Stuck Polarizer: Hello, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might loosen a stuck circular polarizer? I went to a hot and humid climate from an arid cold climate and I cannot...

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

Hello, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might loosen a stuck circular polarizer? I went to a hot and humid climate from an arid cold climate and I cannot seem to loosen my filter. Any suggestions? thank you kindly...

ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona

I would first try warming the front of the lens barrel with a hair dryer. Hang on to it with with your hand so it does not get too hot to handle but it's going to have to be pretty warm all the way around in order to expand enough to possibly let go of the filter.

Next I'd try freezing the whole thing hoping the filter ring shrinks quicker/further than the lens barrel.

Problem is getting ahold of the very small inner ring that is threaded into the barrel. It may be necessary to ultimately grab the filter with some pliers and just pull it apart to get it loose from the lens. Once the filter glass breaks it won't seem as formidable. After the tears dry and the wounds are dressed order up a new filter...

modest genius Loc: joshua tree park CA

Had the same problem. Popped apart. Had to buy another.

Kalina54 wrote:

Hello, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might loosen a stuck circular polarizer? I went to a hot and humid climate from an arid cold climate and I cannot seem to loosen my filter. Any suggestions? thank you kindly...

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

Unfortunately, it is a $400. Singh Ray Color Combo,I will have more than tears, thanks for the help...

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

I grabbed a theraband and prayed, it worked and thankfully did not scratch the filter!! Thank you for all of your suggestions!!

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Kalina54 wrote:

Hello, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might loosen a stuck circular polarizer? I went to a hot and humid climate from an arid cold climate and I cannot seem to loosen my filter. Any suggestions? thank you kindly...

Strap wrench, sold at Home Depot $6.00, very handy for opening anything that twists

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

Thanks, one more thing for the photography bag...Looks like it can come in handy for alot of things...

ring wrote:

Kalina54 wrote:

Hello, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might loosen a stuck circular polarizer? I went to a hot and humid climate from an arid cold climate and I cannot seem to loosen my filter. Any suggestions? thank you kindly...

Strap wrench, sold at Home Depot $6.00, very handy for opening anything that twists

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

ring wrote:

Kalina54 wrote:

Hello, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might loosen a stuck circular polarizer? I went to a hot and humid climate from an arid cold climate and I cannot seem to loosen my filter. Any suggestions? thank you kindly...

Strap wrench, sold at Home Depot $6.00, very handy for opening anything that twists

Before buying this, try just a wide rubber band -it has worked for me. THEN go buy this!

When separated, grind off some lead from a pencil (really graphite) onto the threads - it does help to lubricate these filters and lessen (not eliminate) this issue. Just scrape the pencil across the male threads.

colo43 Loc: Eastern Plains of Colorado

i also had a stuck filter on my 100-400 prime lens, no amt of twisting or turning it would remove it.
then i thought to look to YouTube for an answer.
after watching this, i gave it try and it worked effortlessly and off came the filter with out any damage to my lens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D04X9Qqo06M

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

Here is one way but I don't recommend it .....

http://www.petapixel.com/2011/11/14/how-to-remove-a-smashed-filter-thats-stuck-on-a-lens/

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I keep a 1/4" wide rubber band in my camera case for just such problems. Only had to use it a few times but it has always worked for me. I keep it wrapped around a case holding some of my Cokin filters so it never gets lost.

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

That seems like a great answer except that a polarizer will spin...

colo43 wrote:

i also had a stuck filter on my 100-400 prime lens, no amt of twisting or turning it would remove it.
then i thought to look to YouTube for an answer.
after watching this, i gave it try and it worked effortlessly and off came the filter with out any damage to my lens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D04X9Qqo06M

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

I hate to sound silly but are all pencils graphite? I was wondering how to prevent this from happening again. Thanks for the advise.

CaptainC wrote:

quote=ring quote=Kalina54 Hello, does anyone hav... (show quote)

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

Great Idea!!!Thanks

MT Shooter wrote:

I keep a 1/4" wide rubber band in my camera case for just such problems. Only had to use it a few times but it has always worked for me. I keep it wrapped around a case holding some of my Cokin filters so it never gets lost.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

colo43 wrote:

i gave it try and it worked effortlessly and off came the filter with out any damage to my lens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D04X9Qqo06M

Excellent procedure! Can be used on wood, such as a length of 2x4.