Shooting infrared with Nikon

[tommyg]

Wondering who has had any experience in shooting in infrared with Nikon cameras?

We have a D700 and D7000, so wondering if we will get good results with using an infrared screw-on filter, or should look at getting a modified camera body with the infrared filter removed

If looking at a camera body - does anybody know a good place to get one?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated
Cheers
Tom

[Mr Darcy]

The people I know who have gone down this road seem to all start with filters, but end up modifying a camera. The D70 seems to be the body of choice. These are pretty cheap these days. Cameron (Aim54x on this forum) has gone down this route.

[aim54x]

Tommy, I spent a bit of time playing with several IR options. Unfortunately neither the D700 nor the D7000 are very usable for IR without modification.

The D70 is well known to be able to used with R72 filters, but in my experience in playing with R72 + D70, I found the process painful. I ended up going with a dedicated 720nm conversion (using a D80 as a donor body). Rooz has a D60 that has been converted to IR as well.

I have seen D200 and D700 conversions, with great results from either. I do know of a photographer looking to get a D7000 converted, and it is possible we are just waiting on a quote.

[tommyg]

Thanks for that Cameron,

So a D80 wuold be the best 'cheap' option then?

Do you have the details of how to get the conversion done?
Thanks

[robw25]

So a D80 wuold be the best 'cheap' option then?

i think a good d70 would be cheapest

Do you have the details of how to get the conversion done?

get a filter from lifepixel and do it yourself ( its not that hard ) they have a tutorial on their site for you to follow

some of my infra reds http://robw.smugmug.com/Art/INFRA-RED-HDR-EFFECTS/3794937_jLtmbZ#!i=218966487&k=tE5VL

cheers rob

[aim54x]

I picked the D80 because it was a familiar camera with a nice ergonomic layout that I could pick up in excellent condition (Nikon refurbished) at the right price.

Given more of a budget I would have opted for a D90/D300. The live view would be very useful for IR....(esp for playing with WB).

As for where to get it done....
-Camera Clinic (Melbourne) offers a service where they can source and install a LifePixel filter for you.
-Advanced Camera Services (Australian office is one guy) can convert your camera for you as well.

Mine was done by Advanced Camera Services (the Australian tech has done a lot of work with us for NSW Police/Army/Navy orders) and I have been very happy with the result. My camera has had a firmware splice that allows it to AF accurately (works most of the time). The tech that offers this service is Nikon trained. Camera Clinic on the other hand, offer to calibrate one lens for focus (like LifePixel) and are the official LEICA technicians in Australia.

[tommyg]

Looking at the lifepixel option - any thoughts on which of their IR filters would be the best to go with?

[aim54x]

Plain 720nm gives you some false colour ability and pretty good deep black as well. That is what I opted for. IF you want colour then go shorter wavelength and if you want deep black then look at the 890nm option (no colours in that at all).