film with an antihalation layer; it offers a similar look in vegetation and skies, but with much more controlled and modern sharpness.
How do I calculate exposure with the R72 filter?
The R72 filter is almost opaque and blocks most visible light. To obtain spectacular results, you will need to compensate between 4 and 5 stops of light relative to what your light meter reads without the filter, so using a tripod is usually essential.
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Unleash the real effect / R72 and chemical filters.
No filter, no magic. Equip yourself with our dark infrared filters and get the Ilfotec DD-X developer to achieve destructive and spectacular contrast in your home darkroom.
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Do you feel the need to break the conventional rules of landscape photography? The Ilford SFX 200 120 opens the doors to a surreal universe without the headaches of traditional infrared. Its handling stability and simple development make it the perfect entry into the invisible spectrum. At Camera Market, we take great care in storing this product so that you receive lively and reactive emulsions. Renew your vision, transform nature and give your medium format camera a completely new purpose. Add your SFX film rolls to the cart right now and take advantage of the security of our 24/48-hour shipping to start creating your own white magic.
120 Ilford SFX 200 is in <strong>perfect working condition</strong>. Each unit has been rigorously inspected by our specialized technical team, guaranteeing optimal performance.
The specific cosmetic condition (possible signs of use, superficial scratches, etc.) is detailed in the actual photos of the product and in the full description.
The purchase includes the 120 Ilford SFX 200 and a <strong>warranty</strong> against manufacturing defects. As this is a second-hand product, accessories (caps, lens hood, case…) <strong>vary by unit</strong>.
Want to know exactly what this specific unit includes before buying? <strong>Message us via the website chat</strong> and we'll confirm right away.
All our products include a <strong>warranty</strong> covering any manufacturing defect or technical failure.
<strong>You can extend the warranty of your item:</strong>
- <strong>12 months</strong> of full coverage for only <strong>{price_12}</strong> (one-time payment)
- <strong>24 months</strong> of maximum peace of mind for <strong>{price_24}</strong> (one-time payment) — <em>recommended</em>
We also offer <strong>14-day no-questions-asked returns</strong>. If you're not completely satisfied, you can return it for a full refund.
At Camera Market, most of our items are imported from Europe, so orders can take up to <strong>14 calendar days</strong> to arrive at your address.
However, we offer expedited delivery of <strong>4 to 5 business days</strong> for selected products with immediate availability. All shipments include a <strong>tracking number</strong> so you can track your order in real time.
Comprar the 120 Ilford SFX 200 reacondicionado y certificado en Camera Market te ofrece <strong>múltiples ventajas</strong>:
- <strong>Significant savings:</strong> Prices up to 40-60% lower than new, without compromising quality or performance
- <strong>Guaranteed quality:</strong> Each product is inspected, tested and verified by specialized technicians
- <strong>Warranty included:</strong> standard coverage, extendable with the optional extension
- <strong>Sustainable purchase:</strong> You contribute to the circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of electronics
- <strong>Accessible professional equipment:</strong> Get high-end models at more competitive prices
Our refurbished photography equipment maintains the same optical and technical performance as new. Depreciation does not affect image quality or performance, only the price.
