Polarizer Filter usage/finger print cleaning

[makf1127]

Hi everybody,


I recently purchaced my first polarizer, a B+W 77mm MRC Slim Circular Polarizer Filter. First I wanted to verify that I am using it correctly. To acheive its maximum effect, if the sun was directly above me I should set the notch in the filter to the sides (3 o'clock or 9 o'clock), if it was to my sides I should set it to the top or bottom (12 o'clock or 6 o'clock), is that right?



Next, my friend accidentally bumped my lens /w her hand and now I have two big finger prints right on the front of the filter. I'm wondering what is the best way to clean those off? Do I need some special liquid to clean it off? I have a LensPen here, I don't know if I should use that or not.


Thanks a lot (Btw, this is my first post, excited to get involved in the community!)


Best,


Nick

[Colin]

Spin it until you get the pop and contrast you want. You'll know when you see it.


Lens pen followed by some cleaning paper works well. in a pinch, I'll breathe on it and wipe it down with tissue paper, and then 'rocket' blow it or bush it off.


I think you want to remove any solid debris, first, before rubbing it in, and possibly scratching.


HURRY!

[makf1127]

I'm kind of bummed about my whole polarizing filter situation!





1.)
Has anyone else tried using a hood with the slim polarizer? It doesn't
seem practical to me, it's so hard to turn the ring on the polarizer.


2.) I have smudges from the finger prints that I can't seem to get off.


3.)
The cap for it is essentially useless, i press it on and it just barely
hangs on, if I were to try and put the camera in my bag it would just
come right off.


I really want to use it so I can enjoy the
benefits of having a polarizing filter, but the reasons above are just
making it kind of a miserable experience.


Could someone please offer some suggestions :)?





Thanks,


Nick





PS. I was just playing around with it, would there be any harmful effects if instead of using the front ring of the filter to rotate, i just don't screw it on completely and then rotate the entire thing? I'm not sure if it is just mine, but the front ring on my filter is quite difficult to turn, so this method seems more workable. If I can do this then using a hood would be much easier, and if I use the hood then I can actually use rubber bands to secure the lens cap to the hood (Not ideal, but it's the only thing that seems to work right now hehe)

[Colin]

Mine spins loosely, though that cap is pretty worthless...

[makf1127]

So if mine is VERY tight I guess it's a defect with my filter :(?

[Colin]

Yes.


You're supposed to be able to spin it easily.


I'd suggest asking for/demanding an exchange.