17.03.2023, 22:01   #1

Hobbyfotograf

Infrared Modification

Since there were a few comments on my IR photos and I've been planning a camera modification for a while, I have a question:
Does anyone here have personal experience with an IR camera modification or a full spectrum conversion?
And especially interesting: Where did you have the modification done, and how satisfied were you with the service provider?
Or has anyone here done the work themselves?
18.03.2023, 09:14   #2
Modification?
IR film doesn’t require any modifications—unless your camera has a red window on the back for roll film to show the frame number. In that case, I’d definitely modify it by adding a black, light-tight cover.

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18.03.2023, 19:41   #3

Hobbyfotograf

@Andreas F
Hi Andreas, of course you can shoot directly with film, as long as suitable material is available. I actually have quite a bit of Ilford SFX in 135 and 120 on hand—no problem.
However, there’s a reason I decided to go for the modification: I want a full-spectrum conversion to have more flexibility. I want a digital camera that allows me to use relatively fast shutter speeds in daylight to avoid using a tripod and to prevent motion blur on the model.
Unfortunately, with the films still available today, that’s not really possible—the shutter speeds end up being about as long as with a “normal” digital camera.
Usually, I actually like the long exposures in IR landscape photography because they create nice motion blur effects in leaves and clouds, and you always have a tripod with you for landscapes anyway.
https://www.jochen-petry.de/tag/ir/
With a modified digital camera, though, I want to shoot my nude models outdoors. I’ve already done some initial tests:
https://www.jochen-petry.de/2021/12/laura-li-buntsandstein-ir/
The results aren’t quite what I envisioned yet. Besides the less-than-ideal lighting at the time, working with the Leica M8 I used was pretty challenging. Its unique design (see https://luminous-landscape.com/the-leica-m8-and-infra-red-photography/) gets you halfway there, but only halfway. Plus, focusing on moving subjects with the rangefinder is a real pain because of the focus shift in IR.
For future nude shoots outdoors, I definitely prefer a converted digital camera.
18.03.2023, 21:21   #4
Unfortunately, I can’t help you with the conversion since I haven’t modified any of my digital cameras myself, nor had them converted.
A dream scenario would be a sensor that, like the Kodak HIE, produces a beautiful Wood’s effect with just a simple Red25a filter.
Preferably with less grain. 😉
I’d love to hear about and see the results if you decide to have one converted or buy one that’s already been modified.
19.03.2023, 19:32   #5

Hobbyfotograf

@Andreas F
Hi Andreas, I’ll probably have to wait a bit longer before anything happens. It’s still undecided which camera I’ll have modified and which service provider I’ll hire. That’s why I’m asking these questions here.
And you probably won’t see any results here, since nude photos are no longer allowed in order to attract more new premium users.
But on my own website, of course, that won’t be an issue. Although, that site isn’t really worth much since it’s free. 😉  
31.08.2023, 15:07   #6

Hobbyfotograf

Hi Jochen, I’m not familiar with the company you mentioned. I had my device modified by "irrecams.de" and I’m very happy with their work.
12.11.2023, 20:21   #7

Hobbyfotograf

@Ulf Simon

Hi Ulf,
I finally got a camera converted. It’s just a compact MFT camera (Panasonic GX80), but for now, I’m really happy with the decision.
Not only was this (already owned) camera cheaper than buying a new full-frame camera (EOS R or RP), but the main advantage for me is that I don’t have to swap lenses and filters between camera bodies when shooting. The GX80 simply gets fitted with the right lens (usually the 2.5/14mm) and filter, and it’s always ready to go.
Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to do any nude shoots with it this summer, but a few test shots in the forest look very promising.
So I’m really looking forward to next spring!
12.11.2023, 20:38   #8

Hobbyfotograf

Well then, have fun, Jochen. It’s a niche area of photography, but it definitely has its own charm.
19.09.2025, 00:32   #9
Keep in mind, when doing a full-spectrum conversion, your camera won’t have a built-in IR filter anymore, so you’ll need to attach one yourself. With the optical viewfinder of a traditional DSLR, you won’t see anything through it—only the live view on the display will work. When shooting nudes in IR, you’ll get vampire-like figures in the forest under "moonlight."
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