DragonFilm No.VI 64 ISO - 35mm Black & White
The one that sees what you can't. ISO 64, near-infrared sensitivity, and all the patience in the world. Some habits require more light and more intent. DragonFilm No.VI 35mm Film is an ISO 64 fine-grain black and white film built on Tasma Svema FN-64 emulsion, manufactured in Ukraine. It produces images of exceptional sharpness and smoothness that slower speeds make possible, with a tonal quality that faster films simply cannot match. What sets it apart from other fine-grain slow films is an additional characteristic that most stocks at this speed don't offer: sensitivity extending into the near-infrared range, which combined with a red filter opens up a whole separate set of creative possibilities. In stock now and shipping fast from the UK. Standard black and white chemistry, 24 exposures, no DX code.
What Makes DragonFilm No.VI 35mm Film Habit-Forming
ISO 64: Slow by Design ISO 64 is not a compromise or a limitation. It is a deliberate choice made by photographers who want the finest grain, the highest resolution, and the smoothest tonal gradation that a black and white emulsion can produce. It asks for good light, a steady hand or a tripod, and a considered approach to exposure. In return it delivers results that faster films cannot. If you're loading No.VI in a hurry, you've loaded the wrong film.
Exceptional Fine Grain and Sharpness The FN-64 emulsion produces images of very high resolution with extremely fine grain, giving negatives that hold up to significant enlargement and scan with remarkable clarity. The smoothness of the image has a particular quality at this speed: not clinical or lifeless, but composed, with a tonal depth that rewards careful printing and scanning.
Near-Infrared Sensitivity This is the characteristic that makes No.VI genuinely unusual. The FN-64 emulsion's sensitivity extends into the near-infrared part of the spectrum, which means that shooting with a red filter produces results with the classic infrared look: darkened skies, luminous foliage, and a tonal rendering of the world that the human eye doesn't see and standard panchromatic films don't record. It isn't a full infrared film, but the effect with a red filter is pronounced and worth exploring. For photographers interested in infrared aesthetics without committing to a dedicated infrared stock, No.VI offers a credible and accessible entry point.
Wide Tonal Range and Smooth Gradation At ISO 64 the tonal gradation across the full range from deep shadow to bright highlight is notably smooth, with transitions that feel natural and continuous rather than compressed or abrupt. Combined with the high contrast character typical of the DragonFilm range, the result is images with both depth in the shadows and detail in the highlights, handled with the composure that slow, high-resolution emulsions are known for.
Pull/Push Range: ISO 32 to ISO 100 The usable range of ISO 32 to ISO 100 gives some flexibility around the box speed. Pulling to ISO 32 in very bright conditions or for extended exposures produces the finest grain the emulsion is capable of. Pushing to ISO 100 adds modest contrast without significantly compromising the grain structure. Neither extreme is dramatic, which is consistent with the measured character of the film overall.
Svema FN-64 Emulsion, Ukrainian Manufacture Like its siblings in the DragonFilm range, No.VI is built on a named Svema emulsion with a documented history in Eastern European film production. The FN-64 formula was developed for applications where resolution and fine grain were the primary requirements, which makes it a natural fit for the kind of deliberate, quality-focused photography this film rewards.
Standard Black and White Processing No.VI processes in standard black and white chemistry and is compatible with D-76, ID-11, HC-110, Rodinal, Ilfosol 3, and other common developers, with development times well documented at multiple ISO settings. No special handling required at the lab or in the home darkroom.
No DX Code As with all DragonFilm stocks, No.VI carries no DX code. Manual ISO override is required. Set to ISO 64 and proceed; fully automatic cameras without manual ISO control are not compatible.
24 Exposures A 24-exposure roll. At ISO 64 with a tripod and a red filter, 24 frames is a generous afternoon's work.
Best For DragonFilm No.VI is for photographers who shoot slowly and deliberately, and who want images with the finest grain and highest resolution the DragonFilm range offers. It excels at landscape and architectural photography in good natural light, controlled studio work, fine art and still life where tonal quality matters above all else, and any situation where enlargement or high-resolution output is the end goal. The near-infrared sensitivity makes it a compelling choice for photographers interested in the infrared aesthetic without investing in a dedicated infrared stock. It is not a film for available light, fast-moving subjects, or photographers in a hurry. When you're done shooting, black and white development is available here at Chemical Dependency Lab.
Perfect for: Landscape and architectural photographers, fine art and studio work, photographers curious about near-infrared effects with a red filter, and anyone whose dependency has slowed down enough to appreciate what ISO 64 actually offers.
DragonFilm No.VI is the most patient film in the range and arguably the most rewarding for the right kind of shooting. The very fine grain, high resolution, and near-infrared sensitivity of the FN-64 emulsion combine to produce images that stand apart from anything faster or more convenient. Some dependencies are worth taking slowly.