33 replies to this topic

[echeng]

Hey, guys. Do any of you know what I should use as a tool to remove the inner retaining ring of a circular filter?

I'm speaking specifically of a 72mm UR Pro filter. The inner ring has two notches exactly opposed to each other...

[MikeVeitch]

Hey Eric

I just use two small screwdrivers, (did it the other day) but don't do it by yourself, have someone hold the filter on a table while you do it, once you get it started then its easy...

Or... use calipers...

[CamDiver]

Eric,
I can't for the life of me remember the name of the damn thing but way back when I used to do some Technical Drawing at school we used to have what looked like a drawing compass but with two needles on it and a threaded central bar with an advancing screw. You could set the diameter exactly and not risk the thing expanding or contracting (in this case resulting in possibly scratching the lens). Grind down the ends a bit to dull the points and I would imagine that you'd have the perfect tool for the job at hand.

mark.

[echeng]

A drafting compass! good idea...

[PeterCatchpole]

the proper tool, by the sounds of things, is CIRCLIP PLIERS, they don't cost much and will save a lot of swearing, especially when the blessed circlip goes flying across the room because the wrong toll is being used.

[Steve Douglas]

Eric, Couldn't you just send the L&M housing back and have them remove it for you as well as insert whatever you plan to put in its place? I assume the expodisc.
Steve B)

[wagsy]

You really need a 67mm ring and filter to go in that as it needs to sit inside the end of the camera. I think you may find that if you screw a 72 mm ring on the end of the camera it will hit the flip arm.

I used two tiny screwdrivers

[videodan]

I too, used two tiny screwdrivers to remove the threaded filter retainers, both on Expodisc and URPro CC Filter. The filter element from the 72mm URPro CC Filter fits perfectly inside the filter mount on the FX1/Z1, and the threaded retainer screws right in to secure it, recessed from the end of the camera.
Dan

[Barrett Heywood]

Just to help my favorite Wetpixel founder out. A compass will probably work fine as will a couple screw driver if the ring is not too tight.

However, McMaster Carr sells what they call Heavy Duty Fixed-Tip Retaining-Ring Pliers. I think that what Peter is calling CIRCLIP PLIERS.

The McMaster-Carr info is

5449A93
Heavy Duty Fixed-Tip Retaining-Ring Pliers Internal W/Straight Tip, 1-9/16"- 3-15/16" (40-100mm) Bore Dia
In stock at $18.60 Each





If you are going to do a bunch of this or just want a cool tool for $85, you can buy 5770A1
Adjustable-Arm Spanner Wrench Set with 3 Pair Of Tips
In stock at $86.10 per Set.



FYI We're also investigating mounting a Expodisc in our flip macro rings.

-Barrett

[PeterCatchpole]

one and the same, I think, another example how we are separated by a similar language. The essential point is that the correct tool is used. Thanks Barrett for the image.

[echeng]

Hey, thanks, Barrett!

I found some circlip pliers online, but none of them will span out to 67mm or 72mm (whatever that inner diameter is). Those tools you show seem the best. I will probably give the small screwdriver thing a try, but I'm deathly afraid that i'll slip and scratch the crap out of my new $220 UR Pro filter.

Good luck with your investigations! In the meantime, we'll rig up our own...

[echeng]

By the way, it's funny to walk into a U.S. hardware store and ask for "circlip pliers." they looked at me like I was crazy.

[hoovermd]

By the way, it's funny to walk into a U.S. hardware store and ask for "circlip pliers."  they looked at me like I was crazy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This type of thing is only understood by Industrial Suppliers
Need a "Plunger fot my loo" and you might find it at a Hardware Store...

[brycegroark]

I was told to get the circlips at an auto store like NAPA - they are more for automotive use - even Lowe's didn't have them here in Hawaii(no shocker, I guess). However, same issue - when I went to Napa, they didn't have one that fit the 67mm and larger.

Wags, I got your Hoya set and the bugga ring is on their tight. I pretty much ruined the +1 as a guinea pig, but they are the hardest retaining rings I've ever dealt with!

This shouldn't be that difficult. Why the hell are they on so tight from the manufacturer, I wonder?

[jcclink]

The drafting instrument referred to above is a divider. It might work - file down the 2 tips.

[Alex_Mustard]

I have always just used a pair of scissors - just open them to the required diameter.

Alex

[RebreatherDave]

The way you remove the aluminum carrier is to send it to me return posage prepaid and I will return the glass to you after I grind off the aluminum carrier.

A Wetpixel limited time offer exclusive....

[wagsy]

I used two tiny watch making screwdrivers..yes you have to be careful but you can pry out the retaining clip quite easy. Its abit like taking the lock ring of a truck trye just on a smaller scale.

Dave...a grinder

[Dixter]

Funny thread here....

its called a " spanner Wrench "

The clip plyers are for working on the " C clamps "

The ones with the small holes at each end of the C...

[Dixter]

Here's where you can purchase one....

http://www.micro-too...&Store_Code=MTE