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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Filters stuck together
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 09/30/2009 11:00:51 PM · #1
Hi all!

I have a new lens and filters that I am having a bit of problems with. I put a UV filter on the end of my lens to protect it from life, and I stack filters on top of that as needed. I have a graduated ND filter that I was using and it got stuck on the UV filter to the point where I had to take the UV filter off the lens and put the filters in a vise to get them apart. The next day I was super conscious to make sure that I didnt screw the ND filter on tight, and the same thing happened. I had to use a screwdriver to get the grip to get them apart.

What can I do to keep the UV filter and ND filter from sticking together so much?

Thanks for your suggestions!!!
 09/30/2009 11:07:34 PM · #2
Filter wrench
Look here
09/30/2009 11:40:28 PM · #3
To get them apart, a quick fix if you don't have access to a filter wrench, is to put a flat rubber band around each to make gripping them a lot easier.
I put a small amount of teflon dry lube in the threads of a couple of my filters that tend to stick. I put it on with a tooth pick because it comes dissolved in a solvent in a spray can. A little WD40 put on with a tooth pick works too, but you have to be careful not to smear it on the glass parts. Wipe it off with a soft cloth after applying, and enough will stay in the threads to keep them working nicely for a while.
Sometimes you can turn a stuck one off by using a piece of the rubber non slip stuff that you use in cabinets and on shelves. Lay it over the filter, and turn it by using the palm of your hand flat against the end of the filter. That way you are turning the ring along the entire edge so it does not distort and jam. For two filters stuck on each other, put the rubber stuff on a table, lay the pair on it, then cover it with a second piece, and turn the top one with your palm.
10/01/2009 12:12:12 AM · #4
Using rubber gloves you may have in the kitchen can also help.
 10/01/2009 12:22:35 AM · #5
Oh, and remember, "Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty" LOL
10/01/2009 03:20:43 AM · #6

ditto on the grippy shelf liner tip--works great between palms too and avoids the squeezing of the rims which distorts them into slight oval shapes that will never spin
 10/01/2009 04:00:58 AM · #7
One thing I noticed is that the harder you try to loosen a filter the harder it is. Maybe you're holding it too tight when trying to remove it.

I went on a road trip this summer and got my brand new ND filter stuck to one of my other filters. Everyone in the family tried to get it unstuck and we were trying everything we could think of, even put it in the freezer per mom's request. My last try was with the grippy stuff from a couple of our camera straps. I was squeezing and turning as hard as I could, and finally gave up. When I flopped back in the couch my arm got bumped which caused me to turn the filter and it came undone with no effort. Of course my response was, "You've got to be fucking kidding me..."

I think by squeezing to turn it we were actually bending the filter rings or something, so by relaxing and having a good grippy material it came right off. My dad said he's had the same thing happen to him. When you give up it just comes undone.
 10/01/2009 08:48:40 AM · #8
Originally posted by brumer0:
... What can I do to keep the UV filter and ND filter from sticking together so much?

Thanks for your suggestions!!!

I've been watching this thread and wondering if anyone had an answer to his main question, because I'm curious also.

Getting the filters apart isn't that difficult with the right tool/instrument...I think his biggest question is how can he keep the filters from getting that tight in the first place?

I wondered if something like a graphite lubricant or some wax in the filter threads would help, but then I'd worry about messing with the filter and or lens glass.
 10/01/2009 09:10:21 AM · #9
Grease the threads with crisco.....When all else fails lube always works.
 10/01/2009 09:12:08 AM · #10
Usually I do something like put another filter on it or attach it to a lens and then use the lens to get that additional leverage.

Worst case scenario is 2 pairs of plyers and a trip to Calumet for a new filter.
 10/02/2009 09:54:29 AM · #11
Hm.. The filter wrench seems like a good addition to the camera bag. As far as from keeping them from being stuck together in the first place, I guess there isnt any one solid answer to that. The WD40 idea (being applied lightly with a QTip) probably is the best idea, but I dont really like the idea considering we are talking about filters and stuff. But still, it is a good solution that Ill probably end up using. As for now, Im going to order the filter wrench!

Thanks all for your comments and help! Any more ideas/recommendations would be greatly appreciated by all!
 10/02/2009 11:54:23 AM · #12
wd-40 is sort of a solvent. you might want to be careful getting it on any 'coated' filters.

cooking spray would probably be a safer bet, with similar results.

Message edited by author 2009-10-02 11:54:36.
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