Here is another very interesting film. Aerecon II is a 35mm film with "extended red sensitivity," originally developed for use in "aerial reconnaissance" missions. (Read "spying," and see below) This will work similarly to normal Plus-X type B&W film in your regular 35mm still camera, but it has a very thin "Estar" base and a very unique spectral sensitivity offering plenty of room for experimentation with different filters. Note: Some older cameras including "Rapid Cartridge" cameras may not be best suited for this film due to its thinness. Be gentile when winding it so it does not tear.

Here's what Kodak says:

KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 is a panchromatic, black-and-white negative aerial film having extended red sensitivity and medium speed. This film has fine grain and relatively high contrast and is intended for medium- to high-altitude reconnaissance. Its ESTAR Thin Base provides flexibility, moisture resistance, high tear resistance, and excellent dimensional stability. This film has a dyed-gel backing for antihalation protection and curl control and a thin, highly hardened emulsion to permit more rapid processing at elevated temperatures

You can read their full data sheet here.

This unique film has been used in some "interesting" US Military projects over the years. Including the KH-8 Gambit 3 "Key Hole" sattelight, which ejected canisters of this photographic film that were retrieved as they descended through the atmosphere by parachute.  - READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE

You can also see more pictures shot with this unique film in the:
LABEAURATOIRE FLICKR GROUP



Here's your chance to try out this exciting film. I'm making some rolls available for your experimenting pleasure. This batch expired in February 1998, but it still works well as you can see from my test examples.

    I'm keeping these rolls inexpensive by re-using old film cassettes and sticking on an artsy label I've made just so you know what's inside. Using a bulk loader I made rolls of approximately 20 exposures each, sometimes a bit more or less and as with most bulk loaded film the very last picture of each roll will not be exposed as that is where it is taped. This is NOT a stock product from Kodak and I am not proporting to represent that fine company in any manner.

My examples were all developed in Labeauratoire's Caffenol Concoction for about 15 minutes at 20°c (or 68°f.) Some have had a sepia tone added in Photoshop.