Complete IR Mod

[Dan Desjardins]

So I recently modified a Nikon D80 for IR. I got the filter from Lifepixel and did the mod myself. It was not difficult at all - but I did own a camera repair shop for several years so...

I have a complete writeup on the mod if anyone is interested in doing one themselves. Lifepixel has instructions for several Nikons, but not the D80 - my instructions are for the D80.

But ... I took the mod just one step further. I also replaced the pop-up flash lens with a 700nm Near IR plastic filter from Edmund Optics. Now this plastic filter is actually good enough to be used on the sensor. I previously modified a Nikon D50 using the Edmund filter - it cost a whopping $7.00 plus $9 shipping.
http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=1918

On my D80 (I call it the D80ir) I now have an IR filter on the sensor and an IR filter on the flash.



This just completes the package for me. I can take pictures in a completely dark room without anyone seeing much of a flash at all. This is very cool!

Ok - it's not much of a picture - but this is a shot of my son and his friends in the basement (a very dark basement) playing video games...

 

[Andrew64673]

just tried getting one of those filters from EO, I backed out though, $45 to send one 1x1" plastic filter?? (Singapore to Australia) what a rip

 

[dandrop]

Hi dan, I'm interested in the IR mod. Is there a site for your writeup? Thanks! Is there a particular version for converting? Ive seen some IR mods pics that totally look different from each other. Any pointers? Thanks!!

 

[Dan Desjardins]

Wow - that is a rip! International shipping is not that expensive!
By the way - you really need to order the 2X2, the 1x1 is not quite big enough.

Des

 

[ctwyatt]

Dan,

i was wondering if you could give us a little info on how you replaced the flash with the IR filter. I have a converted D70 that works great but I'd like to also go the further step like you did. thanks

skip

 

[mosman]

I'd be very interested in finding that out. Thanks for sharing.

mosman

 

[Dan Desjardins]

Here is a link to the document on how to modify your D80.

http://www.viewpix.com/misc/d80ir.pdf

I do not have any details in here yet for modifying the flash - but it's a simpler process where you simply remove two screws from the bottom of the flash - push the flash down and just lift off the top. You can then remove the current lens and replace it with a plastic filter cut to size. I used the Edmund Optics filter. I also used a black silicon caulk around the edges to seal out the light.

Enjoy - any feedback on the process and document is quite welcome. I will likely be updating the document to talk about the various filter options out there and another tip I recently learned about dust control.

 

[Andrew64673]

thanks for the heads up