Red-scale photography with Cinestill Redrum

Since its announcement last Autumn, I’ve been wanting to try out some red-scale photography with Cinestill Redrum. Written in the new stock’s literature was “All work and no play makes a dull photo” and that can not be truer during these times. With the virus of unknown origins and now rumblings of world war disrupting the world supply chain, it took some time to get my grubby little hands on a roll to give it a go.

What is Redrum?

Red-scale photography is achieved by reverse-rolling for exposing through the base of the film, rather than directly to the emulsion. Everybody knows now that Cinestill 800T is a unique-looking film with its anti-halation layer removed and shot normally, but now it is “flipped” to make it redscale. Produced using CineStill’s 800T emulsion, Redrum is uniquely appropriate for red-scale photography because there is no anti-halation layer to disrupt the light, resulting in higher speed (ISO 200), better sharpness and color.

The shinier emulsion side is on the back

Features

  • Color negative film
  • Red scale film – monochromatic red, yellowish hues
  • 120 medium format
  • ISO 200
  • Safe for C-41 photo lab processing
  • Factory spooled

I’ve always appreciated labels that have notes for pushing

“Enter room 237 to produce dramatic red, yellow, and orange toned images.” Cinestill says the images made with the film have a monochromatic red and yellowish tint that the company says makes for “spooky” imagery.

Cinestill Redrum Sample Images

The following images were taken on a Rolleiflex SL66, self-developed in Cinestill CS41 and scanned on a Canoscan 9000f.

 

The results reveal monochromatic reds, oranges, and even blindingly bright yellows. It makes it feel as if you took photos on Arrakis or something. Obviously applications for this film are limited but I think it’s fun and would love to try some more at different speeds and lighting.

Cinestill said to get this limited edition film while you can because you won’t be able to shoot it forever and it is true.Unfortunately, there are all sold out on Cinestill’s website, but random retailers might still have some available. In Japan, it is only available through Kawauso.

Should Cinestill make more of this? Would love to hear others’ experience with it and other red-scale films, feel free to comment below.

MN