Removing polarising filters (leaving lens and filter intact!)

Any suggestions for removing polarising filters from the lens (without damaging eaither, of course)?

This seems to be a regular problem for me - probably the combo of long fingernails for playing the guitar and the turning part of the filter being slightly greater diameter than the screw mount.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

or microfibre cloth
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Ron Poelman said:

or microfibre cloth

Click to expand...

It helps if the unscrewing grip pressure is put on equally around the circumference, so as not to distort the filter frame to an oval shape that continues to bind in the threads.

Filter wrenches do the even grip automatically...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&sku=251749&Q=&is=REG&A=details
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Regards,
Baz

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What is it all about? Well, something relating to a conversation we had in the pub 35 years ago has come to spectacular fruition, and I'd like him to know how right he was.

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Use a soft lead pencil to coat the filter threads with graphite before putting it on. Seems to work.
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Shay

shay guevara said:

Use a soft lead pencil to coat the filter threads with graphite before putting it on. Seems to work.

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I'm not sure graphite is a good idea in a world where dust of any kind is taboo in equipment like lenses and camera bodys...

I have also resisted using the old fishermans trick of body oil from around the nose or behind the ears on the threads...

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Dennis

Trevor Simpson said:

Any suggestions for removing polarising filters from the lens (without damaging eaither, of course)?

This seems to be a regular problem for me - probably the combo of long fingernails for playing the guitar and the turning part of the filter being slightly greater diameter than the screw mount.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Click to expand...

This won't work with a circular polorizer but with other filters you can remove the lens from the camera body (for ease of handling) then push the filter down onto your mouse pad and turn the lens. Instead of the mouse pad try one of those non-skid rubber placemats used to hold things in place in motorhomes...

I think the filter wrenches may be the best idea overall if you can afford the small expense...
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Dennis

Go to an office supply store and purchase a bag of assorted size rubber bands. After the filter is screwed in place, wrap the rubber band around the knurled portion of the filter. The rubber surface is very easy to get a grip on. Use bands that are small enough to fit snug without wrapping more than once about the filter. Try to find "fat" rubber bands. haha
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derFritz

Not that this helps now but for future applications.......what brand are you using? If it is constructed of aluminum you may want to consider a better filter such as the B+W which is made of brass and is less prone to getting stuck.......
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Regards,
Hank

Even the best filters can get stuck, it only takes 1 grain of sand or other contamination in the threads to lock the threads up. Also dis-similar metals react to heat and cold differently and that can cause a tight filter. Even popping open a beer or soda near the lens can put a residue on the threads that acts like a glue later... Having more expensive filters doesn't make them less pron to getting stuck!

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Dennis

DjD_a700 said:

Having more expensive filters doesn't make them less pron to getting stuck!

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Obviously you must use care, but under normal conditions disregarding foreign matter, not the extremes you mentioned, the materials most certainly do make a difference.....ever heard of galling?....read item #3......there is a night/day difference when unscrewing brass from aluminum threads compared to aluminum vs aluminum......

http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/faq/bw.htm#qu7

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Regards,
Hank

Rubber bands work, so do the rubber pads sold almost anywhere for helping removing can lids.

The problem is, the harder you try to turn it, the more your squeeze it, and the tighter it grips. You have to rotate it with very little compression on the ring. Most filters aren't really stuck, just feel like it because you are pinching them so hard.

Nose grease trick - never hurts to remember the old location trick of wiping a finger on the side of your nose, then wiping the threads. Provide a very minimum of lubrication.

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