K110D infrared conversion..

Hi all, I have just received my refurb K110D from SRS and am hoping to do an infrared conversion and was wondering if anyone has any advice before I get cracking?

I'm looking for a replacement hot filter, up to yet I have only seen a suitable replacement on fleabay (link) - but its a little on the steep side, anyone know where I could get one already in the UK and cheaper if possible?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Brian.

Have you already tried an R72 or similar IR filter? because I know my K100D had a weak IR filter. I was very happy of the Results with my Hoya R72 screw on filter, though I did have to resort to using a tripod to keep the ISO down and the aperture at an optimum setting.

Other than that im of no real use. Does doing the conversion reduce the need for longer shutter speeds?

three examples: link link link

I have read that removing the IR blocking stock hot filter and replacing it with an IR filter will get me hand held shutter speeds only slightly slower than visible light speeds without the need to have the lens wide open and having to shoot at high ISO.

I have tried IR with my GX20 but it sucks at IR, need to shoot at ISO 400+ wide open and with 3+ second exposures - even then the pictures come out with loads of noise, I don't fancy pulling my GX20 to pieces hence why I bought the refurb K110D.

Thought somebody may have already had a bash, I've read the topics on the other pentax forum - but I'm struggling to find a replacement hot filter, dont fancy leaving the sensor naked so to speak

RaV, I really like the second shot you have there - great composition and the woods effect shines - but I want to get to handheld shutter speeds to avoid the blurring of the moving objects (like the leaves/clouds).

OK, i was just checking Im sure you ll find someone wholl have more info. Personally I love my long exposures, so its one of the bonus's of IR to me

The K20/GX20 does seem alot less sensitive from my brief tests. In the meantime i would keep searching the main pentax.com forum.

This doesn't sound like a DIY job to me - why not have a professional repair house do the conversion for you.

Having said that, your K110D may well be much better than your GX10 at IR anyway.

I have seen it done and am no stranger to the inner workings of electrical equipment, its more the finding the right sized hot filter replacement thats proving difficult.

The only company I have been able to find contact details for that perform IR conversions on Pentax kit is based in China and costs as much as my GX20 body to send away and have the work done.

I have contacted a glass fabrication company that can supply cut to spec schott IR glass (695nm+ sensitivity) but I have to order minimum 25pcs, havn't had the quote back yet but I'm going to wager it will be expensive...

Check this thread link

I asked a similar question a while back, the info may interest you.

Advanced Camera Services might sell you what you need.

Beware the focussing though. ACS set the sensor back a bit to correct the focus point for IR light.

Thanks everyone, some great info that I have missed on my searches.

Emailing ACS to see if they can supply the replacement hot filter as £250 is a little more than I want to pay - plus I like to do modifications like this my self - gives me something to do with my weekends when the weathers not fit for actually taking photos!

You are either very brave, very capable, or you've been reading too much of Terry Pratchett's work.

Keep us informed of your progress.

To quote Pratchett again - "Stupid men are often capable of things the clever would not dare to contemplate..."

Well, looks like I'll be ordering a IR hot filter from a well regarded Chinese chap from "the other forum" for the princely sum of $50 inc postage and it will take 15 days-ish to get to the UK.

I'll post shots of the dismemberment and hopefully successful conversion once completed.

Thanks again for everyones input!

I am certainly interested in how the conversion goes, keep us posted.

BTW, do you need an IR filter that will exactly fit to the sensor :

Yes, the IR hot filter needs to be the same dimensions as the stock one that is being removed - you can leave it without a hot filter or put a clear piece of glass there, but then you will need an IR filter on your lens to block the visible light from ruining your nice IR shots.