We provide digital infrared conversion
services, do-it-yourself tutorials and custom infrared filters
for photographers interested in handheld infrared photography.
-
Canon 20D Infrared Conversion Instructions -
Disclaimer: This tutorial is made available for informational purposes
only. Tampering with your camera will void your manufacturer's
warranty. If you decide to perform the conversion you
could damage your camera
or be
hurt
or get
killed
from
the
high voltage
present - you do so at your own risk, we are not responsible
for camera damage or any harm you may suffer or any special
or consequential damages.
Webmasters: Please
do not hot link or copy content, instead you may link to this
page like this: Infrared
Conversion Instructions
You
will need these tools & supplies to follow the 20D
infrared conversion tutorial:
- Our custom glass infrared
filter to replace the hotmirror
- Soldering iron and desoldering wick or desoldering gun
- Black silicone adhesive /w syringe type dispenser
- Small
philips type screwdriver
- Tweezers
- Canned air
- Lens cleaning solution & tissue
- Grounding strap /w current limit resistor
If you prefer not to risk damage to your camera,
have us convert it for you here.
It would be best to perform the conversion in a well lit area
that
is
as
clean
and
dust free
as possible.
Wearing
a grounding strap will minimize the chance of zapping your camera
with static and most likely rendering it dead.
Remove the rubber grip material.

Remove the rubber eye cup and marked screws

Remove marked screws.

Remove marked screws.

Gently lift up and flip over the rear LCD display
panel and disconnect the marked ribbon cable.

The connectors are flip type unless indicated
otherwise, just flip up the brown/gray lever to release the ribbon
cable.

Remove the I/O cover.

Peel off and fold over the marked copper noise
shields.

Remove marked screws.

Disconnect the marked ribbon cable.

Fold over the marked ribbon cable so it's out
of the way of the soldering iron.

Desolder the marked solder joint.

Disconnect the marked cables. Pull to disconnect
the connector marked with the blue arrow.

Lift out the LCD display assembly and remove
the indicated adhesive tape.

Desolder the marked solder joints and lift out
the noise sheild.

Disconnect the marked cables and remove the screw
marked with the blue arrow.

A closeup view - to disconnect just pull out
the blue lever (shown in open position).

Gently lift up and fold over the PCB and remove
the marked screws.

Remove the marked screws.

Remove the hot mirror assembly by gently prying
up to release from adhesive gasket.

Remove the hot mirror assembly and set the sensor
aside.

Peel off the adhesive gasket from the hot mirror
- be careful not to tear it.

Remove the black hot mirror mask.

Gently cut the adhesive around the hot mirror
filter and remove the hot mirror.

The following image is a comparison between the
original hot mirror filter (on left)
and the our replacement
IR filter (on right).

Glue all around the infrared filter to seal from
dust particles and affix the filter in position.

The infrared filter after silicone sealant is
applied.

After adhesive is fully cured clean the ir filter
with lens cleaner and tissue, blow off with canned air and reassemble
everything by following the instructions backwards. Set a custom
white balance
per our
instructions
page
and take some test shots to make sure there is no dust trapped
between the sensor and infrared filter. If you find dust and
find it objectionable disassemble the camera again, blow off
the sensor with canned air (make sure only air and no liquid
is coming out by purging and holding it upright) and re cleaning
the infrared filter.
If you prefer not to risk damage to your camera,
have us convert it for you here.