JackKLE Loc: Missouri , USA, St. Louis Metro

Is there a filter available to screw on, to the outside of the lens that replaces an IR Filter that has been removed from the inside of the camera, to enable Full-Spectrum Astrophotography ? I have a Canon T2i, that I would like to have Modded for Full-Spectrum Astro-photography, but since I also shoot normal Daylight stuff too, I would need such a filter - OR is there enough Color Balance range inside the camera to compensate ?

snowbear

I am not aware of one. You can try searching for IR Blocking filters. The only screw-on filters I am aware of are the traditional IR-passing (they block the visible).

Jersey GRRRL Loc: Long Beach, CA

I have researched this a bit, reading articles and attending a lecture or 2 on Digital Infrared imaging. What I have learned is that you need to have your camera converted to just shoot infrared, as true infrared is not yet possible digitally. I plan on sending my Nikon D80 to a company that does conversions since I bought my Nikon D7000 about 6-8 months ago and have been using that camera exclusively. I can't remember the company name but I'll check my sources. Both the lectures I've attended and articles I've read say concerning digital infrared capture you really need a conversion, and preferably with a full-frame sensor camera. Good luck! I would lke to hear other folk's ideas and experiences.

JackKLE Loc: Missouri , USA, St. Louis Metro

I'm assuming that the filter that's inside the camera is an Interference-type filter, that blocks the Infra-Red. If it's made for the camera, by an OEM, it SHOULD be available as an After-Market item from SOME-body. Maybe LUMICON might have it. They specialize in Interference filters, although I'm pretty sure they're Not the OEM.

JackKLE Loc: Missouri , USA, St. Louis Metro

Gary HONIS, is one of the two guys that does the "Modifications".

JackKLE Loc: Missouri , USA, St. Louis Metro

Gary also offers full instructions for those who feel confident enough to make the Modfication on a DIY basis. But he only charges a few hundred bucks to do the "Mod", in his shop - so to me it would be well worth the expense to have him do it. Anyway, I'd probably botch the job, having 11 thumbs & 3 left feet

Aleaze Loc: Michigan

There are filters that can replace the blocker when it is modified. There are also filters that can be placed on the lens. You must buy a lens filter for each size lens you use, or one for the largest opening lens with step rings to fit the smaller lens. The camera will not be totally "normal". There are some white balance issues that can be corrected with a custom setting and some cameras will have some auto focus issues due to a wavelength variance.

Aleaze

JackKLE Loc: Missouri , USA, St. Louis Metro

As it turns out, LUMICON DOES have an IR BLOCK filter, that comes in 1.25" & 48mm/2" diameters. The larger one is $99.95, the other, $69.95. I suggested the possibility to them of making a larger one that could be used with Step Rings to adapt to virtually any Camera lens, directly /7 they 'seem' interested in the idea. - We'll see what happens. Oh, and the IR Block filter has a 750 nm cut-off. I haven't a clue what the cutoff is for any of the cameras on the market, but would assume that it's pretty close to the same value - enough so, that the camera's internal Color Balance SHOULD be able to compensate.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Jackie, I have a Canon G-2 that I converted. The conversion is not difficult and thus you save your SLR for what it was intended. The virtue of a converted camera is that it captures action, whereas the regular camera with a filter requires a long exposure.
see http://www.kleptography.com/notes-irconvert.htm if you are interested i will give you some additional details.

IR filters come in 650, 750, 850, 950. 650 transmits some visible lite. 950 is midnight on a moonless night! In another forum, I got a lot of static from the "status is money spending" people. I found scientific articles regarding "coatings" on IR filters,, Not good to have them.

I suggest E-bay as a source of Chinese filters, that run perhaps $10-15 including shipping (58mm). Some are disdainful of facts and prefer opinions?? My background is science and modern photography is math and optics... yep.

As I stated, conversion allows action, the attached photos are of a Glass Blowing Lady on Note. The male in the photo is walking quickly. Ms. Gott of Tampa does great work. Both are converted with Topaz"B/W and More"

Note that the third photo is tightened in to show that 'Realistically priced" Chinese filters are not fog machines. It is a choice that some have to spend money unnecessary? Note the face is clear. All but faint light from out side, no inside lights, is from the hot gas ovens and is IR filtered with as I best recall an 850mn filter (from China) is visually black. By the way they deliver within 2 weeks.

If you want more details please contact me or ask in this forum.

WITHOUT MODIFICATION 850mn FILTER


TOPAZ B/W & MORE MODIFICATION


CLOSE UP TO SHOW CLEAR CHINESE FILTER

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

How did you convert your G2? I have a G2 that's just sitting around collecting dust and that sounds like an interesting use for it.

BTW. I watch a program called Ghost Hunters & Ghost Hunters International. SciFi Channel I know, I know, there's no such thing... Anyhow, the programs kind of tickle me although I haven't seen anything convincing yet.
On GHI, one of the "investigators" uses a "Full Spectrum" camera they converted. I'm wondering if you can't contact them and get information about it there.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Search Goggle there is a site with take apart photos. Good directions. But I add the following:
1. get good micrometer from Northern Tool or Harbor Freight to measure glass thickness, Perhaps $20.
2. Locktite sells a "glass glue" like crazy glue but special formulation.
3 cheap small rubber tipped squeeze clamps from N Tool or Harbor Freight.
4. Cutting wheel for drummel like tool and diamond tile marking tool (actually Carborundum)
5. Small Phillips screwdriver set Radio shack.
6. Cardboard with holes punched for screws with picture drawn on it so screw goes in right spot. Do work over large flat cookie pan (with edge) because you will drop some screws. (magnetize screwdriver by stroking one direction several times,,do not back stroke, no you can hold screws on tip...) make one for inside screws.
7. Take photos each step.
8. Do in a quiet place. The ribbon connectors come loose by moving the little separate blocks back, you will see what I am referring to.
9. when you remove the hot mirror. Measure it thickness is critical I recall two slide covers and i think a thin glass I got from a framing shop for free, scrap.
10. width and exactness of rectangle is not critical, (may be slightly smaller not larger) light travels thru the center. Beware of dust. You may have to make several to not have bubbles. leave clamped 24 hrs... acetone cleans surface (nail polish remover with acetone there are types without,, not them)
11. May no work the first time. My first worked right away, but bubbles caused problems... thats when I found Locktite.
12. Then with a good mirror replacement... ooops took third assembly before it worked. Over confident,, follow photos and be careful of the little ribbon cables. Do not work too long at a time... Has been over two years and is still OK!
13. You need the snout converter for the G2. The chrome ring around the lense snout unscrews.
14. Full Spectra is not using the IR filters give odd color balance. UV still will not go thru the glass and I think the frame store glass was UV filter type.

Good Luck See:
http://www.kleptography.com/notes-irconvert.htm