Q3 infrared?

[Denebola]

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Does somebody tried to shoot infrared wit the Q3, using classic filter like R72, but “natively” (without modifying the camera)?

If yes, what were the results?

Thanks!

Den

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[darylgo]

Den,

When I tested the M cameras, M9, M240, M10 they had weak IR filters and could be shot without modification.   The SL, when I tested it had zero IR leakage, so it wouldn't work unless modified.  I haven't tested the Q series however Leica would not likely be caught again in that type issue and I would doubt that any later design from the M8 onward other than the M would have IR leakage.  Of course the only way to know for sure is to test it.  

[ianforber]

I shot IR with the Q2 and M11. Both are good but the M11 is better than the Q2 because it handles low light noise better. ISO 800-1600 seems to be the sweet spot. R72 is a bit too close to normal photography for me so I use 830nm or 780nm. Hopefully Leica won’t have changed their approach to the Q3 sensor too much from the M11 sensor. 
 

Heres a Q2 picture, tripod mounted with a 830nm filter, ISO 1600 and a 2 sec exposure. You’ll see noise in the sky.

 

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[ianforber]

And now a M11 picture, also 830nm tripod mounted ISO 3200, 1.7 sec exposure. 
 

 

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[ianforber]

And now an M11 picture handheld with a 780nm filter, ISO 5000, 1/320s

 

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[Woodstock]

I would agree that the only way to judge Q3 ability in this regard is to test it. A cautionary word in that I had hoped that the quite widely publicised high ISO ability of the Q2 would render it suitable for IR work, but using it with the same Heliopan filter as worked quite reasonably with my X100T gave disappointing results, to the extent that I ended up having the X100 modified to shoot IR only. Clearly the Q3 sensor is a different beast to the Q2 so you may find acceptable results with the former. Best of luck.