EdgarCPoone

I am sure this is not the first time it has happened to anyone so perhaps someone has a trick to loosen a filter. I try to be careful and not over tighten a filter as I mount it but somehow it has gotten 'stuck'. It is a metal Hoya on a plastic barrel, does anyone know of a trick to loosen the filter with out torqueing the filter/lens barrel so hard that the lens are moved knocked out of proper focus alignment?

Rich Maher Loc: Sonoma County, CA

Try putting the lens in the freezer for about 20 minutes. worked for me.
Adorama sells filter wrench sets that also work well.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Try carefully positioning a rubber band on the filter, to help you get a better "grip" on it. If possible, also hold the front barrel of the lens with your other hand.

Something else I've used successfully is one of those flexible rubber sheets to remove lids from jars in the kitchen (if you have one)... same idea, get a better grip on the filter.

If all else fails, there are "filter wrenches" sold in different sizes and specifically for this purpose. They usually sell in pairs, so you can use one on the filter, the other to support the lens. Filter wrenches are usually made of hard plastic or soft metal or might be lined with something, to prevent scratching the filter or lens.

If you don't want to buy the wrench yourself, many camera stores and camera repair shops have them on hand and can remove a filter for you in a jiffy.

Once you get it off the lens, to keep the filter from getting stuck in the future, try rubbing its threads with a candle or a soft pencil. The wax or graphite will help lubricate the threads. Just a little, not much... don't want it to get onto the glass of the lens or filter.

Vietnam Vet

I use one of these, but a different brand
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1364744-REG/japan_hobby_tool_jht6782_super_lens_filter_wrench.html

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I've used a rubber-band that I wrap around the filter which help me free one. I also found that if I relaxed and did not try too hard that they appear to come off. I think that by putting pressure on them as the frustration of unthreading them, puts radial torque on it and because the threads are so fine, they bind and lock tight. A simple light touch sometimes works great for me.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

No graphite goes anywhere near a lens of mine. It's too invasive.

Andy

Joe Blow

I have been there a few times. I use one of those rubber "jar lid" rubber sheets. As you turn, push the filter into the lens.

Either buy a filter wrench or go to a camera store and have them remove it.

Do NOT use the freezer. That makes metal shrink and the connection even tighter. Put the lens in a very warm spot, such as a car window on a very warm day. Give it a few minutes until the filter is warmed up and then try to turn it. The jar lid sheet or a rubber band around the filter can also be used here.

A very small amount of graphite OR candle (paraffin) wax will work. Do not use any oil lubricant as this will attract dust.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Filter wrenches do work fine, they are about a couple bucks, it that! I always have some in my bags, although I never had to use one!

d3200prime

Basically, you need a rubber mat of some sort, for example, a drawer liner. Place the lens filter side down and press down firmly and evenly on the lens sides while turning. The filter should loosen and then can be easily screwed off by hand. This technic has never failed me, hope it works for you.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

👍👍👍

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Cut the lens off. If it has a plastic barrel it’s likely worth less than the filter.

jcboy3

I highly recommend filter wrenches. The problem with a stuck filter is that, as you apply more torque, you tend to squeeze the filter, distorting it and counteracting the torque.

In an emergency, you can use gaffers tape. Two pieces, wrapped around the filter leaving excess stuck together to make opposing tabs. Hold the lens firmly (between your legs, or call a friend), and grab the two tabs to turn it. The acts like a filter wrench.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

A standard rubber jar opener. Cheap, easy and effective. Most dollar stores carry them.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

1) Filter wrenches, or 2) tap on the filter moderately for a while and the try turning it gently with barely a squeeze. That some times works. Squeezing unevenly too hard definitely distorts the filter and makes it harder to turn off.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

My UV filter has a couple of notches in the rim, so I can use a narrow blade or metal ruler to turn the filter off if it's tight. If your filter does not have these notches you could "with care" make your own using a junior hacksaw with a fine blade.