Infra red photography: Does anyone know how to use a infra red filter? As it is screwed to the lens you cant see anything so no camera or lens controls here. So how do you use this...

saxkiwi Loc: New Zealand

Does anyone know how to use a infra red filter? As it is screwed to the lens you cant see anything so no camera or lens controls here. So how do you use this thing? I bought a bright daylight one. Is it a matter of putting it on a tripod and giving long exposures and having a hit and miss type of thing or what? Im using a Nikon D3

snowbear

http://dpfwiw.com/ir.htm

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

Dr. Buick has written a couple of great articles on IR

http://www.ultimatephotoguide.com/drafts/infrared-photography-102-the-next-steps-on-the-path-to-ir-imagery/

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

saxkiwi wrote:

Does anyone know how to use a infra red filter? As it is screwed to the lens you cant see anything so no camera or lens controls here. So how do you use this thing? I bought a bright daylight one. Is it a matter of putting it on a tripod and giving long exposures and having a hit and miss type of thing or what? Im using a Nikon D3

If you want to do a lots of IR, get a used DSLR and have it converted by LifePixel. That's what I did with a Nikon D70. With no dark filter, it works just like a regular camera.

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Turn off auto focus. Manually focus the scence , place the filter on the lens then trip the shutter. Times will vary so take a test shot at 8-10 secs. check the histogram to confirm the exposure . You won't be able to see much of anything as the image is going to be very magenta (usually, but will depend on which filter is being used).

Converting of the file is then down with software, either to "false color" or black and white.

saxkiwi Loc: New Zealand

Yeah been looking at the D70 what are the images like from this camera? Since Ive got the 950nm filter would it work just as good on the lens with out converting it? or do you think the 950 is too dark? cheers

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

It is never a issue about too dark, the issues is what do you want the images to look like after the converting.

There are several sites dedicated to IR work, sorry I don't have the url handy, but you can view work from a variety of sensors(cameras) . Find something you like and consider that.

Newer cameras have problems with IR as they have more blocking filters built in ; older cameras have less blocking factors and allow shorter times.

A converter camera will let you hand hold the camera and see exactly what is in front of the lens ;however, the image will not be in color, it will have a color cast. THis color cast will be depended on which camera. For instance with my Fuji the image has an orange color cast due to the sensor and the filter I am using.

chelesphotography Loc: Greenville, NC

You will have to manual focus before you put the lens on your camera. Your camera should be on a tripod because it is pretty much impossible to hand hold. You will have to practice with your settings to get the best shot possible. You will need to test your camera to see if it will do infrared. Here is a link that may help you. http://www.infovein.org/infrared/

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

I think in order to do true IR photography, in most cases, you would have to have your camera "retooled" to do this. Most of the manufacturers have a filter over the sensor, which would have to be removed for real IR photography. That's why the pros generally have a camera just for IR work.

But if a person were wanting to experiment, there are FAQs for achieving some interesting results.

In the old days, I had some film specifically for this purpose and if you're curious, it might be worthwhile to find out if this film still exists and maybe just get a film camera for doing this kind of experimentation.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

saxkiwi wrote:

Does anyone know how to use a infra red filter? As it is screwed to the lens you cant see anything so no camera or lens controls here. So how do you use this thing? I bought a bright daylight one. Is it a matter of putting it on a tripod and giving long exposures and having a hit and miss type of thing or what? Im using a Nikon D3

Look at this you tube video- how to do infra red photography week 67. This is a very simple video that explains the whole procedure. Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMP3C3y8o_E. This is not hard to do.

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

les_stockton wrote:

I think in order to do true IR photography, in mos... (show quote)

You can check on Freestyle as they may carry one of the few IR films left on the market. Most have been gone for awhile.

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

photocat wrote:

quote=les_stockton I think in order to do true IR... (show quote)

Good to know. I halfway figured that it would be impossible to find IR in a 35mm format.

saxkiwi Loc: New Zealand

Ok does the Nikon D70 have raw? cause people suggest it best to shoot raw for converting or is this not a major? Cheers

saxkiwi Loc: New Zealand

Do you think the D70s would still have the same IR sensitivity? What about the Nikon D50 any ideas if this is better or not for IR? thanks again

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

The newer cameras aren't not very good with IR as the filter system for blocking that light range is very strong.

Years ago that wasn't the case and it was much easier (meaning exposures weren't as long.)

Even with my d100 it was common to have an exposure of at least 8 secs and up with no ability to see what I was looking at after placing the filter in place.

Convering a camera to IR gives one the ability to hand hold as the exposures are in the realm of what you would normally use. Many people who love IR work find older cameras that lend themselves to the process in an easier fashion, or buy a camera that has been converted or have one converted.

Life Pixel and MAXMAX have a wide variety of cameras already for IR work and with another type of filter one can take "normal" exposures.