IR with E-PL1

[v0857]

I'm quite pleased that I managed to diy the conversion of my E-PL1. Following Lifepixel's tutorial (read the disclaimer! very important), I removed the IR-blocking filter. It was a very sweaty 2-3 hours though, as I close the windows and didn't turn on the fan to keep the air as still as possible. Now that it's done I can start on my IR photography journey


Finally had some time this afternoon, rushed down to Botanical Garden, reach there 4 something and start looking for scenes to shot. here are 2 I like to share. Feel free to give your comments, critiques and pointers.
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[tmengyew]

This is very nice. This is what i want but my camera can't achieve this.

 

[shierwin]

This is very nice. This is what i want but my camera can't achieve this.

He had the camera converted DIY.

TS which IR filter you used to replace in the cam body? R72?

 

[v0857]

This is very nice. This is what i want but my camera can't achieve this.

Thanks, I hope you can figure out what to do and start taking IR photos too.

 

[v0857]

He had the camera converted DIY.

TS which IR filter you used to replace in the cam body? R72?

I did not install a custom cut IR filter in place of the IR-blocking filter that was removed. I use a screw-on 720nm filter. Thanks for dropping in.

 

[shierwin]

I did not install a custom cut IR filter in place of the IR-blocking filter that was removed. I use a screw-on 720nm filter. Thanks for dropping in.

So did you install a clear glass in place of the removed IR-blocking filter?

 

[v0857]

So did you install a clear glass in place of the removed IR-blocking filter?

I did not install a clear glass in place of it. Advantage is I can clean the sensor if there is a need to in future, just by removing the lens. Real reason is I forgot to look for and order one hehe...

A little extra info:
AF wise, the above 2 images were taken with cam's AF and it looks ok for web sharing. I thought of doing a test of AF and MF, but was just a little too lazy and sian to :embrass: maybe one day haha...

 

[shierwin]

I did not install a clear glass in place of it. Advantage is I can clean the sensor if there is a need to in future, just by removing the lens. Real reason is I forgot to look for and order one hehe...

A little extra info:
AF wise, the above 2 images were taken with cam's AF and it looks ok for web sharing. I thought of doing a test of AF and MF, but was just a little too lazy and sian to :embrass: maybe one day haha...

Thanks for the reply. Image looks surprisingly sharp.
Maybe you could look at the image before resize for web and see whether it's sharp.

 

[v0857]

Thanks for the reply. Image looks surprisingly sharp.
Maybe you could look at the image before resize for web and see whether it's sharp.

I did sharpening. The original size looks ok too.

 

[v0857]

Went to Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden yesterday, have 2 images to share.

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[alfie]

Great stuff. The EPL1 was my first IR converted camera (Self converted using same tutorial) Its very easy to modify.. Funny thing I ended with 1 extra screw.. lol.. still works !

 

[v0857]

Great stuff. The EPL1 was my first IR converted camera (Self converted using same tutorial) Its very easy to modify.. Funny thing I ended with 1 extra screw.. lol.. still works !

Thanks alfie, glad to know we are in the same "club"
... 1 extra screw 2 extra screws, hey as long as it works

 

[v0857]

22 Jun. Went walk walk after visiting Flower Dome...

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[sam5588]

Wow! No replacement filter after removed IR blocked, wont it be easy get dust?

 

[v0857]

Wow! No replacement filter after removed IR blocked, wont it be easy get dust?

It's fine actually. I now have only 1 lens for the E-PL1, so I don't have problem with dust. If in future I have other lenses and dust gets inside when I change lenses, I can clean the sensor without problem because there's no obstruction. Just unmount the lens, and I have direct access to clean the sensor.
Thanks for dropping in.

 

[sam5588]

Oh... so what will you use to clean the sensor if needed? Sensor Swap? or usual blowing pump will do?

 

[v0857]

Oh... so what will you use to clean the sensor if needed? Sensor Swap? or usual blowing pump will do?

I will try blower first, if dirt stays then I will use sensor swabs.

 

[alfie]

I've had the EPL1 modified for years, and have no dust issues. A blower cleans it up easily.

v0857: Here's a hint for nicer IR photos - wait for cloudless days (Yeah tough in singapore.. but the IR takes black day skies that give great contrast to the photos.)

 

[sam5588]

Thanks both for infors, cos my current 50D mod with transparent glass replacement and there are dust between replacement glass and sensor. I plan to give it a cleaning, your case might work to me too.

 

[v0857]

I've had the EPL1 modified for years, and have no dust issues. A blower cleans it up easily.

v0857: Here's a hint for nicer IR photos - wait for cloudless days (Yeah tough in singapore.. but the IR takes black day skies that give great contrast to the photos.)

thanks for the hint alfie. I hope for clear sky and good weather in my future IR sessions.