The pad on the copper frame of the sensor assembly is a thermal pad, the copper bit itself is a heat sink. The sensor gets hot when filming and needs this passive cooling to reduce noise and prevent overheating. There are mods for older cameras to active-cool their sensor for better low-light image quality due to reduced noise. A good trick is also to use a screw on color-infrared filter for your lens, instead of glueing a filter on the sensor itself. This way you can swap between a screw on UV/IR filter and the other filter types on the camera without needing disassembling again.
That's for the video. I'll be working with the NEX-6 but seeing the full process give the confidence to try it myself. I'll bet most people attempting this mod want to do it for astrophotography or terrestial art photography. I dind't know it could be used to measure vegetation health. Very interesting.
Thanks for a reasonably short but informative video, which at last confirms the Nex mirrorless body can be modified. My interest is getting the anti-alias filter removed, while retaining all other filters, having normal colour balance and auto white balance working normally. Which leads me to think I'm better choosing another camera without anti-alias filter, to avoid ending up with a Nex camera that no longer takes normal colour images.
I tried to take off ir filter in canon 400d , unfortunately i forgot to put back one of the sensor standofs and thers a huge problem with focusing, it was really hard to do with crappy videos online (my noodle forgot about service manuals) but today i bought nex camera to take its filter off, im so glad that its still in shipping and i saw this video. Will try not to forget posting results :D Thank you for this guide!
This is great. I am planning to buy a Nex-3N that I would convert to a full spectrum camera and use an IR filter on the lens. If I do this, it means I would do all the steps from the video except replacing the IR light blocking filter that you removed. My question and concern is will the sensor be left exposed this way? Would I be able to clean it form time to time without damaging it? Was this the only glass element protecting the sensor? Do I have to replace it or is it enough to just remove IR filter? The video is a little old now but I hope you remember :)
Thank you I did it. Now I have more screws and parts but it's ok :) it's working as well. I'm gonna use it for astrophotography. With greetings and respect from Turkey
+Lacivert Sarı Glad to hear it worked. Having some screws left over is not uncommon :). Astrophotography sounds like a fascinating application. What filters do you use?
Great video! Thanks for doing that with excellent instructions. I would like to modify my NEX5 for astrophotography as well by removing the IR filter. However I'm not sure of a couple of things, would you be able to help? 1) Is there another filter below the IR filter that protects the sensor? I know some camera's have an AA filter but i'm not sure if the NEX 5 does. I would hope so as I don't want to have an exposed sensor. 2) Do you know the dimensions of the replacement B/G/NIR filter you added? I would like to find something similar for astrophotography that allows RGB+HA
Ivan Nair The sensor is naked when you take out the IR cut filter, at least as far as removable coverings are concerned. The sensor remains covered with the Bayer array coating though. The filter dimensions are 29mm by 23mm.
AirGunnerSA Die oorspronklike filter kan weer ingesit word as hy nie breek met die uithaalslag nie. Ongelukkig breek hulle baie keer want hulle is dun en breek maklik.
AirGunnerSA OK, nou verstaan ek jou vraag beter. Die kamera sal IR lig "sien", maar die sensor sal nie differensieer tussen IR en sigbare lig nie. Kleure sa onnatuurlik vertoon en plantegroei sal n rooierige skynsel kry weeks sterk IR refleksie.
Andreas Spiracopoulos I answered an email from you earlier today (via ArrowEnvirosense). I used a slither of double sided tape (the non-padded kind) to mount the filter. Getting good filters is a challenge. I used to sell them, but at this stage I don’t know of a reliable supplier selling separate filters. Please email me again if you don’t manage to find any filters. I may be able to get hold of another set, but it could take a couple of weeks. LifePixel is a good source if you want to have filters professionally installed.
Hey thanks for the video! I'm definately gonna do this for my astrophotography rig! I was actually thinking of just using some sort of thin acrylic piece instead of the original filter glass, or maybe trying to somehow remove the surface coating, perhaps with a plasma chamber or other surface treatment, so long as there is minimum filtration (i.e. panchromatic effect). Would you recomend I go to this length of making my own all pass filter and gluing it on or will the bayer grid be sufficient to protect the sensor from any stray dust?
Platinum Hi, I have a camera with no protection to replace the removed IR cut filter that I have used for a few years now. There does not appear to be any unusual sensor dust issues. Good luck with your project!
FlyingMerf aright! That’s good to hear there are no issues with dust, as i assumed the ultrasonic shaker was mounted onto the actual filter rather than the sensor, seems it’s not the case then if it clears itself! Even if it’s not the case, I’ll keep it in an inert atmosphere anyway. Also do you know how low a temperature the sensor can handle assuming its in 100% anhydrous argon atmosphere?
@@FlyingMerf ok, fair enough, considering I bought an nex 3n today for like 35 euros (kid you not), I wont be too upset if something breaks as I have a second nex 5. Awn well, gonna let you know how it goes.
@@FlyingMerf Update, I did it, but HOLY SHIT is there a lot of screws in that camera... Everything works just fine though, so that is good. The IR sensitivity is quite impressive actually. When I will add cooling, I will definitely make my own (larger and less complicated) body for the camera.
awesome video. How did you choose the type of filter to use? is there one for color and another for black and white? i'm assuming black and white is a filter that only lets in IR light and not b/g. Thanks.
Rafa R Hi Rafa, I use a stacked filter design. It consists of a notch filter to block the red band (the red channel then picks up NIR), and a band pass filter to help control NIR noise in the blue and green bands. The filters are my own design and are optimized for good signal to noise ratios when calculating NDVI values, and consistent band selection across the whole sensor when using wide angle lenses such as the Sony 16mm. For more information, send me an email at deon@arrowenvirosense.com
lbochtler The filter holder can accommodate a little bit of variation, but the ideal dimensions for covering the sensor and forming a secure fit within the filter holder is around 29mm x 23mm.
Is it mandatory to put on the final filter? That is, Could I leave the sensor without the IR cut filter and get IR and visual spectrum all together? I'm talking about use it for astrophoto
You can leave the filter off. The sensor is not completely naked without the filter. It still retains a protective surface coating that is fused to the sensor. You may find some loss of sharpness in the images because the range of wavelengths reaching the sensor will be wider than what the lenses are designed for, but the camera will work. With an open sensor you can also experiment with filters mounted in front of your lenses, for example using band pass filters to create near infrared images.
I used to do specialty conversions for agricultural cameras commercially. The filters were developed specifically for that purpose and are not available for sale from the manufacturer. I no longer do the conversions, but I still have some filters. Depending on where you are located it may be possible to get a set to you. If you are in the USA you could also consider the NDVI conversions from Lifepixel. That conversion will provide equivalent results (minor differences) to using my filters.
James, The filter I used is not available for purchase. However, we are working on a new and improved filter that will be made available when I'm satisfied with the performance. It will be announced here when it is ready.
+FlyingMerf With no filter to purchase, this tutorial, is almost pointless. Buyng a proper filter its fundamental. So please, tell us where did you found that filter! It's a lens filter properly cutted with the precise dimension of the original IR Filter?
How do you get the ribbon of the display back in? got everything done so far (still got some leftover metall pieces i don't know where they flew out of) but struggeling with the display connection. I have a Nex 3
Kity S It could work with an appropriate lens because hot spot formation is mostly due to lens characteristics. I've used that approach successfully on a Canon T4i that was converted to a panchromatic camera. I use a variety of filters in front of a 50mm prime lens for filter development work, and that lens is not prone to hot spot formation. I've not done that on the Sony APS-C cameras yet, so I don't know for sure how well it will work with the 16mm or 20mm lenses I use on those cameras. I tried it on a Sony RX100 M2, which has a built in lens, and on that camera it does produce a mild hot spot.
No, the only filter that is removed is the IR cut filter. The Bayer array filter is fused with the sensor. A similar effect (color-infrared with Nir/G/B instead of RGB) will be obtained in most other cameras with a Bayer filter.
@@FlyingMerf Since I get with IR modified camera pink tint I asumed that infrared gets blocked by CFA. I want to use A3000 for UV photography as well so CFA removal could help increase overall sensitivity of sensor. Can you tell size of IR filter to get protective glass or it already there?
Gediminas Jesinas Im not sure I understand your question completely. Let me know if I did not give you the answer you need. When you remove the IR filter you can replace it with something that suits your needs. The filter size for Sony APS-C sensors is 29mm x 23mm. In mirrorless cameras you can also leave the sensor uncovered to allow as much as possible UV to reach the sensor, but the sensor will be more exposed to potential damage.
Gediminas Jesinas Behind the IR cut filter there is still the Bayer array filter, which is fused with the sensor. That probably provides some protection, but the sensor is more exposed compared to a sensor with an additional filter in front of the Bayer array filter. I have Sony a5100 camera with an “exposed” filter that is a couple of years old and has seen a lot of use for infrared photography. I occasionally remove dust from the sensor with a blower, and there is no sign of damage or deterioration yet. So removing the IR cut filter on a mirrorless camera and leaving the sensor bare is not a problem in my experience.
Finding a filter is probably the biggest obstacle. There are no off-the-shelf filters of tge correct size that I am aware of. I used a filter that I tested for an agricultural drone company.
FlyingMerf Event38 may be a source. I'm not sure, but it may be worth a try. They sell smaller size filters, but it may be worth asking them if they could source a larger size.
FlyingMerf i I am very interested in NIR camera for agricultural purpose, so exactly could you tell me what kind of filter did you used? Thank you! :-)
The filter was part of a development project for a company that do not sell them directly. Others may develop similar filters soon. I will report it here if I find something that is good and available.
i think i removed the IR filter but now the whole image is red... it actully looked like there was 2 little glasses glued together.. is it possible i removed something else too?
Daniel Goncalves A red hue to the image is normal when the IR cut filter is removed. It happens because the sensor is now picking up NIR light, and due to the characteristics of the Bayer array filter fused to the sensor surface, the “red” photosites of the sensor are the most sensitive to NIR. If you now use a filter in front of the lens that only passes IR you can create a pure IR image. If you use a filter that blocks IR you will again see an image that looks natural.
Just a note, all the cool IR color images you see are not straight from the camera. You need some image software to work on them, like change the blue and red channels in the channel mixer. For black & white out of camera can be ok.
You can get the same effect by using a manipulation program. To actually do a conversion correctly (if you feel the need for some kind of mythical magic with out ruining the camera) you need to install a filter switch so the operator can switch from Mythic Magic to a Normal Function camera, like a micro/landscape switch. Otherwise your camera is rendered to the bin. and you know what bin that is.
Ben Kotowicz You can get there to an extent in software, but it is not the same effect. The filters do matter in a physically important way. If a camera “opened” to longer wavelengths is ruined is completely subjective. I have modified several cameras in different ways over the years and I get a lot of enjoyment from my “ruined” cameras.
@@FlyingMerf I understand. I think you may have fallen into the magical myth conversion trap. You might find more satisfaction in taking photographs in normal mode. Try it. What do you have to lose.
Mikołaj Humienny It is not required to replace the glass on a mirrorless camera for the focus to work, but you will end up with a panchromatic camera that has a lot of inter-channel noise, unless you add appropriate filters to the lens.
I did it! :) it works. I have about 3 screws extra now ;) hehe, but it seems its fin enough. Thank you for this videos it shows that it can be really done at home.
one question, those sensors do have R, G or B pass filter on each pixel, but still why IR filter is used on the top? Are not those R, G or B pass filters supposed to cut IR light?
Gabriel Acosta The Bayer filter is tightly fused with the sensor. Removing it without damaging the sensor is unlikely. Only the NIR filter is easily removable.
I believe it will work, but the results may not be very interesting with a panchromatic camera, because the colors will be muddled in all the bands. Removing the NIR blocking filter and then adding various filters to the front of the lens can lead to interesting effects.
FlyingMerf That is exactly what i did on two point and shoot cameras and it worked well. I just wanted to ask someone knowledgeable what they thought before i did it on a more expensive camera. I read on the webpage of one of the modification businesses that the filter would need to be replaced with clear glass. i think i will try it without. Again, thanks for the great video and thanks for responding.
@@FlyingMerf IMHO, and I might be totally wrong here, if you remove the filter completely your camera becomes wide spectrum and is basically unusable - unless you use a i.e. 720nm lens filter. But the beauty with no inner filter at all is that you also have a UV option and you can go that road too.
C00ltronix I agree. A “naked” sensor opens up many possibilities - basically over the whole range of wavelengths from the upper UV (around 380nm) to the NIR (up to about 1150nm). The UV is not very efficient though because the sensor is less sensitive in that area and UV typically gets blocked to some extent by lens elements - but still doable with strong UV sources or long exposure times.
Hi, I have an issue, my new digital camera, has no IR filter. I already opened, and there is nothing. do you know if this is possible?. I mean I just got it.
Hye... Plz tell me what to do??? ive placed a wrong SD card in my sony nex 5r and now ive bought the right one but the problem is its not detecting the SD card now....
thanks for your reply... ive fixed it that night by myself... after watching your video i understood the mechanism of sd card then realized one of the card slot terminal fall out of its place and i moved it to its proper place using plastic made toothpick... thanks to you for your time n video
+Phước Nguyễn The dimensions are: 28.7mm x 19.1mm. If you need filters, they are available here: arrowenvirosense.com/product/arrow-ndvi-stacked-filter/
9 років тому
thank very much ! I'm living in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam fee to shipping from US to my city so expensive
I did not use glue. The replacement filters I use fit into the original frame with a friction fit that keeps it securely in place. If you used glue, my advice is to test it on clear glass and plastic first to make sure it does not cause any kind of staining around the glue. It is sometimes a problem with glues that give off a reactive gas as it cures.
The pad on the copper frame of the sensor assembly is a thermal pad, the copper bit itself is a heat sink. The sensor gets hot when filming and needs this passive cooling to reduce noise and prevent overheating. There are mods for older cameras to active-cool their sensor for better low-light image quality due to reduced noise.
A good trick is also to use a screw on color-infrared filter for your lens, instead of glueing a filter on the sensor itself. This way you can swap between a screw on UV/IR filter and the other filter types on the camera without needing disassembling again.
Adrian Koch Very interesting. Thanks Adrian.
So i just need to remove the ir-block filter and reassembly it without replacing it with anything?
@@rpoerwanto yes, however I'm not sure if the infinity autofocusing would work.
That's for the video. I'll be working with the NEX-6 but seeing the full process give the confidence to try it myself.
I'll bet most people attempting this mod want to do it for astrophotography or terrestial art photography. I dind't know it could be used to measure vegetation health. Very interesting.
Thanks for a reasonably short but informative video, which at last confirms the Nex mirrorless body can be modified. My interest is getting the anti-alias filter removed, while retaining all other filters, having normal colour balance and auto white balance working normally. Which leads me to think I'm better choosing another camera without anti-alias filter, to avoid ending up with a Nex camera that no longer takes normal colour images.
Thank! Using this video, I turned my Sony NEX5 into IR and got great photos.
I’m glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know.
I tried to take off ir filter in canon 400d , unfortunately i forgot to put back one of the sensor standofs and thers a huge problem with focusing, it was really hard to do with crappy videos online (my noodle forgot about service manuals) but today i bought nex camera to take its filter off, im so glad that its still in shipping and i saw this video. Will try not to forget posting results :D
Thank you for this guide!
The copper around the sensor is a radio signal blocker to reduce image noise.
Very interesting! Thanks for your comment.
Would you be able to instead put a filter cap on the lense instead of the sensor?
Eric Erock Yes, that is possible and may be preferred depending on how you want to use the camera.
This is great. I am planning to buy a Nex-3N that I would convert to a full spectrum camera and use an IR filter on the lens. If I do this, it means I would do all the steps from the video except replacing the IR light blocking filter that you removed. My question and concern is will the sensor be left exposed this way? Would I be able to clean it form time to time without damaging it? Was this the only glass element protecting the sensor? Do I have to replace it or is it enough to just remove IR filter? The video is a little old now but I hope you remember :)
Thank you I did it. Now I have more screws and parts but it's ok :) it's working as well. I'm gonna use it for astrophotography. With greetings and respect from Turkey
+Lacivert Sarı Glad to hear it worked. Having some screws left over is not uncommon :). Astrophotography sounds like a fascinating application. What filters do you use?
+FlyingMerf I'm using UHC filter for reducing to city light. I'm taking picture wide angle Milky Way as an amateur
Is the filter a glass material? Thanks!
furulevi Yes, it is glass.
I scratched mine somehow when blowing the dust out...
this video was a major help, thank you
Great video! Thanks for doing that with excellent instructions. I would like to modify my NEX5 for astrophotography as well by removing the IR filter. However I'm not sure of a couple of things, would you be able to help?
1) Is there another filter below the IR filter that protects the sensor? I know some camera's have an AA filter but i'm not sure if the NEX 5 does. I would hope so as I don't want to have an exposed sensor.
2) Do you know the dimensions of the replacement B/G/NIR filter you added? I would like to find something similar for astrophotography that allows RGB+HA
Ivan Nair The sensor is naked when you take out the IR cut filter, at least as far as removable coverings are concerned. The sensor remains covered with the Bayer array coating though.
The filter dimensions are 29mm by 23mm.
Thank you!
hi daar nice video. ek wil net weet wat sal gebeur as ek nie n filter opsit nie na ek die oorspronklike filter af gehaal het?
Dankie
Marno
AirGunnerSA Die oorspronklike filter kan weer ingesit word as hy nie breek met die uithaalslag nie. Ongelukkig breek hulle baie keer want hulle is dun en breek maklik.
FlyingMerf o okay maar wat sal gebeur as daar geen filter in gesit word ni sal die kamera dan n IR lig se lig kan sien?
AirGunnerSA OK, nou verstaan ek jou vraag beter. Die kamera sal IR lig "sien", maar die sensor sal nie differensieer tussen IR en sigbare lig nie. Kleure sa onnatuurlik vertoon en plantegroei sal n rooierige skynsel kry weeks sterk IR refleksie.
Hi , great video, exactly what I was looking for. How do you glue the new filter on the case? Also what kind of filter would you recommend?
Andreas Spiracopoulos I answered an email from you earlier today (via ArrowEnvirosense). I used a slither of double sided tape (the non-padded kind) to mount the filter. Getting good filters is a challenge. I used to sell them, but at this stage I don’t know of a reliable supplier selling separate filters. Please email me again if you don’t manage to find any filters. I may be able to get hold of another set, but it could take a couple of weeks. LifePixel is a good source if you want to have filters professionally installed.
Hey thanks for the video! I'm definately gonna do this for my astrophotography rig! I was actually thinking of just using some sort of thin acrylic piece instead of the original filter glass, or maybe trying to somehow remove the surface coating, perhaps with a plasma chamber or other surface treatment, so long as there is minimum filtration (i.e. panchromatic effect). Would you recomend I go to this length of making my own all pass filter and gluing it on or will the bayer grid be sufficient to protect the sensor from any stray dust?
Platinum Hi, I have a camera with no protection to replace the removed IR cut filter that I have used for a few years now. There does not appear to be any unusual sensor dust issues. Good luck with your project!
FlyingMerf aright! That’s good to hear there are no issues with dust, as i assumed the ultrasonic shaker was mounted onto the actual filter rather than the sensor, seems it’s not the case then if it clears itself! Even if it’s not the case, I’ll keep it in an inert atmosphere anyway. Also do you know how low a temperature the sensor can handle assuming its in 100% anhydrous argon atmosphere?
Platinum Boi Sorry, I do not know the answer. Would love to hear if it worked if you try it.
@@FlyingMerf ok, fair enough, considering I bought an nex 3n today for like 35 euros (kid you not), I wont be too upset if something breaks as I have a second nex 5. Awn well, gonna let you know how it goes.
@@FlyingMerf Update, I did it, but HOLY SHIT is there a lot of screws in that camera... Everything works just fine though, so that is good. The IR sensitivity is quite impressive actually. When I will add cooling, I will definitely make my own (larger and less complicated) body for the camera.
awesome video. How did you choose the type of filter to use? is there one for color and another for black and white? i'm assuming black and white is a filter that only lets in IR light and not b/g. Thanks.
Rafa R Hi Rafa, I use a stacked filter design. It consists of a notch filter to block the red band (the red channel then picks up NIR), and a band pass filter to help control NIR noise in the blue and green bands. The filters are my own design and are optimized for good signal to noise ratios when calculating NDVI values, and consistent band selection across the whole sensor when using wide angle lenses such as the Sony 16mm. For more information, send me an email at deon@arrowenvirosense.com
What is the thickness of the Filter glass?
lbochtler This filter was 1.1mm. These cameras can accommodate two stacked 1.1mm filters (2.2mm total).
FlyingMerf
Thanks for the useful info! Do you also happen to have the the length and width handy as well?
lbochtler The filter holder can accommodate a little bit of variation, but the ideal dimensions for covering the sensor and forming a secure fit within the filter holder is around 29mm x 23mm.
FlyingMerf
Thank you a lot!
I have one additional quest (yes i know its been a while), do i need glue to attach the new filter, and if so, what glue do i need?
Thanks, great video. Thinking of converting my Nex5N
Hello,
thank you for the movie.
How can I get the efficiency of:
- original NIR blocking filter of the NEX-5R camera?
- a B+W 40 orange filter?
Is this exactly like the Sony a6000 as for disassembley and assembly.
They are similar, but not the same.
Is it mandatory to put on the final filter? That is, Could I leave the sensor without the IR cut filter and get IR and visual spectrum all together? I'm talking about use it for astrophoto
You can leave the filter off. The sensor is not completely naked without the filter. It still retains a protective surface coating that is fused to the sensor. You may find some loss of sharpness in the images because the range of wavelengths reaching the sensor will be wider than what the lenses are designed for, but the camera will work. With an open sensor you can also experiment with filters mounted in front of your lenses, for example using band pass filters to create near infrared images.
from where i can get that orange filter that you put in there to convert it ? what is the name? model?
I used to do specialty conversions for agricultural cameras commercially. The filters were developed specifically for that purpose and are not available for sale from the manufacturer. I no longer do the conversions, but I still have some filters. Depending on where you are located it may be possible to get a set to you. If you are in the USA you could also consider the NDVI conversions from Lifepixel. That conversion will provide equivalent results (minor differences) to using my filters.
@@FlyingMerf thank you so much for your fast reply sir. I will search for some filters that are near to that one .i live in uk
can one use it without replacement filter
Without filter the camera will be panchromatic. An interesting effect, but not useful for vegetation analysis.
Brilliant video. Where did you get the replacement filter from and what is the size and specifications.
Many thanks
James
James,
The filter I used is not available for purchase. However, we are working on a new and improved filter that will be made available when I'm satisfied with the performance. It will be announced here when it is ready.
+FlyingMerf With no filter to purchase, this tutorial, is almost pointless. Buyng a proper filter its fundamental. So please, tell us where did you found that filter!
It's a lens filter properly cutted with the precise dimension of the original IR Filter?
I now have filters available.
How do you get the ribbon of the display back in? got everything done so far (still got some leftover metall pieces i don't know where they flew out of) but struggeling with the display connection. I have a Nex 3
Dute Nait I use toothpicks for a better ability to manipulate the ribbon cables. Be gentle and ease them in. They are easily damaged.
If I use IR filter in front of lens, would that cause hotpot in the picture? I am just prefer to be able to switch filter on or off.
Kity S It could work with an appropriate lens because hot spot formation is mostly due to lens characteristics. I've used that approach successfully on a Canon T4i that was converted to a panchromatic camera. I use a variety of filters in front of a 50mm prime lens for filter development work, and that lens is not prone to hot spot formation. I've not done that on the Sony APS-C cameras yet, so I don't know for sure how well it will work with the 16mm or 20mm lenses I use on those cameras. I tried it on a Sony RX100 M2, which has a built in lens, and on that camera it does produce a mild hot spot.
Debayering? What filter you replaced? Should be same with A3000 camera?
No, the only filter that is removed is the IR cut filter. The Bayer array filter is fused with the sensor. A similar effect (color-infrared with Nir/G/B instead of RGB) will be obtained in most other cameras with a Bayer filter.
@@FlyingMerf Since I get with IR modified camera pink tint I asumed that infrared gets blocked by CFA. I want to use A3000 for UV photography as well so CFA removal could help increase overall sensitivity of sensor. Can you tell size of IR filter to get protective glass or it already there?
Gediminas Jesinas Im not sure I understand your question completely. Let me know if I did not give you the answer you need.
When you remove the IR filter you can replace it with something that suits your needs. The filter size for Sony APS-C sensors is 29mm x 23mm. In mirrorless cameras you can also leave the sensor uncovered to allow as much as possible UV to reach the sensor, but the sensor will be more exposed to potential damage.
@@FlyingMerf You mean sensor doesn't have protective glass?
Gediminas Jesinas Behind the IR cut filter there is still the Bayer array filter, which is fused with the sensor. That probably provides some protection, but the sensor is more exposed compared to a sensor with an additional filter in front of the Bayer array filter. I have Sony a5100 camera with an “exposed” filter that is a couple of years old and has seen a lot of use for infrared photography. I occasionally remove dust from the sensor with a blower, and there is no sign of damage or deterioration yet. So removing the IR cut filter on a mirrorless camera and leaving the sensor bare is not a problem in my experience.
I would like to do this. Where did you source the replacement filter from? I can't find one so far. Please point me in the right direction.
I now have filters available.
Where can I find the IR filter?
Finding a filter is probably the biggest obstacle. There are no off-the-shelf filters of tge correct size that I am aware of. I used a filter that I tested for an agricultural drone company.
FlyingMerf Event38 may be a source. I'm not sure, but it may be worth a try. They sell smaller size filters, but it may be worth asking them if they could source a larger size.
FlyingMerf i I am very interested in NIR camera for agricultural purpose, so exactly could you tell me what kind of filter did you used? Thank you! :-)
+mrtfm I now have newly developed and improved filters for sale. If you are interested, please contact me at dmerwe2@gmail.com
Excellent tutorial Darr!
what filter are you using?where can we buy ? do you have a code/part number?thanks
The filter was part of a development project for a company that do not sell them directly. Others may develop similar filters soon. I will report it here if I find something that is good and available.
I now have filters available.
i think i removed the IR filter but now the whole image is red... it actully looked like there was 2 little glasses glued together.. is it possible i removed something else too?
Daniel Goncalves A red hue to the image is normal when the IR cut filter is removed. It happens because the sensor is now picking up NIR light, and due to the characteristics of the Bayer array filter fused to the sensor surface, the “red” photosites of the sensor are the most sensitive to NIR. If you now use a filter in front of the lens that only passes IR you can create a pure IR image. If you use a filter that blocks IR you will again see an image that looks natural.
Just a note, all the cool IR color images you see are not straight from the camera. You need some image software to work on them, like change the blue and red channels in the channel mixer. For black & white out of camera can be ok.
You can get the same effect by using a manipulation program. To actually do a conversion correctly (if you feel the need for some kind of mythical magic with out ruining the camera) you need to install a filter switch so the operator can switch from Mythic Magic to a Normal Function camera, like a micro/landscape switch. Otherwise your camera is rendered to the bin. and you know what bin that is.
Ben Kotowicz You can get there to an extent in software, but it is not the same effect. The filters do matter in a physically important way. If a camera “opened” to longer wavelengths is ruined is completely subjective. I have modified several cameras in different ways over the years and I get a lot of enjoyment from my “ruined” cameras.
@@FlyingMerf I understand. I think you may have fallen into the magical myth conversion trap. You might find more satisfaction in taking photographs in normal mode. Try it. What do you have to lose.
@@FranklinParkIL Indeed, what do I have to loose? Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have Nex F3 for convertion, is it necessary to use glass or anything in place of IR filter?
Mikołaj Humienny It is not required to replace the glass on a mirrorless camera for the focus to work, but you will end up with a panchromatic camera that has a lot of inter-channel noise, unless you add appropriate filters to the lens.
Yes. I want to have camera without any filters and use them only on lenses :) I want to check full spectrum as well as IR.
I did it! :) it works. I have about 3 screws extra now ;) hehe, but it seems its fin enough. Thank you for this videos it shows that it can be really done at home.
Results:
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1608297982515819&set=a.310843975594566.87152.100000068982255&type=3&theater :)
Mikołaj Humienny You did better than me! I had 4 left over. lol.. It works, that's all that matters!
What are the dimensions of IR cut glass in Sony a6000?
Nandkumar Deshpande the dimensions are 29mm x 23mm.
one question, those sensors do have R, G or B pass filter on each pixel, but still why IR filter is used on the top? Are not those R, G or B pass filters supposed to cut IR light?
The Bayer array filter that selects R/G/B is designed to be selective within the visible spectrum of light.
Hi, how can I remove the bayer filter?
Gabriel Acosta The Bayer filter is tightly fused with the sensor. Removing it without damaging the sensor is unlikely. Only the NIR filter is easily removable.
There are some people that are really that mad ;-) stargazerslounge.com/topic/166334-debayering-a-dslrs-bayer-matrix
Thanks for the helpful video. do you think i would be ok doing this without a filter?
(Not for agriculture just art.)
I believe it will work, but the results may not be very interesting with a panchromatic camera, because the colors will be muddled in all the bands. Removing the NIR blocking filter and then adding various filters to the front of the lens can lead to interesting effects.
FlyingMerf That is exactly what i did on two point and shoot cameras and it worked well. I just wanted to ask someone knowledgeable what they thought before i did it on a more expensive camera. I read on the webpage of one of the modification businesses that the filter would need to be replaced with clear glass. i think i will try it without.
Again, thanks for the great video and thanks for responding.
@@FlyingMerf IMHO, and I might be totally wrong here, if you remove the filter completely your camera becomes wide spectrum and is basically unusable - unless you use a i.e. 720nm lens filter. But the beauty with no inner filter at all is that you also have a UV option and you can go that road too.
C00ltronix I agree. A “naked” sensor opens up many possibilities - basically over the whole range of wavelengths from the upper UV (around 380nm) to the NIR (up to about 1150nm). The UV is not very efficient though because the sensor is less sensitive in that area and UV typically gets blocked to some extent by lens elements - but still doable with strong UV sources or long exposure times.
Your filter link no longer works. Do you know of any other source for the B/G/NIR filter?
I mostly sell the converted cameras now (instead of loose filters), but I may be able to help you with a filter set. What size do you need?
I have an nex-5 that I am thinking of converting to IR for general IR photography. How much would you charge to do the conversion?
Gary, I will provide pricing and other info by email. Please send me an email at dmerwe2@gmail.com
Hi, I have an issue, my new digital camera, has no IR filter. I already opened, and there is nothing. do you know if this is possible?. I mean I just got it.
It must have an IR filter of some type if it produces natural looking images. What camera do you have?
it is a SAMSUNG dv150f.
+Cesar Diaz I am not familiar with that camera. Could the IR filter be fused with the sensor?
Well that is what im trying to figure out. Because as far as I knew, there always was a glass, but maybe that old story.
Hye... Plz tell me what to do??? ive placed a wrong SD card in my sony nex 5r and now ive bought the right one but the problem is its not detecting the SD card now....
It sounds like you have a damaged SD card slot. I dont have an easy solution. You may have to get it repaired by a Sony technician.
thanks for your reply... ive fixed it that night by myself... after watching your video i understood the mechanism of sd card then realized one of the card slot terminal fall out of its place and i moved it to its proper place using plastic made toothpick... thanks to you for your time n video
Muhammad Sikander Azam Malik I'm glad to hear you managed to fix it yourself. Best wishes.
can you give me the size of IR filter after you cut it ?
+Phước Nguyễn The dimensions are: 28.7mm x 19.1mm.
If you need filters, they are available here: arrowenvirosense.com/product/arrow-ndvi-stacked-filter/
thank very much !
I'm living in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
fee to shipping from US to my city so expensive
+FlyingMerf Why is it so ridiculously expensive?
+Ni5ei Are you referring to the shipping costs or the filter costs?
+FlyingMerf The price of the filter itself. $125
I'm gonna do , thanks
i want to convert a6000 to infrared
viktor kozhuharov I recommend Lifepixel.com
hello, i want to replace my corroded M9 IR filter using same method., what kind of glue did you use to reassembly it?
I did not use glue. The replacement filters I use fit into the original frame with a friction fit that keeps it securely in place. If you used glue, my advice is to test it on clear glass and plastic first to make sure it does not cause any kind of staining around the glue. It is sometimes a problem with glues that give off a reactive gas as it cures.
@@FlyingMerf thank you very much :) appreciate it