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 

[Waddizzle]

 

Lens Filter Wrenches.  Plastic.  They won’t make it easier, just safer for the user and lens. 

[Ramsden]

Thanks, I should have asked!

[stevet1]

Ramsden,

You wrote, "How on earth do you assess clear glass?"

If you can see through it, you're good to go.

😀

Steve

[justadude]

I learned this one back in the 1980's...

Take a rag, and spray a very small amount of WD-40 onto one small section of the rag. Wipe off excess on a paper towel. Carefully wipe the threads of the filter with the rag, not touching the glass. Let it partially dry for a minute, then screw the filter onto the lens, then take it right back off. Look for any excess, and wipe it off. Then reattach the filter to the lens. It should come off easily next time. 

[Ramsden]

They're in the post arrive tomorrow. Thanks 

Ramsden 

[Ramsden]

Gary

Thanks. That makes perfect sense to me. Clearly a lot of care and attention is required. I'd also been wondering if I could use something like a graphite lubricant. Have you ever heard of that being done?

But given that I've just spent around £50 on B&W clear glass lens, I'm being very cautious.

Ramsden 

[zakslm]

Gary,

I’m not a big fan of WD-40 around my camera equipment and the like, but I like your suggested technique. 

I’ve used minute amounts of 3in1 brand Dry Lube (Often suggested as a lubricant for door locks and padlocks) to lubricant the pop-up flash hinges on my camera when needed.  I apply tiny drops with the head of a pin to the hinges, but that’s a different type of issue.   The advantage of a dry lube is that when it dries, it does not attract dust, dirt, lint, etc. like WD-40 or a wet lubricant may leading to future gum-ups.  

I wonder if it would work as a substitute for WD-40 in your suggested application?

Regard,

LZ

[zakslm]

Noooo!

No graphite lubricant!  Sorry to be so empathetic, but both the graphite powder or graphite grease (or lithium grease for that matter) don’t sound like a good idea. 

Make sure the filter threads on the lens are clean and clear of all dust, dirt and debris and don’t over-tighten the filter.  You should be fine. 

[jrhoffman75]

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@Ramsden wrote:

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 

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Place the lens filter down on a rug or bathmat and twist counterclockwise. Thatches always worked for me. The Amazon tools just twist and distort and don't work (for me). I keep any sort of chemical other than quality lens cleaner away from my camera,