Precision Optical Laboratory

Conversion of Cameras for Technical and Heritage Infrared Photography

We modify commercial cameras for preliminary examination and NIR (Near Infrared) photography. An affordable, high-resolution system for documenting charcoal traces, repainting and hidden inscriptions.

Technical note: Useful system for IR reflected photography and preliminary examination; not a substitute for laboratory IRR/InGaAs equipment specialised in SWIR spectra.

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Conversion of your equipment or sale of new cameras
Precision optical calibration for NIR spectra

Infrared-modified camera documenting a work of art in a conservation studio

We modify and supply high-resolution equipment

Sony Nikon Canon Lumix

Conservation Services

NIR capture systems adapted to your foodservice operation

We provide restoration departments, experts and art historians with effective optical tools for the preliminary documentation of cultural property.

Modification of your camera

Send us your full-frame or APS-C camera. We remove the IR blocking filter and calibrate the focal plane to make it an effective tool for reflected infrared photography.

New Equipment Sales

We supply cameras Mirrorless new high-resolution, laboratory-modified images to ensure maximum sharpness in the documentation of IR-responsive interventions and materials.

Technical Advice

We help you choose the best optics, light sources and long-pass filters (850nm, 950nm or 1000nm) to optimise the performance of the silicon sensor.

Preliminary Non Destructive Examination (NDT)

Technical documentation of the paint layer

Technical infrared photography is the ideal preliminary step before resorting to more complex analyses, allowing a first visual screening of the condition of the work.

Although a silicon (CMOS) sensor does not achieve the deep penetration of expensive SWIR/InGaAs equipment, its modification (up to approx. 1150nm) offers a very favourable response to certain materials. It is exceptionally useful for revealing carbon-based sketches (graphite, charcoal, iron-gall inks), making faded inscriptions legible and revealing surface repainting or alterations.

NIR Sensitivity up to ~1150nm

100% Non-invasive technique

National Leadership

The only professional specialists in Spain

We are pioneers and the only optical laboratory on national territory professionally engaged in the conversion of equipment for photographic research and NIR spectrum.

Dealing with high-end photographic equipment requires rigour. By working with us, you avoid the risks and costs of sending your cameras to overseas labs, while getting honest and direct technical support from engineers in Spain who specialise in camera conversions.

Advantages of Modified Equipment

The Value of Technical Infrared Photography (NIR)

Integrating a modified Mirrorless camera into the workflow of the museum or restoration workshop has enormous practical benefits:

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High Resolution Photography Sensors of 24MP, 40MP or more allow large areas to be documented in millimetre-level detail, ideal for recording the state of conservation of the surface.

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Accessibility and Cost Effectiveness It is an exceptionally cost-effective first-line tool compared to expensive InGaAs systems, allowing for faster discarding and initial evaluation.

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Simple Workflow Operation identical to conventional photography: use of interchangeable lenses, autofocus (on compatible lenses) and easy-to-process native RAW files.

DST methodology

Safety and precision guaranteed

Initial Diagnosis

We provide you with transparent advice on which camera model is best suited to your asset documentation.

Reception

Secure management of the shipment of your equipment to our laboratory or the sale of the new camera.

Optical Conversion

Removal of the UV/IR filter in clean room and installation of optical glass by calibrating the backfocus.

Test and Delivery

We ensure correct focal flatness and cleanliness before sending the equipment back to you with a full guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer the common questions from restorers and institutions about infrared conversion.

What is the purpose of infrared photography in heritage restoration?

It allows for a preliminary, non-destructive examination of the paint layer. It is exceptionally useful for revealing underlying carbon-based sketches (graphite, charcoal), making faded inscriptions legible, and highlighting surface overpainting or alterations to the artwork.

What does modifying a camera for infrared photography involve?

The process is carried out in our laboratory and involves removing the camera's internal UV/IR blocking filter and replacing it with an optical glass. We then micrometrically recalibrate the focal plane to ensure maximum sharpness in the NIR spectrum.

Can this camera replace an InGaAs (SWIR) system?

No. A modified silicon photographic sensor achieves a sensitivity of up to approximately 1150 nm (NIR spectrum). It is a very affordable, high-resolution system ideal for initial visual screening, but it does not achieve the deep penetration of expensive, specialized SWIR/InGaAs equipment.

Do I have to send my equipment or do they sell pre-modified cameras?

We offer both options. You can send us your current camera (Full Frame or APS-C from Sony, Canon, Nikon or Lumix) for conversion, or we can supply you with a brand new Mirrorless camera, already modified and lab-tested with a full warranty.

Is it necessary to use special goals after the conversion?

The photographic operation remains the same. You can use your usual interchangeable lenses and autofocus (on compatible lenses), simply adding long-pass filters (such as 850nm, 950nm or 1000nm) to the front of the lens to isolate the desired wavelength.

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