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Exploring Infrared


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My interest in infrared photography just got peeked. Has anyone here explored it much on the T? And has anyone converted their T for infrared, I.e. going beyond just using IR filters but having it internally modified? I am contemplating having this done to a cheaper Canon or a Sony, but would like to know if any services out there will do same to Leica cameras.

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Ok. I see no one else has done this yet most likely. So just picked up a used T, my second one, for really good price and will be sending it off to convert it for infrared. If anyone interested, will update with how this experiment is working :)!

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Guest satrycon

i got one from kolari vision last year..a small nikon 1 to experiment with..its so wickedly cool..at some point i will order a FF high MP model possible sony

 

http://kolarivision.com/product-category/cameras/

 

 

https://flic.kr/s/aHskqUc4Td

 

Ok. I see no one else has done this yet most likely. So just picked up a used T, my second one, for really good price and will be sending it off to convert it for infrared. If anyone interested, will update with how this experiment is working :)!

Edited by satrycon
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I didn't answer as my foray into I/R with any digital has been limited to simple I/R filters on a "normal" sensor, not really what you were asking about.

 

The M8 is the ticket for casual I/R I feel, and when I had one, it was reasonably simple to get a decent I/R shot, without actually having to modify the camera.

 

I tried recently with the T, and posted as such, but again it related to simple filtration, not modification.

 

My other interest is astro  imaging, and there was a while back a swell of people "modding" their cameras, normally EOS cameras, removing the IR/UV cut filter, thus allowing the Ha light to be detected by the sensor, a good thing for astro. I tried a commercially modified Canon 60D for a while, Full Spectrum I think it was, and it was fun, simple to use and play with.

 

Another craze that swept through the astro scene was the "removal" of the Bayer Matrix on the sensor. This allowed the sensor to be "mono", much like the Monochrom. Most "decent" CCD's for astro use are mono, and colour shots involve the use of RGB filtration at the time of exposures, and are then combined after the event to make the "colour" picture. I had one of these, an old NEX3, "monofied", and the B&W shots were stunning.

 

If I had my way, I'd be keen to try a T, in mono, it would be fun. Getting the T I/R ready is an interesting scenario and I for one will be watching, waiting, keen to hear the costs, the pitfalls, and the results.

 

Gary

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I didn't answer as my foray into I/R with any digital has been limited to simple I/R filters on a "normal" sensor, not really what you were asking about.

 

The M8 is the ticket for casual I/R I feel, and when I had one, it was reasonably simple to get a decent I/R shot, without actually having to modify the camera.

 

I tried recently with the T, and posted as such, but again it related to simple filtration, not modification.

 

My other interest is astro imaging, and there was a while back a swell of people "modding" their cameras, normally EOS cameras, removing the IR/UV cut filter, thus allowing the Ha light to be detected by the sensor, a good thing for astro. I tried a commercially modified Canon 60D for a while, Full Spectrum I think it was, and it was fun, simple to use and play with.

 

Another craze that swept through the astro scene was the "removal" of the Bayer Matrix on the sensor. This allowed the sensor to be "mono", much like the Monochrom. Most "decent" CCD's for astro use are mono, and colour shots involve the use of RGB filtration at the time of exposures, and are then combined after the event to make the "colour" picture. I had one of these, an old NEX3, "monofied", and the B&W shots were stunning.

 

If I had my way, I'd be keen to try a T, in mono, it would be fun. Getting the T I/R ready is an interesting scenario and I for one will be watching, waiting, keen to hear the costs, the pitfalls, and the results.

 

Gary

Yes, I too have been experimenting with IR filters, but quickly realized the long exposure was a hindrance. Didn't know much yet about infrared in digital and discovered on line the way to go was thru conversion. Found a few places that offer this service with choices and also a couple sell cameras already converted. I was torn between buying a cheaper camera first or going for the gusto with a Sony A7r2 but not yet willing to put the $$$ into it until really sure is for me. So going mid way with a second hand T for not that much. We shall see! One of the three services says they had done the T, and the other two willing. Have the M246 which I love which has the Bayer filter removed. I also wonder if these places do a monochrome conversion but so far I don't need another monochrome. It would be interesting on the T. Of course, any conversion no doubt voids warranty. Edited by billinghambaglady
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Keep us in the loop.

My gut feeling is try one that is already converted, one that will accept your current lenses, so possibly a Fuji X-E1, or whatever. Being APS (like your T) will give you a better idea. But then again, looking positively, just go for the throat, and expect to enjoy it, so either your T, or the full Monty, A7R2. Why not?

 

The mono mods I was talking about involved "removing" the Bayer. Removing by scraping it, not for the faint hearted, at all. I don't know if the guy I spoke with is still doing it, I always wanted him to try an X-Pro1 for me, a sort of "Fuji Monochrom". He balked as he'd bust a few chips just getting to the Fuji sensors, so it never happened. I might write to him again.

Gary

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Keep us in the loop.

My gut feeling is try one that is already converted, one that will accept your current lenses, so possibly a Fuji X-E1, or whatever. Being APS (like your T) will give you a better idea. But then again, looking positively, just go for the throat, and expect to enjoy it, so either your T, or the full Monty, A7R2. Why not?

 

The mono mods I was talking about involved "removing" the Bayer. Removing by scraping it, not for the faint hearted, at all. I don't know if the guy I spoke with is still doing it, I always wanted him to try an X-Pro1 for me, a sort of "Fuji Monochrom". He balked as he'd bust a few chips just getting to the Fuji sensors, so it never happened. I might write to him again.

Gary

Hi Gary. I considered various ones already converted. The price of the Fuji X E1 was more than the cost of the used T and price to convert. I also considered less expensive ones already converted. But in the end....yet to transpire as waiting for the used T to arrive before proceeding...felt like doing it to a camera I knew would use and like rather than exploring other makes. My fear is might like it too much and want to convert an M! So, stay tuned. This experiment will happen within a few weeks....
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I've converted several cameras (all Sony), but not a T, yet.  Beyond the IR sensitivity of the sensor, the other key "swing" factor is understanding which lenses will produce hotspots (which are difficult to remove in post processing). Hotspots are typically caused by reflections from lens coatings which are not transparent at certain infrared wavelengths. I haven't seen a list of Leica T lenses evaluated for hotspots. Perhaps someone on this list has tested T lenses?

 

Here's a list of Leica M lenses tested a long time ago on an M8 for hotspots (from: http://www.getdpi.com/forum/leica/257-leica-m8-ir-compatibility-lens-listing-ir-hotspot-not.html)

 

No Hotspot

 

Leica 21mm 2.8 Pre asph
Leica 21mm Asph
Zeiss 28mm 2.8 Biogon
Leica 50mm 1.4 Summilux preasph 
Leica 50mm Summarit
Leica 75mm 1.4 Summilux
Leica 90mm Summarit
Leica 90mm f2.8 Tele-Elmarit "Thin" version
Leica Tri-Elmar 28/35/50

Hotspot

CV 15mm Heliar
Zeiss 18mm
Zeiss 21mm 2.8 Biogon
Leica 24mm Asph
Leica 28mm Cron
Leica 35mm 1.4 asph
Zeiss 50mm 1.5 Sonnar
Leica 90mm 2.0 APO
WATE

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Guest satrycon

loads n loads of ways to do it.. for example > http://www.lightroomsecrets.com/blog/2009/08/simulated-infrared

 

 

but it just never has the same feel to it

 

fake IR test using lightroom >

20377614966_458cf28c66_b.jpg

 

 

 

and these are shot with an IR 720nm converted camera >

 

24627943819_59cc88f2e9_b.jpg

 

 

24877558752_8ca6c10061_b.jpg

 

25035752611_94574c4f47_b.jpg

 

 

26041826254_ce8cc7314a_b.jpg

 

 

 



Just wondering...

 

As opposed to transforming a camera, I wonder if there are software apps / solutions that transform a "regular" color or black and white photo to present an infra-red effect.

 

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I've converted several cameras (all Sony), but not a T, yet.  Beyond the IR sensitivity of the sensor, the other key "swing" factor is understanding which lenses will produce hotspots (which are difficult to remove in post processing). Hotspots are typically caused by reflections from lens coatings which are not transparent at certain infrared wavelengths. I haven't seen a list of Leica T lenses evaluated for hotspots. Perhaps someone on this list has tested T lenses?

 

Here's a list of Leica M lenses tested a long time ago on an M8 for hotspots (from: http://www.getdpi.com/forum/leica/257-leica-m8-ir-compatibility-lens-listing-ir-hotspot-not.html)

 

No Hotspot

 

Leica 21mm 2.8 Pre asphLeica 21mm AsphZeiss 28mm 2.8 BiogonLeica 50mm 1.4 Summilux preasph Leica 50mm SummaritLeica 75mm 1.4 SummiluxLeica 90mm SummaritLeica 90mm f2.8 Tele-Elmarit "Thin" versionLeica Tri-Elmar 28/35/50

HotspotCV 15mm HeliarZeiss 18mmZeiss 21mm 2.8 BiogonLeica 24mm AsphLeica 28mm CronLeica 35mm 1.4 asphZeiss 50mm 1.5 SonnarLeica 90mm 2.0 APOWATE

Thanks so much for the list! I have several not on the list, of M lenses so shall how they do. Only have couple T lenses.

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Just wondering...

 

As opposed to transforming a camera, I wonder if there are software apps / solutions that transform a "regular" color or black and white photo to present an infra-red effect.

I have done some research on this on line. Some good info comparing the difference between using an infrared filter or converted camera vs post processing to get the effect. Will be different. Has to do with how infrared sees color vs the visual spectrum we see. Is very interesting.

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  • 2 weeks later...

It arrived!!!!   My original T (now own two) was converted to Infared by Lifepixel.  I posted one shot on the forum so far.  More to come the next few days as I learn.  A lot better than using filters!!! 

 

I chose Lifepixel after checking out a few other companies that do this conversion.  They were the only one that had worked on a T before and had a terrific reputation.  Went very smoothly.  They also have several options, and I went for the standard IR conversion.

 

So, will be posting more examples here over the next weekend. 

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Yes please, waiting.

Where? ("on the forum")

I have run a roll of Rollei SuperPan 200 through the SWC in the last few days, trying the I/R siide of the film, and have just this minute processed it, it's drying as we speak.

Keep us updated please, exciting.

Gary

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Yes please, waiting.

Where? ("on the forum")

I have run a roll of Rollei SuperPan 200 through the SWC in the last few days, trying the I/R siide of the film, and have just this minute processed it, it's drying as we speak.

Keep us updated please, exciting.

Gary

 

Gary, I put the first on up on the Post T shots.  Here is another one taken with the Summicron 35mm M Asph lens and not converted to B/W.  Will take me a bit to learn this.  So far don't think will be pixel peeping as the images are not as sharp, but that may be something to work on.

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