So... The Filter Won't Come Off

[wgerrard]

I have an NC filter that doesn't want to come off its lens. I am not inclined to try to persuade it.

Any reason to worry about this in terms of stacking another filter on top?

Is a good camera shop likely to have better luck than me in removing the thing?

 

[Calzone]

I have had filters lock onto lenses also. I found that a rubber surgical glove will help assist removing any stuck filter. Now I always keep a glove in my camera bag for just those times.

Cal

 

[back alley]

grab one part of the filter with 2 fingers (pinching) and try to start it moving...this usually works for me with stubborn filters and shades.

 

[Chris101]

They make a textured rubber pad for removing stuck jar lids (sold in kitchen stores.) I have always been able to remove filters that were stuck beyond all other methods using one of these.

 

[rbsinto]

They make a textured rubber pad for removing stuck jar lids (sold in kitchen stores.) I have always been able to remove filters that were stuck beyond all other methods using one of these.

I've had good success getting stuck filters off by first removing the lens from the camera, attaching a rear-element body cap to it, and then pressing the filtered end against a mouse pad, and by using the palm of my hand, applying pressure and twisting.

 

[wgerrard]

They make a textured rubber pad for removing stuck jar lids (sold in kitchen stores.) I have always been able to remove filters that were stuck beyond all other methods using one of these.

Thanks, Chris. I know where I can get those.

 

[newspaperguy]

Chris101 is right (as usual) but the mouse pad has also worked for me.

 

[presspass]

Once you have the jar lid remover - rubber pad - try pushing the filter toward the lens as you turn. This may release enough tension on the threads to let you move it.

 

[former member]

Usually a mouse pad works for me. Sometimes: push the lens face down on the pad and turn.

Only once have had to resort the using pliers with a round head, made for stuff like this. Got the lens dirt-cheap off of Ebay as it wa slisted with stuck filter.

 

[afroqvack]

I wouldn't go out and buy anything. Just put the lens in the freezer for 10 minutes or so and the filter should come off easily...

/Gustav

 

[johannielscom]

I wouldn't go out and buy anything. Just put the lens in the freezer for 10 minutes or so and the filter should come off easily...

/Gustav

Never tried that. Might work though, since the filter has less mass it might cool down (and shrink!) faster than the lens does!


My trick: I simply use the wooden grip of my pocket knife to lightly tap all around the filter ring. The tremors usually release the filter from the lens and next I try to unscrew with as little force as possible to make sure it does not freeze up again.

 

[pagpow]

+ 1 on jar lid remover or mouse pad w. pressure towards lens -- I've also never needed anything else. I'd try that before freezing.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Bill,

Another vote for rubber gloves or even for a wide rubber band around the filter to increase traction. A vote against stacking, because of the risk of vignetting.

Cheers,

R.

 

[FrankS]

When trying to remove a filter normally by grasping it with your thumb and fingers, you deform the filter out of round. When a filter is stuck, you squeeze harder and deform the filter more, binding it even tighter to the lens. The trick is to exert a rotational force without inducing a squeezing/deforming force.

 

[back alley]

When trying to remove a filter normally by grasping it with your thumb and fingers, you deform the filter out of round. When a filter is stuck, you squeeze harder and deform the filter more, binding it even tighter to the lens. The trick is to exert a rotational force without inducing a squeezing/deforming force.

yes.
that's why i pinch the edge and turn.

 

[Vics]

The guy at my camera store had the filter off my DR in seconds using a rubber band. It was amazing! Do NOT use pliers!

 

[sahe69]

Immerse the lens in low viscosity oil for 2 hrs then grab the filter with sandpaper for a solid grip......................................... not.😛

Like many above have stated, something rubbery and in worst case cooling in freezer on top of that should do the work. If not, I would at least revert to a professional repairman after that.

 

[Richard G]

I always forget a bottle of beer I've left in the freezer to cool quickly. I wouldn't try that with a lens.

 

[Joao]

Stick a stripe of duct tape on the outer surface of the filter. The remaining free part of the duct tape sticks to something cylindrical about the diameter of the filter (I use a cardboard roll like the ones inside toilet paper rolls) . Twist ... et voilá !

 

[FalseDigital]

I bought a used camera once that had a bent filter on it. The actual lens filter thread was fine but the filter itself was bent awkwardly and would not budge. I tried using rubber gloves and all that....couldn't get the damn thing off.

So because I didn't want to damage the lens I got some vice grip pliers and used them to grab on a single edge of the filter. I was then able to twist it off and save the lens. It leaves a nasty mark on the metal of the filter ring but saved my lens so it was worth it. Plus it was just a cheap UV filter anyway 😛

So yes, as a last resort: Vice Grip Pliers