GaryM
New member
I found that a friend who is a car mechanic usually has really strong hands. I had a filter that I could not remove. He removed it easier than opening a jar of peanut butter.
Is Your Filter Stuck?
- Thread starter Steve
- Start date
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Have a similar problem separating step down rings from attached filters after I have removed them from the lens. I take the combination of step down ring and filter over to my computer mouse pad (dense foam style) press down into the mousepad, twist and they will come apart. Some of these other recommendations for removing from the lens sound better than the specialized plastic wrench (looks like a jar opener) that I use in that situation.
Maggiegirl
Member
Hi, just wanted to let you know that I thought Xume was the best idea since soft butter. BEWARE, they eventually lose their magnetic force and will let your filter fall off. I talk from experience.
+1
Not only that, but I have found that when removing the lens hood, the filter would often become dislodged and fall to the ground. I would not recommend removing the lens hood when you are over water!
I have a large collection of Xume that I will sell at a steeply discounted price to any interested reader.
Bill
frodoboy
Member
Okay, this is SO easy, especially when out in the field. A hair dryer would work great at home Steve but NOT out in the field.
Buy a roll or the smallest piece you can find of non-skid kitchen grip (the rubbery stuff with holes in it).
Cut a square bigger than your largest filter.
Put it in your camera bag (one in each bag if more than one).
When a filter gets stuck, simply put the grip over the filter and twist. It comes right off!
If it doesn't, lay it on a flat surface and put the lens, filter side down, on top and simply twist the lens.
Guaranteed super easy, takes up little room in your bag and very inexpensive!
Give it a try!!
Buy a roll or the smallest piece you can find of non-skid kitchen grip (the rubbery stuff with holes in it).
Cut a square bigger than your largest filter.
Put it in your camera bag (one in each bag if more than one).
When a filter gets stuck, simply put the grip over the filter and twist. It comes right off!
If it doesn't, lay it on a flat surface and put the lens, filter side down, on top and simply twist the lens.
Guaranteed super easy, takes up little room in your bag and very inexpensive!
Give it a try!!
Blutch
New member
Gaff tape. Especially with the polarizer.. rip a super thin piece.. leave a couple inches loose and wrap the rest around the part of the polarizer that doesn't freely turn.. wrap it until you meet the other end and then press the left over to the 2 inches you left over. This the becomes a 'tab" that you can get a good grip on with your fingers and then turn the filter. It's a bit tedious to do, especially in the field, but it has never NOT worked. I have gaff tape in every camera case.
Graham W. Bostick
New member
Remember that old saying--" An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure " Before attaching the filter Clean the threads with an old tooth brush . Then use your finger to rub the outside of you nose at its widest point where it attaches to your face . This is known as nose oil . Rub this on the threads . It will act as a lubricant . It is an old trick that trumpet players use to keep the mouth piece from sticking ,
Graham Bostick in Alabama
Graham Bostick in Alabama
Mike Bull
Active member
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This is the last ditch method I used to release a filter that was on a lens for over 25 years, it seems a bit desperate but it does not ruin your filter if you are careful. Mark on the edges of your filter to line up with the centre, using a fine saw blade saw down each side just before reaching the glass. You can then use a fine bladed knife as a lever to unscrew the filter.View attachment 2502View attachment 2502View attachment 2503View attachment 2502
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If this was posted already in the thread, kindly disregard:
For filter wrenches, I found the rubberized versions work a little better than the hard plastic ones. I have these: Rubberized Filter Wrenches.
The folks at Breakthrough Photography suggested filter wrenches be a last resort in favor of:
- Preventative - Using a #2 dull pencil to lubricate threads with a modest about of graphite
- When using a rubber band in the field, use very gentle pressure with your finger grip and try repeated gentle turning motion (this surprisingly works often)
- Warming as others have mentioned
For filter wrenches, I found the rubberized versions work a little better than the hard plastic ones. I have these: Rubberized Filter Wrenches.
The folks at Breakthrough Photography suggested filter wrenches be a last resort in favor of:
- Preventative - Using a #2 dull pencil to lubricate threads with a modest about of graphite
- When using a rubber band in the field, use very gentle pressure with your finger grip and try repeated gentle turning motion (this surprisingly works often)
- Warming as others have mentioned
nuclearjock
New member
Large cable ties have ALWAYS worked for me. The ribbed side used to secure the cable tie comes in contact with the ridges on the filter giving awesome grip. Secure the cable tie on the filter. you will have added leverage to remove the filter. This has always worked for me and you can throw a few in your bag so they're always available. You can only use the tie once though unless you buy the fancy removable ties. Happy shooting!