Filter Threads and Dialectric Grease: This just occurred to me after reading some of the posts on "Stuck Filters". I have not tried this but wonder if the problem is preventable in the...

NikonDude Loc: Jax, FL

This just occurred to me after reading some of the posts on "Stuck Filters".

I have not tried this but wonder if the problem is preventable in the first place by the application of a very thin film of grease applied to the filter threads only using an ear swap. Just a smidgen! We are desiring an anti-seize property!

Here are the facts on the grease.

http://www.tech-faq.com/dielectric-grease.html

Your thoughts ?

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I would not want any grease anywhere near one of my lenses.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Nope, it will eventually get on your fingers. Just keep the threads clean.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

For stuck filters, just get one of those rubber jar openers they sell at dollar stores. They work great. To prevent future stuck filters, don't screw the filter onto the lens with excessive force - turn gently and stop turning the moment you feel the slightest resistance. Follow this procedure and there will be no need for messy grease.

Winslowe

NikonDude wrote:

This just occurred to me after reading some of the posts on "Stuck Filters".

I have not tried this but wonder if the problem is preventable in the first place by the application of a very thin film of grease applied to the filter threads only using an ear swap. Just a smidgen! We are desiring an anti-seize property!

Here are the facts on the grease.

http://www.tech-faq.com/dielectric-grease.html

Your thoughts ?

A little graphite, as from a lead pencil, on the threads would be far better.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

I agree with the other posters. The grease will get on your fingers/filter. I keep a set of filter wrenches in my gear box & try to remember to take a couple with me anytime I'm out. Check out https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=sensei%20filter%20wrench&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search= They have both plastic & rubber coated wire. The rubber coated style are heavy gauge wire & and cost twice as much as the plastic ones but they won't break like the plastic ones.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

NikonDude wrote:

... We are desiring an anti-seize property! ...

plain old candle wax works fine and does not migrate/smear like grease or antisieze.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Never any grease around my lens.
When I use a filter, it is just temporary and I do not even snug it down, only far enough that it does not fall off.

NikonDude Loc: Jax, FL

I tried a smidgen on the only lens I have a filter for. Screw on and off. Liked the smooth feel of the threads. Noticed no build up on either piece, didn't get any on fingers and I have fat tech fingers 😆. will apply same on my other 2 lenses when the filters come in.

I currently have high confidence in the procedure and will provide feedback as necessary. Thank you all that participated in the discussion. I will provide feedback as necessary.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

NikonDude wrote:

I tried a smidgen on the only lens I have a filter for. Screw on and off. Liked the smooth feel of the threads. Noticed no build up on either piece, didn't get any on fingers and I have fat tech fingers 😆. will apply same on my other 2 lenses when the filters come in.

I currently have high confidence in the procedure and will provide feedback as necessary. Thank you all that participated in the discussion. I will provide feedback as necessary.

Keep an eye on the threads, the grease may attract dust.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Winslowe wrote:

A little graphite, as from a lead pencil, on the threads would be far better.

If you use a pencil to provide your graphite, use the softest pencil you can. The different grades of pencil are made with a mixture of graphite and very fine sand. Harder "leads" have more sand. I would not like to add an abrasive to the threads on your filter.

And "lead" pencils no longer contain lead.

I would guess that lead might be a good material to coat your threads with. It's soft and does not hurt lenses (as long as it is not applied at high velocity). The only thing that might be wrong with it is that, being a metal, it might react with the filter mount material (aluminum?) electrolytically, which could cause corrosion. I would not recommend using it without some further investigation. It was just a idea that occurred to me when I saw "lead" mentioned.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

NikonDude wrote:

This just occurred to me after reading some of the posts on "Stuck Filters".

I have not tried this but wonder if the problem is preventable in the first place by the application of a very thin film of grease applied to the filter threads only using an ear swap. Just a smidgen! We are desiring an anti-seize property!

Here are the facts on the grease.

http://www.tech-faq.com/dielectric-grease.html

Your thoughts ?

Better off with squalene. Watchmakers have been using it forever to lubricate watch movements. Another name for squalene is nose oil.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

NikonDude wrote:

This just occurred to me after reading some of the posts on "Stuck Filters".

I have not tried this but wonder if the problem is preventable in the first place by the application of a very thin film of grease applied to the filter threads only using an ear swap. Just a smidgen! We are desiring an anti-seize property!

Here are the facts on the grease.

http://www.tech-faq.com/dielectric-grease.html

Your thoughts ?

Maybe, but I just never bothered ( in using filters for over 40 years, I never had one stuck)! If you concerned, try and maybe let us know, if you think this will prevent such thing!

Winslowe

DirtFarmer wrote:

If you use a pencil to provide your graphite, use ... (show quote)

The key word is "graphite," not lead.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

NikonDude wrote:

This just occurred to me after reading some of the posts on "Stuck Filters". I have not tried this but wonder if the problem is preventable in the first place by the application of a very thin film of grease ...?

Good idea, wrong goop. Paraffin wax has a very low vapor pressure and thus a thin film... apply and wipe off... would lubricate but not migrate. At less than $3 a pound !!

I did extensive experimentation with coating photos with wax to protect them from water droplets and prob to impart UV protection for those who have arch lights in their living room and fear UV will degrade the photos before they are 200 years old [bull crap hype of OEM ink]. I tested a wide range and found Paraffin applied with a short nap paint applicator to be the best. Yep the same stuff that grandma used to preserve Jelly and jam.

PS: candle wax has all sorts of additives for smell and color... stick to just plane grocery store shelf paraffin.