Tool to Remove Filter from Lens?

[Jayraywin]

So i managed to get my CPL filter stuck onto the end of my lens Canon Lens and was wondering if they make a tool to grip both the focus ring and the filter ring you want to remove? Anyone else had this issue or offer any knowledge? I would think there would be some kind of C-Shaped adjustable tool out there.

Here are the specific parts I am working with.
XIT Pro Series Digital CPL Filter 58mm
Canon EFS 18-55MM

[Manfred M]

I have a set of these and need to use them occasionally

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...rench_Set.html

[Jayraywin]

I have a set of these and need to use them occasionally

Thats perfect thanks! I was trying to twist by hand but was worried about messing up the focus of the lens.

[Stagecoach]

Hi Jayraywin,

The problem of a stuck filter can at times be solved by gripping it in three of four positions when applying equal pressure equispaced around the diameter if you do not have a tool. This reduces the distortion that often makes them appear tight.

Grahame

[jcuknz]

Another source for you Filter Wrench was the search name.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...ngJavascript=1

[Inkanyezi]

I have done the operation umpteen times in the past when I worked in a photo shop, and the tool I use is a normal European mains cable for lamps, the flat type that is about 6 mm wide. It's wrapped once around the filter rim, applying pressure evenly around its perimeter, and if needed another part of the cable wrapped around the lens front. This operation is often needed for removing polarisers, that have an outer part that rotates, and where the inner part that's threaded is difficult to grip.

Usually the battery charger for the camera has this same type of cable.

So there's no reason to buy tools for this chore.

[ajohnw]

Strap wrenches can be very useful for this sort of thing especially for griping the part that mustn't be damaged. There is a type that is usually listed on ebay with BOA / boa constrictor in the title. The belts on them are a bit wide for filters but can they can be reduced in size with scissors. If some damage to the part that needs to be removed doesn't matter there is a wide range of jar cap removers about that will grip narrow things. Several layers of masking tape can on this part can help with the damage aspect even if a plumbers pump wrench has to be used. Ebay tend to call these pliers. They may not open sufficiently for many filter sizes.

Hard lessons learnt restoring microscopes.

John
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[DanK]

I bought inexpensive filter wrenches, but one immediately broke. Usually, it is enough to place a small-diameter but ideally thick rubber band around the filter, which gives enough grip to loosen it. The worst, in my limited experience, is thin CPLs.

[shreds]

A lot also depends on why/how it has become stuck?

Usually cross threading is the norm, but after dropping a lens (god forbid!) the filter can be damaged by becoming distorted. (In which case it is usually a case of trying to save the lens without further damage).

If not using one of the purpose made tools, any piece of strong rubber or the Boa products will give enough friction to allow the filter to GENTLY be extricated. Don't use anything of metal which is likely to crush or cause worst distortion and/or crack the filter, although you should, perhaps be prepared for this to save the lens.

Quite often as with many threaded devices, trying to gently TIGHTEN marginally further, say 1/16 turn if possible before slackening it off, will assist, and if it is cross threaded, don't back it fully, off straight away, you should gently see-saw to and fro, so that you re-establish a thread line, a bit like a dye maker would when cutting a new thread, (which is effectively what you are doing).

[bobrobert]

I haven't tried it myself. Tie wraps tightened was recommended by someone ..... somewhere.

[The Blue Boy]

A tried and trusted way is to put a rubber band around it. Leave it for a bit (It's surprising how warm our hands are) in a coolish place then go back and it'll come off easier than you think. I've only ever had to do this twice. Works a treat.

[Colin Southern]

For me the usual issue hasn't been cross-threading - it just seems to tighten all by itself, so "trick #1" is to only screw them in VERY lightly to start with.

The "trick" with getting them out is to not apply any local pressure at any one point around the periphery (it distorts the ring) - hence the reason anything that allows it to be gripped without applying local pressure often works well (even a shoe lace tied into a circle and twisted up with a stick).

I had a CP jam once - it hadn't been put on tight, but for whatever reason, if just refused to come off. I had to separate the two pieces of glass to get it off in the end

[Polar01]

Been there, done that, got another filter. It seems to happen with the Tiffen more often than with the B+W CP filters.

Cheers: Allan

[Inkanyezi]

Aluminium bites more often than brass. So it is just natural that the B&W won't stick to the same extent. That is the actual reason they use a different material for the ring.

[Bobobird]

Similar to the flat wire method the other one is to place lens filter facing down on something rubbery, then push down and twist very very gently. Works 99.9% of the time.

[Inkanyezi]

Similar to the flat wire method the other one is to place lens filter facing down on something rubbery, then push down and twist very very gently. Works 99.9% of the time.

Problem is that it won't work on a polariser, a variable ND or round graduated ND, as their front end rotates freely on the ring that is stuck.