Mike Little Loc: Ozark, Missouri

Can you shoot infared wilt the new digetial camers or do you have to use one of the older slrs for black and white as well as color?

Yooper Loc: U.P. Michigan

As far as I know, the only way to shoot infrared with a digital camera without modification is to use an infrared filter on the lens, which will increase exposure times significantly and, as a result, increase noise.. There are companies that will modify a digital camera to allow IR capture, but then you can't use it for capturing regular images. It would be a good use for an old camera that has been replaced by an upgrade.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Mike, I modified a used Canon G-2 as shown in the directions in the resources http://khromagery.com.au/digital_ir.html.

Stepwise directions for G1 -G2 Canons are given at
http://www.kleptography.com/notes-irconvert.htm

The hardest is finding the clear glass to substitute for the Hot Mirror that reflects and stops the IR rays. As I recall I used some glass UV from a framing shop sandwiched with microscope slide glass.

I bought a diamond blade for my Drummel to help cut. The edges are not important they can be rough. The thickness is important, but I think not as critical as I thought in the beginning of the task. A good micrometer is available from Harbor Freight or Northern Tool for low price. That tool is also critical. Of course good "small" screwdrivers from the same place or Radio Shack.

The glue is critical - Locktite - makes a instant glue specifically for "glass". Squeeze with small rubber faced clamps sold at the tool places above. Putting a little excess allows for squeezing extra out along with bubbles. Allow to set for 24 hours. First tries had bubbles because I used regular crazy glue. Other than the above, follow the conversion article. Take photos yourself as you dis assemble the camera. TAKE YOUR TIME, SEND THE FAMILY AND CATS AND DOGS AWAY WHEN DOING THIS ,,,, you do no want to lose screws. Also make a diagram on cardboard and punch holes and label where the screws come from. The lengths and size differ.

The reference page has a list of other cameras, and no longer suggests G2, but the G2 works. IR filters are available from E-Bay. I would get the 850, I have all three ranges and only use the 850 or 900 filters. You will need a camera extension tube, they screw into the camera after you remove the chrome ring around the lens area. I hope this helps,,,, I like mine, tho rarely used.
I had to put the camera together twice to get it to work, some of the small flat cables are the problem spot. Perhaps an Oriental woman with very small hands would be helpful, they were the ones putting the camera together in the first place.
d/p Don

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Some of the older digital cameras are easier to use with IR as in the early days they didn't use a strong filter to block IR.

Also, depending on which camera you convert, or use, the result in terms of "false color" will be different. SO you might want to do some research to see what results people are getting with which camera body along with which filter. They vary widely.

You can get a converted IR camera that can be used for "normal' shooting, but you have to switch out to a different filter. check out MAXMAX.com for some options that will provide that type of option.

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

I use my older D70 with the Hoya R72 filter. It works fine.

nowhoha

Depends on the camera. You can buy very cheap IR filters on Amazon for less than $10. I've attached a couple of shots with 750nm and 850nm IR filters on an Olympus E-PL2.

750nm


850nm

gsrunyan Loc: Aurora, CO

Older (h-55 and older) Sony point and shoot cameras take infrared images with or without an infrared filter. The images produced are green and white and then you modify them to black and white on your computer. Attached is an example taken in Baton Rouge as hurricane Rita approached.

Glenn

High grass bending in the wind


Modified to blue and white

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Yes, cameras vary, the first article I mentioned lists cameras suitable for conversion. The advantage of a converted camera is that the exposure time is short. And I enjoyed the challenge of the task; taking a camera apart and making a IR transparent glass to replace the Hot Mirror is not everyone's cup of tea. Agreed 100%

IR sees a world we do not see, that makes it interesting and so is UV. UV is another differing task, I think I will only use strong UV inside the house and photograph the resulting converted to visible light generated by the subject. It is an odd world, normal colors which fluoresce vividly under ultraviolet lights move us into a different world of photography. Halloween is a great time to get UV bulbs and inks and Fluorescent paints.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

IR is generally converted to B/W because of a color cast. For the converted cameras it is a red cast. Topaz labs has a new "B/W and Beyond" Plugin Set. It is on Intro special for only $30 and you can do a 30day trial, to check it out and then get before the special expires. Watch the Webinar on the program, it is very informative. Enjoy Don d/p

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

Mike,

Here is a link to a recent post of mine on how to do IR on the cheap with an unmodded, but IR sensitive camera and a filter. Try it and if you like it then spend the extra time & money on a camera conversion.

Eric

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-1837-3.html#18020

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Beautiful work, congratulations. IR adds a flavor that simple B/W does not have.

Yes, conversion is not for the meek. I converted my Canon G-2, purchased for about $100. I did this 2 years ago and got the filters from EBay. Low cost so I got 600-900.

Glass selection was the most difficult task, Locktite makes a "glass glue" that works great. Enjoyed your photos. Don d/p

gsrunyan Loc: Aurora, CO

I am getting an error (HTTP 500) when I try to upload more infrared photos. Happened yesterday and today.

Glenn