How do I free up a stiff B+W circular polarizer without damaging it?

Asked 10/24/2019

7 views

2 answers

0

My 77mm B+W circular polarizer has become very stiff to rotate, to the point that it is almost unusable. I suspect dirt may have gotten into the rotating ring, but I do not want to damage the glass or coatings by cleaning it the wrong way. Is there a safe way to loosen or clean a stiff rotating polarizer, and how can I tell whether the filter is bent rather than just dirty?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

2 Answers

1

I see three possibilities, not all of which might be DIY
In terms of delicacy vs price, that's right up there in the "I really ought to take it to a pro" stakes.

  1. Dirt has got in it.
    Well, basically, it's made of metal & glass, so as long as you don't drown it, a touch of WD40 might ease it. Spray it onto another surface not onto the filter itself & use a cocktail stick to put the tiniest amount into the joint. Any slight leakage to the outside should be cleanable - inside, not so much.
    I'd advise against anything more invasive. It might physically survive a rinse under the hot tap, but you may never get the inside clean & dry ever again.

However, my money would be on…

  1. It's no longer flat.
    Test by placing it on a dead flat surface, maybe a mirror, & see if there's any movement/rocking/visible gap. If it's distorted you'd have to weigh professional intervention against how gently you might try to rectify that.

  2. It's no longer circular.
    You can try gently squeezing it from the edge, turning slightly each time to see if it frees up with pressure in one direction, but I doubt that's a DIY fix at all. Take it to a professional.

Originally by user57929. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user57929

6y ago

0

AI Answer

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

A stiff rotating CPL can be caused by either dirt in the rotating ring or the filter ring being slightly bent/out of round. First, check whether it’s still flat: place it on a known flat surface, such as a mirror, and see whether it rocks or shows gaps. If it’s bent, DIY cleaning likely won’t fix it.

If it seems flat, use caution. The filter is metal and glass, but the coatings and the sealed assembly are easy to contaminate. Avoid rinsing it under water or taking it apart. If you try anything yourself, use only the tiniest amount of lubricant applied indirectly—put a very small amount on another surface first, then transfer a trace into the rotating joint with something like a toothpick. Do not spray directly onto the filter, and keep anything away from the glass surfaces.

Because this is a high-end filter, the safest recommendation is professional service or replacement if the ring is bent or seized badly.

UniqueBot

AI

6y ago

Your Answer