Author Topic: IR Converted EPL1 - Clove Lake Park (Read 2018 times)

swandy · « **on:** August 23, 2010, 08:36:59 AM »

IR Converted EPL-1 with Pana 20mm lens.

Unfortunately not a bright sunny day (actually fairly cloudy), but it gave me a chance to play with the new toy and to try to improve my PS RAW techniques on the processing of the IR shots.
Comments welcome,
Steve

cosinaphile · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2010, 08:49:42 AM »

a simply beautiful image

adash · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2010, 09:16:35 AM »

IR Converted EPL-1
How was it converted? Is anything removed from the camera, like the IR-stop filter, for example?
Good photo, BTW, it looks surreal!

voyager · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2010, 09:50:25 AM »

That's awesome! I would also like to know if you replaced the sensor with an IR dedicated one, or just used something like an R72 filter on the lens.

swandy · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2010, 11:25:34 AM »

Thanks everyone for the compliments.
I had previously tried using a Hoya R72 filter with my various m4/3 cameras, but you really needed a tripod because the shutter speeds drop through the floor.
The EPL1 conversion was done by Spencer Camera in Utah. They do great work and the turn around time should have been about 10 days (if not for a problem with his local post office).
They don't replace the sensor - what they do is remove the IR Blocking filter that is built into every digital camera and replace it it with various IR or clear filters. This one is a standard 720 nm IR filter, so I don't have to use any external filters on the camera. (This shot was 1/320, f3.5 @ISO200, handheld.) This way I could use any of my 4/3, m4/3 or legacy lenses without worrying about different size/types of IR filters. They then (in the case of the Oly E series camera and Pen models) replace the cleaning hardware and the IBIS still functions normally.
Really enjoying my new toy. Thanks again, Steve

adash · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2010, 12:04:14 PM »

I knew silicon imaging sensors are really good in IR, but I never knew how to disassemble the sensor-filters assembly. Would make a good home conversion for a compact camera as the E-P1 is still expensive and dear to me.

cosinaphile · « **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2010, 08:48:50 AM »

since i now have 3 micro 4\3 bodies i may convert one too , thanks for a great thread

swandy · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2010, 09:30:33 AM »

Adash - that was my thoughts about doing it myself. Figured it was worth the money to have someone who knows how to repair cameras do it.

Cosinaphile - I only have two currently, but that was my idea - could share all the lenses and stuff between - and very glad I did it.
Steve

cosinaphile · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2010, 10:41:13 AM »

i f i converted one of my gf1s to IR via this process , is their a way to make it a "normal" sensor in a pinch with a screw on filter if i was out with this and needed a normal view in a situiation?

or would that body never be able to take a "normal spectrum " again

wondering

swandy · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2010, 11:12:23 AM »

Cosinaphile,
Yes, they make what is called a full spectrum conversion. That way you control the spectrum of light that reaches the sensor by changing the filter you put in the lens itself.
While it is much more versatile, it also means you need filters that fit all your lenses. I did not wish to go that route, since I generally prefer the "normal" B&W IR photos. Though I have seen some IR shots where the bushes are yellow that are stunning, but you need another filter for that look.
I had thE conversion done at Spencer Camera and their website shows what all the different conversions are capable of.
You can also check out Lifepixel.com for their information about their conversions.

cosinaphile · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2010, 12:19:05 PM »

thanks swandy, im on my way to check it out now

lisandra · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2010, 07:52:24 PM »

I-WANT-NOW

swandy · « **Reply #12 on:** August 28, 2010, 07:56:40 PM »

Quote from: lisandra on August 28, 2010, 07:52:24 PM

I-WANT-NOW

I agree - it is MUCH cooler than I expected it to turn out.
Thanks,

Panther · « **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2010, 08:44:21 PM »

Get one of those $499 Costco E-P1s and convert it....

swandy · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2010, 06:43:48 AM »

Quote from: Panther on August 28, 2010, 08:44:21 PM

Get one of those $499 Costco E-P1s and convert it....

That was my original plan - or a used EP1. But I found a guy on Craig's List that was selling an entire EPL1 kit (including the kit lens, the 9-18 and the external mike) for $899. Since I wanted the 9-18 (which was going for around $600 then) and figured I could sell the kit lens (I have the one from the EP2) for about $50, the cost to me of the EPL1 body was only $250. Could not pass up on that.

IR Converted EPL1 - Clove Lake Park