Belle123 Posted August 21, 2016 Share #1 Posted August 21, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 21, 2016 Posted August 21, 2016 Hi Belle123, Take a look here Exploring Infrared. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Belle123 Posted August 22, 2016 Author Share #2 Posted August 22, 2016 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 ! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learner Posted August 22, 2016 Share #3 Posted August 22, 2016 BL: You have likely seen these stunning shots: infrared photography ... click title above thumbnails. Please keep us up to date on this odyssey. John 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest satrycon Posted August 22, 2016 Share #4 Posted August 22, 2016 (edited) 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 August 22, 2016 by satrycon 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted August 22, 2016 Share #5 Posted August 22, 2016 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 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted August 23, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted August 23, 2016 (edited) 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 August 23, 2016 by billinghambaglady Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted August 23, 2016 Share #7 Posted August 23, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) 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 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted August 24, 2016 Author Share #8 Posted August 24, 2016 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.... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Weissman Posted August 24, 2016 Share #9 Posted August 24, 2016 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 28/35/50HotspotCV 15mm HeliarZeiss 18mmZeiss 21mm 2.8 BiogonLeica 24mm AsphLeica 28mm CronLeica 35mm 1.4 asphZeiss 50mm 1.5 SonnarLeica 90mm 2.0 APOWATE 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learner Posted August 24, 2016 Share #10 Posted August 24, 2016 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest satrycon Posted August 25, 2016 Share #11 Posted August 25, 2016 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 > and these are shot with an IR 720nm converted camera > 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. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted August 25, 2016 Author Share #12 Posted August 25, 2016 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted August 25, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted August 25, 2016 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted August 31, 2016 Author Share #14 Posted August 31, 2016 Just an update. My T just went in for 'surgery' to do the infrared conversion. Will update again with photos when returned. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted September 9, 2016 Author Share #15 Posted September 9, 2016 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted September 9, 2016 Share #16 Posted September 9, 2016 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted September 9, 2016 Author Share #17 Posted September 9, 2016 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. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/263721-exploring-infrared/?do=findComment&comment=3109616'>More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 10, 2016 Share #18 Posted September 10, 2016 They should be tack sharp. Go manual and do a bit of focus bracketing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted September 10, 2016 Share #19 Posted September 10, 2016 I agree with Jaap, they should be sharp. Zooming in to focus? Gary Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle123 Posted September 10, 2016 Author Share #20 Posted September 10, 2016 Well, honestly, I do know how to focus ha! But maybe my idea of sharp for infrared is too demanding. Looking at other infrared shots on line, they all exhibit the same characteristics I am seeing. Will be doing more all day today so may put up the sharpest one I can do. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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