Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Does anyone have any experience with Infrared camera conversions? I have been investigating the Life PixeL company. It looks promising. I have a Nikon D200 I would like to convert.

mooseeyes Loc: Sonora, California

I bought a new Canon T2i for the express purpose of having LifePixel do an infrared conversion. I selected the Canon T2i for two reasons. LifePixel has converted many of these, hence their experience level. Also, the Canon T2i has "Mirror up Live View", a perfect mode for shooting infrared. For my work, this is strictly a tripod only set up. Daniel at LifePixel was very helpful and friendly to deal with. I selected the "Super Color" conversion, which best matched the type of work that I do. My post production is in PhotoShop CS5.

I sent them my camera body and lens (for calibration). Turn around time was about 10 days. Very happy with LifePixel, and have them linked on my website. Still working on my first images and testing prints. I will likely upload an image or two in the near future to UHH.

I would suggest that you call LifePixel and chat with Daniel about your conversion needs and your particular camera and lens to be used.

dlwhawaii Loc: Sunny Wailuku, Hawaii

I purchased an Olympus PEN for the express purpose of conversion. I had Life Pixel do the conversion for UV/VIS/IR. They did an excellent job. The Olympus has Live View so all I have to do is focus with the screen. If you convert to IR, be aware that focal point of the images will be different in the IR from the visible and also you won't be able to see through the IR filter, hence Live View. Will be taking this setup (UV/VIS/IR) next month when I visit Oahu again.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I purchased a Canon G2 and converted it as shown on the net. Search UHH for the IR forums for many details. The G2 is not expensive and it is a fun challange. If you have the bucks and do not enjoy the self convert rout then go for the above suggestions.

For the DIY proect the thing I would do different to make it easy by using acid to remove the metal coat from the hot mirror. This way it eliminates the task of making a glass sandwitch replacement.

When dealing with layers of glass use Locktite Glass Formulation, it works great. My convesion is 3 years old now and still works great bubble free. High investment in IR is OK, but the passion for IR photography is self limiting unless you are a wild life photographer. I wish Amsel Adams had an IR in his pocket to takes IR shots along with is great shots.

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

I had Life Pixel convert my D70. I am very happy with their work. However, you must study, evaluate and choose the filter you want for your intended use. Then send them the lens you intend to use for their IR calibration with your camera. I use the Nikkor 18-70 because I owned it and they calibrated my camera for that lens because they know it well.
I wrote three articles on IR for the Ultimate Photo Guide website if you want a bit more information.

yhtomit Loc: Port Land. Oregon

I have a D200 converted to IR.I have only one lens that I'm able to walk around and shoot with,a nikon 18-55 3.5.I use a tripod and lock my mirror for all my other lenses.I am very happy with my converted D200.Have fun,it's a whole new world in IR.

Cheers

T.
PS For some reason it made it easier for me to learn manual
mode and I can now go manual on my color camera's.

RC0448 Loc: Tacoma WA

I had LifePixel convert my Canon 50D last May. No complaints about their work.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

No regrets, except that I don't get out and use it more. :D LifePixel did a conversion on a D70 that I bought on eBay just for that purpose. I got the standard conversion, whatever that was. The results are infinitely customizeable. It sure beats to the old days of using IR film and waiting for development to see how it turned out.

They'll tell you this, but I'll mention it anyway. You should set your white balance to Custom using green grass, or something similar. Otherwise, everything turns out red, which is OK, but you have more processing to do.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I forgot about the lens calibration. For each camera they do, they adjust it to focus with a standard lens for that body. In the case of the D70, it was the lens that came as a kit lens (18-105mm?).

They can set it up for any lens you want. Just let them know.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Found this website reference and is in my Links folder, can you ref your articles? Thanks. Frankly, I did not find much IR info on the Ultimate Photo Guide... NOT MUCH!!! only 344 articles... WOW... double thank you for the reference. On those cold winter nights in Florida, or the rotten hot days huddled close to my AC I will have plenty of reading.

http://www.ultimatephotoguide.com
and in search type in infrared

PS: I tend to use my 650mn filter more than the 850 or 950 perhaps because it lets in more light... Comments appreciated... 950mn would give purer IR... whatchathank?