Handy way to remove stuck filters (Page 2): I have a tool called a strap wrench. I looks like an oil filter wrench except it is made of rubberlike material. The rubber glove or jar...

PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

I have a tool called a strap wrench. I looks like an oil filter wrench except it is made of rubberlike material. The rubber glove or jar opener would take less space in your bag.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

I use another alternative for attaching filters; Before you mount them to the lens put a couple of drops, two is probably enough of a very thin oil (not a penetrating oil) to the threads using a tooth pick as an applicator. I captured an old bottle of sewing machine oil from my grandmother's sewing kit when she died 40+ years ago, bur you may be able to get some from a sewing machine repair company (they are not completely obsolute yet). Obviously you don't need to use much. 3:1 oil might work, but it may be too viscus to spread as needed.

Good luck

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

If the materials of the filter ring and lens ring are different, then their coefficients of thermal expansion will be different. Then you can use temperature as a tool. Another thing to note is whether the filter ring is anodized or not. Unanodized aluminum will 'seize' (a metallurgical term) to another 'clean' aluminum surface (tantamount to welding). So look at your filter rings and your lens rings - if both are aluminum then beware and never tighten.

Sergo Loc: Washington State

You can check out the Xume lens adaptor from Manfrotto, also available through Amazon.
They consist of 2 metal rings available in all sizes to fit any lens. One ring attaches to the lens, the other, to the filter. They are magnetic and to attach the filter, just hold it close to the lens and it will snap into place. The magnets are very strong. I've never had one fall off or get knocked off. Now attaching a filter takes only a second and no more stuck threads!

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

The magnetism part of this post prompts my question. Light is an electromagnetic wave, it has a magnetic field vector. If you place a strong magnet in the light path, will not the light path be altered. Might this give rise to image alterations. Is there a test to discover what.

Sergo wrote:

You can check out the Xume lens adaptor from Manfrotto, also available through Amazon.
They consist of 2 metal rings available in all sizes to fit any lens. One ring attaches to the lens, the other, to the filter. They are magnetic and to attach the filter, just hold it close to the lens and it will snap into place. The magnets are very strong. I've never had one fall off or get knocked off. Now attaching a filter takes only a second and no more stuck threads!

Sergo Loc: Washington State

John_F wrote:

The magnetism part of this post prompts my question. Light is an electromagnetic wave, it has a magnetic field vector. If you place a strong magnet in the light path, will not the light path be altered. Might this give rise to image alterations. Is there a test to discover what.

That's way beyond me John. All I know is that I've never had a problem with the images I've shot using the adaptors.

sxrich

you may try this but I'm sure many will disagree. You place the lens in the fridge/freezer for a few minutes and the contraction will give you a chance. since the filter is bent, tap the edge and see if it now releases.

Pixelmaster Loc: New England

Coastar use to sell a set of filter removal tools. They now are sold at B&H under the Sensei name by B&H.
I always carried these with me on my assignments. A bit of black photographic tape could give you more
friction if it became necessary.

Rich Maher Loc: Sonoma County, CA

While on a trip I needed to remove a filter. Didn't have and tools so popped the lens in a refer's freezer for about 20 minutes, twisted right off.

jcboy3

Sergo wrote:

You can check out the Xume lens adaptor from Manfrotto, also available through Amazon.
They consist of 2 metal rings available in all sizes to fit any lens. One ring attaches to the lens, the other, to the filter. They are magnetic and to attach the filter, just hold it close to the lens and it will snap into place. The magnets are very strong. I've never had one fall off or get knocked off. Now attaching a filter takes only a second and no more stuck threads!

The XUME adapters also thread onto the lens; they can get stuck as well. Because they are very low profile, it can be even more difficult to get them off; filter wrenches are definitely advised with them.

Also, you may want to remove the Xume adapter and use the filter straight on the lens if you are using an ultra wide angle; otherwise you may get vignetting. The Xume adapter is like stacking two regular filters.

jcboy3

John_F wrote:

The magnetism part of this post prompts my question. Light is an electromagnetic wave, it has a magnetic field vector. If you place a strong magnet in the light path, will not the light path be altered. Might this give rise to image alterations. Is there a test to discover what.

The magnet are no where near strong enough to affect light in a noticeable way.

hankswan

Go on eBay and look for camera filter wrench. I buy half a dozen at a time and give them away to other photographers, at club meetings, photo shoots, etc. Cost about $1.50 to $2.00 each with free shipping. Might not cover all filter removals, but works most of the time. Works especially well for those very thin filters. Hope this helps. Take care and take photos!

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

John_F wrote:

The magnetism part of this post prompts my question. Light is an electromagnetic wave, it has a magnetic field vector. If you place a strong magnet in the light path, will not the light path be altered. Might this give rise to image alterations. Is there a test to discover what.

I don't think the magnetic field of such a tiny force (comparatively speaking) would alter light at all, And it's only a static magnetic field of a permanent magnet, So it's definitely not emitting any EMF, There's electromagnets all thru the innards of any modern camera (and or lenses..) anyways.

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

a6k wrote:

There are also devices for opening kitchen jars which are a rubber strip held in an adjustable size loop. They are the same principle as automotive filter wrenches, chain pipe wrenches and so on. They provide the even, soft grip and also a lot of leverage which makes the job that much easier. I've never tried one on a filter but I do say that this kind of device works even better than a rubber pad.
Example: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Filtrete-Universal-Wrench/21609437

those are much too big and clumsy to remove a filter from a lens; much better is just the rubber band and a filter wrench, if necessary.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Georgews wrote:

Unfortunately won't work on my filter now on one of my lenses. Was photographing night lights on the wharf , tripped and took a tumble. Took 3 people to get me to my feet but to add insult the drop bent the filter ring so I am stuck with it on. Bugger.

Since the filter is "toast" why worry about it? Can you get a grip on the edge of the filter with a small pair of wire cutters and just cut through the front part of the filter's threaded circumference. if your hand is very steady, you may be able to carefully use a Dremel tool with a small cutting wheel? If the filter glass breaks, even better; you should be able to distort the ring and twist it off.