NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: David H. Hartman on January 14, 2026, 20:00:42

Title: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: David H. Hartman on January 14, 2026, 20:00:42

Is the D800 a good candidate for conversion to IR?

Is it something one can do themselves or does one need to send the camera out for conversion?

Any links to such information?

Thanks

Dave

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: JJChan on January 14, 2026, 22:24:16

David - I used Life Pixels’s tutorials (I did D200)

https://www.lifepixel.com/tutorials/infrared-diy-tutorials/life-pixel-nikon-d800-diy-digital-infrared-conversion-tutorial

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 15, 2026, 11:59:06

Hi Dave

NG supporter bobfriedman has posted many excellent examples of his work using various modified D800 and D800E cameras.  Some were IR, some UV, and were some multi-spectrum.

It might pay you to send him a PM and find out how he went about setting up his D800s.

Good luck.

Quote from: David H. Hartman on January 14, 2026, 20:00:42

Is the D800 a good candidate for conversion to IR?

Is it something one can do themselves or does one need to send the camera out for conversion?

Any links to such information?

Thanks

Dave

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: bobfriedman on January 15, 2026, 16:31:09

the D800 is a perfect choice and I am told that it is easier to convert than the newer DSLR's due to how the sensor package is packaged (if that makes any sense). it is easier to take apart.

the results are excellent and there are low actuation D800's out there for around 350 USD.

I have a few conversions UV-VIS-IR, IR-715, IR-830 etc... I use the fixed longpass for lenses like the nikkor 14-24, 8mm fisheye, etc which can't accept filters.

https://pbase.com/bobfriedman/d800_rg715 (https://pbase.com/bobfriedman/d800_rg715)

https://pbase.com/bobfriedman/d800_uvvisir (https://pbase.com/bobfriedman/d800_uvvisir)

https://pbase.com/bobfriedman/d800e_rg830 (https://pbase.com/bobfriedman/d800e_rg830)

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: bobfriedman on January 15, 2026, 16:33:13

by the way... D800 or D800e makes no difference due to loss of the UV/IR cut filter in the process of conversion.

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: bobfriedman on January 15, 2026, 16:38:55

one more note... all my IR images have a great deal of processing so none of them is "out-of-camera"

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: Macro_Cosmos on February 11, 2026, 05:27:06

The D810 has EFCS at least.  Prices do not differ much.
I would go with a D810 instead.  I have a converted D800 that I will be selling soon.

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: David H. Hartman on February 11, 2026, 07:47:21

Thank you for all the replies.

Dave

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: golunvolo on February 11, 2026, 23:25:42

Quote from: Macro_Cosmos on February 11, 2026, 05:27:06

The D810 has EFCS at least.  Prices do not differ much.
I would go with a D810 instead.  I have a converted D800 that I will be selling soon.

 


Will you give it a chance of selling it here?

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: David H. Hartman on February 12, 2026, 02:25:12

Quote from: golunvolo on February 11, 2026, 23:25:42

 


Will you give it a chance of selling it here?

First, I'm not currently a supporter so I can't advertise here. I was once but then a property tax issue made my finances dangerous.

Second, I was relieved to get an FX (36x24mm) camera but color moiré was required in post processing for so many photos that I was very relieved to move to a D850.

Third, I'm so please with my Nikon Z8 and D850's lack of an AA filter.

I can't wholeheartedly recommend less than a 46MP camera. To one who would buy a D800 I say, "Save and spend the extra to get a D850 or go for the Z8.

Dave

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 12, 2026, 08:29:14

While not being  supporter and able to open a thread in the Classified section, there is no law against you  sending a PM to a potential buyer :)

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: bobfriedman on February 12, 2026, 13:28:39

I am told due to the sensor package construction the D800's are easier to convert than the D810 and D850.

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: Macro_Cosmos on February 26, 2026, 07:31:27

Quote from: golunvolo on February 11, 2026, 23:25:42

Will you give it a chance of selling it here?

You can see details here:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/188087796416

This is no ordinary conversion.  The bayer array (rggb) has been removed.
This is probably not what people are looking for. 

Either way, the best camera to convert is an old one you already have that is collecting dust.

Title: Re: Convert a Nikon D800 to IR?
Post by: golunvolo on February 26, 2026, 14:50:56

Thank you for the offer and the information.