Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
As some will know i'm quite like B and W photography. I've stumbled on a couple ofphotographers who specialise in IR monos. I don't want to go to the cost of getting a body converted, has anyone had success with IR filters on say a D700. I know all cameras have diffeent sensitivities to IR, what about focal length shifts?
Any one with any suggestions or images to look at would be most welcome
I've not had great results from nikon digitals for IR, Nick. The internal filter just seems to be too effective, and it's really hard to get any sort of definition in your shots.
Nick - all very good questions.....
I've always used Hoya R72 filters.
I know the D70 was VERY good with an IR filter; trouble is the modern cameras have much better internal IR filters and if you cut out the visible spectrum you end up with almost nothing.
My 5D2 the internal IR filter is so good that even in full sunshine I get 4s at ISO 400, f11, on overcast days 4 mins is a more typical at ISO 100 and I've occasionally suffered 20min exposures.
You need to shield the eyepiece to stop stray light entering - Camera straps often have a blanking cap on them, use that.
Lens design seems to affect the image - some lenses produce a bright spot in the centre.
As you have already mentioned - focussing is the real sod.
It is not the normal focal distance.
Auto focus and live view do not work.
The only technique that seems to work for me is to jack up the ISO a bit to take shots at relatively short exposures, tweaking the focus based on inspecting the image; don't worry about the noise - then when everything looks good put the ISO back to base ISO and go for it!
This is a also good way of estimating the final exposure as simple maths keeps the overall exposure the same; each stop less ISO doubles the length of time the shutter needs to be open.
If you want good IR from a Nikon-mount body use a Kodak DCS760.
Most sensors are sensitive to infra-red, so there has to be an IR blocking filter somewhere. In the 760, it's just inside the lens throat and easily removed. Although only 6 MP, it knocked the Nikon D1X into a cocked hat and gave the D2X a run for its money. Better still, they're dirt-cheap and I have a couple gathering dust.
I played with IR landscape and used a Hoya R72 filter. It gives very good infrared but you have to remove it for viewing.
Unless you can get hold of an old D70 a conversion would be the only sure way to go.
these are excellent.
The great advantage about conversion is that you can view normally because only the sensor will be infra-red. The R72 filter is pretty close to black.
I had my eye on this one for when my daughter gets fed up with her D40. I've no idea if the procedure is the same for the D80 though.
D40 IR conversion
Nick
Had my old D70 converted at Protech Photographic in East Sussex about 6 months ago. Think it was about £170 I paid - just looked at their website and can't immediately find their current prices.
I found them extremely knowledgeable and helpful .......
G
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Login or Join Now
New to ePHOTOzine? Join ePHOTOzine for free!
Related Content
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
foliopic 'Movement' Competition
1st May 2012 - 31st May 2012
This month's competition theme is 'Movement' which can be interpreted in a number of ways. You could photograph an animal running, a person walking or a car speeding...Featured e2 Photo
Featured Directory Listing
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
Interact
Photography Gallery Photography Forums Recent Forum Activity Members' Meetings Members' BlogsSearch ePHOTOzine
Having trouble or would like to make a suggestion? Create a report
Calibrate your monitor so you can see 16 different shades.
ePHOTOzine © 2001 - 2012 Magezine Publishing | Contact Us | Site Map | Top