When it comes to weird lenses and crazy camera experiments, Paris-based Mathieu Stern does not disappoint. If you’re looking for something unexpected for infrared photography, his infrared filter hack should be right up your alley!
In the quick video above, he shows how he made a DIY infrared filter using the magnetically coated plastic inside a 5¼-inch floppy disk. After learning about this hack, he decided to give it a go and see for himself what it can do. Since floppy disks block visible light and transmit infrared light, this probably gave some experimental photographers the idea to use it for a cheap, improvised infrared filter.
He used the floppy filter with his modified Sony a7 II. As a point of comparison, he also shot with an IR590 infrared filter typically used by pro photographers. Obviously, the pro filter delivered, well, pro results. But if you’re unable to go the pro route (it’s pricey, after all), maybe the floppy filter can give you a quick fix for squeezing in some experiments with funky results.
So, would you give this infrared experiment a go? Ever found an alternate hack that works better? Share it with us in the comments below, or in our group discussion if you’re already part of the Photofocus Community!
