This is the description of how to turn a normal working Nikon 4300 into a IR-Camera for fantastic new insights.
The Nikon 4300 is now roundabout eight years old and you can get the used camera rather cheap. I hope the prices will not rise too much because of this instructable. The quality of this camera is really good and so you can expect to have another few years of fun with your new IR-Camera.
Only disadvantage: It uses Compact flash for storage.
Advantage: The age. The older the camera is the simpler is it built. In 2002 there were a lot of parts much bigger than today, maybe except the display. That means it is much easier to dis- and reassemble this camera than an up-to-date model. If you need more Megapixel try to modify an Nikon P6000 and write an instructable. ;-)
Second advantage: The filter-adapter. For many modern cameras you won't find a good solution to attach a filter to the camera, and for IR photography you need a real good connection without light leaks.
Ah, before I forget it: NO, this is not thermography! It uses only light up to 900nm, much to short for thermography. They use 1400nm and more...
The Nikon 4300 is now roundabout eight years old and you can get the used camera rather cheap. I hope the prices will not rise too much because of this instructable. The quality of this camera is really good and so you can expect to have another few years of fun with your new IR-Camera.
Only disadvantage: It uses Compact flash for storage.
Advantage: The age. The older the camera is the simpler is it built. In 2002 there were a lot of parts much bigger than today, maybe except the display. That means it is much easier to dis- and reassemble this camera than an up-to-date model. If you need more Megapixel try to modify an Nikon P6000 and write an instructable. ;-)
Second advantage: The filter-adapter. For many modern cameras you won't find a good solution to attach a filter to the camera, and for IR photography you need a real good connection without light leaks.
Ah, before I forget it: NO, this is not thermography! It uses only light up to 900nm, much to short for thermography. They use 1400nm and more...
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Signing UpStep 1: Tools and things needed
What you need is:
- a good screwdriver (cross slot)
- a good pair of tweezers, flat ends
- a plectrum
- a sorting box (for all the different screws)
-
a piece of clear glass in the size 10 x 11.3 x 0.3mm
(This is the replacement for the original IR-filter. You can take nearly every normal window glass. I cut mine from some old picture-frames) - and a working Nikon 4300
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These filters should already give you a significant IR-effect, I just checked out the transmission curves and they look suitable. Transmission starts at about 700nm, which includes a bit of a dark red. IR starts around 780nm.
For a stronger effect I would suggest these: http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productID=1493
They start at 750nm and 800nm respectively and so they appear nearly black, not dark red as the other ones. But their price is also a bit higher.
It should be possible to get a 52mm IR-filter from ebay for less than 40$.
For to take those IR-pictures like in step 10 you need an IR-transmission filter. For a first test you could try to use the overexposed rest of a normal film when you get it back from processing. Or combine a red and blue color filter. That should bring you further to the desired result.