of the ground glass to position the viewing area correctly. The outside of the mask can be trimmed with a pair of sharp scissors for a better fit in certain view cameras.

7. Install the infrared blocking filter

For normal color imaging, one of the infrared blocking filters supplied with the system must be installed on either side of the lens to block unwanted infrared light (wavelengths from 700 to 1000 nm., just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum). The filters are each 3 inches (76 mm) square, differing in thickness according to the amount of infrared (and some red) that is blocked (4 inch square fil- ters are available from Better Light for large lenses).

2 mm thick DAYLIGHT infrared blocking filter — for use with natural sunlight, daylight-balanced fluorescent lamps, ceramic HID lamps and most HMI applications.

Daylight (top) and tungsten (bottom) filters, side views.

• 3 mm thick TUNGSTEN infrared blocking filter

for use with all tungsten lighting and certain HMI applications. Blocks about ten times as much infrared as the daylight filter.

In cases of extreme infrared contamination (reflection), both filters can be used together to increase the amount of infrared blocking.

Without either infrared filter, the digital camera becomes a sensitive near-infrared imaging device, with a response similar to infrared film. Each color sensor responds to infrared, as well as to its portion of the visible spectrum, creating some interesting imaging possibili- ties.

The appropriate infrared filter

is best installed on the inside of

 

the lens. In this position, filter

 

flare is minimized and the filter is

 

protected from dust and damage.

 

Also, the lens controls are unob-

 

structed, for easier setup. On

 

smaller field cameras, it may be

 

necessary to install the filter on the

 

outside of the lens. When the filter

 

is externally mounted, the use of

Outside filter mount with clip holder.

Inside filter mount with clip holder.

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Better Light 7 manual Install the infrared blocking filter, Mm thick Tungsten infrared blocking filter