Need help separating filters
Aug 14, 2020 10:20:21 #
photoman43 wrote:
Also try putting the stuck filters in a freezer. Maybe the temp change will "shrink" them enough to help you unscrew them. (This assumes they are not stuck on a lens. I would not put a lens in a freezer.)
No, they weren't stuck to the lens. That was going to be my next trick. Actually, that was one of the methods I found online.
Aug 14, 2020 10:45:49 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
AzPicLady wrote:
I have two filters that have gotten stuck together... (show quote)
In succession try a drop or two of the following on the joint between the filters: WD40, 3in1 machine oil, liquid wrench.
Let the liquid soak in for a few moments then try to unscrew the filters using filter wrenches or other tool that won’t deform or damage the filter. If the WD40 doesn’t work, try the second one in the same way. If none of the fluids work, you might try heating the filter that has the female thread with a hair dryer to get the metal to expand a bit. If all that fails, buy replacement filters and call it day.
Stan
Aug 14, 2020 10:59:20 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
AzPicLady wrote:
Now that's a cool tip! Thanks.
The last thing you want on fine threads is ANY kind of oil or grease. Keep the threads DRY and clean, never force anything, you should never have a problem.
Aug 14, 2020 10:59:33 #
AzPicLady wrote:
Guess what! I got it! I can't believe that I could do something that fix-it guys couldn't. I little WD-40 make them come apart immediately. Now all I have to do is clean the filters! Thanks, everyone!
Way to Go Girl....good job !
Aug 14, 2020 11:14:25 #
RWR wrote:
The last thing you want on fine threads is ANY kind of oil or grease. Keep the threads DRY and clean, never force anything, you should never have a problem.
I'll second that as any oil or grease will attract dust and gum up the threads. Plus, they are a b**** to remove from the filter glass and you are likely to remove coatings when removing them...
Aug 14, 2020 11:19:36 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
RWR wrote:
The last thing you want on fine threads is ANY kind of oil or grease. Keep the threads DRY and clean, never force anything, you should never have a problem.
Why? Don’t know where I read it, but a pro photographer recommended wiping a bit of nose grease on the filter thread before screwing it on to prevent the filter binding. You need a bit of lubricant to help break the thread’s grip when they are bound together. When the filters are separated use lens cleaner to clean them up.
Every focusing lens ever made uses a lubricant on the focusing helical. A bit of lubricant on a filter thread won’t damage anything. Just clean them up when they are free and you’re good to go.
Stan
Aug 14, 2020 11:22:56 #
StanMac wrote:
In succession try a drop or two of the following o... (show quote)
I was actually looking at the "buy new" option, but I have major repairs on a camera to pay for. I sort of wish I had tried the machine oil instead of the WD40, as it might not have been so messy. But the WD40 worked.
Aug 14, 2020 11:24:21 #
RWR wrote:
The last thing you want on fine threads is ANY kind of oil or grease. Keep the threads DRY and clean, never force anything, you should never have a problem.
I'm not sure why they got stuck in the first place. If I can figure that out, I don't need to worry about it.
Aug 14, 2020 11:24:33 #
Aug 14, 2020 11:25:10 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
I'll second that as any oil or grease will attract dust and gum up the threads. Plus, they are a b**** to remove from the filter glass and you are likely to remove coatings when removing them...
I wondered about the coatings.
Aug 14, 2020 11:25:51 #
Aug 14, 2020 11:29:46 #
AzPicLady wrote:
I wondered about the coatings.
Upon further research, it seems like on modern filters, the coating isn't as susceptible to damage as older filters. That said, you still have to be careful not to scratch the glass.. As far as filters getting stuck in the first place, less expensive filters use aluminum for the filter mount. Better ones (more costly) use Brass, which is less likely to bind...
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/lens_filter_cleaning.html
Aug 14, 2020 11:32:37 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Upon further research, it seems like on modern filters, the coating isn't as susceptible to damage as older filters. That said, you still have to be careful not to scratch the glass.. As far as filters getting stuck in the first place, less expensive filters use aluminum for the filter mount. Better ones (more costly) use Brass, which is less likely to bind...
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/lens_filter_cleaning.html
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/lens_filter_cleaning.html
Thanks for the info. The top one (the stuck one) was an expensive filter - or at least expensive in my book.
Aug 14, 2020 11:36:21 #
AzPicLady wrote:
Thanks for the info. The top one (the stuck one) was an expensive filter - or at least expensive in my book.
The UV filter might have had an aluminum frame and thus was the reason the other got stuck. I always spin anything with treads in the opposite direction (normally counter-clockwise) before reversing them so as to avoid any cross threading...
Aug 14, 2020 11:40:01 #
A soft graphite pencil rubbed around the treads will stop them from sticking. You can grind a pencil lead and apply it to the threads with a fine artists brush.
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