[insane]

I am a newbie in infrared (IR) photography after having just purchased my Hoya R72 filter a couple of weeks ago, and having been going around with this new toy laterly.

Thanks to another kind member of this forum, ERICSAN, I was made aware of the hidden risk associated with IR photography, and would take the liberty to share what I learn from hime here so others can be equally aware of such risk should they not not already know.

I just found out when viewing/ framing a stong infrared source thru an IR filter for an extended period, one can cause permanent damage to one's eye. Viewing and framing a bright infrared subject for a long time thru the optical viewfinder of a SLR or DSRL with an IR filter in front of the lens is a case in point.

I have little medical knowledge. But I guess the pupils in our eyes just won't close up againt strong infrared light (which is invisible to us). Meanwhile, infrared has lot more thermal energy than visible light (this I know from my physics class before). For this reason, tissues in our eyes can be burnt permanently without us even knowing it. So beware and please limit your exposure to light source via a IR filter to as short a time as possible. (I guess viewing IR thru the LCD or EVF, on the other hand, is relatively safe by comparison)

Thanks ERICSAN again for this important advice.

[jer_leung]

When we take IR photos, we don't really taking photos for object whcih emitts strong infrared wor.
To me, it is just as normal photography, but we try to record the infrared part of the scene.

Besides, my usual way of using the IR 72 is as follows:

Set the camera on a tripod and then do the focus first, then switch of the auto-focus function of the lens. Put the IR 72 filter on and set the aperture and shutter speed (usually B, in fact).

Then I will take the IR photo.

PS. I am planning try using kodak EIR film with the IR filter. I hope later I can post some of the photos.