How to Make an IR Lens

You can create an infrared filter from film.

Infrared (IR) photography is an interesting hobby, and infrared pictures can be unearthly---white leaves, black sky and veins visible through the skin. The challenge is to block all visible light from the camera lens, while allowing infrared light through.

Things You'll Need

• One roll of color slide film
• Camera
• Scissors
• Tape
• Glue
• UV/Haze filter

Instructions

1. Buy one roll of color slide film. It doesn't need to be loaded into a camera, or exposed in any way. Since you will be cutting this film to fit your lens, larger is better.

2. Develop the roll of film. The slide film will come out black, which is perfect for infrared photography---visible light will be blocked, while infrared light will pass freely.

3. Cut a section from the exposed film large enough to completely cover the camera lens.

4. Mount the film in front of the camera lens. The method will depend on the type of camera and size of the lens. For example, you might tape the film to the front of the camera.

5. Glue the film onto the glass of an inexpensive UV/haze filter for a more professional look. Once the glue is dry, mount the new infrared filter to the lens.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use the media of an old floppy disk instead of a roll of film.

• Some digital cameras have an infrared filter installed, which would have to be removed before the camera can be used for infrared photography.

References

• Geek Technique: How to Turn a Digital Camera Into an IR Camera
• Geoff Johnson: How to Make a Webcam Work in Infrared