Converting Nikon D70 for infrared: I’m considering having a Nikon D70 converted for infrared photography. I have shot infrared on film but never on a DSLR. My question is..with the...

jfdnp Loc: Coastal Connecticut

I’m considering having a Nikon D70 converted for infrared photography. I have shot infrared on film but never on a DSLR. My question is..with the exception change in wavelength, should most other features of the camera continue to work the same, albeit with different output?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

jfdnp wrote:

I’m considering having a Nikon D70 converted for infrared photography. I have shot infrared on film but never on a DSLR. My question is..with the exception change in wavelength, should most other features of the camera continue to work the same, albeit with different output?

Yes, all functions work the same. I did what you are planning. Lots of fun in Post Processing.
I used Life Pixel and was very pleased with them before and after conversion. Great customer service.
https://www.lifepixel.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAkZHTBRCBARIsAMbXLhHLdClLHQPg8pD_z3uzFHrVXaaL0801yr8pljt2ZfarO7O1JA_JU2UaAoC8EALw_wcB

jfdnp Loc: Coastal Connecticut

PixelStan77 wrote:

Yes, all functions work the same. I did what you are planning. Lots of fun in Post Processing.
I used Life Pixel and was very pleased with them before and after conversion. Great customer service.
https://www.lifepixel.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAkZHTBRCBARIsAMbXLhHLdClLHQPg8pD_z3uzFHrVXaaL0801yr8pljt2ZfarO7O1JA_JU2UaAoC8EALw_wcB

Thanks! The prospect of getting use out of this camera again is very exciting since I bought a D750, it doesn’t get a lot of use anymore!

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

I had both a Nikon D40 and later a D7000 modified and the results are awesome. I was really surprised at the quality of the 6 megapixel D40, and of course the D7000 is even better. A red filter or polarizer can further enhance the IR effect to darken the blue sky. I usually shoot in "Vivid" color mode and decide in Photoshop whether to leave it color or go to B&W. I get an unusually high number of "Keepers" with the IR.

jfdnp Loc: Coastal Connecticut

rodpark2 wrote:

I had both a Nikon D40 and later a D7000 modified and the results are awesome. I was really surprised at the quality of the 6 megapixel D40, and of course the D7000 is even better. A red filter or polarizer can further enhance the IR effect to darken the blue sky. I usually shoot in "Vivid" color mode and decide in Photoshop whether to leave it color or go to B&W. I get an unusually high number of "Keepers" with the IR.

Those pointers are much appreciated...and looking at your photos, I can see this conversion is gong to be a lot of fun!

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

I used to shoot IR in film days and it was a real headache. This is as easy as shooting normal color. The really dark red filter needed with film made it difficult to see through the viewfinder, with digital no such problem. I recommend shooting at F 8-11 to avoid focus issues. I use a Nikon 12-24 lens which works great, some lenses have IR hot spots as did my Tokina 12-24. I used my old Nikon 80-200 2.8 D for the head shots. The guy who did my conversions set the camera up for a specific lens, in my case the Nikon 12-24.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

rodpark2 wrote:

I had both a Nikon D40 and later a D7000 modified and the results are awesome. I was really surprised at the quality of the 6 megapixel D40, and of course the D7000 is even better. A red filter or polarizer can further enhance the IR effect to darken the blue sky. I usually shoot in "Vivid" color mode and decide in Photoshop whether to leave it color or go to B&W. I get an unusually high number of "Keepers" with the IR.

I understand that the IR conversion can be made for different wavelengths. What are the pros and cons of each and which ones result in only B&W images only and which in color?

rayr

I had a Canon Rebel converted a few years ago and really like using it in the summer when everything is green and the infrared really pops. I sent mine to this guy, he was much more reasonable and I thought he did an excellent job.
http://www.isaacszabo.com/infrared.html

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jfdnp wrote:

I’m considering having a Nikon D70 converted for infrared photography. I have shot infrared on film but never on a DSLR. My question is..with the exception change in wavelength, should most other features of the camera continue to work the same, albeit with different output?

Yep. No problem. I had one converted, and it works fine. Be aware that you will have to set a custom white balance, and green grass makes the perfect "white."

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rodpark2 wrote:

I had both a Nikon D40 and later a D7000...

I also had a D40 converted, but LifePixel said that wasn't an ideal candidate for conversion, for some reason. I wasn't going to buy a another camera just for the conversion, and the D40 works fine. I also converted a D70.

Those are beautiful shots you posted.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

bpulv wrote:

I understand that the IR conversion can be made for different wavelengths. What are the pros and cons of each and which ones result in only B&W images only and which in color?

That's always a problem - what filter to get. I don't recall what I got, but there are so many options available when processing that I don't think it matters too much. Ask the converting company about the choices. They're the experts.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

bpulv wrote:

I understand that the IR conversion can be made for different wavelengths. What are the pros and cons of each and which ones result in only B&W images only and which in color?

Take a look at the LifePixel web site.

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

I too used Him. Perfect job both all 3 times and less expensive than others. Not sure if he's still doing them, though.

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

One thing that hasn't been mentioned: On an SLR the viewfinder looks perfectly normal until you preview the image. Using a mirrorless camera or live view allows you to see what the captured image will look like. That's the main difference between my D40 and D7000. I never bother with white balance and always capture in color so I have the option of keeping color or going B&W. Personally, I like the serendipity of not knowing exactly what I'll get.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

bpulv wrote:

I understand that the IR conversion can be made for different wavelengths. What are the pros and cons of each and which ones result in only B&W images only and which in color?

Take a look at the LifePixel.com website. It shows the different types of conversions which translates to the wavelength allowed. They have actual photos of the differing result so you can look at it and see what makes sense to you. I am scheduled to get mine back tomorrow and went with the 'Enhanced Infrared' which allows 665nm because it gives me a little more light (visible) than just infrared. Even if you don't order from them, they are a great resource for IR info. be sure to walk through the 'Start Here' tab and check the Filter Choices pages for the best info on how each type will give different results (with actual pictures).

Also consider using a dedicated lens that they can adjust for IR focusing. There are differences in the focus plane when using IR vs visible light and they can do the calibration. You can use any lens for IR but you will need to know what offset to use so that your images will be in focus. If you used film cameras, you probably remember the red focus distance numbers on the lens. This was the IR offset that needed to be used.

Can't wait for my toy to arrive tomorrow...