Help! cannot remove circ. polarizer filter!? (Page 3): This seems to be a frequent problem. I try to only buy B&W filters from B&H Photo. Besides being excellent filters using...

lamontcranston

redfordl wrote:

Before i try something drastic to remove circ polarizer filter from lens can anyone make some suggestions? It has always been tight,but this time no go. Thanks!!

This seems to be a frequent problem. I try to only buy B&W filters from B&H Photo. Besides being excellent filters using multi-coated German optical glass, the mounting ring is made out of brass that is softer than aluminum and will help prevent stuck filters. I also don't over-tighten filters on the lens. Just snug-tight is tight enough.

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

redfordl wrote:

Before i try something drastic to remove circ polarizer filter from lens can anyone make some suggestions? It has always been tight,but this time no go. Thanks!!

I agree with BMARSH. buy a set of filter wrench’s. They are cheep and you will most likely use them again. Lenses aren’t cheep and nether are the filters but the tool is. Remember the old saying “use the proper tool for the proper job”

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

After reading all of the posts I wonder if wiping a little WD40 on the threads with your finger before mounting the filter will keep it from becoming stuck. I'm sure this will elicit a lot of discussion on the subject.

cthahn

Go to a camera store or buy a tool just for removing filters.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

boberic wrote:

Try a pipe wrench. Guaranteed to remove the filter and the entire front lens

Laughing out loud!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

johneccles wrote:

One of my filters has a two small notches in the rim where you can insert a narrow blade such as kitchen knife so the filter can easily unscrewed.
If your filter does not have these notches you could cut a couple exactly opposite each using a junior hacksaw and cut your own, be careful you do not touch the glass though.

Risky business.

lamontcranston

Bigmike1 wrote:

After reading all of the posts I wonder if wiping a little WD40 on the threads with your finger before mounting the filter will keep it from becoming stuck. I'm sure this will elicit a lot of discussion on the subject.

The last thing I would ever put on a lens or a filter is WD-40. I don't want that stuff anywhere near my cameras.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Bmarsh wrote:

Buy yourself a set of “filter wrenches”. They’re cheap and well worth it.

https://smile.amazon.com/Camera-Filter-67mm-86mm-Filters-Package/dp/B005649MM2/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1507383499&sr=1-10&keywords=Filter+wrench

But make sure you get a size that fits your filter.

I bought a pair of those filter wrenches and they are useless. They are made of cheap thin plastic. Because they are thin and the gripping mechanism is molded in grooves rather than rubber or something that grips, they slip. Also, because they are thin plastic, both of mine broke. SAVE YOUR MONEY!

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

lamontcranston wrote:

This seems to be a frequent problem. I try to only buy B&W filters from B&H Photo. Besides being excellent filters using multi-coated German optical glass, the mounting ring is made out of brass that is softer than aluminum and will help prevent stuck filters. I also don't over-tighten filters on the lens. Just snug-tight is tight enough.

Both brass and aluminum filter rings are hard-anodized, so the surface hardness of each is about the same. An advantage of brass is that, being harder than aluminum, the threads will not deform as easily, nor will the ring deform as easily when squeezed. Handled with due care, there is little difference in their use.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

bpulv wrote:

I bought a pair of those filter wrenches and they are useless. They are made of cheap thin plastic. Because they are thin and the gripping mechanism is molded in grooves rather than rubber or something that grips, they slip. Also, because they are thin plastic, both of mine broke. SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Complete agreement: worthless

dandekarv Loc: Lake Forest, Ca, US

For me the rubber jar openers worked like a miracle. The trick is to press the filter against the body of the camera and then try to open it.

lamontcranston

RWR wrote:

An advantage of brass is that, being harder than aluminum, the threads will not deform as easily, nor will the ring deform as easily when squeezed.

Everything I read says aluminum is harder than brass. Not being a metallurgist, I'm not an expert on metals.

"In general aluminum is slightly harder than brass. However, aluminum alloys can be softer that some brasses. The general Brinell hardness (BHN) range from 50 to 110 for both alloys.
Source: https://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080102182855AA7l0dt

From the B&W website:

"Not all mounts are created equal. B+W has invested decades in perfecting the ideal design, materials and craftsmanship to maintain the industry’s respect. Made of quality brass, each mount is machined, then a black coating is applied to eliminate reflections."

"Why does B+W use brass rings?

Aluminum rings will often bind to the aluminum housing of the lens. Brass will minimize this binding, making it the superior choice for filters."
https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/faq/bw.htm#qu3

Rich Maher Loc: Sonoma County, CA

I've put the lens in the freezer for about a half hour, alter comes right off.

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

I bought a used Rebel with lens that had a filter attached. I tried and tried to remove the lens, but was unable to. Finally I decided to use pliers. It appears that the filter was fused tight maybe due to corrosion. I had to gently break off the filter a small piece at a time. I was eventually successful, however I did get a small scratch on the lens body.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Depending on the filter threads and lens threads materials, their differing coefficients of expansion may point to warming or cooling to 'loosen.' Set your lens before a sunny window to try the warming option. If your filter ring is shiny aluminum, expect future 'seizing' to occur.