For static (non-rotating) filters, I have the best luck simply placing the lens face down on a grippy pad and twisting the lens. The grippy pad holds the filter in place and you unthread the lens from the filter.
For c-pol filters with rotating frames, a rubber strap wrench is often the only thing that will grab on to the knurled segment of the filter.
When you feel your filter threads getting a bit rough and resistant, apply the tiniest smear of instrument oil to the threads with a toothpick and screw the filter on a few times to distribute it. Just avoid glass. This will last a while and make life with filters better.
I bought mine in several sizes to fit my lens filters. They are metal with a rubberlike coating on the gripping surfaces. I've had these sets for about 7 years and haven't needed them for my filters yet, but I always carry the size with me that fits the lens and filters that I have with me, and I have rescued several photographers with stuck filters while out shooting in parks and other tourist areas. They have never failed to save the day for someone. I don't remember the manufacturer, but I bought them from Amazon. Many of my orders come from Adorama and B&H in New York, so I suggest that you try these sources. They weren't expensive and just one rescue would more than pay their cost several times over. Look for the metal with rubber coating versions. I think you will be happy with them. Buy the correct size for your lens and filter size. Don't force fit them to a size they aren't designed for.
I have the Neewer filter wrenches, so I can't help you on brand choice. I've never needed to use mine, but if you are out somewhere and your filter wrench breaks, I think the key is to apply light equal pressure and spacing around the perimeter of the filter with your finger tips. If you just squeeze from opposite sides, I think this causes binding and makes it impossible to unscrew the filter. I think the tip with the mouse pad that someone mentions works because it doesn't bind the filter when you unscrew it.
FWIW, filters with aluminum threads are most commonly the culprits getting stuck on lenses. Here's a few tips I have used to minimize stuck filters.
1. When removing a filter apply pressure evenly, a slight deformation of the filter ring when gripped on the edges will jam it on the lens. Pressing down from the front with the palm of your hand and/or a grippy rubber coaster and rotating often will loosen it.
2. A rubber band wrapped around the filter edge will give you a bit more grip if you are going to grab the edges to rotate.
3. if you have issues or think you will, a very small amount of graphite powder brushed onto the filter threads before installing acts as a dry lube and will greatly assist in unthreading filters.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of filter wrenches. I always rub a bit of bees wax on filter threads. That prevents filters from getting stuck most of the time. If one is stubborn, it usually doesn't take much effort to dislodge it with a gripper pad or strap wrench.
If a filter is stuck while shooting outdoors, it is likely due to thermal expansion. A metal filter frame will expand more than a plastic composite lens barrel. Sometimes the best cure is bagging the lens or finding shade to cool the filter. Even rubbing ice on the filter ring can help.
CharleyL wrote:
I bought mine in several sizes to fit my lens filters. They are metal with a rubberlike coating on the gripping surfaces. I've had these sets for about 7 years and haven't needed them for my filters yet, but I always carry the size with me that fits the lens and filters that I have with me, and I have rescued several photographers with stuck filters while out shooting in parks and other tourist areas. They have never failed to save the day for someone. I don't remember the manufacturer, but I bought them from Amazon. Many of my orders come from Adorama and B&H in New York, so I suggest that you try these sources. They weren't expensive and just one rescue would more than pay their cost several times over. Look for the metal with rubber coating versions. I think you will be happy with them. Buy the correct size for your lens and filter size. Don't force fit them to a size they aren't designed for.
My go to is a B+W wrench I got from B&H. Pro's are it’s very grippy and very easy to handle (no twisting). Con's are it can’t handle firmly stuck cases. Then I use a rubber filter wrench. You can find small ones on Amazon (usually go down to 45-50mm). A few years ago I started using mag filters. They're nice but can get expensive, may not offer precisely what you want and brands are not compatible and, at least one, has changed designs and obsoleted old designs. I used anti seize thread lubricant for years. Really messy stuff but works. Right now I’m using a 6B pencil, not enough experience to render an opinion.
A very good solution is I'm in the process of selling all my FF and apsc ILC's and lenses. That will leave me with 3 RX100’s (all with mag filters) and an X100 VI I just picked up. Should go a long ways in reducing stuck filter issues.
Sorry, I don't know where I got these, but very likely from Adorama or B&H since I buy a lot from them. They have no markings on them except for the size, but they are metal, with a rubber coating where they grip the lens filters. If I had better information I would have included it.
Care when adding and removing threaded filters and never tightening to the point of significant friction when the stop is reached, and great care, so as not to cross thread filters when you add them will reduce/eliminate the need for filter wrenches. Significant friction when adding a filter usually indicates that it is cross threaded. Stop immediately. Remove It and try again. Treat them kindly and carefully to make certain that you don't overtighten or cross thread them and you won't need filter wrenches. Never do this when in a hurry. Stop, relax, sit down, and carefully add or remove the filter. This isn't a beverage cap. It only needs to be threaded on to the stop, about 3 lightly turned revolutions, not a quarter turn past the stop. If there is any friction, stop and check if it is cross threading. Only 2 fingers and light pressure should be necessary when installing or removing them.
jeffbuzz wrote:
For static (non-rotating) filters, I have the best luck simply placing the lens face down on a grippy pad and twisting the lens. The grippy pad holds the filter in place and you unthread the lens from the filter.
For c-pol filters with rotating frames, a rubber strap wrench is often the only thing that will grab on to the knurled segment of the filter.
I've ordered a couple of silicone grip pads from Amazon that are used to open jars and am going to give them a try.
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RoamingScott wrote:
I suggest a move to magnetic filters, Al, play the long game
I'm so deep into the $$ on my filters now though...but, yes, I've thought about magnetic. Maybe someday I'll give them a try.
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Taperwing wrote:
No personal experience, but reviews suggest the following to be a good option. With a steel core, I doubt breakage will be an issue.
Like Jeff, I have resorted to either rubber coated work gloves or a section of bicycle innertube cleaned with alchohol.
These look very much like the ones I purchase from Neewer. A great idea but the one I needed broke where the handle meets the filter holder.
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Jeffrey wrote:
When you feel your filter threads getting a bit rough and resistant, apply the tiniest smear of instrument oil to the threads with a toothpick and screw the filter on a few times to distribute it. Just avoid glass. This will last a while and make life with filters better.
One recommendation I received was to rub a coat of graphite from a carpenter's pencil onto the threads. I may give that a try.
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osidesurfer wrote:
I have the Neewer filter wrenches, so I can't help you on brand choice. I've never needed to use mine, but if you are out somewhere and your filter wrench breaks, I think the key is to apply light equal pressure and spacing around the perimeter of the filter with your finger tips. If you just squeeze from opposite sides, I think this causes binding and makes it impossible to unscrew the filter. I think the tip with the mouse pad that someone mentions works because it doesn't bind the filter when you unscrew it.
When these work they work great. Mine broke on the 2nd use though and thus this thread.
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JBPhotog wrote:
FWIW, filters with aluminum threads are most commonly the culprits getting stuck on lenses. Here's a few tips I have used to minimize stuck filters.
1. When removing a filter apply pressure evenly, a slight deformation of the filter ring when gripped on the edges will jam it on the lens. Pressing down from the front with the palm of your hand and/or a grippy rubber coaster and rotating often will loosen it.
2. A rubber band wrapped around the filter edge will give you a bit more grip if you are going to grab the edges to rotate.
3. if you have issues or think you will, a very small amount of graphite powder brushed onto the filter threads before installing acts as a dry lube and will greatly assist in unthreading filters. ...Show more →
I like the idea about the rubber band..will keep that in mind.
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jcolwell wrote:
A soft-strap oil-filter wrench works well with larger filters. If you can find a clean one.
Thanks!
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Flowernut wrote:
I use a rubber strap wrench from sears. never fails.
Sears...that's a name I haven't heard for a bit.
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jeffbuzz wrote:
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of filter wrenches. I always rub a bit of bees wax on filter threads. That prevents filters from getting stuck most of the time. If one is stubborn, it usually doesn't take much effort to dislodge it with a gripper pad or strap wrench.
If a filter is stuck while shooting outdoors, it is likely due to thermal expansion. A metal filter frame will expand more than a plastic composite lens barrel. Sometimes the best cure is bagging the lens or finding shade to cool the filter. Even rubbing ice on the filter ring can help....Show more →
Doesn't wax harden and dry with time? I'm not sure I want anything greasy up near my lens. Happy for you if it works.
Thanks for all the replies....sometimes you gotta' love the internet.
I had a problem 1 time and it was a "duzey"!
Ended up using an olde "bell(Mason) jar" wide rubber band tool for "stubborn" twist type jar caps. Worked immediately...gently though...
Dan
Danpbphoto wrote:
I had a problem 1 time and it was a "duzey"!
Ended up using an olde "Ball jar" wide rubber band tool for "stubborn" twist type jar caps. Worked immediately...gently though...
Dan
I tried to look up the link for it and it is so olde, they don't make it anymore! There were similiar "types ' in a google search but make sure you get a Non crushing, non scarring, band around the filter.
It is comparable to an olde time oil filter removel ratchet rubber band wrench.
You put the rubber band around the ring, ratchet the small black handle to size and gently twist...I lubricate the lense threads and the filters threads with a silicone lubricant(spray can) afterwards. Use a paper towel and very little lubricant.
Dan
