5D and infrared filter

Lee O'D

Lee O'D

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Hi, has anybody ever tried using an infrared filter on a 5D? I tried it today but it doesn't let any light through (infrared or otherwise) even on a 30 second exposure.
The filter is a 720nm cheapo of e-bay just to see if it works, which it didn't!

Cheers, Lee.
 
manualfocus-g said:
I think you need to modify DSLRs for IR use don't you? I think they have an IR blocking filter in front of the sensor...

Edit: Quick link: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/infrared dslr.shtml
Click to expand...
No, you don't need to and you can use an IR filter in front of the glass - but you do need to use very long exposure times to compensate for, as you say, the IR filter in the camera.

IR filters used in front of the lens are in fact not IR filters at all, they are ambient light filters that actually allow IR light and only IR light to pass through. The cameras internal IR filter will allow a minimal amount of IR light through under normal conditions, but exposures above 20/30 seconds should yield some IR pass through.
 
theMusicMan said:
No, you don't need to and you can use an IR filter in front of the glass - but you do need to use very long exposure times to compensate for, as you say, the IR filter in the camera.

IR filters used in front of the lens are in fact not IR filters at all, they are ambient light filters that actually allow IR light and only IR light to pass through. The cameras internal IR filter will allow a minimal amount of IR light through under normal conditions, but exposures above 20/30 seconds should yield some IR pass through.
Click to expand...

Thanks John. Longest exposure i tried was 30 seconds and nothing, just a black image. Maybe I need to try a fair bit longer.
 
What lens and aperture setting did you use? 30 seconds should have been plenty.

Hey, it's not many weeks since I tried the same thing: 5D, 50mm f/1.4 lens and Hoya IR filter: oh yes and tripod. I found ISO 100/200 worked, together with exposures of upwards of four seconds.
You've got pre-focus before putting the filter on and you've got to tweak the colour cast.

Here's a 5 second exposure f/5.0 example:

IMG_3634.jpg
 
tikkathreebarrel said:
What lens and aperture setting did you use? 30 seconds should have been plenty.

Hey, it's not many weeks since I tried the same thing: 5D, 50mm f/1.4 lens and Hoya IR filter: oh yes and tripod. I found ISO 100/200 worked, together with exposures of upwards of four seconds.
You've got pre-focus before putting the filter on and you've got to tweak the colour cast.

Here's a 5 second exposure f/5.0 example:

IMG_3634.jpg
Click to expand...

Hi, I used 24-105 a f8, 400iso and 30 seconds exposure. I'm wondering if this filter is dodgy
 
If you hold it up to a domestic lightbulb you should be able to see it without any trouble - with it turned on of course! A halogen type bulb will be easily seen.
 
MisterE said:
If you hold it up to a domestic lightbulb you should be able to see it without any trouble - with it turned on of course! A halogen type bulb will be easily seen.
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Cant see a thing through this one, totally black:(
 
Sounds like the filter might be duff. I'd stick with a known brand like Hoya. Small ish ones are about £25 quid. Found a 62mm for £35. Both from amazon.

I'd also see whether you can see IR from a remote control for example.
 
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srichards said:
Sounds like the filter might be duff. I'd stick with a known brand like Hoya. Small ish ones are about £25 quid. Found a 62mm for £35. Both from amazon.

I'd also see whether you can see IR from a remote control for example.
Click to expand...

Tried the remote control thing and that's ok. Lee filters do a square IR filter thats only £15.99 from Warehouse express, and as I have the holder I thought I might try one. My only concern is that light might get in during a long exposure as the filter is not screwed directly on to the lens?
 
Lee O'D said:
Cant see a thing through this one, totally black:(
Click to expand...

I'm wrestling to understand the notion that a filter might be duff. You can't get light to pass through it any way? Car headlight? The sun?

Could you try again do you think with ISO 100, the lens at its shortest setting, the camera in Tv and exposures of say 5, 10, 20 and 30 seconds? Outside in daylight?
 
Does the filter have a protective film on it which need to be removed?
 
tikkathreebarrel said:
I'm wrestling to understand the notion that a filter might be duff. You can't get light to pass through it any way? Car headlight? The sun?

Could you try again do you think with ISO 100, the lens at its shortest setting, the camera in Tv and exposures of say 5, 10, 20 and 30 seconds? Outside in daylight?
Click to expand...

I've held it up to the sun and it lets no light through at all, totally black. E-bay listing number is: Item: 280456309664 if anyone wants to have a look.
 
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Given what you said so far, I'm fairly confident you have a non-filter. It has expired. Deceased. It has ceased to be.......
 
Just as a test use f4 at iso 800 for 30 sec.. if you get nothing you may have the IR920nm and the filter over the sensor may well be playing it's part at this frequency?? Or maybe you have just been robbed!?!?!?!?!
 
onform said:
Just as a test use f4 at iso 800 for 30 sec.. if you get nothing you may have the IR920nm and the filter over the sensor may well be playing it's part at this frequency?? Or maybe you have just been robbed!?!?!?!?!
Click to expand...

I tried f5.6 for 3 minutes and still just a black image! I think this filter is just a piece of black glass!
 
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