Full-Spectrum Camera Conversion - Exp and Recommendations

Calcifer on 12/01/2025 - 20:44

Have been playing around with photography for a little while now, and enjoying it. Stumbled on a video about IR photography, and then into Full Spectrum conversions and photography using external filters. Looks like fun!

Looking to pick up a relatively affordable camera to get converted (or to convert myself). I'm currently in the Fuji system, however their comparatively older camera are more expensive than some other brands like Sony, where you would possibly get better features and specs for the price point. Currently looking at a Sony a6400 that seems to be common in the second-hand marketplaces. While this would be a great camera, it also means getting some extra glass to go with it.

Has anyone on Ozb played around or more regularly shoots with a full spectrum converter camera? Any recommendations?

Keen to hear about what you shoot, any recommendations on external filters, experience in the conversion process, and anything else!

Electrical & Electronics Camera

Comments

  • mskeggs on 12/01/2025 - 21:20
    +1

    I was looking at IR mods, but was considering a very cheap and cheerful old body.
    My thoughts were dealing could do the conversion myself without risking damaging a costly device, and if I found it was just a bit of a novelty I got sick of, I wouldn't have spent the earth.
    I haven't got around to it, so will be interested in this thread.

  • godofpizza on 13/01/2025 - 01:45

    have you consider buying a used body that had the conversion already done? I was looking at getting an IR mode, but the local camera store that i usually use,is very costly to get done.

    • Calcifer on 13/01/2025 - 11:57

      I have. There's not that many going, and which cameras are available changes a lot. Must be due to how the business doing the conversions gets their cameras. Figured I would pick the camera based on feature set, size, etc and then convert one I want, rather than just take one on offer. However, I'm in no big rush, and will continue to keep an eye on what comes up.

  • samyall on 13/01/2025 - 08:17
    +1

    I did my own conversion a few years back.

    After upgrading my camera thanks to a deal here and failing to sell my old one due to a broken screen, I decided to convert it.

    I found a disassembly guide and used an iFixit set and managed to remove the hot filter pretty easily. If you don't replace this with a clear piece of glass, not all lenses focus at all distances but that wasn't a problem for me as a few lenses worked.

    Once you have done the full spectrum conversion, I recommend getting a drop-in filter like the ones available here or here. That first link also has some guides about conversion.

    I would recommend picking up a damaged mirrorless camera (non-working screen is perfect as it doesn't impact the shooting) and giving the conversion a go. My only tip is be careful around the IBIS system as I did something to mine and now the camera only turns on intermittently and I havent found time to fix it yet. Also, make sure you have a blower handy as you don't want dust in the sensor stack!

    • Calcifer on 13/01/2025 - 11:59

      Great tips. Glad to hear about your experience. What have you shot with it so far?

      I did have a look at a few guides for converting the camera myself and it looked more difficult than what you have expressed in your exp. However, maybe its down to which camera is being converted as to how easy it is to get to the hot filter.

      • samyall on 13/01/2025 - 12:39
        +1

        I shot everything and anything. Nature is best. People look weird.

        I wouldnt say it was an easy process - an hour of disassembly and another hour of reassembly. But if you're a tinkerer then it is time well spent!

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