how to fix filter on my Oly 12-40

BlueStarfish wrote:

Hi,

I would take it to a camera shop and let them try, otherwise you have no choice but to use some force, in theory the filter should be made of softer metal and so any damage will be to the filter but there is no guarantee. If you have someone with a workshop you can try and cut it off using a dremel or similar but that is pretty scary but would do the job.

I would take it to a professional and let them try.

Good luck!

Scott.

I was hoping there was a way but you might be right - I suppose a small cost relative to what could have happened.

Cheers

Ray

gnewsch wrote:

Worst case you could always shatter the filter glass and then pinch the metal ring of the filter inside. That would exert the least force on the thread of the lens, but obviously would cost a filter.

I'm a bit afraid of shattering more than the filter glass.

Thanks for the idea.

Ray

Chippy99 wrote:

purpleray wrote:

Hi

Last week I dropped my Em1 with the 12-40 attached. See thread

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3793297

I thought I escaped with just a flying hood and scratched on my screen protector.

Due to my poor attention to detail, I have only just discovered my B&W UV filter is jammed just slightly askew. One side has been forced out by a thread or two. It is completely jammed.

I guess this might affect ultimate resolution of my photos.

How can I get the filter off without doing any damage?

Cheers

Ray

I don't think there's any single "right way" to do this, especially having not seen it. But from what you describe, if it were me, I'd try a "reasonable" amount of force to unscrew it - i.e. by hand and no more - wearing a pair of rubber gloves is a good tip as it greatly improves the grip you can get.

And if that fails, I would sacrifice the filter by dremelling it in a couple of places. I'd try to cut the filter metal not right through - I wouldn't want to mark the 12-40 - but just enough to weaken it so that it will give when you try again to unscrew it. If careful I would imagine you can cut through enough of the filter ring such that it gives when you try to unscrew it.

This is vote 2 for dremel.   I assume this is a tiny electric drill.   I'm sure someone I know will have one.  So this looks like a strong option.

Thanks for the advice

Ray

raymb wrote:

Hi, get a shoe with a course sole press the filter into the sole and try turning the lens body.

this will give you a better grip all around the filter.

i have used this method on a jammed filter before with good results.

good luck Ray

I'll give it a go.

Thanks

Ray

Just a thought from someone that this hasn't happen to, yet Since a high quality UV filter isn't exactly cheap, I would look for a solution that would save the filter if it is determined its threads are not already ruined.

An variation on the super glue suggestions already posted would be to apply super glue to the threads of a screw-in type cheap-o plastic lens hood (usually in the $2 - $5 range) and attach.  The lens hood would give plenty of leverage and if it worked you would still have a UV filter with a permanently attached hood.  (caution: the nuances of super glue use are sometimes a bit weird, so practice on something less important would be a good idea.)

Bob

purpleray wrote:

Hi

Last week I dropped my Em1 with the 12-40 attached. See thread

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3793297

I thought I escaped with just a flying hood and scratched on my screen protector.

Due to my poor attention to detail, I have only just discovered my B&W UV filter is jammed just slightly askew. One side has been forced out by a thread or two. It is completely jammed.

I guess this might affect ultimate resolution of my photos.

How can I get the filter off without doing any damage?

Cheers

Ray

Ouch. The B+W filter I just looked at is constructed with a base ring holding the glass, which is in turn held in place by a retaining ring that screws in from the front. If yours is the same, it might be possible to unscrew the retaining ring, remove the glass and then the base. At least you wouldn't be risking shattering the glass. The one I looked at didn't have slots or depressions to fit a pin wrench, which would be ideal. Some filters and lenses have them.

If not, you might be able to use the trick I learned for removing lightbulbs from recessed ceiling fixtures--apply a suction cup and unscrew. Silicone seems to be the best material for the cup.

Past that, simply forcing it off may be all that's left. The lens is plastic and the filter is brass so they shouldn't bind as much as metal-on-metal would. I'd try grabbing the filter with a grippy rubber sheet like sold to unscrew stubborn food jars and turn. It will eventually come free. Whatever damage has already occurred. It may be a challenge to get another filter on, depending on how scarred the lens threads are.

Good luck!

Rick

Hi all

Sorry for the delay but I am posting from Sydney Australia.

I've tried the shoe -but no.  Also a silicon grippy sheet for opening cans - no.  There are no binding rings that can be unscrewed.  It's a thin filter for WA's.

Before I go and ring around for a dremel.

What do you think about penetrating oil - WD40 in Australia?   Would it get into the lens?

Another thought is graphite spray?  Again would it get into the lens?

What effect does the slight angle of the filter have?  I've looked at some photos and I cant discern any effect.  Though if I used some geometric pattern, I suppose I would see something.  What would I see?

Cheers

Ray

Wrap a rubber band around the filter , hold it tightly, and unscrew it. Works for me every time.

purpleray wrote:

Hi

Last week I dropped my Em1 with the 12-40 attached. See thread

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3793297

I thought I escaped with just a flying hood and scratched on my screen protector.

Due to my poor attention to detail, I have only just discovered my B&W UV filter is jammed just slightly askew. One side has been forced out by a thread or two. It is completely jammed.

I guess this might affect ultimate resolution of my photos.

How can I get the filter off without doing any damage?

Cheers

Ray

This is at your own risk **

Take a snub nose plier and try to rotate the filter. Don't force it. If that does Not work you have to gently break the glass of the filter. You then have to snap the filter ring.

You may damage the threads of the lens, but the lens is generally usable. 50/50 at this point.

A camera store may do it for you, but the risk is great/liability.

Maybe a Google search will also find something for you