Jump to content
UltravioletPhotography

<> Sticky :: UV Photography: Cams, Mods, Lights, Links <>

Andrea B.

By Andrea B.
in STICKIES, References & Lists

Recommended Posts

Andrea B.

Andrea B.

Posted
Posted

 

 

STICKY LIST

Sticky :: SWIR Photography: Cams, Mods, Lenses, Lights, Links

Sticky :: UV-Capable Lenses

Sticky :: UV/IR Books

Sticky :: UV/Vis/IR Filters

Sticky :: UV Induced Visible Fluorescence

Sticky :: UV Photography: Cams, Mods, Lights, Links (You are here.)

Sticky :: White Balance in UV/IR Photography

 

 

Best Basic Gear:  Goggles, Filters, Torches

Beginners might want to start with this topic. Then return here for more details.

 

 

Sticky :: UV Photography: Cams, Mods, Lights, Links

by Andrea G. Blum

for UltravioletPhotography.com

 

Note from Editor:

This Sticky began as a joint effort by the members of various forums who enjoy UV/IR photography. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, comments, proofreading, lists, links, measurements, experiments and all round good fellowship.

 

Please PM Andrea B. on UltravioletPhotography.com with any corrections, additions or suggestions.

Or write to rudbeckia at ultravioletphotography dot com.

 

Abbreviations:

  • IR = infrared
  • UV = ultraviolet
  • UV/IR = ultraviolet and/or infrared

[ultravioletPhotography.com does not endorse any specific products as a website. We simply offer reports, reviews and gear lists for your further investigation. Any opinions in such reports/reviews/lists belong solely to the poster writing them. UltravioletPhotography.com as a website receives no compensation or income from any source.]

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Our purpose for this UV Sticky is to collect some useful information about UV-capable cameras, lenses, filters, UV-lighting and camera modifications. We present it in the form of lists and links so that it can serve both as a guide for beginners and a useful reference for more experienced users. The UV Sticky is not meant to be exhaustive, but if you think we have left something important out, please do contact the Editor.

 

 

ULTRAVIOLET PHOTOGRAPHY

What do you need to make a reflected Ultraviolet photograph ?

  • UV-Capable Camera: UV light must be able to reach a UV-sensitive sensor.
  • UV-Capable Lens: UV light must be able to pass through the lens elements.
  • UV-Pass Filter: Visible and Infrared wavelengths must be blocked.
  • UV Lighting: Sunlight or artificial UV illumination is necessary.
  • UV Eye Protection: UV light is harmful!

Keep in mind that UV photography is not easy because you will be using your camera and lens gear outside the Visible range for which it was designed. There is a big learning curve.

 

Taking this from the top....

 

The Camera

 

UV-sensitivity of digital camera sensors is best discussed on a per-camera basis. Actual measurements of a sensor's UV sensitivity are not made available by camera manufacturers. So our knowledge here is gained the hard way - we mod a camera, shoot with it and list it in the UV Sticky if it works well for UV.

 

Some older cameras had weak internal UV/IR-block filters and could shoot UV/IR without modification - the Nikon D70 being the classic example. But in the newest cameras this UV/IR-block filter is very strong and must be removed to enable UV photography. If the camera also has a separate anti-aliasing filter, that must be removed as well. Newer cameras may have a sensor-covering dust shaker mechanism which contains UV/IR blocking glass, so this type of dust shaker may have to be permanently removed during the modification.

 

Experimentation and sensor construction both indicate that the practical limits of UV photography with DSLRs from which all internal filters have been removed does not go beyond 300nm. This is partly because there is a fused glass layer (or possibly some other kind of coating) over the sensor pack to protect actual sensor elements such as the Bayer array or the microlenses.

 

See the UV Cameras section for a link to a discussion of best and worst cameras to convert.

 

A few brave souls modify their camera themselves, but most of us send the camera to a retail modification shop. Take it from your Editor's experience in frying two D700s in a row, that retail conversion is the best option.

 

During UV modification the sensor is fitted with a clear full-spectrum glass of the same thickness as the removed internal filter. This is done primarily to ensure the correct register distance is maintained for focusing but also to protect the underlying sensor pack. With a full-spectrum mod, you still need an external UV-pass filter to block the Visible and IR wavelengths when making a UV photo. However, a full-spectrum mod does allow you to use other external filters to shoot Visible or IR photos.

 

An alternate UV modification would be replacement of the UV/IR-block filter with an actual UV-pass filter which would permit use of the camera's viewfinder. We are beginning to see this type of conversion offered, but the UV-pass filter choice is limited.

 

See the Camera Modification section for some links to retail conversion shops and DIY articles.

 

The Lens

 

There's no predicting whether a given lens is UV-capable if it was not specifically designed for UV shooting. Sometimes with a very long exposure an ordinary lens might leak enough near-UV to produce an image, but it likely would not record the fine surface details that UV can reveal. The most we can say generally about UV-capable lenses is that they tend to have uncoated elements, little or no element cement, a small number of elements and, ideally, at least one quartz or fluoride element. However, we must also say that there are quite a number of exceptions to this general rule. Do note that most UV-capable lenses have an axial chromatic aberration problem called 'focus shift' to deal with. Fortunately, some extremely experienced UV shooters have provided us with an extensive list of UV-capable lenses.

 

See the Sticky :: UV-Capable Lenses for more info on UV-capable lenses, diffraction and focus shift.

 

The Filter

 

Nothing ruins a UV photograph more than the dreaded IR contamination which can wipe out the details of a flower's UV signature or cause UV dark areas to wash out. A good UV-pass filter that blocks Visible and Infrared wavelengths is a necessity if you want to claim that you are truly shooting UV. The Baader-U sets the standard for UV-pass filters. But because you might also be using your full-spectrum mod for Visible, IR or multiple-spectral shooting, we have information about other types of filters, too.

 

See the Sticky :: UV/Vis/IR Filter for extensive filter information.

 

The Lighting

 

To make a photograph, you gotta have light. To make a UV photograph, you gotta have UV light. Sure, there is always the Sun. But what do you do if you are shooting UV indoors ? Or, in the extreme case, what do you do if you are shooting UV in Norway in the middle of winter when the UV index is at zero ?? Well, you pop on some UV-blocking eye protection, fire up your source of artificial UV illumination and shoot away. We have a few suggestions about what works well.

 

See the UV Lighting section for more info on UV flashes, flashlights, LEDs and UV protective goggles.

 

The Eye Protection

 

Now, an important Health and Safety reminder:

Is UV Light Dangerous ? Short Answer: YES !!

It is MANDATORY to wear UV-protective goggles when using UV emitting flashes, flashlights, LEDs or lamps.

And please wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors. :cool:

 

Ultraviolet light is typically broken up into long, medium and short wavebands.

  • UV-A: 320–400nm = long wave.
  • UV-B: 290–320nm = medium wave.
  • UV-C: 100–290nm = short wave.

The UV that reaches us from sunlight is mostly UV-A (~95%) and a little UV-B. Overexposure to the UV in sunlight or UV from UV-flashes, UV-strobes, UV-bulbs or UV-LEDs can cause cumulative skin and eye damage leading to skin cancers, melanoma, corneal sunburn, cataracts and macular degeneration. The shorter the wavelengths, the more damaging the UV.

UV photographs are made in the UV-A band. Wrap around sports goggles that block UV are good as UV-protective eyewear for UV photography. You can also find UV-protective goggles at safety or lab supply stores. You will likely not encounter any UV-C except in a science laboratory or in the context of germicidal lamps. UV-C is far too dangerous for UV photography usage.


Best UV Protection Goggles:  McMaster-Carr Panoramic Safety Glasses

Orange, ventilated, polycarbonate, good price.

The orange color also helps against low visible violet and blue.

[26 May 2022]

 

See the UV Lighting section for more info on UV protective goggles. Check out offerings by UVEX which makes sports and occupational safety goggles.

 

UV Photography Links

To read and learn more about Ultraviolet light and Ultraviolet photography, visit these interesting websites and articles. Some of them have links to other UV information.

 

First the basics from the Internet's reference standard - Wikipedia.

.

One of the best, most up-to-date, well-maintained, honest websites about UV photography (in addition to UVP, of course):

.

Now some links presented in alphabetical order by title:

.

UV Photo Links

.

UV CAMERAS

The UV Stickies were begun by Nikon users so there are a lot of Nikon comments. That, however, is simply historical accident. We are happy to add any comments received about any camera being successfully used for Ultraviolet photography.

 

Although many (not all!) unmodified cameras can record some UV if you give them a very long exposure, any camera will perform better in UV if its internal UV/IR blocking filter is removed. Newer DSLRs and mirrorless cameras must be converted to use them for IR photography because manufacturers have increased the strength of the internal UV/IR blocking filters. Many cameras also have a dust shaker mechanism covering the sensor which contains UV/IR blocking glass, so this type of dust shaker may be permanently removed during the modification.

 

If you choose an internal UV filter for your conversion, you will have both the viewfinder and Live View available for focusing. If you have decided on a full spectrum conversion in order to be able to make use of external UV filters, then in sufficient UV light you can use Live View to focus your UV shots while wide open and then stop down to shoot. Very nice when it can be done! A UV-LED torch can be useful to shine on close subjects for UV focusing via Live View.

 

For specific recommendations please see our latest discussion [26 May 2022]:

Best & Worst Cameras for Conversion (Updates Welcomed !)

The linked topic

  • has a test for light leaks and/or contamination by internal IR-LEDs shutter monitors, and
  • discusses the PDAF autofocus striping problem in mirrorless cameras, and
  • lists cameras that you probably should not convert, and
  • lists cameras that are OK to convert.

.

I have removed discussions about PDAF striping problem and the IR-LED contamination from this Sticky because the topics are well covered in the latest write-up. But I have left the warnings. [26 May 2022]

 

Warning about mirrorless cameras using PDAF autofocus!

Please consult Best & Worst Cameras for Conversion (Updates Welcomed !)
Warning about cameras having internal IR-LED shutter monitor!

Please consult Best & Worst Cameras for Conversion (Updates Welcomed !)

 

.

CAMERA MODIFICATION

UltravioletPhotography is not affiliated with any online retail camera UV/IR conversion shops or any DIY conversion site. Links are provided here *for your information only*. Please post a question or do a search to find out members' most recent experiences with conversions. Keep in mind that when you modify a digital camera, you are voiding the original warranty.

 

If a retail conversion shop is not mentioned here, then it is because we have no positive feedback about it.

 

Reminder: Do not convert certain camera bodies having an IR-LED shutter monitor. See list above.

Reminder: Do not convert certain mirrorless cameras which use phase detect autofocus. See above.

Reminder: Any sensor-covering UV/IR-blocking glass dust shaker mechanism might be removed permanently.

Reminder: The limit of UV photography with a modified DSLR or mirrorless camera is thought to be 300nm. 

 

Here is an interesting write-up about camera conversion by Dr. Enrico Savazzi: Filter Packs and Replacement Windows

 

Retail Conversion Shops: USA

Your Editor has had successful conversions from all three of these vendors.

 

MaxMax (LDP LLC)

MaxMax offers IR, UV, full spectrum, and UV-monochrome conversion. MaxMax has a 6000 square foot conversion facility in New Jersey with a Class100 clean bench.

 

  • Cameras
  • Filters
  • MaxMax is the only conversion shop offering removal of the Bayer filtration in order to produce a monochrome UV camera which becomes 6 times more sensitive to UV without its Bayer filter.
  • Other UV/IR related products: light sources, phosphors and inks, detectors.
  • MaxMax FAQ and EDU.
  • Filter transmission charts available and many sample photos.
  • They post no warnings about the unsuitability of Nikon D700/D3/D3S/D3X/D4 for conversion so be sure to ask before converting one of these bodies.

Kolari Vision

Kolari Vision offers IR and full spectrum mods and other services..

Life Pixel Digital Infrared Conversion

Life Pixel offers IR, UV and full spectrum mods.

  • Filter transmission charts available along with lots of other info.
  • Do-It-Yourself tutorials available.
  • Life Pixel warns about the internal IR-LED problem.
    Goto the LifePixel FAQ Page, click on the first Question (Which digital cameras do you modify....) and then scroll down to see the Warning by the *a token.
  • Lots of Tutorials and extensive IR Primer in addition to the FAQ page.

.

Retail Conversion Shops: Europe

See also next section.

 

Advanced Camera Services Norfolk, England

ACS offers IR, UV and full spectrum mods.

  • No filter transmission charts offered.
  • Do they warn against unsuitable conversions?

Optic Makario Germany

Optic Makario offers IR, UV and full spectrum mods.

  • No fiter transmission charts offered.
  • Do they warn against unsuitable conversions?

.

Other European and Australian Retail Conversion Shops

 

We would like to thank Robert Reiser for his excellent work in compiling a world-wide list of camera converters which can be found here: Infrared Camera Conversion Service: The Complete Provider Overview

 

I will add some links below which we did not previously have, but I encourage you to please go to Robert's site to read more about the following conversion services and also about the 5 we previously listed above.

.

UV LIGHTING

Is UV Light Dangerous ? Short Answer: YES !!

It is MANDATORY to wear UV-protective goggles when using UV emitting flashes, bulbs, flashlights, LEDs or lamps.

And please wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors. :cool:

Best UV Protection Goggles:  McMaster-Carr Panoramic Safety Glasses

Orange, ventilated, polycarbonate, good price.

The orange color also helps against low visible violet and blue.

[26 May 2022]

 

Do be sure to look through our tagged UV lighting posts on UVP : UV Lighting

 

A nice survey article is found here covering many UV torches and flashes as well as other topics:

Lighting for UV Macro by Johan J. Ingles-Le Nobel

 

SEE ALSO:  Best Basic Gear:  Goggles, Filters, Torches

 

UV LED $

UV-Led torches are easy to use for UV-induced Visible Fluorescence photography. When used for general reflected UV photography, please be aware that current UV-Leds are somewhat narrow-band and thus tend to produce a near monochrome false colour image.

 

We note here that UV LED flashlights bought on Ebay or Amazon might not be powerful enough for reflected UV photography. Be sure to examine the specs.

 

Here are some examples of the category. We are happy to add other examples used successfully by members.

  • Hoplite365 UV-Led Flashlight
    This filtered torch emits between 360-370nm with less than 1 lux of visible light, 370mW, uses the Nichia 365nm NCSU033B chip, and is waterproof.
  • Nichia 365nm UV-LED Lamp/Flash Kit
    $$ Developed by Dr. Klaus Schmitt, this UV lighting kit uses a high grade Nichia LED and comes with a filter, condenser and power controller which is adjustable between 0-100%. Three versions are available: the Nichia 365nm 1-dice chip, the Nichia 365nm 4-dice chip (NC4U133) or the Nichia 385nm 4-dice chip (NC4U134).

 

 

UV Lamps $$

 

Xenon Arc versus Mercury Vapor: Which Is Better for UV Illumination?

From member Dr. Enrico Savazzi we have the following.

In UV the mercury vapor emits mostly a line around 312 nm and a (usually higher) peak at 365 nm. There is a weaker line at 334 nm. Aside from these three lines, not much else of the Hg emission spectrum is directly useful for UV imaging unless the tube is coated with phosphors excited by the 254/312 lines to emit other UV wavelengths. Typically mercury vapor tubes are coated to transmit only UVA around the 365 nm line.

 

Xenon arc lamps emit a much more continuous UV spectrum. So this is the lamp type which would be most useful for UV imaging.

 

The Blak-Ray longwave UV lamp is one example of a mercury vapor lamp which can be used for UV and UVIVF photography. The first four links are from the manufacturer's website. The 5th link contains spectral charts, links to photos and additional information about the Blak-Ray. http://www.ultraviol...vf-photography/

 

The Osram lamp is typically sold for reptile cages. Its link contains a spectral chart and also a quartz xenon emission chart.

 

Beware of high heat from both lamps. This can be destructive to living photographic subjects.

 

.

UV Flash $-$$

Many inexensive Xenon flashes such can be modified to work for UV photography. We give a link to some Vivitar flash mods below as an example. The typical modification requires removal of the UV-blocking filter over the uncoated flashtube followed by replacement with a UV-pass filter (which may or may not also pass Visible or Infrared light).

 

Read more about Xenon flash here: A Guide to Selecting Lamps

 

Some flashes require external battery packs. For some flashes, it is not easy to make use of filters. Be sure to check the sync voltage requirements. You might need to use the flash off of the hotshoe in order not to fry it.

 

This is neither an exhaustive list nor an endorsement of the items - just a few examples to illustrate the category. And don't forget look through our tagged UV lighting posts on UVP: UV Lighting.

Those posts will provide many other examples of UV flashes and lamps.

 

 

.

UV Studio Lights $$$

Some studio lights can be modified and made UV-capable by removing the UV-blocking front glass and fitting them with uncoated Xenon tubes. The Broncolor and UVP Blak-Ray lamps listed below are used by UltravioletPhotography.com members.

 

This is neither an exhaustive list nor an endorsement of the items - just a couple of links to illustrate the category.

 

.

UV EYE PROTECTION

...and we repeat....

Is UV Light Dangerous ? Short Answer: YES !!

It is MANDATORY to wear UV-protective goggles when using UV emitting flashes, bulbs, flashlights, LEDs or lamps.

And please wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors. :cool:

 

The UV that reaches us from sunlight is mostly UV-A (~95%) and a little UV-B. Overexposure to sunlight can cause cumulative skin and eye damage leading to skin cancers, melanoma, corneal sunburn, cataracts and macular degeneration. The shorter the wavelengths, the more damaging the UV.

.

UV photographs are made in the UV-A band. Wrap around sports goggles that block UV are good as UV-protective eyewear for UV photography. You can also find UV-protective goggles at safety or lab supply stores.

You will likely not encounter any UV-C except in a science laboratory or in the context of germicidal lamps. UV-C is far too dangerous to use for UV photography.

 

Best UV Protection Goggles:  McMaster-Carr Panoramic Safety Glasses

Orange, ventilated, polycarbonate, good price.

The orange color also helps against low visible violet and blue.

[26 May 2022]

 

The following links do not constitute an endorsement of the products but serve only to give you an idea of more which are available.

  • UV-Block Goggles
    Inexpensive goggles from Edmund Scientific. No details given.
Link to comment
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...