Toment Loc: FL, IL

Rotate the camera?

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

And you clearly didn’t fully read his post.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Since the problem is the filter itself, you can attach and remove it easily from lens, I'd just get a new one and not mess with this one, except for curiosity.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

That might be the ultimate solution, but B+W filters ain’t cheap.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Try a drop (1 only!!!) of WD-40 and let it sit. I had a similar problem, and that worked. Then you have to clean the filter very carefully and thoroughly, which is harder than getting it apart!

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

If they are not B+W Kaesemann design, oils cannot be used. You are probably limited to taking them to a camera repair shop for the proper spander wrenches (would be my choice) or try rinsing them in water. I would only use distilled water since ordinary water could leave mineral stains between the gratings which would be impossible to remove and potentially degrade your image quality. Put the filter into the bowl filled with distilled water and turn the pieces back and forth until they loosen up. Rinse them off and repeat the treatment in fresh distilled water. Rinse them again, rinse with 100% isopropyl alcohol, and put them on edge in the sun to dry. Make sure they totally dry. Or, again, just take them to the camera repair shop, have them take them apart, proper clean the surfaces, and put them back together again.

Again, without the Kaesemann design, anything that gets between that grating sandwiched between the two pieces of glass will be there for pretty much eternity. Anything between that grating starts destroying your polarization. This is why the sealed edge of the glass / grating sandwich (Kaesemann design) is desirable.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Okay, I'll bite, what's the "Kaesemann design"?
Many people registering concerns of stiff rotation reference B&W. Coincidence?

Bill_de Loc: US

The problem isn't removing the filter, it is a polarizer that won't rotate. Not sure there are 1001 references to that situation.

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ecurb Loc: Metro Chicago Area

You're sure the filters are rotating mounts? I have Series size polarizing filters that are meant to be used in rotating mounts, or taped to the back of the lens, as I used to do with large format cameras.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

I know others have suggested oil or soapy water. Again, if the filters are not Kaesemann designed (sealed edges of the grating / glass sandwich), that oil and soapy water can be drawn between the grating by capillary action and render the filter junk. If you are not willing to use a camera repair shop or try distilled water / alcohol, you will be relegated to using the filters as they are or throwing them away. There is a chance that the small drop of oil or the soapy water will not be drawn up between the grating by capillary action. But if it does, the suggestions of throwing away the filter is correct. There is no correction for oil or soapy film between the grating. There is even the risk that if you do not dry the filter long enough, mold can grow between the grating as one professional found out in the middle of the Amazon rainforest (rainforest = high humidity and rain).

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Polarization is done by rotating two gratings. It uses the electro-mechanical propers of light to create the affect. The gratings are sandwiched between two pieces of glass. In other words, polarizers are built using 2 gratings and 4 pieces of glass in a rotating frame. Each grating is sandwiched between two pieces of glass. If the edges are not sealed, liquids can be drawn up by capillary action into the spaces between the grating lines. This will render the filter to junk. This is one of the reasons for the Kaesemann design (not the only one). B+W is one of the only manufacturers of such. That design will allow a drop of oil or soapy water since the sealed edge prevents any capillary action. I still would not suggest oil or soapy water since it could still get into the space between the two glass / grating sandwiches. Taking the filter apart is actually the best way to correct the problem, Kaesemann design or not. Otherwise, one uses the filter as is or, as some have suggested, one throws it away. I haven't priced it, but I would think it would be slightly cheaper to take them to the camera repair shop rather than buy new filters.

banster Loc: PA, Ontario, N.C.,Key West

Had the same problem. Take a wide rubber band, 1/8” or so, and slightly less diameter than your lens. Stretch it around the filter, the part that is to rotate. Not much effort and it should turn the filter. They must oxide somewhat. The filter turns much easier for now.

nathanweddings

I think Lonshadow's suggestion is best. I would put alcohol & mineral oil on a caterpillar & let it crawl around the stuck filters. Might not worl but would make an interesting submission to Ugly Hedghog. :)

mikee

Can soak in warm soapy water. Or can take to on optometrist, jewelry store, or most vets and use their ultrasonic cleaner.

k2edm Loc: FN32AD

WD40 great stuff & definately worth trying