What is the best method for storing camera gear in a high humidity environment?

ronmurphy

Member
I’m worried about fungus growth on my expensive glass. When storing camera bodies and lenses long-term, is a simple dry box with silica gel enough, or do I need an electronic dry cabinet? I need a detailed guide on the ideal humidity percentage for storing camera equipment so I don't ruin my sensors. Any tips on storing camera bags to prevent musty smells would also be great.
 
The most effective long term solution to prevent the destruction of your pricier equipment by fungus and moisture is to an electronic dry cabinet you get to choose the humidity and that is all you need to do. Silica gel putting in a plastic box is safe in short jumps but it is a gamble in long term. When the gel reaches its utmost extreme the humidity is increased, and you will not be aware of it until it is extravagant. The RH range of 40 to 50% is the best range of keeping your gear is the range that will ensure fungus is never a part of your problem.
but not that dry that it snaps the rubber seals on or dries up lens grease.

The following is a bare bones instruction manual on how to maintain your kit in a perfect state:

1. Clean Before You Store
Wipe down all the stuff and then put it away lens barrels and bodies using a microfiber.
cloth. Fungus is fond of the small particles of skin oil and dust, and therefore a clean lens is secure.

2. Pick Your Gear Home
Provided you can afford it, take an electronic dry cabinet. Otherwise, get a decent airtight so-called dry box--
a Pelican case or a hard Tupperware is good- works- put silica beads of changing colour in it so.
you will know when precisely to dry them in the oven.

3. Dial in the Humidity
Aim for 40% to 50% relative humidity. If you go above 60%, you’re inviting fungus to grow; if you go below 30%, you might actually dry out the internal oils that keep your lens mechanics moving smoothly.

4. Don’t Store Gear in the Bag
Another mistake that is often committed by a rookie: camera bags consist of foam and cloth, which absorb moisture and spores. Store lenses and bodies in your dry box/ cabinet, and push the bag aside somewhere with a lot of airflow.

5. Fix the Musty Bag Smell
In case the bag has already picked up a bad smell, add a couple of charcoal sachets with activated charcoal to it. “bamboo air‑purifying bags.” They are much superior to perfume in attracting scents and water.

Only thing you need to remember is that light and air are the greatest enemies of fungus, and it is important to draw in your gear. go out roundabout, and get a breath of air now and then!
 
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