Stuck polarizing filter: I have several B&W polarizing filters which are virtually impossible to rotate. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Just to clarify, I can easily remove them...

terpfan Loc: central coast, California

I have several B&W polarizing filters which are virtually impossible to rotate. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Just to clarify, I can easily remove them from the lens, just can't rotate the filter on the lens.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lots of ideas below. Somewhere in there is my favorite - the hacksaw. Gently cut into the collar of the filter in one or two spots, and you can remove it. That's a last resort, of course, but it beats damaging your lens.

Place upside down on rubber jar lid opener, mouse pad, etc.
Don’t grip top of filter too tight. That can spread thread area.
Put in freezer for about six minutes.
http://www.camerastupid.com/how-to-get-a-stuck-uv-filter-off-a-lens/
https://fstoppers.com/other/canons-terrifying-recommended-way-remove-stuck-filter-3988
https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-remove-a-stuck-lens-filter/
https://nofilmschool.com/2017/06/no-tools-no-problem-how-remove-jammed-lens-filter-without-wrench

Leitz Loc: Solms

terpfan wrote:

I have several B&W polarizing filters which are virtually impossible to rotate. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Just to clarify, I can easily remove them from the lens, just can't rotate the filter on the lens.

Are you sure they're not B+W filters? Not sure how to free them up other than to keep trying to rotate them. Someone else may be able to help.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Sounds like there is dust/grime in the part of the filter that rotates in the mount.
Not too sure of the best way to clean that!

Check here: https://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/29081/how-can-i-fix-a-sticky-polarizing-filter

or here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1467187

Maybe clean with isopropyl alcohol and lube with mineral oil???

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

I would suggest taking them off the lens and washing them in warm mild soapy water then blowing them out with as high air pressure as you feel comfortable with. Canned air or compressor. I agree with above. Sounds like grit in there. Best I have.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

If you try the alcohol and/or mineral oil bit, try applying with a Q-tip. It should get enough in the slit and capillary action will help draw it inside.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

I think the last thing you want to do is apply any liquid, especially oil or soap. If it gets between the elements the filter is probably toast. If they were mine I would follow Leitz’s advice. If that were unsuccessful I would either take them to a qualified technician or trash them and buy new replacements.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Pol fters are single element, and can be cleaned. I suggest a very judicious application of WD 40.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

kymarto wrote:

Pol fters are single element, and can be cleaned. I suggest a very judicious application of WD 40.

Bingo. A single piece of glass that rotates in a frame. Sounds like grit or such in the frame. My suggestion to clean it is above.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Drbobcameraguy wrote:

Bingo. A single piece of glass that rotates in a frame. Sounds like grit or such in the frame. My suggestion to clean it is above.

It's possible that the aluminum is oxidized, but also possible that the frame has taken a hit and is deformed, in which case there is not much to do.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

At the top of the page you will find SEARCH and it will contain 1001 references to the times this has been covered.

Kymarto suggests:It's possible that the aluminum is oxidized, but also possible that the frame has taken a hit and is deformed, in which case there is not much to do.

by using simple paraffin lightly applied [and wiped almost off] to threads galling ... welding... can be prevented. the vapor pressure of paraffin is very low and thus does redeposit like oils.

If deformed, then leave in place but if you must remove it ... break the filter and then use needle nose pliers to twist and reduce the diameter of the filter metal ring. The use of jack hammers, cutting torches, and explosives suggested by others is not recommended!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

terpfan wrote:

I have several B&W polarizing filters which are virtually impossible to rotate. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Just to clarify, I can easily remove them from the lens, just can't rotate the filter on the lens.

Get a new polarizing filter. Yours is done.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

terpfan wrote:

I have several B&W polarizing filters which are virtually impossible to rotate. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Just to clarify, I can easily remove them from the lens, just can't rotate the filter on the lens.

I obviously didn't read your post carefully enough. In case you haven't found a solution, the link below might be helpful.

https://www.google.com/search?q=cpl+doesn%27t+rotate&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS925US925&oq=cpl+doesn%27t+rotate&aqs=chrome..69i57.4158j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

dpullum wrote:

At the top of the page you will find SEARCH and it... (show quote)

The problem is not with attaching the filter to the camera.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

terpfan wrote:

I have several B&W polarizing filters which are virtually impossible to rotate. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Just to clarify, I can easily remove them from the lens, just can't rotate the filter on the lens.

Press down on one side of the filter and observe the other side. It will gap ever so slightly. Take compressed air and shoot it across that gap. Go a few degrees left or right and repeat until you get all the way around the filter. Do not shoot the compressed air directly at the filter -- if you do, you could damage the filter.