Shooting Infrared – X-Pro1
Whilst looking into dark glass (ND Filters) – I came across a number of examples of metering anomalies with the X-Pro1, that suggested to me that this camera was seeing Infrared light, as well as visible light.
This was an exciting revelation. A camera that shoots IR out of the box, without requiring permanent internal filter modifications is a great tool for a whole new field of photography.
One quick way to find to – buy an IR filter, and try it out.
The filter in question is the Hoya R72 – a rather specialist filter designed to block visible light, and allow IR wavelengths above 720 nm to pass through to the sensor.
In practice, The R72 hits 50% transmissivity at 720 nm, just inside the Near Infrared (NIR)
Transmission Curve R72
I screwed it on – set ISO at 400 and the aperture at f8 for some DOF – and put the X-Pro1 on a sturdy tripod.
IR exposures can be long – there’s not much illumination getting through even, on a sunny day!
Here are some initial test shots, post processed into B&W:
Success! 
You can see that any plant-life goes white – so leaves etc glow in a nice ethereal way – Skies have super contrast, as if you’d used a CPL.
Autofocus seemed to be a non issue for the X-Pro1, as the camera was focussing using the contrast in the image – so issues with different focal lengths for the different wavelength of light do not seem to matter using this system.
The original color files are deep brick red in color – So I set a custom WB setting to give me more neutral color IR shots from the camera -these processed more easily into the B&W shots shown here.
Very exciting stuff – and the good news is the Hoya filters are not expensive.
More Infrared X-Pro1 shots from my Flickr set:
[…] Whilst looking into dark glass (ND Filters) – I came across a number of examples of metering anomalies with the X-Pro1, that suggested to me that this camera was seeing Infrared light, as well as visible light. This was an exciting revelation. A camera that shoots IR out of the box, without requiring permanent internal filter modifications is a great tool for a whole new field of photography. One quick way to find to – buy an IR filter, and try it out. The filter in question is the Hoya R72 – a rather specialist filter designed to block visible light, and allow IR wavelengths above 720 nm to pass through to the sensor…… […]
[…] See on f-sunny.com […]
[…] Whilst looking into dark glass (ND Filters) – I came across a number of examples of metering anomalies with the X-Pro1, that suggested to me that this camera wasseeing Infrared light, as well as visible light. […]
Wonderful pictures, but with the same Hoya R72 and my X-Pro1 I experienced quite serious problems. There was always a bright spot in the middle of the picture, couldn’t find a way to avoid it. I don’t see it in your pictures… how did you work around this?
I found the bright area varies by lens model and also aperture, so with some experimentation I was able to reduce it significantly.
And then I was able to use Photoshop and NIK filters to make any final adjustments.
greaz! I am going to buy it
Some very nice pictures!
I have this filter too, and do think it’s aquite good one.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Mehrdad – it’s rather unique isn’t it – I like the way it takes you away from the normal world, and gives you a different view of a common scene.
Chris.
Great images Chris.
Now i have to buy this filter.
You are always kindly to share your opinions about stuff,your ticks about pictures, and your shows reportage.
Thank you very very much.
Greetings from the small island of Capri, in Italy.
Alessandro
Alessandro – it’s worth the small outlay for this filter, as it will open up a whole new world to you.
Glad I was able to help – and I’m envious of your location in Capri!
Chris.
[…] View original source at f-sunny.com […]
Those are fabulous pictures.
I used to like to do infrared. I still have 17 rolls of HIE in the freezer, but no darkroom. Think I’ll see if this works with my X-E2.
Alan Magayne-Roshak, Senior Photographer
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Photo Services
(Retired)
UPAA POY 1978
amr3@uwm.edu
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Alan+Magayne-Roshak/
Alan – should work in the same way with the X-E2 as it’s the same series of sensor.
And you’ll be able to free-up some space in your freezer at last!
Chris.
[…] SHOOTING INFRARED – X-PRO1 […]
AWESOME Chris!! As you can imagine I’m going to have a few questions. I need to re-read your article first. The images kind of kept my attention on the initial pass.
Get in Steve!
I already ordered the filter.
The dogs probably aren’t going to be happy about the tripod…..
[…] Whilst looking into dark glass (ND Filters) – I came across a number of examples of metering anomalies with the X-Pro1, that suggested to me that this camera was seeing Infrared light, as well as v… […]
[…] Whilst looking into dark glass (ND Filters) – I came across a number of examples of metering anomalies with the X-Pro1, that suggested to me that this camera was seeing Infrared light, as well as visible light. This was an exciting revelation. A camera that shoots IR out of the box, without requiring permanent internal filter modifications is a great tool for a whole new field of photography. One quick way to find to – buy an IR filter, and try it out. The filter in question is the Hoya R72 – a rather specialist filter designed to block visible light, and allow IR wavelengths above 720 nm to pass through to the sensor…… […]
Hi Chris – these images are fantastic! I’ve got myself an R72 filter and have been play around a little bit with it. I wanted to ask about the exposure method – I usually shoot with the camera set to aperture priority (the red A on the shutter speed dial) but I am finding that the camera just always exposes for about 1/30s rather than the much longer times I’d expect. The images are, unsurprisingly, extremely underexposed. What method do you use?
Trevor, I set AUTO ISO 6400 to allow the camera to select a higher ‘film’ speed as needed, then aperture priority.
I use a tripod and let the camera select the shutter speed and ISO
That seems to work well – at least for tripod shooting
Does that help at all?
Thanks Chris – that makes perfect sense. I’ve realised that the problem I was having related to the fact that it was too dark to meter properly and my X-Pro 1 seems to give up under those circumstances and just select 1/30 or so regardless. It is way too dark here in Scotland at the moment but if we get a nice crisp sunny day this week I will get outside and give it a bash.
Your work is very inspiring! I have a trip to California in May and can’t wait to try it out there!
CA will be perfect – sunshine, foliage and water make for great IR shots
If you’re near San Diego, give me a shout
Thanks! We are staying in San Diego for two or three days actually. We are Starting in San Francisco before camping in Red Rock Canyon, Death Valley, couple nights in Las Vegas, camping in Joshua Tree, mojave national park and Anza Borrego state Park before hitting SD, LA and the all along the Big Sur before going back to SF. Plenty of photo opportunities
That sounds like a photo-tastic trip plan
Thanks. It’s going to make quite a change from perennially wet and grey Scotland where we live now. It has, quite literally, rained every single day now since mid November. Sometimes for several days on end.
Any particular destinations you could recommend photographically?
Yes, let me put a few thoughts down around your schedule – then I’ll shoot them across
ok – here’s part 1
SF:
Golden gate from Marshall Beach (City SIde) 37.801341,-122.479877
Golden Gate from Battery Side 37.829599,-122.48337
Fort Point (well worth a tour) 37.810725,-122.47682
Alcatraz 37.826531,-122.422714
Coit Tower (View from) 37.802375,-122.405902
Lombard Street 37.802214,-122.418101
TransAmerica Building 37.795373,-122.403231
Painted Ladies 37.776252,-122.432992
Red Rock Canyon:
Not visited myself but this is a basic guide – http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/columns/favorite-places/red-rock-canyon-state-park-california.html
Death Valley: (Heat can kill you – this place is not to be messed with)
Zabriskie Point 36.419901,-116.81282
Badwater Basin (Salt flats) 36.229458,-116.768188
Racetrack Playa (Self moving rocks) – long drive on dirt roads 36.681361,-117.562594
Mesquite Dunes 36.619937,-117.104645
Las Vegas:
Las Vegas Sign 36.082067,-115.172776
Any hotel on the strip – take a tripod for night shots!
Hoover Dam and Road Bridge 36.016459,-114.737306
Grand Canyon Skywalk 36.012311,-113.81218
Joshua Tree: (Same as Death Valley – heat can kill you in the park)
Jumbo Rocks 33.992761,-116.06575
Keys View 33.926554,-116.187072
Box Canyon Road 33.62166,-115.91074
Bombay Beach (derelict city) Salton Sea 33.349745,-115.729637
Palm Springs Wind Turbines 33.908712,-116.605754
Wow, this is incredibly kind – thank you so much! It;s always great to get local info as the guidebooks can only tell you so much. Thanks again!
No problem – I’m working on part 2
[…] […]
[…] Shooting Infrared – X-Pro1 at f-sunny here: “IR exposures can be long – there’s not much illumination getting through even, on a […]
[…] Whilst looking into dark glass (ND Filters) – I came across a number of examples of metering anomalies with the X-Pro1, that suggested to me that this camera was seeing Infrared light, as well as visible light. This was an exciting revelation. A camera that shoots IR out of the box, without requiring permanent internal filter modifications is a great tool for a whole new field of photography. One quick way to find to – buy an IR filter, and try it out. The filter in question is the Hoya R72 – a rather specialist filter designed to block visible light, and allow IR wavelengths above 720 nm to pass through to the sensor…… […]
[…] Whilst looking into dark glass (ND Filters) – I came across a number of examples of metering anomalies with the X-Pro1, that suggested to me that this camera was seeing Infrared light, as well as v… […]