Infrared and the M8

[ukenagashi]

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Hey there,

after searching for quite some time now, I decided to write this post. I own a M 240 and would like to experiment with infrared. But there are so many and opposite informations in the web and Leica is not helpful at all about this topic. So: does anybody has experiences with the M8 (M8 should have a less strong IR filter that the M240-also interested in experiences of M240) and infrared photography ? Can anybody explain his/her experiences in exposure time etc? It would really be a good help for me.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

[jaapv]

The M8 is excellent for hand-held IR photography.

There are too many useful threads on this forum to supply helpful links. I suggest you use the forum search function in this case. There is so much useful information here that you can build your personal handbook. The earliest threads date back to 2007. There is plenty to be seen in the Photoforums too. You can find some information in GetDPI forums as well (specifically a thread listing lenses without hot spot), but the bulk is over here.

As a starter just buy a 093 or 092 filter and start experimenting. The internal exposure meter works just fine.

Main advice: focus bracket. A good place to start your focus is the 5.6 marking on the DOF scale of the lens with non-apo lenses.

Edited February 22, 2014 by jaapv

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[ukenagashi]

Thank you for your information. So you suggest in buying a second body of M8 ? Thats the main question, because I have no possibility to test one...

Thanks

[jaapv]

It will work on the M as well, but the M8 is more capable. If you can find a cheap one I would indeed recommend it.

[mike_j]

The M8 works just fine as an infra red camera. Some lenses have the IR focus mark, otherwise experiment around the f5.6 DoF.

 

But, I wouldn't buy an M8 just for IR. There are quite a few cameras around which have been professionally modified for IR and these generally will be better and cheaper than an M8 for which the IR is just an accidental feature. If you can't find one, it would even be economic to buy an unmodified camera and have it modified. It will be much more sensitive and be properly adjusted for IR use.

 

This is a good starting point LifePixel Digital Infrared Photography

Edited February 22, 2014 by mike_j

[ukenagashi]

Okay, but I have lenses I would like to use, so I thought the smartest idea would be to stay there and use a Leica. I don´t want to start with a new camera, a new brand, buy adapters for the lenses, lose guarantee in modifying the camera.... Do you understand, what I mean ?

[jaapv]

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For the M240 you can best use an B&W 092 filter.

 

I think you should be able to find a heavy-use M8 under 1000 Euro, but I would advise experimenting with the M240 first before sinking too much money into this niche.

[ukenagashi]

Yes, I think so, but I would like to use my 21mm Lux, so I ordered a Heliopan 715 and a Heliopan 1000 of Series VIII. For this lens there is no B&W filter available. Yes, therefore I am really interested in the difference of M8 and M240...

[jaapv]

I'm not quite sure if the 21 Summilux is the optimum lens, but an interesting experiment. Usee a tripod then and keep us posted.

[wda]

I retained my M8 mainly for IR and have been pleased with the convincing results. I used a grey card to preserve tonal neutrality. It is worth searching the forum. There is a wealth of relevant information herein.

[farnz]

… But, I wouldn't buy an M8 just for IR. There are quite a few cameras around which have been professionally modified for IR and these generally will be better and cheaper than an M8 for which the IR is just an accidental feature. ...

A bit of an 'apples to oranges' comparison since converted dSLRs can only shoot IR whereas the M8 will shoot either IR or normal colour. Additionally, converted dSLRs are confined to whatever IR-pass filter the technician has fixed over the sensor whereas the M8 offers a choice of any of the range of IR-pass filters and the difference between them is substantial.

 

Pete.

[farnz]

I retained my M8 mainly for IR and have been pleased with the convincing results. I used a grey card to preserve tonal neutrality. It is worth searching the forum. There is a wealth of relevant information herein.

I've missed shooting IR with my M8 since trading it for a lens and I managed to find a silver M8 today at an agreeable price to continue IR. I convinced myself that I wouldn't miss shooting IR but I found otherwise.

 

Pete.

[jaapv]

Plus: on an DSLR you can't see a darn thing through the viewfinder with the IR filter mounted...

 

A bit of an 'apples to oranges' comparison since converted dSLRs can only shoot IR whereas the M8 will shoot either IR or normal colour. Additionally, converted dSLRs are confined to whatever IR-pass filter the technician has fixed over the sensor whereas the M8 offers a choice of any of the range of IR-pass filters and the difference between them is substantial.

 

Pete.

[farnz]

Plus: on an DSLR you can't see a darn thing through the viewfinder with the IR filter mounted...

But with a converted dSLR the IR-pass filter is fixed over the sensor so there's still full visibility through the viewfinder.

 

Pete.

[jaapv]

I see. The only conversions I saw in the past were a simple removal of the IR block filter and replacement by plain glass. Just goes to show what a fossil I am.

[ukenagashi]

I just found a 2011 as demonstration model bought M8 with Nokton 1,4/35 and old silver Elmarit 2,8/90 in the package for EUR 1650,00. The private seller didn´t know how many actuations the M8 has - what do you say about this offer?

[farnz]

I just found a 2011 as demonstration model bought M8 with Nokton 1,4/35 and old silver Elmarit 2,8/90 in the package for EUR 1650,00. The private seller didn´t know how many actuations the M8 has - what do you say about this offer?

As a package it's a very low price - he's basically including the lenses for free - so personally I'd be suspicious about the M8. Check that there are no problems with the LCD in particular because a dead LCD can't be repaired by Leica. Check for 'coffee stain' on the LCD too and, if you can, take some pictures with the M8 before you buy to check that there are no problems with the sensor. I'd straight out ask the seller if there are any problems I should know about.

 

Pete.

[jaapv]

If the camera is OK you can hardly go wrong.

[ukenagashi]

Yes, that was my thought too. He said he made only 300 - 500 pictures and everything would be okay - but I have no chance to prove this. He said he paid for the package a few years ago 3300,00 and he wants now the half.

So, what to do...

Another question to you experts: Is the sensor of the M8 so IR-sensible, that - if I want to use a M240 lens on the M8 - I am forced to use an IR-blocking filter? I heard that at the time when Leica saw their problem, they send every M8 owner a free IR-filter. So I am worrying about using now on all lenses these filters!? I don´t own a single one now on the M240....

Edited February 23, 2014 by ukenagashi

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[farnz]

Yes there is IR 'bleed-through', which means that if you want to make sure that black fabrics photograph as black and not magenta and that grass and leaves photograph as green and not yellowy-green then you should use a UV-IR cut filter on lenses on the M8. In my experience the Leica brand UV-IR cut filters suppress IR the most reliably.

 

Pete.