Choose Ilford SFX 200 for an extended-red film that can produce an infrared-style image with a deep red filter; choose Rollei INFRARED if you want a manufacturer-described infrared-sensitive black-and-white stock with a more variable foliage effect; consider Kodak HIE as a legacy option for its historically stronger, grainier infrared look. They are not interchangeable: film response, filtration, exposure and development all shape the result.
How the three films differ
| Film | Documented sensitivity | Filter guidance | Reported rendering | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilford SFX 200 | ISO 200 extended-red black-and-white film; Ilford’s 2022 explanation places its useful extended response around 650–750 nm. Ilford product page; Ilford, 29 September 2022 | Ilford recommends a deep red filter for an infrared-style effect; an older comparison sheet identifies R72 for a stronger effect. | Deep red filtration can make blue skies nearly black and green vegetation nearly white. An older comparison describes finer grain and less foliage lightening than HIE. | A practical starting point for photographers who want a subtler effect and less restrictive handling. |
| Kodak HIE | The older comparative sheet calls it the strongest infrared-sensitive film among the three, but does not provide a current Kodak sensitivity specification. Comparative data sheet, copyright 1996–2007 | The sheet says strong effects require less filtration than with the other compared films; it does not establish a universal filter or exposure recipe. | Described in the comparative sheet as grainier and more dreamlike, with stronger foliage effects than SFX 200. | Photographers seeking the historical HIE look who can verify the age and storage of any roll offered for sale. |
| Rollei INFRARED | Rollei describes it as a hyperpanchromatic black-and-white negative film with response from 650–750 nm and nominal sensitivity of ISO 200/24° to 400/27°. Rollei INFRARED product information | The comparison sheet recommends R72 and says a #25 filter can also be used. | The older comparison describes fine grain relative to HIE and a split foliage effect: some foliage appears bright while some appears darker. | A choice for photographers seeking a manufacturer-described infrared-sensitive stock and more varied foliage rendering than SFX 200. |
The rendering descriptions for HIE, SFX 200 and Rollei come from a comparative sheet dated/copyrighted 1996–2007, not a current controlled test. Its author cautions that filtration, exposure and development can increase or reduce contrast, so treat those descriptions as orientation rather than a guaranteed ranking.
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Is Ilford SFX 200 true infrared film?
No. Ilford describes SFX 200 as ISO 200 black-and-white film with extended red sensitivity, not a traditional infrared film. Photographer Scott Allen’s 29 September 2022 Ilford article explains the distinction and gives an extended response range of roughly 650–750 nm. A deep red filter can still create a convincing infrared-style effect, but that does not make SFX 200 equivalent to a stock with the stronger infrared response associated with HIE in the older comparison.
Ilford says that with a deep red filter, SFX 200 can render blue skies almost black and green vegetation almost white. That is the intended look, not a guarantee: the scene, filter, exposure and development affect the negative.
#1 Best Overall
- 3-pack of FUJIFILM 200 Color Negative Film with 36 exposures per roll, ideal for vibrant, everyday photography.
- ISO 200 film provides excellent color reproduction and fine grain for clear, sharp images.
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor shooting conditions, great for portraits, landscapes, and snapshots.
- BluebirdSales Microfiber Cleaning Cloth included to keep camera lenses free of dust and smudges.
- Ideal for photographers of all levels seeking bright, true-to-life photos with easy maintenance accessories.
What filter should you use?
Ilford SFX 200
Start with a deep red filter, Ilford’s recommendation for an infrared-style image. For a stronger effect, the older comparison sheet identifies an R72 infrared filter. A more restrictive infrared cutoff changes which light reaches the film and may require longer exposure, so do not assume the same exposure adjustment will work in every camera or scene.
Rollei INFRARED
The older comparison sheet recommends an R72 filter for Rollei INFRARED and notes that a #25 filter can also be used. These filters do not produce identical results: the choice changes the visible-red contribution and the strength of the effect.
Rank #2
- Ilford 1780624 Delta 100 Professional Black-and-White Film, ISO 100, 35mm 36-Exposure (2 Pack)
Kodak HIE
The comparison sheet says HIE can produce strong effects with less filtration than the other two films. It does not provide a universal filter-and-exposure setting, so establish a working approach with the particular roll, camera and processing method.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor any filter, match its thread diameter to the lens or use an appropriate adapter. Bracket exposures when first testing a film-and-filter combination; nominal film speed alone is not enough to determine the right exposure through a filter.
Rank #3
- FUJIFILM 200 COLOR NEGATIVE FILM – Versatile 35mm color negative film designed for everyday photography, travel, family moments, portraits, and creative projects.
- 36 EXPOSURES PER ROLL – Each roll provides 36 exposures, giving you plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments with a compatible 35mm film camera.
- 3-PACK – 108 TOTAL EXPOSURES – Includes three rolls of Fujifilm 200 film, with 36 exposures per roll for a total of 108 exposures.
- VIBRANT, NATURAL-LOOKING COLORS – Produces pleasing color and natural-looking results, making it a versatile choice for a wide variety of photographic situations.
- GREAT FOR EVERYDAY PHOTOGRAPHY – Ideal for vacations, family gatherings, special occasions, portraits, outdoor photography, and everyday snapshots.
Handling and processing are not interchangeable
Ilford SFX 200
Ilford says SFX 200 can be loaded in subdued light and processed in standard black-and-white developers. Its product information includes example times for named Ilford developers, but use the current technical sheet for the exact developer, dilution and exposure index you plan to use: Ilford SFX 200 product information.
Kodak HIE
Handle HIE conservatively as a light-sensitive legacy infrared material. Kodak’s October 2006 general darkroom illumination guide says high-speed infrared films must be handled in total darkness; this is general Kodak guidance, not a current HIE-specific technical sheet. Kodak Publication K-4, October 2006.
Rank #4
- Classic 35mm Color Negative Film: This C200 film is ISO 200 daylight balanced, delivering natural color saturation and smooth grain for everyday analog photography.
- Standard 135 Format with 36 Exposures: Fits all 35mm film cameras, providing 36 shots per roll to capture street, travel, portrait, and outdoor daylight moments.
- Universal C-41 Process: Compatible with standard C-41 color negative film developing services worldwide, easy to process at any photo lab.
- Reliable Performance for Beginners & Hobbyists: Balanced ISO 200 speed offers consistent exposure in natural light, ideal for casual shooters and film photography enthusiasts.
- Daylight-Optimized Color Rendering: Formulated for daylight conditions, producing vibrant, true-to-life colors with natural skin tones and stable contrast.
Rollei INFRARED
Rollei publishes sensitivity and development information for INFRARED. Follow the current package and manufacturer data for the chosen developer rather than transferring times from another film: Rollei INFRARED product information.
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Can you still buy Kodak HIE?
The available manufacturer information does not establish HIE’s exact discontinuation date or current used-market availability. Treat it as a legacy stock, not as a film whose fresh production or retailer inventory is confirmed. If you find a roll, verify its expiry date, storage history, packaging condition and seller provenance before buying; age and storage can make a major difference to what you receive.
Best Value
- Perfect for low-light and action shots
Ilford’s product page lists SFX 200 in 35mm and 120, and Rollei maintains a product page for INFRARED. Those pages describe the products, but do not confirm live retailer stock or shipping to a particular country. Check local availability separately.
Which one should you choose?
- Pick SFX 200 if you want extended-red sensitivity, the option of a pronounced infrared-style look with deep red filtration, and simpler loading and processing guidance.
- Pick Rollei INFRARED if you want a stock Rollei describes as infrared-sensitive, with a stated 650–750 nm range and nominal ISO 200/24° to 400/27° sensitivity. Expect to determine exposure and filtration for your own setup.
- Consider HIE if the historical, grainier infrared rendering is the point and you are prepared to assess a legacy roll’s provenance and condition.
For any of the three, make a test roll before committing an important shoot. Use the current stock data, keep notes on filters and exposure, and develop according to the chosen film’s own instructions.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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