IR Film in an N75?

[photophorous]

Does anyone have experience using IR film in a Nikon N75? Did you have any problems with fogging, and if so, where you able to fix it?

I've been reading about Infrared film, and I think it looks really cool. I want to give it a try, but I've read that some cameras will fog IR film due to light leaking in or due to an internal IR sensor. The stuff isn't cheap, so I'd like to avoid ruining a role if possible.

Thanks,
Paul

[another view]

I have my doubts, but I don't know for sure on that one. Before you use it, check with some labs to make sure someone can process it for you - or if you're talking about B&W you may eventually want to do it yourself. Mini-labs may have the same problem that some AF cameras do. Follow all the requirements of whatever film you use which may include loading the camera in a darkroom or changing bag. Tape the film canister closed so it doesn't get opened accidentally (if needed) and make sure the lab understands why.

One thing though - once it's fogged, it's done. There's no fixing it.

[Lemming51]

Per the manual (p. 21) the N75 uses an infrared emitter and sensor in the film advance system. WIth IR film this emitter will fog at least the sprocket hole area, and probably a portion of the image frame. The exent of the fogging may (or may not) be limited enough to make it worthwhile for you. Try a test roll of IR and see. Be sure to cover with opaque tape (gaffer, electrical, etc.) the little window on the back of the N75 that lets you see the film can. The foam light seals around it will not stop infrared light.

Additionally, look at the film pressure plate of your N75. If it has a cut-out (for the date imprinting feature), then that creates another problem. IR films do not have an anti-halation layer like regular films, so light shines through to the pressure plate and is reflected back. If there is a cut-out, then that area will get less exposure than the rest of the frame.

See http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-ir/. Written for EOS users, it applies equally to similar cameras like the N75.

[Outdoorsman]

I was going to post the PhotoNotes link! Too slow on the draw, it seems.
But yeah, the little diode in the film compartment... there's really nothing you can do about it. The best solution might be to just bite the bullet and pick up an older manual camera, like an older Nikon body that counts frames mechanically. My old EOS 650 counts mechanically, and I've taken some pretty surreal IR photos with it. My newer Elan 7N counts frames electronically and so it leaves a nice long white stripe on part of the frame. I do hope to use some IR film again, so it's at least one reason to keep the old workhorse 650 around...