polarised filter dropped into sand

[pinco000]

Hi guys, while I was on holidays taking picture on the beach, I was using a polarised filter. I rotated the filter and it fell off into sand. I didnt attach the filter properly
I cleaned it as much as I could, but not sure whether the super fine sand got inside the filter.
Would you guys continue to use it or just buy a new one? Im worried I could loose picture quality. Thanks

 

[jerry12953]

Can you actually see any sand in the filter? Have you tried using it? Try taking a picture of a plain surface at f16 at minimum focus and have a look at the image at 100%.

Depending on the quality of the filter it will probably be more or less sealed anyway, I would think.

 

[kellett]

run it under water and use a blower should be fine, my filters get salt sand and grit all the time

 

[pinco000]

I cant see any sand inside the filter, but it sound a but weird when rotated? I will try your test jerry12953

 

[jerry12953]

If there's sand inbetween the two layers of glass i'm sure you should be able to see it. It could be a grain or two between the two metal rims, in which case a blower brush or a pin/knife could prise them out. Or if you rotated it a few times it might just get crushed and fall out. Doubt it would be a major problem.

 

[cymruchris]

Sounds like there are just a few specks of sand in the rotating surfaces - as suggested above might remove them - but if not, aside from being a bit of a pain in the neck, shouldn't affect the filter usage.

 

[gad-westy]

Hi guys, while I was on holidays taking picture on the beach, I was using a polarised filter. I rotated the filter and it fell off into sand. I didnt attach the filter properly

I wouldn't be too hard on yourself about not fitting it properly. The trouble with polarisers is that if you over-tighten them when fitting, they're a right pain to get off again. If you just nip them up, the changing temperature can loosen them. My top tip, once fitted is to only ever do any major adjustment of the CPL in the tightening direction. That way, it's highly unlikely, you'll ever unwittingly wind it off. I've not lost once since developing that habit. Still get plenty stuck on though!

 

[pinco000]

This is the first time it ever happened in many years. I usually tighten the filter and then its a bit of a pain to remove it like you said. Safety first.
Anyway, thanks for the tip gad-westy, will remember next time I use the cpl