Introduction

The CCDs of all digital cameras are responsive to infrared light (IR) as well as visible light. However, most webcams come with a filter installed to block out IR light. This makes the image less washed out but it keeps you from being able to see in the dark (using IR illumination).

Here I'll show you how to remove the filter from a "Logitech V-UB2 Quikcam". You can use this as a basis to remove the filter from most Webcams as the procedure is much the same, I researched a couple of different webcam instructions but didn't find one specific to this webcam.

Tools

Logitech Webcam
Small Philips Screwdriver
Small Flat head Screwdriver
File

Step One (1)

Unscrew the casing of the webcam, it uses only one 'philips' screw. Once undone pop the casing apart and out pops the circuit board and lens.



Step Two (2)

Unscrew the lens assembly from the circuit board. When you unscrew this, the CCD (the Charge Coupled Device is an array of photo sensors on the green PC board) will be exposed.



Step Three (3)

I've read that some people just pry off the lens with a screw driver to get to the IR filter, but in my webcam model, this was not so easy. The lens above the filter is actually glued to the housing.

To pry this away without snapping the lens would not be easy, so I filed away on three sides where the threading is to have access to the edges of all the layers.



Step Four (4)

Very carefully and using a very small, fine screwdriver pry off the top lens. You may have to chip at parts that are attached by glue or scrap around the edge but be careful not to scratch the lens itself.

I did this very slowly and carefully as I have read horror stories of people cracking their lenses in half.



Step Five (5)

The IR filter is just a little square piece of glass with a slight green and red tint, pull it out.

Then pop the lens assembly back together, screw the whole thing back on top of the CCD.



Screw the case back together and you're done.

I got round to taking some examples for you to see: