Sigma’s Easy IR; The SD14 D-SLR As An Easy Access IR Image-Maker
George Schaub, May, 2008
Buffs of infrared photography often go to great lengths to get the ethereal
effects that define their images. Now that Kodak has served notice that their
high-speed black and white IR film is on the endangered species list, there
will be IR film shooters everywhere looking for a way to continue their exploration
of that fascinating world. In the past year we have reviewed two Fuji entries
that are built for IR work, the forensic market’s S3 Pro UVIR D-SLR and
the IS-1 integral lens IR camera (type in either camera into the Search box
at www.shutterbug.com or type in IR or “infrared” for lots of material
on this fascinating subject). In addition, there are many IR fans who send away
their D-SLR camera to be adapted for IR photography, usually sacrificing its
“normalcy” in order to get IR results. The operation usually involves
removal of the IR cutoff filter in the light path. Last time we checked it can
cost $300 and up for the conversion and, like we said, there’s no going
back once the filter is removed.
IR Filter Change
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The IR cutoff filter sits right in the light path, easily seen
when you remove the lens.
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To remove the filter just press on the base of the metallic ring
and the filter pops out. Do this with care.
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Note the delta sign atop the filter. Line this up with the red
dot on the mount and you’ll have the IR filter ready to
return. Put it in place and gently press on it until you hear
a quiet “pop.”
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Given this, we were interested to hear that the Sigma SD14 D-SLR makes conversion
from normal to IR to normal again easy, with a procedure anyone can do. No screws
or faceplate removal is necessary. Being shown this by the folks at Sigma itself
leads me to assume that this does not void the warranty, as does the IR conversion
procedure with other models. Indeed, the filter you remove from the light path
is also how Sigma has you self-clean any dust that may have landed on it, or
the sensor. But before you try this be forewarned: like anything that has to
do with the innards of the camera it must be done with care.
A dislodged part or intrusive finger could cause havoc with delicate innards.
So, here’s the big process: You take the lens off the camera. Inside you’ll
see a circular ring with a delta pointing up toward the penta-prism finder.
You push down on the lower metallic portion of the ring and the filter will
pop up. Carefully remove the filter ring from the camera. That’s it—you’re
now IR ready. Put the filter in a safe and clean space, and do not do this in
the field, as dust can be a problem, and of course have the camera OFF when
you do this.
Filter Effects
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If you want to see the image as you’re working, or shooting
handheld, choose the red filter. For a more profound effect choose
an opaque filter. Here’s what you’ll see in the finder
with the red filter over the lens.
All Photos © 2008, George Schaub, All Rights Reserved
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Here’s the resultant shot.
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Here’s the shot with the Marumi HB700 placed over the lens.
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