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megaera · 03-12-2006, 00:00

I have just converted my D70. I bought the filter from LifePixel ($90.00). It is actually a really straightforward job. It took me about 15 minutes. However (isn't there always a "however??) there are two MAJOR points to note.

Firstly, do not - repeat NOT - go anywhere near the blue capacitor on the right-hand side - it is very obvious to see when you have the back off. VERY high voltage. It can blow you clean off your chair.

Secondly and most importantly - do not even take the back off the camera (let alone star fiddling inside) without a wrist ground strap. I use an earth mat as well. Without good grounding, you can (and will!!) blow something major and expensive - such as the memory compression or CCD PCBs. Either of these cost more than a D70 is worth!!!

With that said - it really is very simple to do. The LifePixel tutorial is excellent - although I didn't strip the D70 down quite as much. The following link shows a much faster way of changing the filter

Nikon D70 IR cut filter removal

Part One covers the "normal" procedure - I used the Part Two method.

I wrongly assumed the AF would need adjusting. But having checked the AF with three different lenses - I was amazed (and relieved) to find the AF was spot-on!!

I cannot recommend converting the D70 highly enough. I spent 2 years mucking about with the D2H and a Hoya IR. YUK! Now, I can take birds in flight - using exactly the same settings as for a "normal" DSLR.

Also - once you have a good custom WB (grass in good lighting conditions) the classic "red" IR image is replaced by a more realistic IR look - which is much quicker to run through the channels in PS CS.

Sorry for the over long post

03-12-2006, 00:00	#5 (permalink)
megaera New here Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 24	Re: Help with IR conversion info??? I have just converted my D70. I bought the filter from LifePixel ($90.00). It is actually a really straightforward job. It took me about 15 minutes. However (isn't there always a "however??) there are two MAJOR points to note. Firstly, do not - repeat NOT - go anywhere near the blue capacitor on the right-hand side - it is very obvious to see when you have the back off. VERY high voltage. It can blow you clean off your chair. Secondly and most importantly - do not even take the back off the camera (let alone star fiddling inside) without a wrist ground strap. I use an earth mat as well. Without good grounding, you can (and will!!) blow something major and expensive - such as the memory compression or CCD PCBs. Either of these cost more than a D70 is worth!!! With that said - it really is very simple to do. The LifePixel tutorial is excellent - although I didn't strip the D70 down quite as much. The following link shows a much faster way of changing the filter Nikon D70 IR cut filter removal Part One covers the "normal" procedure - I used the Part Two method. I wrongly assumed the AF would need adjusting. But having checked the AF with three different lenses - I was amazed (and relieved) to find the AF was spot-on!! I cannot recommend converting the D70 highly enough. I spent 2 years mucking about with the D2H and a Hoya IR. YUK! Now, I can take birds in flight - using exactly the same settings as for a "normal" DSLR. Also - once you have a good custom WB (grass in good lighting conditions) the classic "red" IR image is replaced by a more realistic IR look - which is much quicker to run through the channels in PS CS. Sorry for the over long post