Ok, I searched the forum and didn't find anything on point, so I will start this thread. I have B&W thin polarizing filters. They have a plastic push on lens cap (no threads in front and too thin for a stadard pinch type cap). The push on just won't stay on. Surprising for what seem like an otherwise quality-built piece of equipment.
Question is: Has anyone come up with a better solution for these?
I recently decided that I wouldn't fight with those B&W lens caps any longer. I've replaced my thin polarizing filters with Singh-Ray LB warming polarizers. My "retired" lens caps are back on the job and I couldn't be happier about that.
Memory is such a frail wraith in life. Once upon a time a particular lid from a Tupperware container was the perfect fit- A snug press-tight fit and less prone to falling off. I can't for the life of me remember which one though. I have one on my filter (It's a very attractive blue, BTW) and solved the loss problem. Perhaps someone with a better memory will chime in, or you might track down the source by googling Tupperware BW Lens Cap or some such. The only alternative I've seen is a friend who pierced his original lens cap with two small holes, then fed a piece of braided fishing line through them and tied to form a loop, then attached that to one of those elastic lens cap keepers. Not elegant by any means, and I really prefer the blue!
If the cap falls off on its own, I'd think that perhaps some adhesive foam or felt strips on the inner surface would provide a tighter fit. If it's coming off because of something rubbing it/pulling at it, then I'm not sure if there's a good answer other than a very tight fitting cap, like Hank is talking about with the Tupperware lid.
They wear loose real quick David, even though they're sorta tight when new. Before long, they'll fall of simply due to gravity.
I tried various fixes, but it seems as though BW has used some kind of "miracle" plastic for that flexible lid. It's darned hard to get anything to stick to it. Best I've found short term is a dab of rubber cement inside the rim at each of the four "corners," if there are such things on a round cap. Actually I just put the dabs at 90, 180, 270 and 360 degrees around the radius, then let it dry overnight before putting the cap back on the lens. That worked great, though the rubber cement eventually peels free and you have to reapply. It provides a little extra friction along with a faint "tack."
BTW- In looking for the Tupperware lid, be conscious of your filter size. It's specific to the lids. There's a perfect fit for my 77mm, but I never found one for my old 82mm.
I've picked that cap up off the ground more times than I can remember. I now consider it part of my exercise regime!
Posted by Fred Stearns on July 3, 2012 at 12:51 AM
The best fix I have heard of is to get the next size larger polarizing filter and a step up ring. That way you should not need to use the ultra thin polarizer with the push on cap that falls off. I have not tried this. The lens shade is another way around this problem, but that makes it hard to rotate the filter.
Well, many of these are not really a solution. Thanks for the Tupperware suggestion. If the solution I have found doesn't work, I may try that. The other suggestions amount to getting different filters. But what I asked was if anyone had a soultion for THESE filters :-).
I have ordered two "Hoodies" from Lenscoat. From the reviews I read, I expect them to be the solution to the problem. Will report when they arrive.
My wife had a suggestion that never occurred to me- Doh!
I'm a leatherworker, and it would be darned easy to make a suitable drawstring "bag" from soft leather such as suede. Make it deep enough to extend back near the mount of any lens, and it would be secure and even protect the lens. Dustproof, slightly padded, what's not to like? Same could be done with fabric, which you could toss in the washer now and then to rid of accrued dust.
Hank. Great idea. Could probably sew the useless cap into the end for some structure. I think the lens "hoodie" will end up being essentially the same thing. Will see. But if not, I will keep your idea in the queu. Thanks
The irony for me Andy, is that I've been making drawstring suede lens bags for years and we have them for most lenses. But I just never considered leaving one on the lens while on the camera with the cap was in place. Leave it to my wife to have the clear view of my world!
Your idea of incorporating the cap in the bag would be good, so long as the bag was compatible with all the lenses on which you use the filter.
Received the "hoodies" yesterday. On the Nikon 70-200 f2.8, its is a perfect fit - not too snug and not too tight. On the 24-70, for some reason, its a bit of a loose fit (seems like the barrel is the same and the lens filter size is for sure the same - 77mm). Will see how well it stays on. May need to switch to a smaller size. They seem to be what I needed, though.
For those who leave them on, these are made to go on over the hood. I don't, so I am putting the hoodies on over the lens. There is a stiff disc in the front, so there seems to be plenty of mechanical protection and the neoprene will give the front of the lens some protection, too.
Discussion
13 repliesQuestion is: Has anyone come up with a better solution for these?
Charlie Whiting
Denver, Colorado
www.charleswhitingphotography.com
I tried various fixes, but it seems as though BW has used some kind of "miracle" plastic for that flexible lid. It's darned hard to get anything to stick to it. Best I've found short term is a dab of rubber cement inside the rim at each of the four "corners," if there are such things on a round cap.
BTW- In looking for the Tupperware lid, be conscious of your filter size. It's specific to the lids. There's a perfect fit for my 77mm, but I never found one for my old 82mm.
I have ordered two "Hoodies" from Lenscoat. From the reviews I read, I expect them to be the solution to the problem. Will report when they arrive.
My wife had a suggestion that never occurred to me- Doh!
I'm a leatherworker, and it would be darned easy to make a suitable drawstring "bag" from soft leather such as suede. Make it deep enough to extend back near the mount of any lens, and it would be secure and even protect the lens. Dustproof, slightly padded, what's not to like? Same could be done with fabric, which you could toss in the washer now and then to rid of accrued dust.
Your idea of incorporating the cap in the bag would be good, so long as the bag was compatible with all the lenses on which you use the filter.
For those who leave them on, these are made to go on over the hood. I don't, so I am putting the hoodies on over the lens. There is a stiff disc in the front, so there seems to be plenty of mechanical protection and the neoprene will give the front of the lens some protection, too.