UV Slimline filter with SAP on it??

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

06/14/2011 12:14:58 PM · #1

Help. I have a B+W UV slimline multi-coated filter ($100), and the other day I saw it had two very small 'beads' of sap. By the time I noticed them, they were already hardened. They do affect photos. How do I get them off? Do I CAREFULLY chip at them a bit?

I guess I could get a specifically designed cleaning kit, but I'd rather find some other way of cleaning it than spending another chunk of $$$... Suggestions?

giantmike

Canon EOS R6

06/14/2011 12:36:46 PM · #2

I would probably try rubbing alcohol to break up the sap. I'm not sure if that would affect the coating, but I wouldn't assume so.

amathiasphoto

Nikon D300

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

06/14/2011 12:37:58 PM · #3

I'd be tempted to put it in really hot to boiling water for several minutes then try cleaning it off.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

06/14/2011 12:44:58 PM · #4

If you know what the sap came from, you may want to put a drop on a piece of ordinary glass like a jar, let it dry, and experiment to see what dissolves it then use that on the good filter. Try dish soap and hot water on a cotton ball first, then if that don't work, try alcohol. As a last resort, turpentine (art supply store) on a q-tip. Chipping is not a good option, as it will still leave a spot where the drop was stuck to the filter, if it don't pull off the lens coating. With the liquids, let it soak for a while to hopefully soften up the sap. Rub some kind of oil that can easily be washed off on the filter just before the step where you physically try to remove the goo, and it will make the goo not smear to the rest of the filter as you attempt to remove it.
I hope you get it off without damaging the filter.

atupdate

Pentax K-R

Promaster 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR IF

06/14/2011 12:58:58 PM · #5

WD-40 on a Q-tip or cotton swab. Then you can wash the filter with soap and water to remove the WD-40.

Tim

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

06/14/2011 01:29:45 PM · #6

Originally posted by amathiasphoto:

I'd be tempted to put it in really hot to boiling water for several minutes then try cleaning it off.

That may get the sap off but will probably loosen the adhesive holding everything together as well.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/14/2011 01:53:02 PM · #7

Take the filter off and put it in the drawer. It won't affect your pictures then. :)

I'm half kidding, but there are many people who think that UV filters are very unnecessary to protect the lens. OTOH there are people who wouldn't think about taking them off.

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Canon

06/14/2011 03:54:13 PM · #8

Wow, that's a lot to think about. I guess I'm scared to try too much. If I ruin it---!!!! If I take it off---Well, I accidentally scratched another lens on my tripod. If something does work---???

Thanks for all the tips. If I find something that seems to work, I may post it in case anyone else is interested...

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

06/14/2011 04:10:00 PM · #9

The WD40 sounds like a good idea. I have used it on filter threads on polarizers and it does not damage the glass or coatings. I put it on with a tooth pick to control where it goes, but I have had it get on the glass, and cleaned it off with soap and water.

jamesgoss

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

06/14/2011 04:22:42 PM · #10

if WD-40 doesn't work, look at an auto parts store for a product called "bug + tar". It's used for bugs, road grease, and tree sap.
there's also a product (non auto) called goo gone, available at home contractor stores that should do the trick.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

06/14/2011 08:21:00 PM · #11

Originally posted by jamesgoss:

...there's also a product (non auto) called goo gone, available at home contractor stores that should do the trick.

WD40 may in fact work. If it doesn't, Goo Gone definitely will. Just make sure you don't get too much on there; it wicks like crazy.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

06/15/2011 11:47:57 AM · #12

Any news on this yet?

06/15/2011 10:47:03 PM · #13

Not quite. I'm still debating whether of not to try anything not 'approved' on the filter. I'm very busy for these next couple of days, but hopefully I'll get around to doing something soon.