Rollei Infrared is a special type of film. It is not a true infrared film but a black-and-white film that can capture some infrared light. It is sensitive to light in the 650-750nm range, which is beyond what we can see.
One of its main features is the “wood effect” produced using an Infrared filter. This effect makes green plants appear white and dramatically darkens the sky.
If you are familiar with Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, you know it’s a vibrant tapestry of street art, diverse cultures, and historical echoes. It has always been a magnet for photographers. But on a sunny afternoon in August 2024, I decided to see this iconic neighborhood through a different lens—a different film.
Armed with my trusty Mamiya C330, an Infrared filter, a tripod and a roll of Rollei Infrared 400, I walked towards Kreuzberg, following the Landwehr canal. If you are wondering about this path, I wanted to see how green trees would appear in the film, and the canal was the first place that crossed my mind.
Rollei Infrared: Capturing the Ethereal Streets of Kreuzberg
Rollei Infrared is a unique film. In the purest sense, it’s not a true Infrared film but a hyper-panchromatic black-and-white negative with near-infrared sensitivity. This means it can capture light beyond the visible spectrum, specifically within the 650-750nm range. When used with an Infrared filter, its ability to produce the iconic “wood effect” truly sets it apart, transforming foliage into a ghostly white. The effect is named after infrared photography pioneer Robert W. Wood, not after the material wood, which does not reflect infrared strongly. At the same time, the sky plunges into dramatic darkness.
So don’t expect to see otherworldly images in full color, as you can see from the pictures I’m sharing here. If you have that in mind, you should look at what Rob Shea shares in his portfolio.
According to the Rollei website, this is a hyper panchromatic black-and-white negative film with a nominal sensitivity of ISO 200/24° to 400/27° up into the Infrared range (650 – 750nm). It is cast on a crystal-clear, synthetic carrier, which makes it very suitable for developing as a slide.
This film is great because it has amazing detail, a smooth grain, and sharp edges. Whether you use an Infrared filter or not, it’s easy to work with. Without the filter, Rollei Infrared acts like a regular high-sensitivity black-and-white film. But if you use an Infrared filter, you can create some creative effects!
To fully experience the infrared magic, I packed a Vhbw Universal Infrared Filter 720nm filter I bought a few months ago. This deep red filter blocks visible light, allowing only Infrared light to reach the film. This meant a significant light loss, requiring longer exposures, so I carried a tripod and a cable release to minimize camera movement.
Kreuzberg in Infrared: A Photowalk with Rollei Infrared 400
I walked along the Landwehrkanal, where Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Treptow meet. The lush greenery lining the banks begged to be captured. The 720nm filter transformed the leaves into luminous, almost otherworldly shapes, contrasting sharply with the dark, brooding sky. The canal’s water reflected the sky, creating a surreal, dark appearance.
At the end of the canal, I decided to turn and walk towards Schlesisches Tor, trying to capture Kreuzberg’s vibrant energy in long exposures. The stark contrast between the white foliage and the dark shadows created a dramatic and almost surreal atmosphere. Thanks to the film’s high resolution, the brickwork and subway details are incredibly clear. For the last pictures, I walked towards the Thomaskirche to see what the brick walls and trees would look like together and took my favorite pictures there.
As mentioned, using the 720nm filter meant dealing with long exposures. But I’ve always been a fan of contrasty images with deep black skies, so when I saw the first IR images, I knew I had to try this. I tried using a red filter with black and white film in the past, but it’s not the same. This film reinvigorated my passion for photography, pushing me to explore a new creative direction. The ability to transform familiar scenes into something extraordinary makes Rollei Infrared so compelling and one of the reasons I want to try this again soon.
While I’m eager to try Ilford’s SFX 200, Rollei Infrared has earned a place in my film arsenal. The unique aesthetic it produces, combined with its ease of use (with proper preparation), makes it a fantastic choice for photographers looking to experiment with Infrared photography.
Exploring Kreuzberg with Rollei Infrared was a truly memorable experience, and I know I will repeat it soon. The film’s ability to capture the city’s hidden beauty, combined with the unique aesthetic of Infrared photography, resulted in a series of images that I’m incredibly proud of.
If you want to push your creative boundaries and see the world in a new light, try Rollei Infrared. Remember to use a tripod, an IR filter like the Vhbw Universal Infrared Filter 720nm or a Hoya R72, and experiment with exposure times. You may discover a whole new world of photographic possibilities.
