Hello. Has anyone got any experience with shooting infra red on a Fuji. I like the concept and have seen some excellent work which prompts me to try it.
I thought about buying something like an XT-2 and getting it converted but buying a lens may be a cheaper option until I know I like it. Is there a particular lens which is good, like a 18-135? Are they for sale generally or do I need to buy a lens and get it converted?
Thanks for your help.
many Fuji lenses have hotspots, so do some research beforehand on which len(es) meet your requirements, 18-135mm is good for IR, and so is 14mm if you wanted a wide view.
That's mine.
First step is to decide what effect you want. The lower the filter rating the more colour will be in the image until you get up to the 850 range.
when it's purely black and white.
Lens wise I just used the plastic 15-45 on mine for the last few years for the rice it's great. Downside it's a power zoom and no aperture ring but it's weighs next to nothing.
@swiftowl51 As Graham say, decide what you want first, there are 5 main filter wavelengths (bands) for IR
565nm (in visble spectrum) false colour only - aka Goldie filter
665nm (towards IR) - more false colour effect
720nm - most popular - can be used for b/w and some false colour
830-850nm - black and white image- darker blacks than the above (more contrasty image), but slightly less light transmission than a shorter wavelength filter
940nm - not used for general photography, but used in machine vision with dedicated IR lights
Alternatively you can get the camera converted to full spectrum then apply filter of your choice to the lens, you will still get the benefits of handheld, faster shutter speed/;lower ISO or a dedicated IR conversion, but you will need to apply a UV/IR hot mirror filter if you want to shoot the camera normally.
Buying a pre-converted camera is the most cost effective way, as if its not for you, almost certainly you'll get back what you paid for it. If you get the conversion done yourself, there is likely to be a financial loss on re-sale.
You can of course just put an IR filter on an existing lens and unmodified camera, and it will work for IR, though since the camera has an existing filter that blocks some IR light, and the IR filter significantly reduces light transmission, your shutter speeds will be long, so fine for long exposure tripod work, or high ISO!!!
Since a decent IR conversion will cost £250+ (Protech/Advanced Camera Services), Graham's X-T20 is a bit of a bargain
Also IR photograhy gives best effect in bright sunlight, so please don't expect great results at this time of year, yes you can get good images, but its easier in the summer months - an IR filter is for all year not for Christmas!!!