[jimbo65]

I've read that the K100d is good for shooting IR. Does the K100d Super do the same or does it have a different filter in front of the sensor? Thanks for the input.

[creampuff]

The K100D Super has an identical sensor as the K100D. Whatever applies to the K100D also works on the Super.

[jimbo65]

Thanks Creampuff Now I can add it to my Christmas list. Along with a Hoya R72 filter.

[LeoTaylor]

I have K1x0Ds (not Super) and the Hoya R72 and am a novice IR person.

You will find IR initially challenging but worth the brief learning curve.

1. You can't see the image through the viewfinder.

2. You can take test shots while framing, or use the Preview which takes a test shot without saving to memory.

3. You can frame and focus with the Hoya R72 off and carefully screw the filter on without disturbing the focus.

4. I always focus manually, though the camera can sometimes focus on the IR you can't see.

5. Exposures will be long, my K100D typically needs 1/30 second in bright sun which means a tripod for most shots. My filterless K110D can do the same in 1/3000 handheld. The built in filter is a killer!

[jimbo65]

Thanks for the tips Leo. Did you have your filter on the k110 removed by a company that does that kind of service? If so who did you use?
Thanks Jim

[LeoTaylor]

Thanks for the tips Leo. Did you have your filter on the k110 removed by a company that does that kind of service? If so who did you use?
Thanks Jim

Unfortunately I don't know any service that modifies Pentax cameras, there are a few companies that will remove or replace filters for the Big Two. Why Pentax does not provide the service I can't imagine. I once asked a Pentax Rep about providing the service and he said that training the repair people would be too expensive. I'm sure when people scratch the IR filter with cleaning swabs Pentax will replace it so they are already trained!

I removed the filter from my then new K110D myself, broke the door open switch off the main board, sent it in for repair, waited over 4 weeks, and paid $200+ to get it back. On the bright side the repair cost is less than the cost of modifying a Canon or Nikon and the camera itself cost way less.

I would not advise filter removal unless you want to dedicate a camera to IR or in my case, astrophotography. A filterless camera is too red to white balance. Many Nebulas are a deep visible red which is attenuated by the camera's IR filter, thus it was worth investing a $300 camera. I use my K100D for normal color photography.

The istD and K1x0D cameras will do IR fine without modification, you just need to deal with the longer exposure.

[pentkon52]

I use my istD for IR. I don't have the K100 but i do have the K10D.

I find with the istD, i can do decent IR shots at ISO 200 Shutter around half to quarter second at around F8 ish. Same for my D1 and D1H.

To do the same on my K10D or D200, i'm looking at around 8-10 seconds. To long for me.

I have contacted Lifepixel in the usa about Pentax conversions, and their reply is always the same. They have no plans to add any Pentax Dslr's to the line up. Reason. Pentax is not popular.

Each time i receive that answer i email back and beg t o differ with them. I never get a return email after that.

Dave

[clawhammer]

using that hoya filter, do you need to remove the IR filter on the sensor?

[xs400]

I have done quite a bit of IR work with my K100D, 18-55mm kit lens and a Hoya R72 filter. At f8, daylight shots are about 1/30 of a second. With the R72 filter installed, you cannot see anything in the viewfinder, so I frame the shot with the R72 filter removed, then install the filter and use autofocus. IR light focusses differently than visible light, so you cannot use the same focus setting you used to frame the shot. Also, I always use a tripod when shooting IR, and use a 2 second delay so there will be no problems with camera shake. Using PS CS2 to channel swap red and blue, followed by adjustments with levels, I am able to get shots like these.

[Buddha Jones]

That is soo on my Christmas list.

[pentkon52]

I have done quite a bit of IR work with my K100D, 18-55mm kit lens and a Hoya R72 filter. At f8, daylight shots are about 1/30 of a second. With the R72 filter installed, you cannot see anything in the viewfinder, so I frame the shot with the R72 filter removed, then install the filter and use autofocus. IR light focusses differently than visible light, so you cannot use the same focus setting use used to frame the shot. Also, I always use a tripod when shooting IR, and use a 2 second delay so there will be no problems with camera shake. Using PS CS2 to channel swap red and blue, followed by adjustments with levels, I am able to get shots like these.

]

What ISO are you shooting at to get 1/30. Just curious.

Dave

[xs400]

What ISO are you shooting at to get 1/30. Just curious.

Dave

I generally use ISO 400. To get 1/30 of a sec there has to be bright sunlight. On a regular basis I end up at 1/15 or 1/8 sec exposures, thus the need for a tripod. I also use a custom white balance taken off green grass or a bush.

[pentkon52]

I generally use ISO 400. To get 1/30 of a sec there has to be bright sunlight. On a regular basis I end up at 1/15 or 1/8 sec exposures, thus the need for a tripod. I also use a custom white balance taken off green grass or a bush.

I do the same. Thanks, just wanted to check.

Dave

[jimbo65]

Frank Great Shots. Thanks guys for all the tips. Once the news about the new camera and their lenses is released is when I will make up my mind on what to buy. Would love to have a fast longer lens for my K10 as well. Decisions Decisions don't you hate them?
Jim

[ruemiser]

Frank. Beautiful Shots. I am wondering if I can do these same type of shots with my K10d? I understand the CCD is less sensitive to Infrared.