Dealing with stuck filters

[Ramsden]

Hi folks 

EOS90D and 7, about to be 8 lenses. Recent posts have revealed how common the problem of stuck filters is amongst us. I got mine down to two, but they were STUCK! 

As an engineer I genuinely apologies for this photo of the method I resorted too, to remove the stuck filters. But I was extremely careful, and eventually got them off my lenses. I have to tell you, that even with these plumbers grips, it was difficult. 

Lenses are all now cleaned and in good condition, awaiting new clear glass filters and maybe a trial with magnetic filters. All options remain open, but I've just fitted a new (expensive) clear 67mm filter, and its 'clear'! How on earth do you assess clear glass?

 Ramsden 

[ebiggs1]

"It's a very good idea to take your filters off prior to shooting if you want the very best optical performance (unless you're using a specific filter for optical effect, of course) from your lens. A lens was scientifically designed by the optical engineers to be used without an any additional optical element (aka filter).  Why would you spend your hard-earned dollars on a highly engineered lens then willingly introduce another optical element in that optical train?"

Once again bad advice. A B+W protecto filter will not affect the image in 99.9% of the time. As to a lens not being designed for a filter some Canon lenses require a protecto filter to be fully weatherproof. Example, according to the manual the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM requires a Canon 77mm Protect Filter installed  to complete the dust- and water-resistant sealing. You spend your "hard earned dollars" (pounds) to further protect that "highly engineered lens". A small price for completely reliable protection of an extremely valuable lens. Of course the cost of a protecto filter has to be considered with the cost of the lens. I.E., probably not cost effective to put a high dollar (pounds) B+W filter on a standard kit lens.

"Another layer or glass invites aberrations, not matter how good the filter is."

A B+W is not just "another layer or layer of glass", it is a precision engineered lens. One reason why they cost more than other brands. And that said there are other top quality protecto filters on the market, I simply prefer and have used B+W for years, decades for that matter. B+W as well as other top quality manufactures use perfectly flat and colorless Schott glass and top quality proprietary multi-coatings and have a thinly designed ring. Of course it is your choice but you need accurate advice to make that choice.

Some folks never add a filter and they never have a problem. Some folks are not so lucky and thank heaven they had that proteccto filter on their expensive lens. I made a living with photography and I worked for a huge company that made their living with photographic gear. We sell our work. It is what I have always done and is what I stil do in retirement. The balls in your court my friend.

By the way, it is B+W not B&W.

[ebiggs1]

"Loved the ketchup story!"

There are more after five decades of doing this whole photography thing. 😁

[Ramsden]

 B+W it is.

Apologies EB,  it won't happen again. I ought to know what they are called, given how much money I've spent on them recently!

Ramsden 

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

"Apologies EB,  it won't happen again."

Oh, no biggie, it is odd that it is 'plus' instead of 'and'. Most folks say '&'.

Again do what you think is best as it seems you have gotten both sides now. Although I believe the opposite view is shortsighted and is not accurate. There are a lot of opinions out there on the ole inner web for sure.

Have a wonderful vacation trip.

[SignifDigits]

@ebiggs1.  You're right.  Thousands of front elements have been protected by sacrificial lens filters and it does seem wrong to suggest any alternative.

I and any taking risks like me should consider ourselves as having been fully and fairly warned.

We also agree about B+W as a great choice.  I cannot promise to not type B&W again. First, because I've said it out loud that way for so long it rolls off the fingertips typing, and second because Typo is now my official second language.

Useful transmissivity and reflectivity data at https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/06/the-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-ma... 

[Ramsden]

Good morning 

The article is fascinating and very interesting and I felt slight relief that B+W made the cut, especially after just spending a lot of £££s. 

To summarise: as a result of two of my posts, this one, and one on photography through a train window (800 miles), I now have 4 B+W clear filters, some  CPL filters for train windows and a filter removal tool. Plus 000s of great ideas. I also have loads of cheap UV filters (currently unattached).

So thanks guys for being so patient with my lack of knowledge, and I genuinely didn't know I was 'poking a bear' with my posts!

To summarise (as a self proclaimed pragmatist) I'll do what feels right on the day, but I really appreciate your love of photography and willingness to help people like myself.

Ramsden 

[Ramsden]

And, and and, the 5 micron pin hole test is quite fascinating + the ratio of reflection that clear glass makes is something I've never even thought about. My small collection of lenses has taken on a new light (sorry).

[SignifDigits]

Thanks so much for sharing your enthusiasm and interest with us.  I hope you and your son have a lovely trip.

[ebiggs1]

A couple cautions if you decide on using the protecto filters. First put it on the lens right out of the box if it is a new lens. If it is a used lens make certain it is absolutely clean before you put the filter on. Now once on leave it on and only remove it if something causes an issue which could be never.

A new lens is never as clean as it is right from Canon and right out of the box. Secondly my advice comes from experience not the ole inner web or Ai. Be careful what you see and read off the web and believe it or not Ai is not always accurate. However, it is the only source for advice some folks have and propagate. 

In the end it is just a lens. Perhaps an expensive for the moment lens but even if it was completely destroyed the Sun will still come up tomorrow. Use your gear, it's the only way to get your money's worth out of it. Respect it of course but don't baby it because what good is it at all if you are afraid to use it. All my lenses look well used, well loved and well enjoyed (and the front element is still pristine).

Good or bad show some shots from your holiday!