IR and UV photography, how can I do it?

[grs]

July 7, 2009 at 3:09 pm

I’m wondering about infrared and ultraviolet photography. Is it possable, what hardware do I need? I have a Conon EOS 400D (Digital SLR) can this be used?

[flynny]

July 7, 2009 at 3:33 pm

There are a couple of ways to approach IR photography.
The first way is to put a IR filter on you lens…..
1) Heliopan 715
2) Hoya R72

Below site sells the Heliopan
http://macodirect.de/infrared-filters-heliopan-c-1_255_257.html

The Hoya R72 is the more common one available on all good web sites eg ebay
Things to be aware of with this method are…..
You will probably need a tripod because you will be getting slowish shutter speedS,even if you increase ISO.
The other drawback is that you have to compose and focus the shot,before putting on the IR filter.
One thing to be aware of , not all lenses are good for IR….
http://www.lensplay.com/lenses/lens_infra_red_IR.html

More info here…
http://stevencastle.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/tips-for-infrared-shooting-on-a-d-slr/

The other option is to buy a IR converted camera and use it as you normally would..this has the advantage of allowing handheld shots,same as a normal camera.
Converted cameras can only take IR .

Hope this helps

[Not Pete the bloke]

July 7, 2009 at 4:20 pm

I got a 30D modified by LifePixel

[Martin]

July 7, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Shooting Infrared sensitive film is another option…. the best in my opinion if your serious about shooting infrared…

[Martin]

July 7, 2009 at 7:03 pm

See link below on IR and UV, might be of some use

http://www.naturfotograf.com/UV_IR_rev00.html#top_page

[grs]

July 7, 2009 at 9:34 pm

I did try a roll of IR film some years ago in a Pentax camera I had. I bought the film at a shop in Dublin thinking they would process it for me, they wouldn’t as they didn’t keep the chemicals. It took me over a year to find someone with the setup to do it, and that was a private studio. I don’t have a good 35mm camera any more so I think I will look at digital option for now.

Martin:
Do you process your own IR film or do you send it out, if so where?

What does the IR convertion involve? It might be worth buying a cheap digital camera and doing that to it.

I understand digital camera sensors are very senistive to UV light and therefore generally have a UV blocking filter built into it.

[miki g]

July 7, 2009 at 9:46 pm

Hi Grs. I developed infra red film years ago at home. (Had to buy it in bulk & nobody was developing it) I’m not sure but as far as I can remember I used the same chemicals as normal b&w film. I used to do colour stuff as well and had to do everything in total darkness which is why I cannot be sure of the setup but I’d be pretty sure normal b&w labs should be able to do it or guys who do their own developing and printing at home.

[Martin]

July 7, 2009 at 10:12 pm

The chemicals for IR film are the exact same as for B&W film. I process my negs myself. Gunns on Wexford St Dublin will dev the negs for you no problem.

M

[grs]

July 8, 2009 at 1:22 am

With IR film, would I be after a faster shutter speed with small apature?

I have an old medium format camera (Moscow 5) I haven’t used in age, might try that. It only has very basic controls.

[Martin]

July 8, 2009 at 8:41 am

Since Kodaks HIE IR film was discontinued the films that are left are all very slow films around ISO3, so you cannot take shots hand held, you must use a trypod. If you can live with that the results are excellent… Your normally shooting at around 1/4 sec at around F11

[grs]

July 15, 2009 at 5:25 pm

I was up in Gunn’s and asked about IR film. They don’t stock it anymore but they can process it.
She did mention a brand called Rowi but I haven’t found any yet.

[Martin]

July 15, 2009 at 6:30 pm

grs wrote:

I was up in Gunn’s and asked about IR film. They don’t stock it anymore but they can process it.
She did mention a brand called Rowi but I haven’t found any yet.

Its not “Rowi” its “Rollei” :-)

Theres a few film available:

Id start with a film like Rollei Infrared flim or ilford SFX 200 film. Available online, links below

http://macodirect.de/rollei-infrared-c-1_6_56_140.html

http://macodirect.de/ilford-ilford-c-1_6_53_235.html

You need a 715 filter also, something like the below. You can get cheaper Hoya versions on ebay also

http://macodirect.de/analog-infrared-filters-c-1_255.html

[grs]

July 15, 2009 at 10:46 pm

Thanks for the name correction.
The camera I have is not able to take lens fittings as far as I know, what does the 715 filter do and can I live without it?

[Martin]

July 15, 2009 at 10:48 pm

You need the 715 filter if you are to get an IR image

It basically blocks all light below 715 nano meters, which basically means only IR light gets through it to the film/camera sensor

Can be used on a digital camera also to get an IR picture

M

[grs]

July 15, 2009 at 10:51 pm

I’ll figure a way of fitting the filter to the camera.
I’ll buy one to fit my digital and play with that, see what happens.

Thanks