I'm using Kodak HIE. Can it be loaded and unloaded in a changing bag? Since I've never used this film before how can I tell if it's fogged? Are the unexposed parts supposed to be totally clear or somewhat grey? Which developer is best.

Thanks. lisa

-- Lisa (takeishi@earthlink.net), September 18, 1999

Answers

135 or 4x5? I use both. When I load my 35mm all I do is go somewhere that has a low light level. Under a tree or in a bathroom/bar. anywhere that has a low light level. For my 4x5 I load it in "TOTAL" darkness. My darkroom. It can be loaded in a bag but if you touch the emulsion with your fingers or hand it will leave oils that will be very apparent on the developed film and subsequent print. James

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), September 19, 1999.

If it fogs when you load it, only the early frames will suffer, so if you see a difference in background density between frame 36 and frames 1, 2, 3 etc., you fogged it!

A changing bag should be fine. I load/unload mine in the darkroom, but I'm probably being over cautious.

-- Bob Atkins (bobatkins@hotmail.com), September 20, 1999.

Lisa,

The primary reason that it is recommended to load HIE in total darkness is due to an issue known as "light piping". HIE is coated onto an estar base or support that is capable of "carrying" light and thereby exposing or fogging the emulsion. While total darkness is your most precautious means of loading--not necessarily your most convenient--I think you'll find that subdued-light loading should not pose a problem.

Due to it's construction and sensitivity, it is possible that you may notice a slightly higher base plus fog density. A processed roll can at times appear slightly gray. There are many factors that may effect this as well--storage, handling, developer choice, etc.

Developer selection is certainly a personal issue. I have long used D-76 but have really enjoyed the look that I have been receiving with various dilutions of XTOL. Have Fun and feel free to e-mail me if I can be of further assistance.

Michael D. D'Avignon

-- Michael D. D'Avignon (LoungeAxe@aol.com), September 21, 1999.

I have always used a changing bag to load and unload HIE. If I can find a room where I can turn off the light, I will use it, too. One fellow told me that he lost a roll of HIE because he unloaded the film in subdued light. When I load the film, I have noticed that my changing bag isn't totally proof to IR light, and there is some piping beyond the felt.

After the film is developed, the unexposed areas should be absolutely clear. Anything else means that it is fogged. For a long time I didn't have a dark room, and I loaded the film onto reels in my changing bag. Well, that was fine for normal film, but I wasted at least five rolls before I realised that the problem was my changing bag. So I had to wait until night, and turn out all the lights before I started my development process.

I use Xtol with this film, I think it's either 6 or 6-1/2 minutes at 68F. Anyways, the usual development times listed by Kodak will produce a contrast which is much too high. I have tried having it developed by a local pro lab, but they used Rodinal and I never received satisfactory results.

I have found that setting an SLR and using TTL light metering with a #25 red filter, a setting of ASA 400 is good. Since this film pipes light, overexposing it will result in those neat halo effects. Check out Joe Paduano's web site, and he has also authored a good book on infrared photography.

-- Brian C. Miller (brianm@ioconcepts.com), September 21, 1999.