1996 Renault Espace oil filter change

I am in the midst of an oil change on my Renault Espace and am having trouble screwing the new oil filter on. The new filter screws on easily up to the point of contact. I should now turn the oil filter 3/4 of a turn and it should be in place. Simples! But no. At the point of contact there is still 1/4 to 1/2 inches space before the rim of the filter touches the main body of the holder. I have tried buying a new filter from another supplier but have exactly the same problem. The filters were purchased using the log book as the reference. Has anybody any idea of what the solution is?