6 replies to this topic

[DanielJamesVersace]

So I popped into my local camera store today and had a quick chat to them about consigning my D5100, after some consideration and thought I felt maybe I would just pay $50 and get it converted to take IR photos. The camera store sadly doesn't do these transformations but I know I can find someone who does or at least watch a youtube Video and do it my self.

 

What I wanted to ask was has anyone done this conversion, should I do it my self, or just make $500 form my camera and lenses I know longer use. All opinions are welcome.

[K-9]

Sell the camera and just convert photos to infrared with post processing software.

[Afterimage]

I am assuming you have another camera to take the place of the D5100? Sounds like a FX Body maybe since you were mentioning selling lenses too...

 

If I were in that position I'd just sell the D5100 while the market is still good for it. In a few years it will be so old you'll be lucky to be $250 for it. Are you really going to shoot enough IR to make NOT selling it worthwhile? If you really want to have a dedicated IR camera you could just buy and modify an older model that someone is selling for $200 and pocket the extra $300. best of both worlds there... and if you really don't shoot that much IR you're not out of a ton of money.

[DanielJamesVersace]

Yea i have 2 FX cameras now, And i had a IR filter for my 35mm f/1.8 but the shots are so bad with it, you need to have a heaps long exposure time just to get light into the photos, I am really interested in what K-9 has said with post process software, what good ones are out there? stand along or plug ins for Lightroom?

 

Also AfterImage how much should i maybe let the D5100 go for, do i sell it with the 35mm or sell that separately.

[K-9]

Alien Skin's Exposure, which is a film emulation plug in for Lightroom/Photoshop has a conversion to IR that looks great.  I believe if you get the latest version, it can also work as a stand alone.

[DanielJamesVersace]

amazing K-9 like always thanks.

[Afterimage]

Depending on condition somewhere around $450 for a direct sale or $300 for trade-in would be a good median price. Personally, I never sell my old gear as a "package" because you end up discounting everything twice. Sell the 35mm separately from the body if you can, you'll end up make a little more money.