A few weeks ago I purchased a Hoya filter set and some step down rings. Installed the polerizing filter on one of the rings and they became mated for what I hope is not life. Any suggestions on how to seperate the two. I don't understand just how filters get stuck so tight but I've read where others has had this problem as well. The filters were not the most expensive filters out there so I'm wondering if the higher dollar (better quility) filters do not have this problem. I've bought some individual filters that cost more and haven't had this problem attached to the lenses, or could it be the step down rings. To date the only filter I've used with the rings is a filter out of the kit, the polerizing filter to be exact. Any help with this problem will be greatly appreciated.

http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/filter-stuck-on-lens.html

I've used a rubber band and a kitchen gadget that removes jar lids..

I swear by headphone leads... wrap them around the grip bit, twist the two ends together tight-ish (its surprising how lightly you actually need to twist) to gain purchase and turn  - works wonders for those really annoying CPL filters with a small grip and a large free-moving polarising part...

edit to add - and it saves you lugging round extra gear if, like me, you go out with tunes on ;)

Thanks for the advise, I will give it a try.

With a little tiny hammer, break the glass of the filter... then with a big pair of pliers you can grip both the inside and outside of the filter ring and twist it off... SIMPLE!

• before I get flamed... I've known digitaleagle for 53 years and counting... I'm just teasing him * :P

Gripping the ring is what causes it to distort and jam more tightly, so the clue is to find a method to apply force evenly and lightly around the whole ring then turn it.

Another method is to apply force to the front of the ring rather than the outside. You can do this by stretching a damp dishcloth over a smooth tabletop, then push the offending ring face down on the cloth, apply a bit of force downward and turn. Good luck!