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11/24/2010 01:30:11 PM · #1 |
| My dad has an old entry level Canon (either the 300D or the model after that). It's finally gone belly up and the shutter has basically fallen apart. I've been curious what the cost is to replace the shutter and have Canon remove the IR filter at the same time and convert it to a full time IR camera. Anybody have a ballpark on this from experience? I'm not sure if it's worth doing this to such an old model. |
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11/24/2010 01:41:12 PM · #2 |
| I don't know the shutter replacement costs offhand, but I'm pretty sure that Canon would not do the IR filter removal. You'd have to have the shutter repaired by Canon, and then have someone do the filter removal (it's actually removal and replacement with a different filter). There are at least two or three companies that do IR conversions. LifePixel and MaxMax are the two I hear the most about. Here is LifePixel's cost sheet per model and type of conversion. |
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11/24/2010 01:43:38 PM · #3 |
| You don't think they'd remove the filter if I asked? Why not? I never thought about it that they might not want to. |
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11/24/2010 01:48:13 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
You don't think they'd remove the filter if I asked? Why not? I never thought about it that they might not want to. |
The filter actually needs to be replaced by a specialized filter. The glass thickness must be the same. Remember, light is refracted in this "cover glass." Canon's not in that business. |
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11/24/2010 01:50:48 PM · #5 |
| Good point. Hmm, well that makes it less appealing. I thought maybe I could economize by doing both procedures at once. So it's basically buying a 300D for the cost of a shutter replacement then I'd have to do the other stuff anyway. I've always wanted to get into IR photography, but there does seem to be an initial cost if you want to do it right. |
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11/24/2010 02:33:39 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
...there does seem to be an initial cost if you want to do it right. |
Indeed. It's really too bad that Canon doesn't make something like the 40Da anymore. I never come across used ones either, implying that those that have 'em, keep 'em. |
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11/24/2010 03:24:10 PM · #7 |
The 40D's shutter died an ugly death early this year and it is a flat rate to open the case, based upon the camera model. They did not charge me for my shutter, even though it was no longer under warranty. Total for fixing/shipping was $220.
Give them a call as they will have you send in and email you an estimate before they do anything. Should you not want the work done, they will return the camera. Easy to call and visit with them also. My experience was great and as Fritz said...those 40D owners hang tight to those bodies. :)
I'd give away my 350XT before I'd sell my 40D! :P
Hope this is helpful. |
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11/24/2010 11:03:12 PM · #8 |
I had my 10D converted by Lifepixel and they did an excellent job.
Instead of asking Canon to do something they're unlikely to do, you might ask Lifepixel if they would repair your camera for you when they have it apart for modification.
If you simply have the hot filter removed and want to do IR photography, you will still need the (nearly) opaque filter over the lens to block the visible light.
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11/25/2010 12:10:56 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by Spork99:
I had my 10D converted by Lifepixel and they did an excellent job.
Instead of asking Canon to do something they're unlikely to do, you might ask Lifepixel if they would repair your camera for you when they have it apart for modification.
If you simply have the hot filter removed and want to do IR photography, you will still need the (nearly) opaque filter over the lens to block the visible light. |
That's right. The beauty of having the camera modified for IR is not only in having the low pass filter removed but also in having the 'IR filter' installed in its place. That way you will be able to use your mirror and viewfinder as if you were doing regular photography without the interference of the IR filter in front of the lens.
I don't know much about shutter service but I understand the shutter assemblies are not too difficult to replace by trained technicians usually available in local camera repair shops. |
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11/25/2010 01:31:45 AM · #10 |
| If you were feeling extra cheap, and technically ambitious you could buy a shutter assembly from Canon or elsewhere and get the IR filter from Lifepixel and replace the shutter and install the IR filter yourself. Lifepixel also re-calibrates the AF to work better with longer wavelengths, but I'm not sure what that entails. FWIW, I'm an engineer and after reviewing the filter replacement process, I decided to just let them do it. If you decide to undertake this project yourself, please document it. |
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