Re: IR Flash

["David J. Romano" <romano@xxxxxxxx>]

Fred,
I have used a flash with IR film, I've even metered for it by putting
the filter over the flash meter's sensor. Flash tubes are Xenon and
output alot of IR, right where we need it. If you intend on doing alot
of flash IR work, your best option is to place the filter between the
film rails so that you can still see through the viewfinder. Next you
need to do a test. Don't waste your time and money expecting to get
lucky with trail and error. Always test and keep records. Set your flash
to full power, and do an exposure series photographing your subject at a
distance of 10 feet. Change the exposure by changing the aperture, not
the shutter speed. Develop as normal and look for the best exposure. The
aperture that was used multiplied by 10 is your flash's IR guide number.
Be sure not to use the flash's auto setting. The auto setting uses a
light sensor mounted on the flash, which I suppose you could mount an IR
filter in front of, but that would be another test altogether.

If you really want to mount a filter in front of the flash and would
like a sturdier filter try buying one from Edmund Scientific at
www.edsci.com. They sell one which is made of optically correct thermal
resin. A 4x5 piece of it is only 12 bucks.

Good luck

Dave
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