This is a fake infrared picture that I captured in Yosemite National Park several years ago.
I would love a full-spectrum Fujifilm camera for infrared photography. I’ve had an interest in infrared photography for some time, but I have yet to actually try it. Yes, I shot a roll of infrared film many, many years ago, but I didn’t understand what I was doing and the results were disappointing. I’ve also used software to make faux infrared, but I don’t particularly like the results from that, either. No, what I need is a Fujifilm camera that has been modified for full-spectrum, and then a bunch of filters to achieve various affects. You can find these cameras sometimes on eBay, like this X-E3 for $900, this X-T1 for $850, or this X-T100 for $590. [Edit: This X100F is the one I want, but at $1,300 it is outside of my budget.] I would especially love to buy the X-E3, but honestly I’d be happy with the X-T100. You also need filters, which can be cheap (like this one) and can be expensive (like this one), depending on the brand, filter thread size, and the exact effect you are after. Additionally, you need to know what lenses are good for infrared, but thankfully there’s a good database, so it’s not too difficult to know which lenses will work well and which ones won’t.
It would be great if Fujifilm made a full-spectrum version of one of their cameras (the X100F, perhaps). I doubt that will ever happen, unless there’s a sudden interest in infrared photography. Sigma cameras have a removable IR filter over the sensor, which when removed turns the camera into full-spectrum. The filter just pops in and out. An option like that would be pretty cool on Fujifilm cameras, but it’s unlikely. The best bet is to buy a camera that’s had the conversion done to it. Someday, when I have some extra money burning a hole in my pocket, I will do that. Until then, I will dream in the unusual colors of infrared.
Hey, great website, love your simulations. I’ve been trying out a few recently. You’ll no doubt be surprised to learn that Fujifilm made a full spectrum version of the X-T1 for forensics professionals. Details here: https://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_t1_ir/index.html
I wonder how hard it is to find one? Thank you for sharing!
I love infra-red photography and did a lot of it on film with my Nikon FM2. I was really sad when they stopped making the film. I have also thought about getting my old XT-1 converted, but have not yet done it…
I think it would be a lot of fun. Of course, money is the prohibiting factor, at least for me. Thank you for commenting!
Many of my IR shots are made with an internally converted X100 – 720nm standard. It’s an absolute joy to shoot with and produces just lovely files. Many companies will convert them but I doubt Fuji will produce a dedicated IR model. Would be nice though, eh?
It sure would be nice! I’m hoping sometime next year to be able to do this. Keeping my fingers crossed, anyway….
Good luck, Ritchie. When you find one, you’ll love it. 🙏
Thanks, I appreciate it! I take it you have one, correct?
Yes, I have one, among other IR and FS conversions. The X is very special for IR, especially the original X100 for its sensor. It’s wonderful.
I appreciate the info, you have doubled my excitement. BTW, you have very nice pictures on your website!
My excitement for IR has only ever grown since I started shooting it almost 12 years ago. I too started with faux colour (from IR conversions rather than manipulation in software) but quickly tired of it. Shooting a higher wavelength will lend much more contrast to an IR scene under good conditions, and black and white will become your best friend, I’m sure of it. Look deeper, Ritchie. Get your camera and shoot. You won’t regret it. Thanks for your kind words! Best, Rob 🙏 📷
I appreciate your encouragement!
I haven’t used an IR-modified x-trans camera. Can’t justify the cost to convert. But modified compact cameras are much more affordable. My favorite so far is a 3mp FujiFilm compact. I’ve tried a few others with higher mp counts (Canon, Nikon), but somehow the FujiFilm produces the nicest results.
I’ve had a curiosity for probably close to 20 years, and many years ago I did shoot a roll of infrared film, but I didn’t know what I was doing. My interest was reignited by Mitch Dobrowner, who uses full spectrum converted Canon DSLRs for his storm photography.
http://mitchdobrowner.com/