Questions on IR Conversion of G2

I purchased a used G2 for the sole purpose of converting to IR. I don't know if anyone knows the answer to my questions, but thought I'd ask anyway. I guess I'll find out soon enough! lol

1) Is the IR cut filter a laminated glass, coated, or is the entire glass impregnated? I guess my real question is can the coating or laminate be removed with acetone or simular solvant? I'd like to simply reuse the IR cut filter instead of cutting a clear piece of glass for the window since I have no plans on using the camera in any other fashion other than devoted to IR.

2) Is it necessary to even use a clear piece of glass at all for the window, will the CCD not seat properly with out it? once the IR cut filter has been removed the clear glass doesn't really serve any purpose other than maintaning the proper spaceing between the lens and CCD ?

Welcome to the forum

After reading the tutorial, the glass seems vital for me to achieve the distance of the sensor to the lens that is needed to get correct AF.

If it's not additionally needed to seal the CCD against dust, maybe using a small shim might be an alternative.

Best regards,
Andy

Major,

Most conversions use a cut R72 filter, and they adjust the focus screws according to the new optical thickness.

I say optical thickness because the glass thickness is not sufficient to match. The "refractive index" needs to be considered.

The filter that is in most cameras is composed of two things: An IR hot mirror (reflects the IR) and IR absorption glass (absorbs the remaining IR that gets by the mirror). Not sure what the G2 has, but I bet it is the same.

Probably best to consider having a conversion outfit do it.

dave

Thanks for the input guys!

I bought a G5 instead off ebay @ $229 (not a bad deal!)

So, based on what you've indicated some sort of glass needs to be put back in place. I guess I better start looking for a source, either microscope slides or a clear filter.

Who would do conversions? any suggestions?

Are you sold on doing clear glass? You will have to get an external filter. Most places convert to R72 or other IR transmit glass over the CCD, so you will no longer need a lens adapter and external filter.

see
maxmax.com and lifepixel.com in the US.
David Burren (burren.cx) in Australia.

Lifepixel will actually sell you just the glass and instructions to do it yourself. David is the only one that might do a clear glass. Note that with a clear glass over the CCD certain filters other than the R72 may give you chromatic dispersion/abberations at wide focal lengths.

Thanks, I was just reading the lifepixel web site. I think I'll just order the replacement IR filter from them. Its cheap enough and would save me the headache of trying to cut the glass to the correct specs.

I'll check out maxmax.com too