The 645D IR is released today:-
http://www.ricoh.co.jp/release/2012/1212_1.html
(in Japanese, Excite English Translation Here.)
After all, it is essentially a 645D with the IR-cut filter removed. The production volume is targeted to be in 100 units per year, btw. It is further stated that when an IR-cut filter is added back by mounting onto the front thread of the lens, the 645D can be used again as a normal camera.
Yet another thing that I wonder is why this press and news is posted at the Ricoh website instead of the Pentax one? Did they intend to market the 645D IR as a security camera that took only still pictures? What is the point actually? :-o
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guest · 639 weeks ago
Anway it is very interesting trend to take some parts out of a camera and sell it as a special (more expensive) version :-)
frank · 638 weeks ago
"A 645D that can capture infrared photos? What would you use it for?
"As its name would suggest, the Pentax 645D IR can capture infrared photos, thanks to the removal of the IR cutoff filter. That will be of particular benefit to museums and libraries, making the 645D IR well-suited to capturing high-resolution infrared reflectograms, which can open a window into the past. IR reflectograms can be used to see beneath the surface of artworks, showing details such as the underdrawing the artist used as a guide, or perhaps an earlier artwork on the same canvas as in the case of Picasso's "Woman Ironing". Reflectograms are also used to make ancient, faded documents and papyri easier to read." - Mike Tomkins, Imaging-Resource.com"