Water in My CP Filter

[hondafans]

Just purchased a used B+W CP Filter and decided to clean it with a little water. Looks like I now have water between the two element. Can I get the water out or have I ruined the filter?

[hfgarris]

I would assume that it will eventually dry out on its own, or you could accelerate the process with standard drying practices (heat, dry rice, silicate packs). I would not be surprised however, if it creates visible residue between the two elements as it dries. Although visually objectionable, there may not be any impact on the quality of your images (similar to scratches on the surface of a lens).

...just my guess...

-howard

[ed rader]

Just purchased a used B+W CP Filter and decided to clean it with a little water. Looks like I now have water between the two element. Can I get the water out or have I ruined the filter?

there's got to be a way to separate the two elements. i know the hoya CPLs have a spring that holds the two together.

ed rader

[HankScorpio]

On a "closing the stable door after the horse has bolted" note, don't clean filters with water as water contains minerals which can and do cause micro scratches. This will first of all remove the coatings on the filters and eventually cause visible scratches.

[jrsforums]

there's got to be a way to separate the two elements. i know the hoya CPLs have a spring that holds the two together.

ed rader

There are not two elements...similar to your polarized sunglasses.

There is a "sandwich" with the polarizer sheet material between two pieces of glass (or plastic), but separating them will most likely ruin the filter.

The "spring" you are talking about just holds the filter in the metal housing. Actually, I believe Hoya has changed from the ring spring to a cheaper stamped in holder, which cannot be removed....and can loosen.

Deep imersion in water or high humidity can get water in between the sandwiched layers. That is why the (more expensive) B+W Kaeseman filters have the edges fused.

John

[ed rader]

There are not two elements...similar to your polarized sunglasses.

There is a "sandwich" with the polarizer sheet material between two pieces of glass (or plastic), but separating them will most likely ruin the filter.

The "spring" you are talking about just holds the filter in the metal housing. Actually, I believe Hoya has changed from the ring spring to a cheaper stamped in holder, which cannot be removed....and can loosen.

Deep imersion in water or high humidity can get water in between the sandwiched layers. That is why the (more expensive) B+W Kaeseman filters have the edges fused.

John


we were out shooting the other day and i swear my buddy's hoya CPL came apart in two pieces. i gave him my leatherman and he fixed it. but i was driving and i wasn't really watching what he was doing.

ed rader

[hondafans]

So what should I do, set it in the window for the the next week or throw it away?

[argyle]

Let it dry out, then take some test shots with it. But as someone else has already posted, tap water will tend to leave behind a residue and most likely spotting (like what happens to your car when you wash it). Unfortunately, once it gets in between the glass sandwich, it's extremely difficult to clean. Sorry to say, but it make a better coaster for your beer glass.

[hondafans]

Let it dry out, then take some test shots with it. But as someone else has already posted, tap water will tend to leave behind a residue and most likely spotting (like what happens to your car when you wash it). Unfortunately, once it gets in between the glass sandwich, it's extremely difficult to clean. Sorry to say, but it make a better coaster for your beer glass.


That's what I thought. Expensive lesson.

[Jjayd]

That's what I thought. Expensive lesson.

;) now you know CPL can't be cleaned by water.

[pwm2]

I can definitely recommend B/W Käsemann filters in case the filter may get subjected to rain or high humidity.

Let the filter dry and then go out and check the results. Especially test shooting in the dark against a bright light (for example a street light) to check for reflections and loss of contrast.

[CanonHowitzer]

.....definitely recommend B/W Käsemann filters .....


Yes.
:)

[hondafans]

5 days of sitting in the sun, with no change. At this rate I will be a very old man before it dries out.

[Tsmith]

5 days of sitting in the sun, with no change. At this rate I will be a very old man before it dries out.

Maybe send in for warranty repair and see what happens.

[hfgarris]

5 days of sitting in the sun, with no change. At this rate I will be a very old man before it dries out.

Sounds like it is pretty well sealed and the original water may have entered by capillary action. Have you tried drawing the moisture out by sealing it in a zip lock bag with dry rice or silica gel packs?

-howard

[hondafans]

Sounds like it is pretty well sealed and the original water may have entered by capillary action. Have you tried drawing the moisture out by sealing it in a zip lock bag with dry rice or silica gel packs?

-howard

Tried silica packs

[Tsmith]

Schneider U.S.A. (http://www.schneideroptics.com/service/service.htm)

[hondafans]

Sent to Schneider

[hondafans]

Rep at Schneider said water won't hurt filter. Suggested I send so they could determine problem.

[Todd Lambert]

Definitely why I stick with B+W Kaeseman filters.

I'd try the silica gel treatment, or rice and see if that helps things along. Otherwise, maybe try putting it in the oven set on a very low temperature and heat it up.

[hondafans]

Definitely why I stick with B+W Kaeseman filters.

I'd try the silica gel treatment, or rice and see if that helps things along. Otherwise, maybe try putting it in the oven set on a very low temperature and heat it up.

Don't think it's water at this point.

[Todd Lambert]

What else would it be? Oil of some sort?

Anyways, that sucks.. CPLs aren't cheap enough for a learning experience.

[hondafans]

What else would it be? Oil of some sort?

Anyways, that sucks.. CPLs aren't cheap enough for a learning experience.

Hopefully they will replace it as B+W comes with a 10 yr warranty. They thought it might be delaminating and said water should have no effect on performance.

[pwm2]

Maybe it has delaminated.

[heckcare.der]

try to wash it with distill water. distill water does not leave dry marks after it dries up.

[hondafans]

try to wash it with distill water. distill water does not leave dry marks after it dries up.

It's be sent back. Hopefully I get a new one.

[jrsforums]

we were out shooting the other day and i swear my buddy's hoya CPL came apart in two pieces. i gave him my leatherman and he fixed it. but i was driving and i wasn't really watching what he was doing.

ed rader

I have "popped" the 'C' ring on the filters.....it is just on sandwiched layer...which if you understand polarization is what you would expect.

John

[hondafans]

B+W confirmed delamination. They will be sending me a new replacement. Unlike what some have suggested, the B+W does no just sandwich a piece of plastic between the two pieces of glass, but bonds it to one of them.

[hondafans]

Filter arrived and it looks like they may have sent an upgrade. Great Customer Service.

http://www.schneideroptics.com/Ecommerce/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?CID=680&IID=3265

To bad I just sold my last 77mm lens today