Fixing damaged Polarizing filter
Jan 16, 2019 12:11:34 #
I have a Polarizing filter that does not rotate easily. This is because I banged it into something. It seems like one of the two rings are just slightly out of round, not dented or anything. It is not stuck, but this means that it is very hard to rotate it when I want to adjust its orientation while on the camera.
Does anyone have any suggestions or tricks to fix or improve the functionality? This is an expensive B & W filter, so I really would like to fix it, or at least improve it. Thanks
Does anyone have any suggestions or tricks to fix or improve the functionality? This is an expensive B & W filter, so I really would like to fix it, or at least improve it. Thanks
Jan 16, 2019 12:39:07 #
You might contact Schneider Optiks in L.A. at 1 800 2281254. However, fixing this particular damage, as little as it may seem to be, might just require the purchase of a replacement filter.
--Bob
--Bob
Joexx wrote:
I have a Polarizing filter that does not rotate ea... (show quote)
Jan 16, 2019 13:19:34 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
Joexx wrote:
I have a Polarizing filter that does not rotate ea... (show quote)
Try banging it on the side opposite that which took the first hit. You’re not likely to damage it any more than you’ve already done.
Jan 16, 2019 14:10:34 #
I agree with @rmalarz on this one as it might justify the purchase of a new filter. But think of it this way.. at least the filter is damaged and NOT the lens or one would be facing a set of different issues.
Jan 16, 2019 14:45:07 #
I just got another off the wall idea. Get a hose clamp from your local hardware or car parts store. Make sure it's just the right size to fit the filter diameter. Place it around the filter and start to tighten it. You might be able to coax the filter back into a more round condition. At this point, it's worth a try. But, be prepared to purchase another filter.
--Bob
--Bob
Jan 16, 2019 15:36:09 #
rmalarz wrote:
I just got another off the wall idea. Get a hose clamp from your local hardware or car parts store. Make sure it's just the right size to fit the filter diameter. Place it around the filter and start to tighten it. You might be able to coax the filter back into a more round condition. At this point, it's worth a try. But, be prepared to purchase another filter.
--Bob
--Bob
I've used this type of DIY fix on various gear - and this sounds like it's worth a try, polarizers aren't cheap. I'm not sure if a hose clamp would be strong enough - they seem very cheaply made these days - but I once used one to reshape the front "receiving" thread on a lens.
I do some amateur lapidary, jewelry, and fountain pen repair/resto, so I have some better tools. I'd probably try to round it up with a vibration free "shot" hammer of the appropriate size, using a thick neoprene bad that's used for chasing designs and repousse work.
Andy
Jan 16, 2019 18:19:14 #
Joexx wrote:
I have a Polarizing filter that does not rotate ea... (show quote)
The glass is usually held by a thin circular wire that is fitted into the thread of the filter on the glass side (as opposed to the outside that screws into the lens) - so DIY repair may be possible, but the surer bet would be to contact Schneider as Bob suggested. This way, if they have it in for repair and they break it, you will get a replacement filter.
Jan 16, 2019 19:46:23 #
If there is cross-threading or a deformation of the rim due to impact, forcing it can only worsen the damage. Lubricants likely won't work and they too can damage the glass.
Since it is a top brand filter, I wound definitely send it in for repair. Perhaps they can save the filter and replace the rim.
If that s not a viable plan, you may still be able t use the filter by simply rotating it on its mounting threads, that is, if there is enough travel- all you need is 1- 360 degree rotation.
I looked closely at a few of my CPL filters- some of the rims seem to be force-fitted or somehow moulded or cemented to the glass at the factory and probably are not easily disassembled. On others, the glass is retained by a threaded ring with slots that can be unscrewed with the proper spanner tool.
Since it is a top brand filter, I wound definitely send it in for repair. Perhaps they can save the filter and replace the rim.
If that s not a viable plan, you may still be able t use the filter by simply rotating it on its mounting threads, that is, if there is enough travel- all you need is 1- 360 degree rotation.
I looked closely at a few of my CPL filters- some of the rims seem to be force-fitted or somehow moulded or cemented to the glass at the factory and probably are not easily disassembled. On others, the glass is retained by a threaded ring with slots that can be unscrewed with the proper spanner tool.
Jan 17, 2019 05:25:05 #
Joexx wrote:
I have a Polarizing filter that does not rotate ea... (show quote)
Polarizing filtes are a glass sandwich with a piece of plastic inside.
This sandwhich is mounted in a metal ring, which attached to a second
metal ring (the one with threads) so that the joint can rotate.
It is unlikely that the filter can be fixed without partially
disassembling it. Usually the two rings are just pressed (snapped)
together.
Your best bet for getting it fixed cheaply is probably to take it to
a bench jeweler. The have soft-jaw curved pliers for fixing bent
finger rings, and they are used to working on things that are valuable.
You could try just rotating it a bunch of times. It may break in with
wear.
Jan 17, 2019 06:21:03 #
I doubt you'll bring it back to normal, usually when you bend something, to bring it back to it's original state... you'll have to bend it back beyond the original shape for it to possibly retain it's original circularity. Obviously the glass will prevent you from doing that. As one mentioned, contact B&W, perhaps they can remount the glass in new rings. You could try an adjustable hose clamp lined with a soft tape (like duct tape to prevent marring of the rim itself) gently tighten till round, I doubt it'll stay but might be worth a shot.
Jan 17, 2019 07:37:42 #
I had a B+W that had never been damaged and it became hard to rotate. Sent it back and was told that it was out of warranty. The tech that I dealt with said he would try to get it as good as he could. When I got it back it was better, but still not good enough. I ended up with a Breakthrough with a 25 year warranty.
Jan 17, 2019 07:39:08 #
If the threads where the filter screws into your lens are damaged, you are just SOL. But if the outer ring does not turn easily, you can continue using the filter easily by just screwing it in do the front of your lens about halfway, them turning the entire device as needed. I have a CPL that I have continued to use for years with what I think your problem is.
Jan 17, 2019 09:00:49 #
RWR wrote:
Try banging it on the side opposite that which took the first hit. You’re not likely to damage it any more than you’ve already done.
Not to be picky but if it is out-of-round, hitting it opposite the side it was originally hit on (if known) will increase the oval shape. You need to hit it at 90 degrees to the original.
Jan 17, 2019 09:25:36 #
Toby wrote:
Not to be picky but if it is out-of-round, hitting it opposite the side it was originally hit on (if known) will increase the oval shape. You need to hit it at 90 degrees to the original.
Jan 17, 2019 10:17:13 #
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