Kirlian Photography Equipment & Supplies

Images Scientific Instruments supplies Kirlian photography equipment for recording high-voltage corona discharges with sheet film, digital cameras, and video cameras. Explore the Model 5 device, discharge plates, accessories, and practical guides.

Model 5 Kirlian Photography Device (KPD-05)

Model 5 Kirlian photography device with front-panel controls and discharge plate

Front-panel controls for Kirlian photography

Custom order: allow 4–8 weeks for delivery.

The front panel includes the on/off power switch, discharge switch, high/low frequency switch, and variable frequency control. The discharge plate, also called the film plate, is located on the left side of the device.

The on/off switch supplies main power. The momentary discharge switch applies power to the discharge plate, and the frequency control adjusts the frequency supplied to the plate.

Additional Features:

  • External power binding posts for portable field work.
  • External trigger binding posts for making exposures at a distance using a switch or relay.
  • Monitor binding posts for connecting an oscilloscope to observe the frequency and pulse rate of the internal oscillator.
  • A 1/4-inch jack for an optional foot switch, allowing hands-free activation of the discharge.
  • Designed for 4 × 5-inch color and black-and-white sheet film and photographic paper. See the manual for film setup and compatibility.
  • Use with a transparent discharge plate for Kirlian photography with digital, film, and video cameras.

Kirlian Photography Manual (PDF, approximately 1.8 MB)

High-voltage safety: Follow the equipment manual before making exposures. Never ground a person or allow a ground connection to touch a living subject during an exposure. Read the Kirlian photography techniques and setup guide and consult Kirlian Photography: A Hands-On Guide for further information.

Kirlian Photography Devices
Model 5 — $369.95
Kirlian Photography Device

Transparent Discharge Plate for Digital and Video Cameras

Transparent discharge plate for photographing Kirlian corona discharges with a camera

To photograph a Kirlian discharge with a standard 35mm film camera, digital camera, or video camera, use a transparent discharge plate. It combines a 4 × 5-inch piece of glass with a transparent conductive coating, a transfer plate, and a high-voltage connecting wire. The coating is typically tin oxide. Our transparent discharge plates transmit more than 90 percent of visible light.

Transparent Plate Manual (PDF, approximately 1 MB)

Explore transparent discharge plate details and Kirlian photography components .

Transparent Discharge Plate — $149.95
Transparent Discharge Plate for Camera

Foot Switch for the Kirlian Photography Device

Hands-free discharge control

Foot Switch for Kirlian Photography Device

The foot switch connects to the Model 5 and lets you activate the discharge with your foot, keeping both hands free to work with your camera.

Browse additional Kirlian photography accessories .

Foot Switch — $19.95
Foot Switch for the Kirlian Photography Device

4 × 5-Inch Film Plate Adapter for Kirlian Photography

Film plate adapter for Kirlian photography

The film plate adapter supports 4 × 5-inch color and black-and-white sheet film. Consult the equipment manual for film setup and compatibility.

TDP-04 — $89.95
Film Plate Adapter for the Kirlian Photography Device

How To Shoot Digital Kirlian Photography:
The Experimenter's Guide

A practical guide to digital Kirlian photography

How To Shoot Digital Kirlian Photography book by John Iovine

Learn how to photograph Kirlian corona discharges with digital cameras, iPhones, and low-light video cameras. The guide covers techniques for beginners and experienced photographers.

The book contains step-by-step instructions for building a variety of DIY Kirlian photography devices and accessories.

The book also discusses using Kirlian images for fine-art prints, canvas, mugs, T-shirts, and other photographic products.

View color plates from the digital Kirlian photography book

Kirlian Photography eBook KPB1 — $3.99

Buy from Amazon.com

Print edition

Digital Kirlian Photo by John Iovine
BK-05 — $16.95

Film Kirlian Photography: A Hands-On Guide

Kirlian Photography: A Hands-On Guide book by John Iovine

In Kirlian Photography, John Iovine provides hands-on guidance for making Kirlian photographs and building electrophotography equipment. Topics include high-voltage power supplies, 4 × 5-inch sheet film, 35mm film, video cameras, the history of electrophotography, and the reported “phantom leaf” effect.

Buy from Amazon.com

BK-01 — $16.95
Kirlian Photography by John Iovine

Kirlian Photography Questions

Can I take Kirlian photographs with a digital camera?

Yes. Use a Kirlian device with a transparent discharge plate and a suitable digital camera to photograph the corona discharge through the plate. A digital camera alone does not produce a Kirlian discharge.

How long does a Model 5 order take?

The Model 5 is a custom-order item with a stated delivery time of 4–8 weeks.

Where can I see example photographs?

Visit our Kirlian photography gallery to see examples, or explore our photography service if you would like a photograph without buying equipment.