This document describes how to modify a Macintosh serial grayscale QuickCam (the "original" QuickCam), which normally records only visible light, to record near infrared light. Following the procedure will void your warranty, so continue at your own risk. Read the entire document carefully before proceeding, and take appropriate precautions against static electricity.
The QuickCam CCD is sensitive to visible and well as near infrared light. Because the CCD is very sensitive, and to maintain acceptable focus, the QuickCam CCD has a visible light filter. This filter blocks infrared light and allows visible light to pass through. By following the procedure outlined below, you will replace this filter with an infrared filter, which will block visible light and allow infrared light to pass through.
To avoid damaging the QuickCam, unplug it from the computer. Remove the FCC label from the back of the QuickCam to uncover the lock tab release opening. Insert the straightened out paper clip into the opening to release the rear lock tab. While applying light pressure to the paper clip, carefully separate the QuickCam into two halves from the back. With the camera open, you should see three separate parts: the lens hood, the PCB with lens mount and the tripod socket. Carefully remove the PCB with lens mount. Note: the microphone may be stuck to one of the casing walls, gently pull it off.
Locate two small screws in the back of the PCB. These screws hold the PCB and lens mount together, unscrew them carefully with the small Phillips screwdriver while holding the lens mount and PCB together. Remove the lens mount from the PCB. You should now be able to see the CCD on the PCB. Inside the lens mount you should see a plastic, blue filter held in by a rectangular foam ring. This is the visible light filter. Remove the foam ring and the filter from the lens mount. Save the filter if you want to go back to the visible light QuickCam later.
Unexposed, processed E-6 slide film can be used as an infrared filter. A single layer of film will not block visible light completely, so it is better to use two, one on top the other. Cut two pieces of film to fit into the lens mount chamber; they should be about the size of the foam ring. Insert both pieces into the chamber and insert the foam ring so that the new filter does not touch the CCD. Attach the lens mount back to the PCB with the two screws.
Infrared light focuses slightly closer than visible light, so you will have to adjust the focus. Loosen the single screw on the lens mount; this will allow you to rotate the lens to focus the camera. Plug the camera into your computer, and run your favorite video capture software (e.g. QuickPICT) at full size and highest resolution. Pick an object with well-defined borders a few meters away (or whatever distance you plan to use the camera at), and gently holding the camera at the edges of the PCB, point it at the object. Looking at the image of the object on the computer, turn the lens until the object looks its sharpest. The camera is now focused; unplug it and tighten the screw on the lens mount.
Insert the PCB, lens hood and tripod mount into one of the halves. Be sure the PCB fits into the slot made for it in the camera half. Gently lower the other half over the first so that the PCB and lens hood fit properly. Squeeze the camera together; you should hear a light snap of the lock tabs locking. You are now holding the QuickCam-IR.
A remote control can be used as a flashlight in a darkened room. Here is an example movie in QuickTime format: qcir-remote.mov. The figure is illuminated with the light from a household remote control alone! Also, try exploring the outside; foliage looks quite different in the infrared.
Robert Brewer and Yuka Nagashima had the QuickCam and the youthful carelessness to attempt this. Using a processed E-6 slide as a filter is from Andrew Davidhazy's description.