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IR conversion
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Sep 23, 2022 14:50:34   #
One Rude Dawg Loc: Athol, ID
 
trapper1 wrote:
I was getting ready to send a US model Nikon D5600 long out for a full spectrum IR conversion. The possibility of the camera needing repairs down the line occured to me so I sent Nikon an e-mail asking what their policy is on repairing conveerted cameras. Their prompt, as usual, answer was that they did not perform repairs on a camera that had been converted. Now I have to mull over whether to go ahead with the conversion knowing any camera failure would mean I have blown the $6-800 dollarvalue of the camera and conversion , or continue with the slow filter in front method. I've had no problems withe camera and one thought is to first send it to Nikon for a checkup and repair before having the conversion but that could add an appreciable amount to the investment. I am beginning to believe that the risk of losing the investment due to camera failure is simply the risk I have to take to get into the game, a risk that anyone converting to IR has to accept.
I was getting ready to send a US model Nikon D5600... (show quote)


Be brave, just do it, you won't regret it. A whole new dimension to photography, a whole new world.

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Sep 23, 2022 15:34:36   #
Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH
 
Just do it.

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Sep 23, 2022 15:37:22   #
User ID
 
trapper1 wrote:
I was getting ready to send a US model Nikon D5600 long out for a full spectrum IR conversion. The possibility of the camera needing repairs down the line occured to me so I sent Nikon an e-mail asking what their policy is on repairing conveerted cameras. Their prompt, as usual, answer was that they did not perform repairs on a camera that had been converted. Now I have to mull over whether to go ahead with the conversion knowing any camera failure would mean I have blown the $6-800 dollarvalue of the camera and conversion , or continue with the slow filter in front method. I've had no problems withe camera and one thought is to first send it to Nikon for a checkup and repair before having the conversion but that could add an appreciable amount to the investment. I am beginning to believe that the risk of losing the investment due to camera failure is simply the risk I have to take to get into the game, a risk that anyone converting to IR has to accept.
I was getting ready to send a US model Nikon D5600... (show quote)


I wonder if any major brand will service a modded camera ? If there is one, thaz the brand to convert. Better yet, find that brand used and already converted. IR is often just a whim and the user then parts with it fairly soon.

Even if no major brand will service modded gear, at least choose a brand that will sell parts to independent repair shops (IOW forget about Nikon).

Perznally I cant see modding an SLR. I had an IR Olympus for a day. It couldnt see thru my "black" 950nm and Wratten 87 filters so I returned it. But using only the built in filtering the WYSIWYG EVF was great. I suppose you can use the LV on an SLR for that, but SLR LV is kinda third rate.

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Sep 23, 2022 16:36:05   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
dpullum wrote:
First before spending lots of money see if you use IR often. I am very satisfied with my DIY conversion.

Kolarivision discusses selection of filters. Obviously all filters are desirable... so best to chose none "in-camera" and add filters externally... low-cost screw on filters**. Mine are 37mm. The conversion took about an hour and was simple 6 screws, and removing the "hot-filter" that shields the sensor from IR. The camera was an older Panasonic as discussed in the video.*** Screwdrivers are under $10, in fact, Dollar Tree has a nice set.

Filter attachment using a Step-Up Adapter Ring 30mm Lens to 37mm Filter Size from Amazon... grind off the 30 mm threads and epoxy to the camera. With this you can use any filter.

**https://kolarivision.com/product/kolari-infrared-full-spectrum-standard-ir-5-filter-kit
First class set at $129.

Remember, that while these cameras are not 20mp resolution, we have magic AI up scale programs to make them hi resolution clean of noise.

*** "Converting a Compact Digital Camera to Shoot Infrared Only - 1. removing the infrared filter"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frtQxryDTo8

Photo uses a color swap free plugin or you can with anguish do it in PS. Single click plugin is fast, easy.
http://www.flamingpear.com/older.html
First before spending lots of money see if you use... (show quote)


Blazingly beautiful results and great advice 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇

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Sep 23, 2022 17:20:20   #
smf85 Loc: Freeport, IL
 
Bridges wrote:
Lifepixel seems to be the best of the conversion companies. Check their website. They offer a number of older cameras for a very reasonable price. They will sell you the camera and IR conversion in a package deal. Then you will have a warranty from them.


I’ve found Lifepixel to be very reasonable to work with. If you need repair during the warranty period they will de-convert the camera and send it in.

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Sep 23, 2022 17:40:28   #
cirripedia Loc: Southern California
 
I second this notion as I have heard directly from another photographer who had their IR converting company repair their Nikon D850. Check with whom ever you plan on having convert your camera about future repairs. Keep in mind that Nikon has and will continue to with hold parts from independent camera repair shops. Also, the D5600 has been discontinued and parts will be limited.

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Sep 23, 2022 19:36:57   #
Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York
 
trapper1 wrote:
…..Now I have to mull over whether to go ahead with the conversion…..


I too am rowing the same canoe but opposite your end. I am thinking of converting a 6D or such and concerned if it breaks down what are my options. I would like to use a 6D that has had a good life and was treated well. After I convert it to infrared I want to know if the converters can repair a Canon. I plan to work it quite often. If it doesn’t work as well will the original converters repair it?

This is a tricky point because my only experience with infrared was marginal and back in the film days.

I believe we should open this thread up for all in favor or against IR conversion

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Sep 23, 2022 20:01:02   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
Scruples wrote:
I too am rowing the same canoe but opposite your end. I am thinking of converting a 6D or such and concerned if it breaks down what are my options. I would like to use a 6D that has had a good life and was treated well. After I convert it to infrared I want to know if the converters can repair a Canon. I plan to work it quite often. If it doesn’t work as well will the original converters repair it?

This is a tricky point because my only experience with infrared was marginal and back in the film days.

I believe we should open this thread up for all in favor or against IR conversion
I too am rowing the same canoe but opposite your e... (show quote)


In favor, but not with a DSLR.

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Sep 23, 2022 22:18:54   #
chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA
 
SuperflyTNT wrote:
In favor, but not with a DSLR.


...yes, *huge* difference.

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Sep 24, 2022 00:02:39   #
User ID
 
SuperflyTNT wrote:
In favor, but not with a DSLR.
Right !!!

The difference between EVFs and SLRs is much greater concerning IR conversions. WYSIWYG belongs to the EVFs. Acoarst if you just loooove SLRs you can use LV or just check your playback.

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Sep 24, 2022 00:18:14   #
JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA
 
sueyeisert wrote:
Two places for conversion are Lifepixel and Kolarivision. I have used both. Check with them about camera conversions. There are cameras that don’t do an in camera white balance. I prefer cameras that do an in camera white balance as opposed todo if it on the computer. I love infrared so I would use a good camera with lots of pixels for infrared.


As for White Balance: If you shoot JPEG, White Balance is a must. But with RAW, I have proven to myself time after time, that it really doesn't matter. I have tried all the built-in WB options and in every case, I could duplicate the final image. So basically, set the WB to something you like seeing on the LCD and adjust from there.

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Sep 24, 2022 00:20:20   #
OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
 
trapper1 wrote:
I was getting ready to send a US model Nikon D5600 long out for a full spectrum IR conversion. The possibility of the camera needing repairs down the line occured to me so I sent Nikon an e-mail asking what their policy is on repairing conveerted cameras. Their prompt, as usual, answer was that they did not perform repairs on a camera that had been converted. Now I have to mull over whether to go ahead with the conversion knowing any camera failure would mean I have blown the $6-800 dollarvalue of the camera and conversion , or continue with the slow filter in front method. I've had no problems withe camera and one thought is to first send it to Nikon for a checkup and repair before having the conversion but that could add an appreciable amount to the investment. I am beginning to believe that the risk of losing the investment due to camera failure is simply the risk I have to take to get into the game, a risk that anyone converting to IR has to accept.
I was getting ready to send a US model Nikon D5600... (show quote)


______________________________(Reply)

Buy an older model Sigma (or an SD1 if you want to spend a grand) and simply slip out the filter in front of the sensor. Another possibility is a Sony DSC 828 which has night vision already for IR--use a magnet so that the auto functions are not called in and you then have daylight functions yet the IR capability. Remove the magnet for standard use.----------------ew

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Sep 24, 2022 06:38:41   #
Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
 
SuperflyTNT wrote:
First of all, listen to those that recommend converting a mirrorless. With a DSLR they need to calibrate focus with whatever lens you use. With mirrorless it focuses on the sensor and no calibration is needed and you can use different lenses. I bought a used Panasonic GH1 and had it converted and I can use any of my M4/3 lenses.
Second, I’m not sure you understand what the conversion entails. If you do a full spectrum conversion they remove the IR filter from the sensor and replace it with clear glass. You still need the front filter to get the IR effect you want and you’re still looking at long exposures. Now it will be much more effective than just putting filters on a non-converted camera since the sensor IR filter is blocking much of the IR light you want. I’ll also add that Lifepixel did my conversion. They were great. One of the real benefits is that they include a half-hour zoom session to answer any questions and walk you through the initial processing. One of the most important things I learned is to use the manufacturers software to set the white balance before processing in LR/PS.
First of all, listen to those that recommend conve... (show quote)


Please understand I’m not trolling on you but I had my Olympus Pen-F converted to full spectrum and I DO NOT need to add any filters I can hand hold to “normal” exposure times to get IR results I don’t understand you statements about “still needing filters to get IR results”

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Sep 24, 2022 07:05:51   #
dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida
 
JimH123 said... "As for White Balance: If you shoot JPEG, White Balance is a must. " my IR camera shoots JPEG and so true, unless shooting deep IR, 720 nm and greater, WB is a must for reasonable Near IR+color results.

Jeffcs, regarding filters. Full spectra will indeed give images but they are a mixture of all of the spectra. Filters are needed to narrow the portion of the spectra to give special effects as described in the great info given:
https://kolarivision.com
https://kolarivision.com/articles/choosing-a-infrared-filter/

This is a great IR educational site, kolarivision did it well.

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Sep 24, 2022 08:43:30   #
Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH
 
You do know that forensic cameras are made and distributed by different manufactures, Fuji being one. Get friendly with a police officer and have him buy one with a dept. purchase order. BTY, these cameras have some rather unexpected features like seeing through clothing.

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