Can't remove broken filter, please help

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/25/2008 10:18:53 AM · #1

I have a Nikon 85mm f/1.4D lens that is less than a month old. I added a 77mm UV F-Pro filter (which wasn't cheap).

Last night I opened my camera bag and found the filter was broken, with a couple of big ugly cracks through the glass. I don't remember doing it, but I must have given the camera a hard knock because there is a dent in the rim of the filter. The dented-in part is preventing me from removing the filter -- it feels like it is "fused" onto the lens.

Any suggestions? If I take it to a reputable camera store, do you think they'll be able to remove the filter for me? I thought about trying to bend the rim back with a pair of plyers, but I don't want to damage the lens itself -- if I haven't already done so, damn it!

(Actually, a quick test shows the lens appears to be okay, but I can't believe I knocked my camera that hard and was completely unaware of it.)

Thanks,

togtog

Nikon D300

06/25/2008 10:22:51 AM · #2

Do you have a different lens that you can take a picture of the area in question? I cannot visualize the dent.

Opps, this somehow got omitted...
I know I've seen some little tools somewhere, like a jar opener for forcing a stuck filter off, but I dunno where I saw them sadly nor if they would work for you.

Message edited by author 2008-06-25 10:29:52.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/25/2008 10:23:35 AM · #3

I had something similar happen with one of my filters, but managed to work it off the lens. Normally, you'd use these, but a dented filter isn't going to turn around the threads. Sounds like a repair job to me. :-(

If it's not dented too badly, you might try a tight rubber band around the filter to help you get a grip on it.

Message edited by author 2008-06-25 10:25:34.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

06/25/2008 10:25:39 AM · #4

If it was me, I'd call Nikon and inquire about sending it in for repair. I wouldn't take chances with a nice piece of glass like that. Yes, it will cost you probably more than a few dollars, but you'll sleep better knowing it's taken care of properly.

Even if you do get the broken filter off, you'll not be able to put another one on until the rim is repaired. :-/

togtog

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/25/2008 10:25:54 AM · #5

Originally posted by scalvert:

Ah yes, those are the wrenches I was referring to, yay scalvert!

BMacD

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

06/25/2008 10:31:53 AM · #6

If you have a steady hand, I would take a fine hack saw and partially cut through the ring. Stopping before you touch your lens.

Option 1) take two pair of pliers and "break" the ring at the cut.
Option 2) insert a screw driver into the slot to expand the joint, then turn off.

Option 3) Do none of the above and take to a reputable camera store!

Bruce

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/25/2008 10:36:41 AM · #7

Thanks for all your replies, guys. I think I'll call Nikon and/or take it to B&H Photo after work tonight. Hopefully it's just the filter rim that is bent and not the lens itself. I'd hate to (further) damage the lens trying to remove the filter.

PS: togtog, I'll try to get a photo of the damage when I get home (no other lens on me at the moment), but without a macro lens it might not even show up. It's a pretty subtle dent.

Tom

Canon EOS-5D

06/25/2008 10:45:27 AM · #8

If you have one of those rubber blowers (to clean your sensor) squish it flat over the front of the lens and turn. It will take the filter right off. You could also use one of those rubber things that help open stuck jars.

I've used the rubber blower trick countless times and it always works

jrtodd

Nikon D850

06/25/2008 10:45:52 AM · #9

You might also try getting on of those rubber coated jar openers to help you out. Put the rubber mat on a flat surface, take the lens off the camera and place it filter down on the mat, with very little downward pressure rotate the lens. The problem I always have trying to get a filter off is the harder I try the tighter it seems. This always works for me, but mine are dented...yet.

Good Luck

A little late I guess....

Message edited by author 2008-06-25 10:46:23.

ben4345

06/25/2008 01:58:57 PM · #10

Stick you lens and filter in the freezer for 30mins and try to take it off then.
DO this at your own risk!

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

06/25/2008 02:12:11 PM · #11

UPDATE: The B&H website doesn't say anything about camera or lens repairs. I found there is an authorized Nikon lens repair shop here in New York ("Photo-Tech Repair Service Inc.; 110 E. 13th St."). I'm wondering if I should take it to Photo-Tech, or if I'd be better off shipping it to Nikon's repair service.

Does anybody have any experience with using Nikon's repair service?

Btw, I now vaguely remember someone bumping into my camera bag last night at a crowded intersection -- it never occurred to me that they hit it hard enough to cause damage, though, so I forgot about it until now.

EDIT: I think the grip suggestion and other suggestions might work if the filter were merely on too tight, but because it is actually dented in, I don't want to try to forcefully unscrew it. It might damage the lens threads.

Message edited by author 2008-06-25 14:13:53.

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/25/2008 02:14:20 PM · #12

When I had this happen I took it to a local camera shop and they took care of it for free.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

06/25/2008 02:17:37 PM · #13

Originally posted by yanko:

When I had this happen I took it to a local camera shop and they took care of it for free.

That's something I hadn't considered! Well, I bought the lens and filter at B&H, maybe I'll start there after all. If they don't want to touch it I can take it from there.

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

06/25/2008 02:44:57 PM · #14

Originally posted by citymars:

...I can't believe I knocked my camera that hard and was completely unaware of it.

This is the point where I blame the kids. ;-)

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

06/25/2008 03:03:07 PM · #15

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

Originally posted by citymars:
...I can't believe I knocked my camera that hard and was completely unaware of it.

This is the point where I blame the kids. ;-)

Funny I blamed the cat when mine broke. Of course it would have been good of me not to leave my lens on my desk right where one of the cats likes to jump at.