Differences between Ist D and later 6MP cameras (for IR conversion)?

Hope someone can help here.

Thinking about getting an older 6MP body converted for infrared photography, rather than using R72 filter as I do currently.

The main people recommended in the UK who I have heard of - Advanced Camera Systems - say that they will do the conversion on the ist D but as they have not tried any other Pentax bodies, they cannot be sure whether others will be suitable for their conversion.

Two questions:

(1) is there any difference in the sensor and way it is fitted into the camera between the ist D and later 6MP models eg ist DL, K110D (I'm assuming that shake reduction is more likely to turn ACS off doing the conversion so would not comtemplate K100D), and for that matter the Samsung GX1L? If the physical interior and sensors in these cameras are essentially identical, then I think the likelihood is that ACS would be able to do the conversion.

(2) does anyone know of other UK based companies who convert dSLR bodies for infrared use?

Many thanks,

Jon

From memory, the istD series cameras have higher than average sensitivity to IR. You may not need a conversion.

The sensor in all of the 6Mp cameras is the same CCD, Sony I think. Whether the mounting is the same across models I don't know.

AFAIK there are a couple of conversions that can be done for better IR performance.

You can either replace the filter that is placed in front of the sensor with plain glass or an R72 filter.

The plain glass option will still require an R72 filter in front of the lens for IR, thus restricting the view in the viewfinder to just about nil. The R72 option means that the camera will be IR only but with normal viewfinder brightness to aid focussing.

The *istD and *istDS (and maybe DS2) are the only DSLR's that can make use of the TTL features of some flashes. Whether that's of any use in an IR camera, I'm not sure.

Thanks both.

I already use an R72 filter with K100DS, but shutter speeds inevitably get below hand-hold level unless you whack the ISO up.

So I'm thinking of replacing the filter in front of the sensor with R72 as the camera will then function as Peter has described.

I can't see why a company that offers this service with the ist D shouldn't be able to do it with the DL, DS, GX1L, or for that matter the K110D. But as they don't know much about Pentax bodies they can't commit...