Modding for IR

[Francis247]

Hi All IR Friends,

Not sure if it is a silly question but Just got some thoughts for discussion.

It seems that after Modding the camera for IR, the camera can only take IR-Mono. I presume it is because of the IR filter that was used (to replace the hotmirror filter) is something like Lee #87 which blocks off most of the colour. Just wondering, is there IR modified camera that can do IR-Colour?

[deadpixel]

Originally Posted by Francis247 Hi All IR Friends, Not sure if it is a silly question but Just got some thoughts for discussion. It seems that after Modding the camera for IR, the camera can only take IR-Mono. I presume it is because of the IR filter that was used (to replace the hotmirror filter) is something like Lee #87 which blocks off most of the colour. Just wondering, is there IR modified camera that can do IR-Colour?

It really depends on the filter that you decide on. If you replace the internal IRC filter with a Hoya R72 or B+W 092, these will allow you to take "colored" IR photos. The samples below are from cameras that have been converted using the Hoya R72:






You could use the filter from LifePixel (I'm not affiliated with them) but their colors tend to come out less saturated...here's a sample of a "colored" IR shot with a camera using Lifepixel's filter, it's from a 10.5mm FE by the way




Then, I'm pretty sure that you've seen images from the modded Canon G3 that also uses the Hoya R72...



As you can see, "color" is still possible. However, you won't be able to do IR+Color Overlay photos.

One other thing to note is that the color saturation and contrast you achieve is very much dependant on WHAT you measure your CWB against and WHEN you do it (the time of day is important).

Cheers,
Matt

[teerex]

Matt,

How is the fit of the R72 in the D70.

Is it too thin, too thick for a good fit?

Any calibration need ot be done after fitting the R72 into the D70 for focussing issues?

Looks like the thickness of the Lifepixel filter fits best, it that right?

Sorry for so many questions, I'm curious.

[Pablo]

Originally Posted by teerex Matt, How is the fit of the R72 in the D70. Is it too thin, too thick for a good fit? Any calibration need ot be done after fitting the R72 into the D70 for focussing issues? Looks like the thickness of the Lifepixel filter fits best, it that right? Sorry for so many questions, I'm curious.

teerex, teerex, teerex,

Do I get the feeling that you might be considering the mod

The one person that least requires faster shutter speed (rock steady, tripod no needed)



Just kidding Lee

[deadpixel]

Originally Posted by teerex Matt, How is the fit of the R72 in the D70. Is it too thin, too thick for a good fit? Any calibration need ot be done after fitting the R72 into the D70 for focussing issues? Looks like the thickness of the Lifepixel filter fits best, it that right? Sorry for so many questions, I'm curious.

Hi Teerex,

You're right in saying that the Lifepixel fits best. When you look at the original IRC vs. Lifepixel's filter, you'd see that they are almost identical in thickness.

The R72 is quite a bit thicker than the IRC filter and this can lead to an issue with the filter pressing against and thus jamming the shutter. However, this only happens to a small handfull of D70 cameras that come from the very, very early 2004 batch and there is a simple work around to for it.

As for calibration, there is a need for it but this is quite easily done. All you need is a 2mm hex key and a little patience.

Cheers,
Matt

[teerex]

Originally Posted by deadpixel Hi Teerex, You're right in saying that the Lifepixel fits best. When you look at the original IRC vs. Lifepixel's filter, you'd see that they are almost identical in thickness. The R72 is quite a bit thicker than the IRC filter and this can lead to an issue with the filter pressing against and thus jamming the shutter. However, this only happens to a small handfull of D70 cameras that come from the very, very early 2004 batch and there is a simple work around to for it. As for calibration, there is a need for it but this is quite easily done. All you need is a 2mm hex key and a little patience. Cheers, Matt

Matt,


Thanks for enlightening. Appreciate it.

[teerex]

Originally Posted by Pablo teerex, teerex, teerex, Do I get the feeling that you might be considering the mod The one person that least requires faster shutter speed (rock steady, tripod no needed) Just kidding Lee

Pablo,

The thought has been in my mind for some time now. But then still considering the pros and cons of a IR mod camera.

I gain the advantage of higher shutter speed and ease of opeation, but I lose the capabilities of doing IR color blending shots.

Then there's the thought of modding my present D70 and get another body for color pics. But then the new body that I have in mind is not as IR friendly as the D70.

In the meantime, I'm just sticking to what I'm using and will give it some thoughts at another point in time.

Hope I'll be able to get good IR pics and share with you guys.

[Francis247]

Hi Matt,

Thanks for enlightening me and providing some much information.
Appreciate your help.
Just tossing the idea of getting a PnS then do the conversion.
Still like my D70s as it is, no plan to mod yet.

[ark19]

Schott manufacture IR glass filters http://www.schott.com/singapore/english/index.html
Wonder if can buy them from their local office...
If can buy one big piece and cut