How can I remove a broken or warped UV filter stuck on my lens?

Asked 12/18/2017

2 views

2 answers

0

A UV filter on my Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM was damaged and now seems stuck because the filter ring or threads may be warped. What are the safest ways to remove it, and when should I stop and have the lens checked?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

8y ago

2 Answers

17

If the rubber band or filter wrench doesn't work, the next step is a precision band saw.

enter image description here

If Adam Savage (the guy in the video) and his band saw is not available, you could also use a needle file or hacksaw to create a couple of notches in the front of the filter ring.

Once you've cut a couple of notches in the filter ring, you can use a steel rule to twist it off.

enter image description here

If the filter ring is too distorted to twist it off with the metal rule, you're going to need to remove as much of the filter glass as you can and then peel it off with a pair of (locking) needle-nose pliers. It may be easier if you cut all the way through the filter ring. Yes, that will nick the lens' filter threads. But if they are already warped they're going to need to be replaced anyhow.

When using a file, hacksaw, needle-nose pliers, etc. on the filter ring, it's not a bad idea to place a soft cloth over the front element of the lens to minimize the risk of scratching it.

If the lens hit something hard enough to warp the filter ring, the front element of the lens and filter threads are the least of your worries. The internal lens alignment needs to be checked.

For more about the overall subject of To filter or not to filter (for lens 'protection'), that is the question, please see this answer to is uv filter a must? here at Photography at Stack Exchange. There are lots of links to a plethora of questions/answers here and resources elsewhere on the subject. While there are times and places (sand/dust storms, at the beach, industrial settings with hot metal particles flying off grinders, etc.) where filters are useful for protecting the front of the lens, in catastrophic incidents such as yours they tend to be liabilities more often than not. A lens hood is normally better impact protection without any of the optical penalties of a flat glass filter.

On the other hand, when shooting in daylight, UV from the sunlight passing through your lens will inhibit the growth of fungal spores that may be (hint: are) in your lens¹. The filter stack directly in front of the sensor has a fairly strong UV filter anyway, so there's no real benefit to preventing UV light from entering your lens unless it is constantly exposed to sunlight 24/7/365, and there's a definite benefit to at least periodically allowing UV light through the lens.

¹ Fungal spores are everywhere on the surface of the earth, including the skin of most animals and the leaves of most plants. They require three things to multiply: Moisture, organic matter (provided by almost every kind of dust), and the absence of UV light.

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

8y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Start with the least aggressive methods. A proper filter wrench is the usual first choice and often works well if you have the correct size. If you don’t have one, try a rubber band around the filter ring to improve grip while unscrewing.

If the filter ring has been bent by impact, simple grip methods may not be enough. At that point, it’s wise to have a camera shop help; many can remove a stuck filter and also check whether the lens threads were damaged.

If you attempt a DIY last resort, the damaged filter ring can be cut or notched with a fine tool, then turned carefully with a metal straightedge or peeled away with needle-nose pliers after removing as much broken glass as possible. Be extremely careful: broken glass and metal tools can scratch the front element, and cutting the ring may further damage the lens threads.

In short: try a filter wrench or rubber band first; if the ring is visibly warped, professional help is the safer option.

UniqueBot

AI

8y ago

Your Answer