Originally posted by BruceBanner From my understanding you can do IR 3-4 ways;
1) Get the camera converted to IR
2) Buy an IR filter and use that
3) Use the IR filter option in Mono (K-1 at least supports this)
4) Convert an image to IR in PP
The last two choices simply don't work, anyone who has shot in IR will know the difference instantly.
That cuts things down to two options, a more manageable number. Get your camera converted for IR photography, [which
will void your warranty] I don't think there are many services that still do this for SLR cameras here in Australia. Through any repair technician of good repute should be able to handle it. You still have to buy a filter* if you want to photograph things in normal light again, IR contamination in colour images is an acquired taste. Getting an IR filter such as the Hoya R72*
2 will be by far the cheapest option for achieving the look you are after. The filter is quite dark and visibility with live view is improved with faster lenses, shutter speeds aren't anywhere near the practical range for hand-holding so using a tripod will be
essential. There were quite a few IR films produced Kodak, Look up Kodak HIE*
3 or Aerochrome, I suspect you will probably enjoy seeing the results from either film.
Be warned that lenses focus differently in UV or IR*
4, so if you ever intend to use it for portraiture be mindful of this if you ever focus manually, fortunately Live view takes this into account.
Kodak Aerochrome, a rather unusual colour infared film. I doubt there is anything quite like it currently on the market*5.
* A UV/IR cut filter such as the Hoya A-77 - though Tiffen,Hitech and Kolari make suitable hot mirror filters.
*
2 which is where I and undoubtedly many others started the journey into NIR photography.
*
3 This film was absolute hell to work with, it was
extremely sensitive and it had no halation layer at all which produced some very interesting effects. But this also meant you had to load and unload your camera in complete darkness, and make sure your camera was absolutely light tight.
*
4 Except for apochromatic and Super-apochromatic lenses which by virture of their extensive optical correction, will focus all light on the same plane.
*
5 Filters do exist that can mimic the look it produced though
.