Stuck Lens Filter

Jan 31st, 2018 7:01 pm

#1

FoodieEd [OP]: Jr. Member; May 11, 2015; 166 posts; 194 upvotes; Vancouver, BC

Jan 31st, 2018 7:01 pm

Hello guys,

I purchased a used Canon 24-105mm L series lens and it looks pristine in the front glass, so I never bothered trying to remove the lens filter during the pre-purchase inspection. However, upon trying to remove it, it seems to be stuck. I did try using a rubber band and am hesitant on trying to use the blow dryer on the lens and lens filter to try removing it. Do you guys have any other suggestions as to how I could try to remove it? When using the rubber band to try to remove it with the added traction, I fear breaking the lens if I apply too much force.

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Jan 31st, 2018 8:16 pm

#2

bvit6667: Deal Addict; Nov 30, 2011; 2593 posts; 1186 upvotes; GTA

Jan 31st, 2018 8:16 pm

There are lens filter "wrenches" available on eBay. I've used them in the past with great success. You use two - one goes on the filter the other on the lens and you can just twist off the filter. I'm not sure if any local camera stores carry them. They may also be available on Amazon

Have a Question? Don't be afraid to ask.

+1

Feb 1st, 2018 10:37 am

#3

kangmlee: Deal Addict; Aug 1, 2010; 1311 posts; 1115 upvotes; Montreal

Feb 1st, 2018 10:37 am

The extreme thing to do is to bring it a local store and ask them to saw it off. Most have done it before already and won't damage your lens.

+1

Feb 1st, 2018 3:04 pm

#4

bhrm: Deal Fanatic; Jul 13, 2009; 5020 posts; 3196 upvotes

Feb 1st, 2018 3:04 pm

Blow dryer first, safer than a heat gun.

Feb 1st, 2018 11:25 pm

#5

thericyip: Deal Addict; Jun 29, 2008; 1894 posts; 548 upvotes; North York

Feb 1st, 2018 11:25 pm

Bought a rubber jar opener at a dollarama before and it worked on a filter that was stuck.

+2

Feb 1st, 2018 11:33 pm

#6

FoodieEd [OP]: Jr. Member; May 11, 2015; 166 posts; 194 upvotes; Vancouver, BC

Feb 1st, 2018 11:33 pm

aerok wrote: ↑The extreme thing to do is to bring it a local store and ask them to saw it off. Most have done it before already and won't damage your lens.

I am very interested in watching this happen, but not on my lens. Haha.

thericyip wrote: ↑Bought a rubber jar opener at a dollarama before and it worked on a filter that was stuck.

I was just about to click on the ship to this address button on Amazon when I saw an email notification about your post. Might try this and see if it will save me a few dollars. Could you advise if it looks something like this? https://www.magnifyingaids.com/store/im ... er_LRG.jpg

Feb 2nd, 2018 1:34 am

#7

aznrsx1979: Sr. Member; May 11, 2008; 836 posts; 378 upvotes; Vancouver

Feb 2nd, 2018 1:34 am

Could a wrench for oil filters work as well?
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/fram- ... p.html#srp

Feb 2nd, 2018 10:17 am

#8

bvit6667: Deal Addict; Nov 30, 2011; 2593 posts; 1186 upvotes; GTA

Feb 2nd, 2018 10:17 am

Whatever you decide to use, you should try to use two of them - one on the filter and one on the lens. If you only use one all the twisting force you are using is transferred to the lens and may damage it. That is why the dedicated lens filter wrenches are sold in pairs.

Have a Question? Don't be afraid to ask.

Feb 2nd, 2018 10:54 am

#9

kangmlee: Deal Addict; Aug 1, 2010; 1311 posts; 1115 upvotes; Montreal

Feb 2nd, 2018 10:54 am

Feb 2nd, 2018 3:18 pm

#10

Jonavin: Deal Addict; May 19, 2005; 4189 posts; 1052 upvotes; Markham

Feb 2nd, 2018 3:18 pm

Elastic bands. I actually got tired of stuck filters so I only buy brass filters now. I haven't had one stick.

Some people just don't get that online forum posts shouldn't always be taken seriously.

+1

Feb 2nd, 2018 3:34 pm

#11

traderjay: Deal Addict; Sep 23, 2014; 1957 posts; 675 upvotes; Toronto, ON

Feb 2nd, 2018 3:34 pm

Use an inverted compressed air can and cool down the lens filter. Then take a non-slip cloth and try to twist it off.

Mining & Workstation EPYC 7764 64 Core & Dual 5950x Rigs | ASUS STRIX RTX 3090 OC | 3X NEC PA301W | 64GB DDR4 ECC |5 TB Samsung NVMe Storage

Feb 2nd, 2018 10:30 pm

#12

thericyip: Deal Addict; Jun 29, 2008; 1894 posts; 548 upvotes; North York

Feb 2nd, 2018 10:30 pm

FoodieEd wrote: ↑ I am very interested in watching this happen, but not on my lens. Haha.

I was just about to click on the ship to this address button on Amazon when I saw an email notification about your post. Might try this and see if it will save me a few dollars. Could you advise if it looks something like this? https://www.magnifyingaids.com/store/im ... er_LRG.jpg

https://www.magnifyingaids.com/store/im ... er_LRG.jpg

+1

Feb 11th, 2018 6:06 pm

#13

EP32k2: Deal Expert; Jan 15, 2006; 18236 posts; 17404 upvotes; Richmond Hill

Feb 11th, 2018 6:06 pm

Try a mouse pad. The problem with grabbing the ring to twist off is that it's soft and deforms easy and that's what makes getting it off hard. The trick is not to apply side pressue.

Feb 12th, 2018 2:02 am

#14

FoodieEd [OP]: Jr. Member; May 11, 2015; 166 posts; 194 upvotes; Vancouver, BC

Feb 12th, 2018 2:02 am

jackrabbit000 wrote: ↑ Channellock pliers worked for me. Just make sure you don’t squeeze it too hard.

Could you please advise what you did with the Channellock pliers? Did you break the filter glass and spin the filter ring?