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FAQs

Click one of the questions below to expand an answer:
Yes and no. Infrared converted cameras are only sensitive to near infrared light in the 700nm-1200nm range. To detect thermal infrared of something like a person or a house, you need special equipment that records in the 5000nm-14000nm range. HOWEVER, just like iron will glow when hot enough, hot objects in the range of 250°C to 500°C sometimes emit a near infrared glow that can be observed with these cameras. More details can be found here.
The AR coating is an infrared centered anti-reflective coating that can add to our filters. On lens filters, it can reduce glare and ghosting, and in a conversion it reduces IR hotspots. You can read more about it here:  What is the AR coating?

After an IR conversion, you will be able to shoot handheld with about the same exposure as a normal camera. On a sunny day, you can easily get 1/250 to 1/800 exposures or higher at f10 with the lowest ISO with a converted camera. A 590nm and 665nm filter can actually shoot faster than a regular shot. Adding a deeper infrared filter on the lens (like a 720nm/R72 filter over a 590 conversion will provide the equivelent exposure as a 720nm conversion. The dark filter may cause composing and focusing issues if not using live view, but the sensitivity will still be enough for handheld.

No, once converted to infrared the replacement filter will block visible light. Adding a hotmirror filter will not restore visible light sensitivity. However, converting to full spectrum will make the camera sensitive to visible and infrared light, allowing for both types of photography when using the appropriate external filter.

Yes, after an infrared conversion, both still and video shooting will record in infrared.

You can find all of our supported cameras here.
There are pros and cons to the various camera systems. You can read our breakdown of each here. For help deciding on a specific camera feel free to contact us, we are happy to help you find the right product.”

If your camera isn’t one of our 650+ supported models, we will still convert it if it’s possible, 99% of cameras can be converted, just contact us!

Absolutely! For conversions there is an extra shipping charge, contact us and we can quote you a total. Some locations may be subject to a remote area surcharge via FedEx Express. The system will not automatically calculate this surcharge. Please check the following link if your city/zip code is considered a remote area: Zipcodes_OPA_ODA.pdf If you place an order and your city/zip code is on this list, we’ll reach out to you via email to collect the surcharge. ***We legally can not declare lower values for customs and duties. We ship all of our international orders from the United States.  Please note that international customers are responsible for all duties that may be charged by their respective local customs office.***

Our checkout system is through Paypal. You can checkout with a Paypal account, or checkout as a guest and pay with any credit card. We also take check or money order.

Our standard turnaround time for camera conversions is 2 weeks on average for most models. This is only an estimate and not a guarantee. Our standard turnaround time may occasionally exceed 2 weeks during our busy season (April-August) or take less than 2 weeks in our off-season (September-March).

We also offer 5-day and 1-2 day rush processing options on our camera conversions for an additional fee. Our rush services allow us to coordinate the logistics of your conversion ahead of time to meet your deadlines to the best of our ability. Our rush processing time does not include shipping times.

We do our best to accommodate each and every one of our customers year-round.

If ordering one of our pre-converted cameras, keep in mind that they are made to order and are not eligible for rush processing. Please allow at least 2 weeks before your camera ships out to you. Plan for trips and assignments accordingly!

Any time frames that we provide, including shipping time, turnaround time, and rush processing times, are only estimates and are subject to availability. We make no guarantees on service time or shipping times.

Some cameras have the hot mirror fused to the sensor, preventing it from being removed. Other models use only a coating instead of a separate filter that cannot be removed. Notable examples are the Fujifilm S1 and S2.

It depends on the repair. If paired with a conversion, we will perform basic repairs at cost. Email us about your specific needs

We use replacement filters with specific thicknesses designed to match the refractive index of the original filter as closely as possible, then we fine tune the autofocus to a 50mm f1.8 lens for Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm conversions, and a 18-70mm lens for Sony and Minolta conversions. Mirrorless cameras are calibrated to autofocus accurately for all lenses.

Yes! We will calibrate the autofocus to a custom lens, free of charge.

We perform all of our conversions in a dust free ISO Class 5 clean air bench to eliminate as much airborne dust as possible. To make sure the filter we install does not have dust, we also employ a rigorous cleaning and inspection process, where the glass and sensor are inspected under a high magnification microscope before being installed, and again testing for dust once the filter is sealed with normal test shots, allowing us to come as close as possible to a dust free conversion.

Unlike some, we use high quality custom manufactured glass filters for all of our conversions. Plastic or acrylic/plexiglass filters do not have the same optical quality as glass, are scratched easier, and may be damaged by cleaning. Additionally, we are the ONLY conversion shop that uses thickness optimized glass for best performance.

You can use both the full spectrum and infrared conversions to see/take pictures in the dark, as long as you have an infrared light source. The full spectrum option will have greater overall low light sensitivity than a stock camera because it has about twice as much light that it is now sensitive to.

Please refer to our getting started guide for setting up your camera. You can also find shooting and processing tutorials under our tutorials section here.

You will need to set and use a custom white balance. See your camera manual for how to do this with your model.

With point and shoot cameras and cameras with live view, you can view a direct preview in infrared on the LCD. With a DSLR, the lens remains free of opaque filters, allowing you to compose through the viewfinder like normal.

No, the firmware is unaffected during a conversion. You can safely reset or update the firmware like with a stock camera.

Absolutely not. We don’t epoxy/superglue the parts back on, we don’t leave out screws, we don’t damage the internals and make it impossible to work with any more, we don’t sand off parts, we don’t use plastic filters. We perform the world’s best professional conversion, with everything reassembled properly. The camera can still be opened if there is ever a need for it. In fact, our service has been verified by manufacturer authorized repair facility that accepts our converted cameras if they ever need service down the road.

Yes! We stand by all of our filters with a Lifetime Guarantee against defects of any kind. If something is wrong with your Kolari filter, let us know so we can make it right.

No, our Lifetime Guarantee does not cover physical damage from use over time.

We are happy to special order any camera, convert it, and ship it right to you. See details under Products or email us for a quote. You can also have cameras shipped directly to us for conversion if you are ordering them online, just add C/O your name to the address so that we can identify it. Please keep in mind that cameras shipped to us directly from the retailer may be subject to additional shipping charges due to added weight of the box and accessories.

48 Responses

  1. I have a Canon 5D camera that has been converted to “black & white” NIR. Can this be converted to “color” NIR? If so, do I need a “R.A.” to send it to you and how much will it cost?
    Thanks,
    Ken Cantrell

    1. Yes it will unfortunately void the warranty and some manufacturers may refuse to service the camera at all. We have partnered with Phototech, an authorized repair center, that can repair our converted cameras if repairs are ever needed.

  2. Hello, we are SkyHound, a start up company using Unmanned Aircraft Systems for commercial use. We are looking to start off with crop monitoring and are in dire need of a near ir conversion on our Blade Chroma aircraft. The vehicle itself has a camera that we are looking to convert or possibly convert a Gopro for the same purposes. Please let me know if that is feasible and if you need more information on the Chroma system, I will be patiently awaiting your reply. Thank you.

  3. With my camera sensor converted to 720nm, do I need to adjust the white balance settings in the menu, or is that only for cameras with filters attached to the lenses?

  4. I am interested in buying a camera and getting a full spectrum conversion.
    I am trying to figure out what to do
    My requirements are
    1) I need to be able to take regular picture when I am finished (Full Spectrum)
    2) I need to be able use pass-thru filters (no point and shoot cameras I think)
    3) I want the largest spectrum possible. I can go with an older camera that have better sensors. I am particularly interested in the 900-1200 nm range. But it would be nice to go deeper into the IR range

    Is there any filtering coating put on the full spectrum filters you install?
    What are the coatings you put on the full spectrum filters?

    Is there anything that you would suggest I check out?

    Thank you
    Ed Hornlein

    1. Hi Ed,

      Full spectrum (or our two spectrum, which gives even better color accuracy for visible light) is what you need.
      To use pass through filters, you will need a camera that can take lens filters, and has a live view mode. Some P+S’s fit the bill, most newer DSLRs will work, and mirrorless cameras work the best. There is not a huge difference in upper sensitivity for IR between cameras, they get less sensitive after 1000nm, tapering off around 1100nm. Lens selection would affect your sensitivity in this range more than camera choice.

      Our full spectrum filters are available with our AR coating, the same one we put in our IR conversions.

  5. Hello.
    I am very interested in your Kolari UV transmitting Filter.
    kolarivision.com//kolarivision.com///uv-photography-uv-filter-test/
    I actually own a U-360-Type filter and use it together with a BG40-Type filter for UV-Photography. Results have been OK. After some time, I noticed some strange stains on the U360-Type filter, which I couldn´t clean off. After some reading, it turns out UV-Pass filters suffer from deterioration, resulting in a decay of the image quality. Here is the source where I found out about those strange stains on the filter.
    http://www.savazzi.net/photography/uv.htm
    My question concerning the Kolari UV transmitting filter is whether the coating stated on the filter description (“Our UV filter is coated for durability. Uncoated UV glass is sensitive to oxidation when exposed to humidity, ruining the filter”. Kolari Vision, 2017) avoids such stains and degradation. Further, if the coating allows the filter keep its properties over years, just like any other filter (IR or Hot-Mirror).
    Thank you a lot for your help.
    With kind regards, Daniel

    1. U type and BG type glass are susceptible to surface oxidation and degradation over time that presents like a cloudy layer on the surface of the glass. We apply a coating to prevent this specific degradation and our filters are warrantied for life against these type of defects.

  6. Hello,
    I’m interested in 720nm IR conversion for Nikon D7000.
    How does auto focus work in live view mode? Do you calibrate for live view as well?

  7. A couple of years ago I had my Panasonic FZ30 modified to 720mm standard infrared by Kolari Vision. To date I have taken hundreds of photos with my FZ30 with excellent results. I would like to post a few shots on your Facebook page. I checked but couldn’t find out how to post photos. Could you enlighten me!

    Thank you.

    Gabe Miller

  8. hello. so if i were to get a nikon d5200 converted to full spectrum i would not be able to set it’s white balance? also do you convert/calibrate lenses too as the nikon d5200 does not have live view?

    thanks

    1. That is correct, you would not be able to set a custom white balance in camera you would need to set in post production, but it will require a custom DNG profile. We can calibrate to a lens of your choosing, but since the camera does not have live view I would not recommend the full spectrum conversion, as the dark IR filters will block your viewfinder.

  9. I’ve recently started to shoot with an IR converted Canon T2i using studio strobes. The results have been outstanding. I’m doing a lot of portraiture, and I’d like to get a little bit of contrast in my images. What do you find are some good options for clothing/materials that can be worn that will absorb IR? So far, pretty much everything (except leather to some extend) comes out totally white because it’s so reflective. Any tips would be helpful.

    Thanks!
    Sam Comer

  10. Hi,
    I’m trying to find more information about the H-alpha conversions. All the sample images i seem to find are deep space shots using telescopes. Is the h-alpha conversion still beneficial for basic astrophotography just using the camera and wide angle lenses? Is there anywhere I should be looking for more information? Thank you!

  11. Hi, I would like to send in my RX100 M4 to be converted for full spectrum. However, I have been told that a full spectrum conversion can’t guarantee that focus will be perfect when using both infrared filters and uv/ir cut filters. Can you help clarify/break this down for me? I am fairly new to infrared and any insight would be very much appreciated. I mainly want a conversion option that will allow me to shoot phot and video normally and also with the 550nm look.

    Thanks!

    1. Hi!

      On a camera like that, after our full spectrum conversion and calibration you would be able to get accurate focus with any filter placed over the lens, including both infrared and hot mirror filters.

      1. Thanks for you quick response Ilija!

        In any case that the auto focus would not work after conversion, is there an option where I can send it back to you for repair? If so how much would that cost? I trust your judgement entirely but want to be prepared mentally and financially for worst case scenario. Thank you again!

          1. Amazing, thank you!

            Last couple of questions…

            The filter I would need to purchase to shoot normal pictures would be the Color Correcting Hot Mirror Filter, correct?

            Do you offer AR coating for the RX100 IV? I did not see it in the drop down option for AR coating when selecting the camera under Sony Point and Shoot.

            Also If you do offer AR coating on RX100IV, would additional AR coating on a filter affect anything on pictures?

            Thank you again!

    1. It depends on the camera and lens. Lenses have a focus shift when shooting in IR, and different lenses may have different amounts of focus shift. If you are using it on a DSLR with traditional phase detect autofocus, you may see a focus shift with the new lens, or it may have a similar focus point as the old lens in which case it would work similarly. If you use live view or shoot with a mirrorless camera, however, then you would be able to autofocus accurately with both lenses.

  12. hello i just got my sony a6000 converted to full spectrum but am having trouble with setting the white balance. when i first got the camera i was able to set it fine but now whenever i go to set a custom white balance the image becomes really dark (even if i open the camera all the way) and i get a white balance error. not sure what the problem is. any input is appreciated! thanks

    1. Hello,

      Yes we can, this is what our H-alpha conversion does. While we can match the wavelength characteristics, we cannot implement the software changes that some of Nikon astro cameras employ.

  13. I’m looking at getting a full spectrum conversion for my first-generation A7R. Before considering full spectrum, I read about your thin filter upgrade, which definitely appeals to me since all my lenses are adapted ones. Will the full spectrum conversion also provide me with the same thin glass filter (that works well with rangefinder lenses) as your service solely to replace Sony’s original thick filter would?

    1. We have both as an option. Just specify with your order that you would prefer the thin filter version and we can convert it with that one.

  14. Hello-

    I’m looking at converting a Nikon D5100, but your order page indicates the white balance may not be able to be set afterwards. In an response above, you discuss using a DNG profile during post-processing–is this also the case with RAWs?

    Secondly, what focusing issues should I anticipate if I include a zoom lens with the camera for calibration?

    Thank you!

  15. Hello, Ilija —

    You work fast! The black-and-white results are intriguing.
    But color? Using the technique you suggested with green grass, I have tried repeatedly to set the color balance on my Sigma DP2 Merrill, but the process has always failed (a message says so). So I have shot in raw format, hoping to balance colors in post-production, but this, too, has failed (so far). I suspect that in each case, the red is too strong to be corrected. Suggestions?
    Cheers,
    Steve Gilbert

    1. Hi Steve,

      Some cameras have a hard time setting a white balance both in camera and in RAW. Sigma cameras have a particularly tough time because of their Foveon sensor. For cameras that cannot set a CWB, we recommend making a custom DNG camera profile which will allow the WB to be set in the RAW file.

  16. Hi I bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 18 MP Full Spectrum Point and Shoot Camera with 52mm adapter Ring. So should I glue it onto the front of the lens?

  17. I purchased a converted Lumix DMC-SZ7 camera from you 3 or 4 years ago. I have the Instruction book printed out but I wonder if you have any specific instructions for using this camera only for b/w infrared. I haven’t used it since I bought it, but now I do want to get into it.
    I know, it’s crazy, but I have been working hard on other photography projects and my day job. If you can offer or direct me to any help, I would be grateful.

  18. I have a sony a7rII can you do the astro conversion on this camera? Will the conversion allow IR photography with the proper IR Filter or this only possible with the Full spectrum conversion? What are the differences between Full spectrum and Astro conversions? Does the Full Spectrum conversion enhance astro/night sky photography? and the Astro conversion further enhances it?

  19. I am considering a full spectrum conversion of a Nikon Z7. With the use of the Nikkor Z 14-30 mm lens will the use of the pro slim filters result in vignetting?

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