CP filter stuck on Zeiss 21mm Distagon ZE

So I just received my 82mm B+W Kaesemann slim CP filter. I removed the B+W UV filter from the lens and screwed on the CP filter. While turning the outer ring of the CP filter, it's possible I tightened the filter on the lens even more as I was getting used to the feel and size of this new filter on the lens. Since this CP filter has no front threads and I can't use the lens cap, I wanted to take it off and put the UV filter back on the lens...only I couldn't get it off, and I tried for several minutes. I only used my bare hands, and I certainly didn't want to do anything to damage either the lens or the filter. Both are brand new. Any suggestions?

Just unscrew it. As long as you know which direction to turn it, you should be fine.

Try 1 of those tools they use to open jars.
Unless it's been damaged, you are likely squeezing the filter into an oval.

Yeah, your lens is probably a goner... I'll buy it from you for scrap, just let me know.

I'd look into gettng a filter wrench. They're cheap and work.

You can make your own with a large rubber band, too.

All I can think of is to try and spread the grip around the filter by using one of those rubber strap tools that pensioners use to open jam jars!

You could also try the "sticky" rubber sheets sold for the same purpose. We use it ourselves, because my wife has arthritis and cannot grip things.

The fact that its a slim filter you are having a problem with makes me wonder whether its twisting out of shape slightly as you try to remove it.

A couple of methods:
http://www.ehow.com …ve-stuck-lens-filter.html

Thanks for all the suggestions (and the link). Good stuff to try. Guess I won't have to just toss the new Zeiss lens in the trash afterall! Phew!

Grip is the key, use anything made from rubber to hold the filter and turn it should surrender. You can use rubber bands, gloves, etc.

I'm curious why you have a polarizer on a 21mm lens to begin with. No sky in your images?

I'm planning to do some landscape photography at the beach and ocean. I want good contrast and separation of sky from ocean water and the beach itself, especially when the sun is strong and there's a lot of glare.

Well, take some pics and tell us what you see. Because of the very wide angle, a polarizer will have strong light fall-off. For the application you mention, a gradient neutral density gel type filter will get you there.

But hey, you tell us how it works.

Lowner wrote in post #10582988
All I can think of is to try and spread the grip around the filter by using one of those rubber strap tools that pensioners use to open jam jars!

You could also try the "sticky" rubber sheets sold for the same purpose. We use it ourselves, because my wife has arthritis and cannot grip things.

The fact that its a slim filter you are having a problem with makes me wonder whether its twisting out of shape slightly as you try to remove it.

Agree with said suggestion--it's how we open tight jars, and it requires a LOT less force.

If you can't find one of those jar opener "grips" that some others have suggested...

Get a rubber band and put it around the filter. That usually gives you enough extra grip to get the filter loose. I keep a few in my camera bag for just that reason.

Once off, use a candle and rub it on the filter's threads. Wipe off any extra, but leave a little wax behind, which should lubricate the threads and help keep it from sticking again.

Oh, and ditch the UV filter... It serves no purpose. (Actually, I would possibly use one at the beach, to keep salt spray off the lens... But I normally don't keep UV filters on my lenses for "protection".)

If shooting sunsets, remove all filters... unless you want flare, ghosting and low contrast images.

amfoto1 wrote in post #10585872
If you can't find one of those jar opener "grips" that some others have suggested...

Get a rubber band and put it around the filter. That usually gives you enough extra grip to get the filter loose. I keep a few in my camera bag for just that reason.

Once off, use a candle and rub it on the filter's threads. Wipe off any extra, but leave a little wax behind, which should lubricate the threads and help keep it from sticking again.

Oh, and ditch the UV filter... It serves no purpose. (Actually, I would possibly use one at the beach, to keep salt spray off the lens... But I normally don't keep UV filters on my lenses for "protection".)

If shooting sunsets, remove all filters... unless you want flare, ghosting and low contrast images.

Best suggestion of all!

you can try using a rubber strap wrench, like this