Issue with B+W F Pro circular polarizer filter

[MVDH]

My 72mm B+W F Pro circular polarizer filter is not turning smooth anymore. Sometimes it turns very difficult with a lot of friction and the turning feels a bit jerky. On other moments it runs smooth again.

I´m not sure what caused it but there is a bit of “play” in axial direction of approx. 0,5 mm. I have the filter for around 7 years. I´m sure it has never been dropped or otherwise abused. The glass and filter ring finish still look in “like new” condition, so no complaints on that aspect.

Is this normal wear and tear to be expected with B+W filters after several year of use?

I have several other polarizing filters in smaller diameter from a Japanese brand Marumi), but I never had any issue with any of my circular polarizers before.

The B+W is supposed to be a heavy duty filter in highest quality one can find, and it certainly is not cheap, but is the first to have problems.

I´d appreciate to hear if anyone faced similar problems with a B+W or other brand filter.
I need to replace the filter by a new one, but am reluctant to choose a B+W again.

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[CameraCarl]

I had a similar problem with mine and sent it in to B+W. They did something to it which improved the situation for a few months but it is sticking again. I've never had this problem with Hoya or Marumi so would buy them in the future.

 

[BBbuilder467]

My 72mm B+W F Pro circular polarizer filter is not turning smooth anymore. Sometimes it turns very difficult with a lot of friction and the turning feels a bit jerky. On other moments it runs smooth again.

I´m not sure what caused it but there is a bit of “play” in axial direction of approx. 0,5 mm. I have the filter for around 7 years. I´m sure it has never been dropped or otherwise abused. The glass and filter ring finish still look in “like new” condition, so no complaints on that aspect.

Is this normal wear and tear to be expected with B+W filters after several year of use?

I have several other polarizing filters in smaller diameter from a Japanese brand Marumi), but I never had any issue with any of my circular polarizers before.

The B+W is supposed to be a heavy duty filter in highest quality one can find, and it certainly is not cheap, but is the first to have problems.

I´d appreciate to hear if anyone faced similar problems with a B+W or other brand filter.
I need to replace the filter by a new one, but am reluctant to choose a B+W again.

That seemed to be a common problem with B+W brass polarizers at one time. I think they would repair or replace them within the first few years.

It seems to have something to do with the brass they were using. I don't recall any quick fix.

I've never had any problems with Hoya, Marumi, Kenko or others with aluminum rings. Some are 50 years old.

 

[MVDH]

Hmm... I was concerned already that it might be excessive wear of the brass and a common problem with the B+W. I think I will avoid them for my new 72mm filter.

Looks like it is time to look for a new CPL filter from a different brand.

 

[Zman8]

I had a similar problem with a Hoya CPL filter. Before buying a new one, I took some waxed dental floss and ran it between the filters rings. Loosened things up and now it works fine again. Worth the try.

 

[MVDH]

that´s a good idea, worth to try. Thanks.

 

[MVDH]

I contacted B+W and explained them the issue, and they offered me to send the filter in and get it repaired or replaced free of charge. Seems the customer service is good. I will do that and see what happens.

 

[BBbuilder467]

I contacted B+W and explained them the issue, and they offered me to send the filter in and get it repaired or replaced free of charge. Seems the customer service is good. I will do that and see what happens.

They're aware of the problem. It was a few years ago that they had a bad batch. They might have all been the same size, but they didn't hesitate to repair or replace them.

 

[TomV1]

I had a similar problem with a Hoya CPL filter. Before buying a new one, I took some waxed dental floss and ran it between the filters rings. Loosened things up and now it works fine again. Worth the try.

Was that dental floss from Montana?

 

[MVDH]

UPDATE: B+W replaced my filter by a new one free of charge. Very good customer service.