IR photography with Olympuse E-PL2

[Assaf]

Is it possilbe at all? Is there, or is there not a built in IR filter in the camera?
If it's possible, did anyone try it?
Thanks
Assaf

 

[n2hhr]

For a conversion it will likely work fine. I have converted a E-P1, E-PL1 and a E-P2 to 720 nm, Full spectrum IR and 590nm IR. They are great IR systems. If you want to simply add a R72 IR filter to the camera it will shoot at 720nm but with exposures measures in minuets! Visit my IR blog (in signature below) for a ton of information on this but look to the older posts.

 

[Assaf]

Thanks a lot!
Just to make sure, is there a built in IR filter in the camera or not?
When you say you "converted" the camera - do you mean, you did some manipulation to the camera body? Or just added a filter?
And why are the exposures so long? Will they stay so long if I use F1.7 and high ISO?
Assaf

 

[n2hhr]

Yes, the camera has a internal IR blocking filter called a "Hot Mirror". Yes, this has been physically removed and replaced by a clear piece of glass which is known as the Full Spectrum Conversion. You then use an external IR filter on the lens to put the camera into the various IR spectrums. You can also replace the internal hot mirror with a dedicated internal IR filter, say a 590nm. The Full spectrum conversion you can also put an external hot mirror (B+W 486 or the Max Max CC1) to make the camera color again! With a converted camera like the 2 described here the camera takes normal exposures and can be hand held. If you leave the internal hot mirror in place and put a external IR filter on the lens then you have to overcome the effects of the hot mirror and are looking at VERY LONG exposures .

My blog has a discount code for Spencers Camera to do these conversions but others will do them as well. Good luck.

 

[Assaf]

Thanks a lot for the information!
Assaf

 

[dbmechie]

F If you want to simply add a R72 IR filter to the camera it will shoot at 720nm but with exposures measures in minuets!

I wouldn't go that far. I've briefly used my unmodified E-P2 with a CV 35/1.2 + R72 filter, and I could use the EVF and shoot handheld in bright sunlight well enough.

 

[ktran]

In good light, and with higher ISOs (800+), you can totally shoot handheld with the E-PL2 and 720nm IR:


of friendship and funerals by khoa_sus2, on Flickr


Mike G., en infra-rouge by khoa_sus2, on Flickr

 

[ampguy]

Thanks Mark

Thanks Mark

Your website is awesome! Thanks!

Yes, the camera has a internal IR blocking filter called a "Hot Mirror". Yes, this has been physically removed and replaced by a clear piece of glass which is known as the Full Spectrum Conversion. You then use an external IR filter on the lens to put the camera into the various IR spectrums. You can also replace the internal hot mirror with a dedicated internal IR filter, say a 590nm. The Full spectrum conversion you can also put an external hot mirror (B+W 486 or the Max Max CC1) to make the camera color again! With a converted camera like the 2 described here the camera takes normal exposures and can be hand held. If you leave the internal hot mirror in place and put a external IR filter on the lens then you have to overcome the effects of the hot mirror and are looking at VERY LONG exposures .

My blog has a discount code for Spencers Camera to do these conversions but others will do them as well. Good luck.

 

[Avotius]

I use my EP1 to shoot the odd IR photo sometimes with a Rocolax R72 filter 720nm. Compared to when I used to shoot a few IR's with the Leica M8 the Olympus seems to have a significantly stronger IR filter (no surprise given...) and the M8's IR photos needed a lot less manhandling. I have a 46mm filter that I use on the Panasonic 20 usually at 1.7 for hand held (at about ISO3200) and the camera is generally not sensitive enough to get hand held shots with my particular filter. I am going to try a less aggressive filter later and see if that makes it easier to use.

After I get an OMD I am considering either giving my poor well used EP1 away or send it off for a IR conversion which is about 300 dollars.

A few of my results: