Can't get the polarizer off my 80-400 VR

[j_wittenberg]

.... any solutions .... got back from vac'n at sealevel, now at 4000

feet ... would that have anything to do with it?

 

Can't get a grip on the (tiny, super narrow, smooth) non-rotating

ring of the circular polarizer, any solutions that won't wreck the

lens or (rather expensive) filter?

[jim_interlicchio1]

You could try using a rubber jar lid remover. I have used this method before when removing stuck UV filters. When using it make sure you grip the non rotating part of the polarizer and slowly twist.

 

Good luck

[jim_interlicchio1]

If that doesn't work you would want to grip both rotating and nonrotating parts with the rubber lid remover so that it doesn't rotate then turn slowly but firmly.

[todd peach seattle, washi]

Jim has hit the high points, but I'll add, 'try even pressure'. When you're trying to apply force to something like a filter, the natural tendency is to squeeze it hard between your thumb and index finger. This can distort the ring and work against you. With a normal filter, a great technique is to push the filter ring against the sidewall of a car tire and rotate it off. The 'even pressure' works the filter loose without distorting the filter ring.

 

Try Jim's technique with five or more fingers equidistant around the fixed part of the ring.

[jim_interlicchio1]

What Todd said - thanks for the "fine tuning"

[alex_lofquist]

There is an old photographer's trick that consists of using the "rubber band" for a vacuum cleaner to get a grip on things. If you are not an old photographer, it will probably work anyway.

[Jerry_]

Sears has a 'rubber' ring wrench that may work. Or you can find a wide-rubber band. Don't use too much force and the filter should loosen up.

[watchin]

Derivative of above... (and I'm a semi-old photographer ;{)

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Use rubber jar lid circle thingy (technical term), place flat on counter, place lens filter flat down on thingy, moderate pressure down on lens, hold thingy with one hand and turn SLOWLY and EVENLY on lens with other.

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if you get 1/4 turn on thingy, then it should spin off by hand.

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if you've dinged (another technical term) the lens or filter right...all bets are off..take it to camera fixer guy ;{)

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hope that helps

[Rick Waller]

GJ - you rmethod works fine with a normal filter, but will not be effective with a polarizer. The outer ring is made to turn without affecting the thread that screws into the lens.

[Carl Stone]

Eric, not if it's a Nikon polarizer. They allow themselves to be removed with the outer

ring because they're specially keyed not to allow continuous rotation.

[watchin]

Eric, I agree is "not supposed" to work but the gentle downward even pressure will usually make the inner ring spin a little and all you need is to nudge (watch out another technical term) the inner ring from it's lodged position.... has worked for me many many times over the years (that's why I carry a thingy in my "tool kit")...

[brian_hinther2]

And thinking ahead, if you'd rather not have a next time, consider a B+W or Heliopan filter with a brass mount rather than aluminum. The brass is much less likely to seize.

[j_wittenberg]

Actually the filter is a Rodenstock polarizer, I don't think it's brass though ... and it's got a very low profile ... hence the problem.

[dan_andrews]

J you posted two interesting topics at the same time. If I ever need to impress my High Commander I'll get a polarizer stuck on her camera and then remove it using one or more mof the techniques described herein; thank you all in advance.

[Rick Waller]

GJ and Carl... well, live and learn I suppose.

[michael_bradtke]

I keep in my kit two filter wrenches I got them from porters and I think I paid $10.oo for the pair. I use them every once in a while to get filters of off my employers camera...They are cheep insurance and they dont mess up the filter like vice grips.