Stuck filter

<p>I have a UV filter stuck on my Tamron 150-600 lens. I have tried the methods I have found online, but nothing seems to get it to move. I used a rubber band for a better grip and also some rubberized material for twisting can lids off. I also tried using heat with a hair dryer. None of this even let the filter move at all. I haven't found a filter wrench to use because the filter is 95mm. Any suggestions (other than taking it to a camera store--I live in a small city in Western Oregon and there are NO photo stores left)?</p>

<p>rubberized strap wrench from hardware store, auto store, Sears, Amazon, etc</p>

<p>When you use the rubber sheet type opener, do not squeeze the <em>sides</em> of the filter, but put pressure straight down onto the filter either by using the palm, or perhaps better, by holding the lens straight down onto the rubber mat and twisting (in the right direction, for sure).<br /> If that's not what you were doing, try it; it usually works. Sideways pressure can distort the filter shape and make it harder to get off. The vertical pressure may also help to reseat the filter closer to its actual screw threads.</p>

<p>Hi Lonnie, I have a suggestion for removing stuck filters. If you have a tennis shoe with a flat rubber sole, you can press the filter against the sole of the shoe and twist. It has worked numerous times for me. The shoe gives you something firm to grip. Good luck.</p>

<p>It's a good idea to have a set of filter wrenches on hand. These are split rings with a handle that apply pressure evenly to the perimeter of the filter. They work when nothing else will.</p>

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<p> I also tried using heat with a hair dryer.</p>

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<p>Wrong direction. Materials expand in heat. Try JDM's advice. Press downward on the filter ring with your palm and turn.</p>

<p>This is what I was talking about...</p>

<p>http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=filter+wrenches&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ps</p>

<p>Thanks for all of the advice. I will probably try all of them. If I break the filter, I don't care (it's a Vivitar). I just don't want to screw up the threads on the lens.</p>

<p>Okay, I tried all of the above and still can't get it off. Has anyone tried to use a glass cutter to score the filter and then tap it until it comes out (carefully)? I also noticed that the filter glass is completely loose -- you can spin it around in the filter frame. I don't care about the filter--I just want to get it off.</p>

<p>Okay, I finally found a way to get it off. I went to the store and purchased a metal pliers-type oil filter wrench. It adjusts from 51mm to 95mm. I was able to grip onto the filter only and it came off quite easily.</p>

<p>It's not unusual for filters to be loose within their frame. Most are held in place by an internal snap ring or a threaded collar. It's not important to be tight, with the possible exception of polarizing filters.</p>

<p>I once read about a technique of taking hold of just 1 side of the filter w/ the thumb & forefinger opposite of one another(almost touching) & twisting it counter clockwise. It worked surprisingly well. This will put fingerprints on the outside surface, but if the priority is to get the filter off, then so be it. I tend to doubt this would have helped in your case, though. I always carry 4 filter wrenches, 2 ~ 55mm & 2 ~ 80mm (probably stretchable to ~ 95mm). I use almost exclusively B+W MrC or Nano filters. I have only once had a problem removing a B+W filter. (Brass rings) It was a Nano Kesselman (sp?). The inner ring is very narrow, barely allowing the wench to get a purchase on it. I only turn a polarizer clockwise (facing the camera) to make sure I don't inadvertently loosen it while tuning it for the desired effect.<br>

Hope this might be of some value to someone, Jay Drew</p>

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<p>I routinely get my polarizing filters stuck even though I try to keep them somewhat loose. It usually happen when I am going between temperature extremes. I found that this extended jaw wrench from Edmund works well. However you have to remove the plastic jaws to get a good grip. I like to oil filter wrench idea that someone else had posted earlier<br>

http://www.edmundoptics.com/lab-production/component-handling-tools/tweezers-pliers/soft-jaw-pliers/2931<br>

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J253G-2-Inch-Cannon-Pliers/dp/B001937V2W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1421941114&sr=8-5&keywords=soft+jaw+plier</p>