I'm totally new to UV and I've really been struggling with getting enough UV light in my photos. Am I missing something - besides the visible spectrum I mean?
For my part, I purchased a Canon Rebel S1 and had it converted to UV by LifePixel (not full spectrum but UV). An expensive experiment to be sure. Since then I have used it with limited success. It seems the amount of UV light needed to get a decent exposure is hard to come by. In my experience even open shade is too dark. It needs to be direct sunlight or I'm not even able to focus using Live View.
The only time I was able to get a decent exposure was when I rented the Broncolor UV Attachment. Another expensive experiment. Luckily I live in NYC so I could rent one for the day to experiment. But even with the Broncolor, my ISO and Shutter Speed were painfully slow (ISO 3200, f2.8 at 1/30th). For people shots that is way too slow to be usable for most applications.
I have read about converting Vivitar 285 flashes but I'm wondering if that is enough power considering I was using a 3200watt Broncolor pack at full power and I'm still shooting painfully slow. I have also purchased, then returned, some LED UV lights that barely register either.
I'm sorry to sound so helpless but I'm just perplexed at how to get a decent UV exposure.
I would be grateful for any feedback. Thanks, Michel

Edited by MLP, 07 March 2017 - 18:17.