infared photos

[zamanakhan]

I am looking into infared phototgraphy and have been thinking about getting a d70 which i can modifiy to be a infared camera. I would like to know if the only way of doing IR is with the lifepixel filters. Would it be possible for me to take apart the camera then take off the hot mirror and then simply use a filter that goes infront of the lens? or is the best solution and most convenient solution the lifepixel filter?

 

[ann]

There are other places to get a camera modified MAXMAX for one. The value for using a modified camera is being able to hand hold it rather than use a tripod and not being able to see after placing the filter on the lens.

There is a lot of information on how to alter the camera , just try google.

There are also many other filters available than just those from Lifepixel.

 

[Garbz]

Not only can you do that I recommend it. When you put an IR filter on the sensor you lose control. There's various IR filters that can be applied to the front of the lens to give various different effects. Not only that, but with the IR filter on the front of your lens your autofocus system remains intact despite the fact that IR bends through the lens at a different angle than visible light.

The downside is you can't see what you're doing through your shutter, and the D70 doesn't have lifeview.

That said it's not quite as simple as removing the hotmirror. Without looking at it if there's any thickness to it at all it may bend the light hitting the sensor. This is typically not so much an issue on a DSLR as a Point and shoot where the rear element of the lens is closer to the sensor but you need to be aware that there's a potential to firstly screw up the focus to the point where lenses can't focus at infinity and you also expose the sensor to potentially getting dust (much more serious then simply wiping it off like if you get dust on it now.

The better solution is to either remove the IR coating from the hot mirror with a really REALLY fine cutting compound (such as car finishing polish) or to replace it with an appropriate size and thickness piece of glass.

 

[zamanakhan]

Not only can you do that I recommend it. When you put an IR filter on the sensor you lose control. There's various IR filters that can be applied to the front of the lens to give various different effects. Not only that, but with the IR filter on the front of your lens your autofocus system remains intact despite the fact that IR bends through the lens at a different angle than visible light.

The downside is you can't see what you're doing through your shutter, and the D70 doesn't have lifeview.

That said it's not quite as simple as removing the hotmirror. Without looking at it if there's any thickness to it at all it may bend the light hitting the sensor. This is typically not so much an issue on a DSLR as a Point and shoot where the rear element of the lens is closer to the sensor but you need to be aware that there's a potential to firstly screw up the focus to the point where lenses can't focus at infinity and you also expose the sensor to potentially getting dust (much more serious then simply wiping it off like if you get dust on it now.

The better solution is to either remove the IR coating from the hot mirror with a really REALLY fine cutting compound (such as car finishing polish) or to replace it with an appropriate size and thickness piece of glass.

thnx for the info, i was looking at your flikr and you seem to have some great infared stuff, i am considering getting a clear glass piece from life pixel and getting a ir filter for the front of the lens. The only problem is it doesnt seem like the most cost effective option. I may just go for a d70 and replace the mirror myself, i am waiting for an UGL or BGN d70 to come onto keh for a buy. I'd like to get a d40 or a d60 but the d70 seems to be the easiest to replace the mirror.

 

[Garbz]

If you've got steady hands, small screwdrivers, and the ability to be very careful about what you touch in a camera then sure. But for the love of god follow a guide if you're not 100% sure. Aside from the hidden screws and latches that are sometimes necessary to disassemble electronics, cameras also have 330V capacitors to store the flash charge. It can be lethal. The method of touching it usually doesn't give a lethal shock, but damn it can hurt. The guides often point out what not to touch.

 

[daarksun]

I use the Sony F717 camera without any modifications to the camera. you set the nightshot mode -simple switch on the top, and add a homemade ring to blowk the infrared, one red circle cut filter, and one to two pieces fo cut window tint. and you have infrared. Here a tint picture.