E-P2 IR conversion worth it?

SterlingBjorndahl wrote:

On the one hand, since IR photography is typically done in bright daylight and a 700nm filter lets quite a bit of IR and dark red through, you could get quite acceptable results without having to bump the ISO too high or deal with very slow shutter speeds. If it weren't for the money I'd say go ahead; what have you got to lose?

OTOH, that's a fairly expensive investment in an old camera that might give up the ghost at any time. In the US, lifepixel.com sells newer, used, converted models for as low as US$250 (e.g. E-M5, E-M10).

On the third hand, if you're handy with tools, lifepixel's tutorial to convert an E-P3might be close enough to your E-P2 that you could do it yourself. What have you got to lose? You might even choose to simply remove the hot filter and go "full spectrum", using screw-on lens filters to get the wavelengths you want. (Some lenses may not focus to infinity if you don't replace the hot filter with their special "full spectrum" clear glass, but in practice I found it doesn't affect IR photography, just my meagre attempts at UV.)

Best wishes,
Sterling
--
Lens Grit

Many thanks for the three hands!

To start with the third, well, I'd certainly lose a couple of screws so that's definitely a no go area.

As to the second, the camera being too old, that's what I'm afraid of, too. Unfortunately I haven't found any converted M43 models in the EU for the low prices you mention. I did find a "normal" E-PL8 in good condition for 199€, however together with the conversion costs and shipping it would total around 500€ - a bit too much for someone who also hopes to get an OM-1 later this year.

Maybe I should wait a little longer and see what comes along?