Reflected infrared photography:
Processing infrared Ektachrome

Kodak Ektachrome professional infrared film is designed for processing in Kodak EA5 chemicals, Process AR-5. They may also be processed in Kodak E6 chemistry but higher contrast and colour saturation will result.

It is critical to process this film in complete darkness. The infrared sources used by most commercial processing labs, such as night vision goggles, infrared cameras on rack and tank machines, infrared sensors on the replenishment systems of roller transport, continuous and minilab machines, will all fog EIR film. (Film fogged by the lab in this way will have an overall crimson red appearance). Labs must:

• Process in total darkness
• Not use infrared film scanning for replenishment rates
• Turn off all sensors
• Turn off, or cover, all LED displays
• Not use temperature probes in the bath in which the film currently sits
• Turn off all infrared camera/light sources

If using a commercial lab for processing these films talk to them about these issues and negotiate for them not to use these devices while the EIR is going through the line: some will refuse to process EIR. They should also be made aware of the fact that the film has an Estar base which will often require hand mounting. It is usually preferable to request that the roll be returned uncut, both to avoid the problem and also to ensure that the sequence of images remains intact (crucial when trying to understand exposure and filter tests).

EIR responds very well to push processing one stop.

< Processing black-and-white infrared film

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