Do you want to take photos à la Candy Chrome or IR Chrome?
Are you looking for completely new infrared looks that are not offered by other IR conversion providers? For example, blue trees or purple trees?
Do you want everything directly from the camera, without channel mixers or post-processing? Then take a look at my offers.
I have updated the Camera Shop page. Now there are sample images where you can see which infrared and false color looks are possible and which filters you have to use.
I’ve also put together a Q&A that should answer the most important questions about my cameras.
But please contact me if you have any other questions.
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What conversions do you offer?
Basically I offer 4 IR conversions: 1. Pure Full Spectrum, so called “naked conversion”, mainly for live-view cameras. 2. Enhanced Full Spectrum, primarily for IR Chrome-like looks. 3. Rich False Color IR for primarily blue trees and other styles with rich colors in the vegetation. And 4. Classic Infrared for white trees.
Why do you sell almost only old cameras?
They are relatively cheap to buy second-hand and – more importantly – have a CCD sensor. CCD sensors can handle false color IR much better than most modern CMOS. CMOS often have strange color edges and blurring problems. And 6 or 10MP is more than enough for most uses. Don’t believe the Megapixel Myth.
What exactly are you converting and which filters are you using?
With Pure Full Spectrum, the internal UV and IR cut filter is simply removed. With Classic Infrared, the internal filter is replaced by a 720nm IR filter. With “Enhanced Full Spectrum”, the internal filter is replaced by a GRB3 filter. With “Rich False Color IR”, the internal filter is replaced by a DB850 filter, which allows the visible spectrum plus IR from 850nm to pass through. However, the set is not complete without an additional GRB1 filter, which further reduces the 850nm influence. Lee filters are used for both conversions in order to obtain the individual color variants afterwards. These are mounted behind the lens.
And which lens can I use?
You can actually use any lens, except perhaps extreme wide angles. I’ve never had any problems attaching (and removing) the gel filter. And not with hotspots either. The inexpensive (but great!) standard lens 18-55mm is also particularly suitable.
What do I have to set on the camera?
1. Attach the filter(s). If you want red trees, use the one marked accordingly, the same for blue and so on. It’s best to shoot in M mode or A mode so that you can control the settings yourself. With a little practice, you’ll know which settings give you the best results.
2. Now do a custom white balance. Select “PRE” in the White Balance options, then “Measure” and point the camera at a neutral surface. With some filters it is easier and quicker than with others. If it doesn’t work, try with different surfaces (cloudy sky, street, something) and different apertures. But I’ve never had trouble achieving the custom white balance.
3. If the photo looks good on the screen, everything is set and you can shoot.
Do I have to use these Lee filters?
No, you can also use “normal” glass screw-in filters. The Lee filters are great, I often use them, but you can also buy larger new foils from Lee (secret tip: look for “thomann music online store“) or even glass versions and make your own filters for the front of the lens. Think of it as a first big step to show you the great potential of my unusual IR camera conversions. There are still more styles to discover…
How can I optimize / edit my (infrared) photos?
In principle, no post-processing is necessary for these IR conversions. But optimization is sometimes necessary, especially when shooting in RAW (NEF), which I always recommend because the photos come out much better. There is an excellent free program called GIMP, whose raw converter Raw Therapee offers everything you need to edit IR and all other photos in general.
Why should I buy from you? Who are you?
I have a good 10 years of experience with infrared photography. I live in Switzerland, where I explore the mountains with my cameras and blog about this exciting hobby. I have been looking for good digital alternatives to Aerochrome for years (and partly found them) and have developed the Blue Trees infrared style. Many of these developments also came out of a disappointment with the “professional” providers of IR conversions / cameras who always offer the same and overpriced stuff.
