How can I safely remove a stuck screw-on filter from a lens?
Asked 6/30/2011
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2 answers
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A UV filter is stuck on the front of my Canon 16-35mm lens and I can’t unscrew it by hand. What’s a simple, safe way to remove a stuck screw-on filter without damaging the lens or filter threads?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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I carry a jar lid gripper around in my kit which has always done the trick for me when I need a little extra, well, grip.
The other 'trick' that I have learned over the years is that most people's default reaction to a stuck filter is to get a really good grip on the filter and just try to torque it off. The problem with this approach is that the filter glass is rarely a snug fit inside the metal filter rim. Because of this, gripping the filter firmly often results in the metal filter rim flexing ever-so slightly... Which binds it to the lens even more tightly. With such tiny threads a flexed filter might as well have lock-tite in there!
So it seems paradoxical, but often I've found that by loosening my grip and very gently turning the filter mostly using pressure on the top of the filter, rather than on the sides (which can cause it to flex) I can get it to turn.
Originally by user2838. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2838
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Try increasing grip without squeezing the filter ring too hard. A common mistake is gripping the filter tightly and twisting hard, which can flex the thin metal ring and make it bind even more.
Safer approaches:
- Use a rubber jar-lid gripper or a couple of elastic bands to improve traction on the filter ring.
- Apply gentle, even pressure around the ring rather than pinching one spot hard.
- Try a lighter grip while turning; paradoxically, this often works better than squeezing hard.
- If it still won’t budge, use a dedicated filter wrench, or ask a local camera shop to remove it.
The goal is to avoid bending the filter ring or damaging the threads, so use grip aids first and force second.
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