Answers to several EIR questions

["Rolland Elliott" <rolland_elliott@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>>>And why is EIR so expensive?

Small demand = large price. It also so helps that Kodak has a monopoly on 
color IR film.  It is interesting to note that if you buy a roll of 100 foot 
long 70mm EIR, split it down the middle, and bulk load it you can get the 
cost down to $5 for a 36exp roll. So with a little bit of work and 
creativity, the cost becomes more reasonable. See the IR archives at:
http://www.pauck.de/archive/mailinglist/infrared/mhonarc/idx_author15.html
and look under my name (rolland elliott) for details.

>>>>“As for EIR.... you don't really have to load and unload in darkness do 
>>>>you? When I did EIR I loaded it in the dark just to be safe since it is 
>>>>SO expensive... but you can use it like regular film right as far as 
>>>>loading and unloading? –Holly”

>>>>:I am going to guess that loading the film in subdued light actually 
>>>>does fog the infrared layer to a certain extent. Because this layer is 
>>>>the middle of the three layers, it is somewhat protected (also, I 
>>>>believe that EIR has an anti-halation layer, which helps protect it 
>>>>further. If indeed there is slight fogging in the infrared layer, would 
>>>>we recognize it? Very probably not. OTOH, if we were measuring the color 
>>>>against a calibrated known, then we certainly would see the fogging.” 
>>>>–George

EIR does NOT have an antihalation layer.  To experience this for your self, 
load the film in fairly bright light (say in partial shade around noontime 
on a sunny day) rate your film at ISO=640, meter through a #12 yellow 
filter, and E-6 push process the film two stops. You’ll get nice red bands 
through the first 8 or 10 frames, exactly like the bands of density you get 
when you load HIE in light.

Kodak says to load color IR film (EIR) in total darkness because they want 
to protect the consumer against any possible fogging.  This is a reasonable 
precaution, but unecessary for the many people who rate it at around ISO=250 
and develope it in E-6 chemicals.  Unfortunately Kodak takes the same stance 
about 120 and 220 format IR films.  They claim they can’t manufacture 
120/220 IR films because IR light fogs the film from the edges.  They are 
right, but it is not noticible under most circumstances.  And if you can't 
notice it, it doesn't really matter.

Hopefully Kodak will realize one day that they can loosen up a bit and give 
more practical advice on the IR films they produce.  Right now they are 
letting the theory interfere with the art.  Until they change I’ll keep on 
cutting down 70mm IR films to 120 sizes.

Peace Rolland Elliott

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