The two companies in the UK which do infrared conversions for cameras are:
- Protech Repairs - http://www.protechrepairs.co.uk
- Advanced Camera Services - http://www.advancedcameraservices.co.uk
I used ACS, finding them to be helpful when answering my queries beforehand. The turnaround between dispatch and receiving it back was about a week and there have been no problems with the camera since. They handle most makes and models, servicing the camera before conversion and guaranteeing the work for six months. It is also worth asking both companies if they have for sale any cameras which are already converted.
Another source of cameras is eBay, which comes with the usual caveat emptor health warning. I have heard that there are Chinese conversions offered at attractive prices, but which are not of good quality. On the other hand, you might also find someone offering their used camera for sale which they had converted by one of the UK companies and pick up a bargain.
It is worth noting that some early Pentax *ist D cameras were not well made and spare parts for Minolta cameras are now becoming scarce, so it is definitely worthwhile checking that an older camera is suitable for conversion. The camera I used was a Canon EOS 450D which I picked up as a refurbished "Grade B" item for a good price at Focus. The vendor was Jacobs, so such opportunities might be so readily available these days.
Canon lenses suitable for IR photography are:
- EF 28 mm f/2.8
- EF 50 mm f/1.8 (Mk I and Mk II)
- EF-S 10 – 22 mm f/3.5 – 4.5 USM
- EF 17 – 40 f/4 L USM
- EF 24 – 70 mm f/2.8 L USM Mk I (Mk II?)
- EF 24 – 85 f/3.5 – 4.5 USM
The Canon lenses not suitable for IR are:
- EF 20 mm f/2.8
- EF 24 mm f/2.8
- EF 16 – 35 mm f/3.5 – 4.5 USM (Mk 1 and Mk II)
- EF-S 17 – 55 f/2.8 IS USM
- EF 17 – 85 f/3.5 – 4.5 IS USM
- EF 18 – 55 f/3.5 – 5.6 USM IS USM
- EF 20 – 35 mm f/2.8 USM
- EF 28 – 70 f/2.8 L USM
Other lenses suitable for IR:
- Nikon 20 mm f/2.8D
- Nikon AF-S 12 – 24 mm f/4G
- Nikon AF-S 18 – 55 mm f/3.5 – 5.6
- Nikon AF-S 24 – 70 mm f/2.8G
- Pentax DA 18 – 55 mm f/3.5 – 5.6
- Pentax 50 mm f/1.4
- Pentax 12 – 24 mm f/4
Other lenses unsuitable for IR:
- Nikon 24 mm f/2.8D
- Nikon 24 mm f/2.8D
- Nikon 35 mm f/1.4
- Nikon 35 mm f/1.8
- Nikon 50 mm f/1.4
- Nikon 50 mm f/1.8D Mk I
- Nikon AF-S 24 – 70 mm f/2.8
- Pentax SMC DA 16 – 45 mm
These lists are not exhaustive, neither do they cover some recent lens releases from the last few months having been compiled a while back. The Canon 24 - 105 L IS USM is not mentioned, for example, yet I have successfully taken many IR shots with it on my converted EOS 450D.
I hope this helps anyone who is interested about getting into this fascinating aspect of photography.
