For the past couple of years, I have been considering converting my Fujifilm X-T1 to an infrared camera. I like the look of infrared images and the creative process of this type of photography is completely different. It forces you to think outside the box.

Converting involves opening up the camera and removing the hot mirror filter and replacing it with the infrared filter of your choice and putting it back together. You can do this yourself or send it in and have professionals take care of it for you for a price. I opted for the latter, sending my Fuji X-T1 to Life Pixel for a Full Spectrum conversion.

After spending a considerable amount of time researching and contacting other infrared photographers, getting their feedback on what worked and what didn’t work for them, I placed my order and shipped off my camera. Because I went with the Full Spectrum conversion I needed to purchase an external filter. From my research, I found that the Super Color Infrared (590nm) filter would give me the most flexibility. In the future, I could try other infrared filter options or pick up a visible bandpass filter which would allow me to use the X-T1 as a normal camera.

So, did I make the right decision?

At this point, I can say without a doubt, yes. In the past six months, I have traveled to Hong Kong, Europe, and around the Pacific Northwest experimenting to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I’ve had mixed results but more successes than failures. You can see more of my infrared collection here.

Camera gear I used while traveling

Cameras: Fujifilm X-T1 (Full Spectrum Infrared)
Lenses: Fujinon XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR | Fujinon XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Filter: Super Color Infrared (590nm)