Stuck lens filter on old legacy lens


hollister

Member
I have a old legacy lens with a lens filter stuck on it. I have tried using a filter wrench to try and get it out but it's dead stuck. Anyone has any tips to help me get it out or any shops that can help me do it? Thank you, advice is most appreciated.
 

apply a little bit of WD-40 (or similar product) into the grip of filter thread, let it sit for awhile, and try the method again.
 

I have a old legacy lens with a lens filter stuck on it. I have tried using a filter wrench to try and get it out but it's dead stuck. Anyone has any tips to help me get it out or any shops that can help me do it? Thank you, advice is most appreciated.

In case Catchlight's suggestion to use WD40 did not loose whatever that hold the screw thread tight.

You can try this method that has always worked for me. If you have any Blu Tack putty, make 2 to four fair big lumps and tack them evenly in distance on the filter's glass surface. Now that you have traction with the putty lumps on the surface of the glass, position your fingers on the putty and twist the filter off the lens with even pressure. Always works for me.
 

When all else fails I take the lens in hand and gently tap the filter edge on something softer than metal (usually a formica countertop) around the entire circumference of the filter. Usually they twist right off easily. Works for stubborn lids on jars as well. I've had to do this several times with lenses acquired from auctions and rummage sales that haven't seen the light of day in years. I have never done this with an AF lens and probably wouldn't.
 

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thanks guys for all your help, but still can't get it out... Does any of u know whether there are camera shops that can help me with this? Like the camera hospital?
 


just tried these methods.. still does not work :(

I suspect that the filter thread has fused very tightly to the lens thread. If you are brave, you can try the 'sawing off the filter' instruction from the second link (dpchallenge) suggested by shierwin.
 

I suspect that the filter thread has fused very tightly to the lens thread. If you are brave, you can try the 'sawing off the filter' instruction from the second link (dpchallenge) suggested by shierwin.

Girls usually not good with saws, and some guys too. :-)
 

I sawed my kenko filter off before. 15mins job.
 

Unless you have a good reason to have the filter removed, just leave it alone.
Maybe fatigue here in cs can help. His hp is in his signature :):):)
 

Silly it may sound and not trying to insult anyone, ensure the orientation is correct. It does occasionally happens especially when tools are used. Happened to an old hand I know, ended locking it dead tight, instead....."An old cat that got it's whiskers burnt"
 

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The lens might have been dropped or knocked which can cause the filter thread to be misaligned.
Hold the lens on the front barrel if you want to try to unscrew. Otherwise, removing by force may damage the lens internals.
Using a saw to cut the filter may result in small metal dust to touch the front optics


The first step is to check if the filter is really misaligned. Check for unevenness on the gap between the filter and lens.
If misaligned, the glass filter has to be removed using a lens spanner, some filters have the retaining rings at the back so it's tricky sometimes
Place a lens tissue on the front optics followed by a cardboard as protection. Then you can start cutting.
I used a custom made tool to grip and cut the filter. Easier and faster
 

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