General Questions

What is the difference between the PF1, PF2 and PF4?
There is no difference between the PF1,2, and 4 in see-through capabilities. The difference in PFs is "how much near infrared rays pass through the PF filter". Thus, you just need to use a proper PF number for your camera type and near infrared environment.

What is the difference between the PFs and ICF1?
First, the ICF1 is NOT a see-through filter. The ICF1 filter is needed to get normal images from a modified (ICF-Removed) camera. Without an ICF (after modification), you will get "red-tint" images. To get normal images as before modification, you have two options. One is to re-insert the original ICF to the same position. The other is to externally attach (screw) the ICF1 filter onto an object lens easily.

Sony NightShot Models & Modified (ICF-Removed) Cameras

Which Sony NightShot model is best?
Actually there won't be much difference among the NightShot models in "seeing-through". However, if you are going to buy a new camcorder, we recommend one of models that have a Slow Shutter feature in NightShot mode or Super NightShot models. These models will help to get better see-through images in lower infrared situations such as environment D than other NightShot models. Also note that all these models are fully modified new models.

I have a Sony NightShot camcorder. How can I increase the NIR?
You can use Sony's IR emission light HV-LIRH2 or HVL-IRC to increase the NIR.

I have a modified normal camcorder. How can I increase the NIR?
Sony HVL-IRC can be used, especially for Night-Viewing. A Tungsten bulb or Electronic flash will also increase the amount of NIR.

The External NightShot Switch Method do not work on my Sony NightShot New Model. How can I get Full Control of Exposure in the NightShot mode?
Some Sony NightShot New Models do not work with the External NightShot Switch Method. In this case, the Internal Microswitch Method should be applied.

Can I use the PF1 in the environment A and B without applying the External NightShot Switch Method or Internal Microswitch Method?
Yes. You can still use the PF1 in the environment A and B without applying these Methods. The purpose of these Methods is to get full control of exposure in the NightShot mode. However if you don't need this feature, you don't have to apply these Methods. By simply using the PF1, you would be able to get good see-through images in the environment A and B even without applying any Method.

I purchased the PF1 for my Sony NightShot. But when I attach it over my camcorder, I can't see anything indoors. What's wrong?
The PF1 is only for high infrared environments such as bright day light. The environments C and D (indoors) are not proper for the PF1.

Can I use the PF2 in the environment A and B without applying the External NightShot Switch Method or Internal Microswitch Method?
No. Absolutely impossible. You will only get all-white images through the viewfinder or LCD screen.

Can I use the PF2 in the environment C and D without applying the External NightShot Switch Method or Internal Microswitch Method?
Yes. You can use the PF2 in the environment C and D without applying any Method.

What is the difference between Sony Super NightShot models and normal NightShot models?
There is little difference in Super and normal NightShot models. But when using Super NightShot model you would get better images in less infrared situations such as in the environment D or at night.

Unmodified Cameras

Can I use the PF1 or PF2 for my unmodified normal camcorder?
No. The PF1 and PF2 are only for Sony NightShot camcorders or modified (ICF-REMOVED) camcorders. So the PF1 or PF2 can't be used for unmodified normal camcorders or digital cameras at all. When the PF1 or PF2 is used for an unmodified camera, you will only get all-black images through the viewfinder or LCD screen. To use the PF1 or PF2, you need to remove the ICF inserted in your camera. If you don't want to modify your camera, you have to use the PF4 instead of the PF1 or PF2. Please note that by removing the ICF you will get much better see-through images than when using the PF4 without modifying.

I am using the PF4 for my unmodified normal camcorder. Can I still use the PF4 after modifying the camcorder?
Yes. You can still use the PF4 for the modified camcorder. However, when taking see-through pictures in high NIR situations such as in environment A or B, too much infrared rays pass through the PF4. Thus, the see-through pictures won't be as distinct and will be of lower contrast. For the best see-through pictures, PF1 and PF2 are highly recommended.

Digital Cameras

I have Sony digital camera DSC-F707 / DSC-F717 model. Which PF is suitable for this model?
This new Sony models have a " NightShot" feature. In this mode, you can "automatically" remove an ICF inserted even without any modification. The PF2 (in environments A,B,C and D - recommended) and PF1 (in very bright day light - optional) are suitable for this special models. Unfortunately, this models have a filter thread of 58mm and so you need to use a 58mm => 52mm Step Down Ring together with the 52mm PF.

Modifying Cameras

I have a Sony color CCD Security camera that has a pin-hole lens. I have had it apart and there seemed to be a blue-tinted glass filter placed between the CCD sensor and the pin hole lens. I removed this hoping it was the IR CUT FILTER but when I tried using the camera I couldn't get the camera to focus. I got a terribly blurred image that I couldn't rectify even with the focus adjustment dial. What's wrong?
See Below

I have disassembled my Sharp camcorder's optic assembly and removed the "ICF" with flat surfaces on both faces. Unfortunately, the camcorder was unable to focus properly without the original ICF. I could only get the camcorder to focus for near objects. I was not able to focus on anything more that 2 feet. Of course, without the ICF, I was able to see images on the LCD even under normal room lightings at night except that I was unable to focus and the images were blurry. How can I fix this problem?
See Below

I have a Kodak digital camera. I have removed the original ICF filter (the one next before the CCD) which size approx. 11mm X 13mm and 5mm thick and flat, with greenish bluish color. But after that my camera become out of focus, focusing only in very limited range (approx. 1.5 meters). Did I have removed the correct ICF filter? What's the problem?
To fix this problem, first, make a piece of glass of the same size and thickness as the original ICF. A professional glass cutter would be able to easily do this. And replace the original ICF with the new normal glass.

Attaching the PF

Which size of PF filter is needed for my camera?
Most camera models show the filter diameter on the object lens surround, as shown below. E.g., If there is "ик37" printed there, then the filter diameter is 37mm. In this case, you can use a 37mm PF.

If you can't find any writing on the lens surround, check your camera's manual to see which size of filter your camera takes.

How can I attach the PF over my camera's lens?
It's very easy! Since the PF products have filter threads you can easily screw a PF into the camera's lens. The threads are standardized to be compatible with all types of manufactured cameras.

My camera has a 34mm filter thread but 34mm PF filter is not available. Which PF should I use?
You can use a proper size of adapter ring together with a PF. For example, you can use a 37mm PF together with 34mm-37mm adapter ring. You will be easily able to buy an adapter ring for your camera at an online or offline camera shop.

My digital camera doesn't have any filter thread around the lens. How can I use a PF?
Tiffen recently released custom lens mounts to attach lenses and filters onto some popular digital cameras that don't have any threads at all. For further details click here. If your camera is not listed in Tiffen catalogue, unfortunately then we don't have any other solutions to offer. We recommend you to use cellophane tape to attach the PF - this can work perfectly well.

Placing an Order

Whenever I submit an order I get an error message. How can I solve this?
What web browser are you using now? We recommend you to use MS Explorer 4.X or Netscape 4.X. or later. And set the security option to "default" at the tool menu.

Can you ship my order via normal postal service?
Unfortunately we can't ship an order via normal postal service. Because there is always a risk to ship an order via normal postal service though the risk level depends on your country.

Miscellaneous

Is there a distance limit at which the PF filter will begin to lose it's characteristics?
No. How far away the object is not related to the capabilities of the PF. If you use a highly efficient telephoto lens, you will be able to get so much better see-through images of distant objects.

Can a telescope or sunglasses be a see-through device?
All devices with CCD can be good see-through devices. Yet, since the telescopes or sunglasses don't have any CCD installed within, so cannot be a see-through device.

Can I get thermal pictures by the PF?
No. Thermal pictures are not related to seeing through. A normal camcorder with a PF filter do not work for heat response. You need to use a special infrared camera to get thermal pictures.

How can I get the Night Vision by the PF?
For example, to watch animals at night, you have to remove the ICF inserted in your camera and use an IR illuminator together. But any PF is not needed to attach on your camera.

I have a Sony Digital8 model DCR-TRV120E. And I also have the PF2 which was purchased to assist in rewriting Ink stained damaged family history documents. How can I get see-through images?
Please use the Fluoresced See-Through technique.

What is the Television Standards, EIA, CCIR?
There are a few different television standards used worldwide today. Different standards are used in different countries and continents. The major difference between these standards is in the number of scanning lines and frame frequency. EIA is used in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and most Caribbean and Latin American countries (except for Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil). CCIR is used in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and most African and Asian countries, as well as in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.