Latest trip to the cemetery with infrared XE1

X-E1 590nm IR conversion, 14mm f2.6 (maybe one 35mm) all + R72 lens filter.

Processed LR6 & PS.

Very, very nice indeed!

I'm curious as to whether you've had the IR filter removed from your X-E1.  The exposure info from the EXIF shows fast shutter speeds, small apertures, and base ISO.  These are settings that would not seem possible unless you've had your camera modified.

Also, nice images.

michaeladawson wrote:

I'm curious as to whether you've had the IR filter removed from your X-E1. The exposure info from the EXIF shows fast shutter speeds, small apertures, and base ISO. These are settings that would not seem possible unless you've had your camera modified.

Also, nice images.

Yes - that's what the 590nm conversion is. IR filter is a misnomer really since what they actually do is block visible light but not IR light. All cameras have an IR blocking filter but Fuji as it happens have a weak one so they are pretty good at IR with a lens filter but still require a shutter speed of 2-4 secs @f5.6 in good light. The IR filter which fits to the lens is actually a visible light blocking filter - but not all visible light unless 850nm B&W. My 590nm camera conversion "Supercolour" is one up from full spectrum. It has a visible light blocking mirror which allows some visible light and all IR light through. I can use as is or I can add filters that block progressively more visible light such as 655nm 720nm (R72) or 850nm B&W. R72 gives me the colours I lke most of the time and also allows for B&W IR conversion (PS & Nik Sil FX).

The main difference is ease of use. I can shoot as is or add filters without affecting exposure apart from 850nm which blocks all visbile (colour) light and that needs an stop or two exposure but still easily handholdable.

This is the sort of result I get if I use just the converted camera with no additional filter.

Nice work Vic. I had the same conversion and have been using it as is for colour IR or with 830 filters for mono. I have just ordered an R72 for my main IR lens to see if I prefer it. I think your colour shots are working better than mine. If I like it I'll get a bigger filter for my 14mm. I could have got a bigger one anyway but I hate step-up rings, and if I leave the filter on the cap wouldn't fit unless I got a bigger one of those too.

slimandy wrote:

Nice work Vic. I had the same conversion and have been using it as is for colour IR or with 830 filters for mono. I have just ordered an R72 for my main IR lens to see if I prefer it. I think your colour shots are working better than mine. If I like it I'll get a bigger filter for my 14mm. I could have got a bigger one anyway but I hate step-up rings, and if I leave the filter on the cap wouldn't fit unless I got a bigger one of those too.

Thanks Andy. Are you sure the cap won't fit on the filter? I went out with 3 lenses14, 23, 35, filters on each and original lens caps. I don't bother with 850 now. If I have an R72 on that does quite a good job as you can see from the one B&W image above. I still take it to try and see if it improves B&W but it hasn't yet.  I process for B&W in Silver FX.

Regards, Vic

bensherman wrote:

What makes you doubtful?

Because I've done IR photography with cameras that haven't been IR converted.  You don't get exposure times like the OP unless you've had a conversion done.

And in fact the OP confirms what I thought.

Hi Vic,

Thanks.  Very interesting.  I've never done any IR.  My initial reaction was to like the B&W #3 the most, which is what I've seen more of, but the colored effect is growing on me.  It has a weirdness about it that is appealing.

If I wanted to try it, how does one go about getting a camera converted?  Is it DIY, or do you send it to a specialist technician?  And was there a reason you chose the XE2?  And the cost?  I wouldn't have my main (XT1) camera modified, so a second body would have to be inexpensive.  XE1s are going for a song these days......  I suppose a used one is the answer, but was there a specific reason you chose the XE2 over any other body?

Thanks, Rod

great pics

Your photos are magnificent and the subject matter looks like it could have come right out of an Adams Family or Tim Burton movie.

Rod McD wrote:

Hi Vic,

Thanks. Very interesting. I've never done any IR. My initial reaction was to like the B&W #3 the most, which is what I've seen more of, but the colored effect is growing on me. It has a weirdness about it that is appealing.

If I wanted to try it, how does one go about getting a camera converted? Is it DIY, or do you send it to a specialist technician? And was there a reason you chose the XE2? And the cost? I wouldn't have my main (XT1) camera modified, so a second body would have to be inexpensive. XE1s are going for a song these days...... I suppose a used one is the answer, but was there a specific reason you chose the XE2 over any other body?

Thanks, Rod

Hi Rod - mine is XE1 - small and compact is what you want and shame to waste an XE2.

You can do it yourself and I believe Life Pixel show how on their site. Also some how-to youtube vids but you'll have to buy the blocking filters from someone like life pixel.

I sent mine to Isaac Szabo in USA - cost £160 inc return pp - half what I found anywhere else.

I have an XE1 bought for the purpose - unwanted part of a bundle offer. I got it on ebay paid just £140 so camera and conversion cost less than just conversion at the main conversion places. Another guy on ebay will supply a used converted Fuji but I don't remember the price.

XE1, XE2 are the lightest bodies (and cheapest) so I can chuck it in my bag with my main bodies and not notice the difference. I've grown to love it's light weight and compact size and sometimes wish I also had a conventional XE1/2 as second body.

I tend to use almost always use the 14mm but sometimes also carry the 35 f1.4 for tighter compositions. I don't think I've used the 23 for other test shots yet. I have used the 55-200 at full bore and it's remarkably good. The first 8 pics on this page of my gallery are all with that zoom. https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2871600606/albums/infrared-590-converted-x-e1#page=6

Vic Chapman wrote:

slimandy wrote:

Nice work Vic. I had the same conversion and have been using it as is for colour IR or with 830 filters for mono. I have just ordered an R72 for my main IR lens to see if I prefer it. I think your colour shots are working better than mine. If I like it I'll get a bigger filter for my 14mm. I could have got a bigger one anyway but I hate step-up rings, and if I leave the filter on the cap wouldn't fit unless I got a bigger one of those too.

Thanks Andy. Are you sure the cap won't fit on the filter? I went out with 3 lenses14, 23, 35, filters on each and original lens caps.

I mean if I use a step ring and a bigger filter I'd also need a bigger lens cap to leave it on the lens. Anyway, I don't like messing with step rings so I'll get another filter instead if I want to.

I don't bother with 850 now. If I have an R72 on that does quite a good job as you can see from the one B&W image above. I still take it to try and see if it improves B&W but it hasn't yet. I process for B&W in Silver FX.

I tend to use an 830 filter but have not directly compared shots converted to mono from colour and shot with the filter yet. Are you just as happy with your R72 shots converted to mono? That would have the big advantage of not having to shoot separate shots for each, and with carrying fewer filters. I can try it for myself when my filter arrives, and I will of course, but I'm happy to hear your opinion if you have already done it.

I'm actually wishing I just had the camera converted to R72 now because I can't put a filter on my fisheye lens. Oh well.

Nice shots from Nunhead Cemetery.

slimandy wrote:

Nice shots from Nunhead Cemetery.

Thanks, that is a beautiful place. I must try to get their during autumn when different effects come from already golden leaves and the ground is carpeted too.

slimandy wrote:

Vic Chapman wrote:

slimandy wrote:

Nice work Vic. I had the same conversion and have been using it as is for colour IR or with 830 filters for mono. I have just ordered an R72 for my main IR lens to see if I prefer it. I think your colour shots are working better than mine. If I like it I'll get a bigger filter for my 14mm. I could have got a bigger one anyway but I hate step-up rings, and if I leave the filter on the cap wouldn't fit unless I got a bigger one of those too.

Thanks Andy. Are you sure the cap won't fit on the filter? I went out with 3 lenses14, 23, 35, filters on each and original lens caps.

I mean if I use a step ring and a bigger filter I'd also need a bigger lens cap to leave it on the lens. Anyway, I don't like messing with step rings so I'll get another filter instead if I want to.

I don't bother with 850 now. If I have an R72 on that does quite a good job as you can see from the one B&W image above. I still take it to try and see if it improves B&W but it hasn't yet. I process for B&W in Silver FX.

I tend to use an 830 filter but have not directly compared shots converted to mono from colour and shot with the filter yet. Are you just as happy with your R72 shots converted to mono? That would have the big advantage of not having to shoot separate shots for each, and with carrying fewer filters. I can try it for myself when my filter arrives, and I will of course, but I'm happy to hear your opinion if you have already done it.

I'm actually wishing I just had the camera converted to R72 now because I can't put a filter on my fisheye lens. Oh well.

The B&W image included in the OP is simply a BW conversion of the same file as the colour version also shown and taken with R72. I process as for colour to get strong reds and blues and good separation then convert to BW in Silver FX making use of the contrast filter simulations (ROYGB) and the "film sensitivity" sliders and CPs. I also make use of Viveza for local enhancement/balance to colour images and I might even go into Capture NX2 because the control points are more variable. Lots of different glow effects in Nik Colour FX too although I've not tried them yet for IR. I find the IR process is quite liberating because it is entirely creative, we can do what we want without breaking any taboos. Mind you - I enjoy processing work.

Hi Vic,

Many thanks for that.  I'll try to see if anyone in Oz is doing conversions first and then look at elsewhere.  My photography budget is somewhat low at the moment so it may have to wait a bit.  Oh, the problems of affluence.

Cheers, Rod