Here are some techniques for separating filters that are stuck to each other or stuck on a lens.
Filter wrenches are available at most camera stores. You'll need two -- one for each filter, or one for a filter and one for a lens that is stuck on, Be sure to check the diameter of the filter/lens and buy the filter wrench that will fit.
Some use the rubber pads that are also used for opening jars.
One technique is to place the rubber pad on on a counter, place the stuck filters on the pad, and turn the top filter with another pad.
To keep them from getting stuck, store them in the boxes they came in. Some come in plastic 'boxes,' some in light cardboard.
1) brass filters especially can be temperature sensitive. Changing the ambient temperature (a few minutes in a fridge, or in a warmer environment) can sometimes unstick a stuck filter.
2) The large rubber lens rings that you can get from Micro Tools or eBay for $15 or so often do a great job.
3) On some filters (many CPs and most variable ND) if the rubber ring doesn't get the filter off, you can use it to remove the retaining ring holding the glass in place, remove the glass, and then get the filter ring off and reassemble.
If it's a circular polarizer and another filter, I've had a lot of luck by simply gently turning the polarized portion back and forth. Don't apply any force, just simply turn the rotating part back and forth. Eventually, the filters will come apart as if there was never a problem. The last time I tried this, it took about 15 minutes, but eventually the filters just unscrewed. If neither filter is a polarizer, I hold the filters, and gently turn them with the lightest pressure using only my finger tips. They'll eventually release, but they key is to hold them VERY gently. The more force you use, the more it will warp the filters, and the harder it will be to unscrew. If the filters are cross threaded, the gentle method doesn't work. It'll take brute force and something like a filter wrench.
Here's what I did to unscrew two B+W filters recently:
Place them flat on a hard rug or rubber flooring. While sitting down on a chair, place the rubber heel of your boot or running shoe over the filters to apply some gentle pressure, then rotate your foot counter-clockwise to unscrew them apart.
Might be worth a try since it saved me from purchasing filter wrench.
I have some Adorama filter wrenches and they honestly suck. A lot.
I finally was able to get the CPL off the ND last night using the freezer method and a lot of swearing.
Chris: Will try the graphite idea. I saw that somewhere else too.
Zebrabot: Exactly!
Just trying to put some tricks in the gamebook for when this happens in the field. Oddly I never have issues getting filter off of lens... just off eachother... and its almost always the thin CPL stuck to a step-up ring or another filter. All B+W and brass.
i don't think you want to try the graphite option. the carrier chemistry and such may not agree with the coatings on the glass surfaces that they may get in contact with in addition to the polymer parts.
sjms wrote:
i don't think you want to try the graphite option. the carrier chemistry and such may not agree with the coatings on the glass surfaces that they may get in contact with in addition to the polymer parts.
He suggested a graphite pencil, not graphite lubricant. No carrier involved, just dry graphite. Sounds like a reasonable suggestion.
I always carry 1/4 wide rubber bands with me. When a filter gets stuck I strap a rubber band on to enhance the grip. I have never needed anything more. Filter wrenches are a) fragile b) IMO less than useless. The suggestion of not squeezing the filter hard when trying to release it is a good one. Especially for the flimsy Hoya frames.
for thin CPL filters, ive found that if i just keep rotating the outer portion of the filter enough, it eventually just works itself free. It almost seems like the more i try to force the base off, the less likely it is to come off.
GroovyGeek wrote:
He suggested a graphite pencil, not graphite lubricant. No carrier involved, just dry graphite. Sounds like a reasonable suggestion.
I always carry 1/4 wide rubber bands with me. When a filter gets stuck I strap a rubber band on to enhance the grip. I have never needed anything more. Filter wrenches are a) fragile b) IMO less than useless. The suggestion of not squeezing the filter hard when trying to release it is a good one. Especially for the flimsy Hoya frames.
your right i didn't read it correctly. just solid graphite.
NightOwl Cat wrote:
Another couple of tips are dishwashing gloves, or rubber bands, don't grip the filters too hard, either.
+1
Often the reason they won't come apart is you are squeezing too hard on them... the harder you try to get them apart or off the lens, the more it's going to stay put... less is more here...
JimFox wrote:
Often the reason they won't come apart is you are squeezing too hard on them... the harder you try to get them apart or off the lens, the more it's going to stay put... less is more here...
Jim
I always figured they could detect how angry I am at them being stuck together and were being stubborn on purpose.
I had one stuck bad and got fed up so left it on my desk overnight. Next day tried again and slid right off. Filters are evil.
I need to just buy a square filter setup and call it a day.
The tips above all sound great. Over the years I have been tempted at times to grab my old faithful water pump pliers! A sure method! Oh well didn't need that friggin filter anyway!
2bits
