Originally posted by disconnekt I have a Sears TLS (Re-badged Ricoh TLS) only goes to ISO 25, so going to ISO 12 (or even 6 like some sites are saying to do) really isn't an option.
I may just end up pushing the film to ISO 800 & have fun with it (want to be able to handhold it at f/8-16 range), since I'm going to end up paying an extra $2 bucks for the extra processing when I send it out to get it developed anyway.
You can't go "handheld" because of two things. 1) the slow shutter speeds will cause camera shake (as mentioned by Digitalis). 2) you can't see or compose thru the viewfinder because the R72 filter is opaque to your vision.
You need to put the camera on the tripod, compose, focus, adjust for focus shift, THEN put on the filter, followed by metering and exposure. Then bracket, bracket, bracket your exposures.
Also, you need to load the IR sensitive film into the camera in a darkroom or changing bag.
The only way to go "handheld" is to use an RF camera, because you don't view thru the lens. That is what I did with HIE film using a Canon 7/7s with an f 0.9 lens wide open. I would load three bodies, then move the lens from camera to camera.
IR is not easy, that is why I suggested trying first on you digital camera before using film. You have to buy the same filter anyway for either. You also will need to use a tripod for either. You only gain that "glow factor" by using film, because of the lack of the anti-halation backing on HIE. I've taken thousands of IR images. Digital is so much easier. That is why IR film has been getting harder and harder to find.