Undertook an Infrared Conversion Modification on X-Pro 1 Digital Camera
Banish Your Camera's Dusty Corner: Try an Infrared Conversion
Hey there! So, I've got this exciting story about my Fujifilm X-Pro 1 camera, and how I turned it from a dusty corner dweller into an eye-catching infrared powerhouse. Let me fill you in!
Back in 2014, I picked up the X-Pro 1, utterly impressed by its performance. In no time, I added an X-T1 to my collection, but the X-Pro 1 mostly took the backseat as a secondary body. I had a bright idea to use both cameras simultaneously, each with a different lens, but their distinct operations made it cumbersome. Plus, who wants extra weight while traveling light?
One day, the thought struck me: Why not transform the X-Pro 1 into an infrared camera? An idea that's been cooling in the back of my mind for years. I'm glad I never experimented with an old Canon, because the X-Pro 1 offers some great features for an infrared conversion.
Mirrorless Cameras are a Jack of All Trades for Infrared
The X-Pro 1 turned out to be a great choice for an infrared conversion. Here's why it shines:
- My thing with infrared is black and white photography. With the X-Pro 1, I can configure the camera profile to black and white, and the electronic viewfinder displays the image in monochrome. This is handy, especially in infrared where tones look nothing like they do in real life.
- I'm partial to square format. When I adjust the aspect ratio to 1:1, the camera displays the cropped scene in the viewfinder.
- The X-Pro 1 also displays a timer on the LCD screen for bulb exposures, making long exposure photography a breeze.
- The X-Pro 1 uses contrast detection autofocus, which means it focuses accurately on infrared light as well as visible light. Unlike DSLRs, there's no need for adjustments.
These advantages apply to most mirrorless cameras, not just the X-Pro 1.
Get Infrared on Your Camera – How To?
Digital camera sensors are sensitive to visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. However, there are filters in front of the sensor to block UV and infrared light, allowing only visible light to reach the sensor. An infrared conversion removes the infrared filter, allowing infrared light to reach the sensor while blocking visible light.
There are several conversion options available, depending on the service you choose:
Full Spectrum Conversion
The infrared and UV filters are removed, giving you the flexibility to control the effect using filters. The more experiment-inclined will appreciate this feature, but it might add cost and require higher ISOs, slower shutter speeds, or a combination thereof.
720nm Conversion
The sensor is fitted with a filter that blocks all wavelengths under 720nm, focusing on infrared light. This is suitable for landscape photography and black and white portraits. Note that it produces a colored image that can be simply converted to black and white.
830nm Conversion
The sensor filter blocks all wavelengths under 830nm, delivering even more intense infrared effects with minimal color.
Skip the Filters and Settle for a Single Camera? Not So Fast!
If you prefer experimenting before committing to a conversion, an infrared filter like the Hoya R72 is an option. However, keep in mind that the combination of the filter and your camera's infrared blocking filter means that very little infrared light reaches the sensor. You should expect light loss of around ten stops or more, making long exposure photography a necessity, particularly for landscape or architectural shots.
A Few More Things to Keep in Mind
While every camera lens isn't suitable for infrared photography, you can find a list of suitable options here. Be prepared for hot spots in the center of the frame, especially when using older lenses or shooting at wider apertures.
Wrapping It Up
I'm thrilled with my infrared conversion, as my X-Pro 1 has a new lease on life, functioning like a purpose-built black and white camera sensitive to infrared. Instead of wasting away in my camera bag, it now captures stunning infrared images. If I had sold it, I'd have missed out on this incredible transformation.
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The revitalized X-Pro 1 serves as the perfect example of a little modification making a huge difference. If you have an old camera gathering dust, consider an infrared conversion – it's a fantastic way to breathe new life into your gear! And, who knows, you might discover a whole new world of photographic possibilities. Happy snapping!
[1] Editor's Note: This piece includes affiliate links. Purchasing from these links helps support our site. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
[2] For more information on suitable infrared lenses, visit https://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/suitable-lenses-for-infrared-photography.shtml.
[3] Dürr, A. (2021, January 1). How Infrared Photography Works. Create Digital Photography. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.creativedigitalphotographymagazine.com/create-infrared-photography/
[4] Rome, J. (2021, July 1). How to Convert Your Camera to Infrared. Pixtute. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://pixtute.matricksolutions.io/how-to-convert-your-camera-to-infrared/
*The transformation of my Fujifilm X-Pro 1 into an infrared camera has reinvigorated my interest in portrait photography, as infrared effectively removes filters and allows for black and white compositions.* Investing in gadgets like infrared filters and technology for infrared conversion can offer a fresh perspective in landscape photography, opening up unique possibilities for composition.* The adaptation of my X-Pro 1 to an infrared camera highlights the versatility of mirrorless cameras in various photographic domains, from landscape to portraiture.
