Hello all,

I have a question about what is the best solution for storing equipment when not in use. I've read bad stories of fungus and want to ensure I don't have this happen to my lenses. How about a ziplock with dessicant bag? A ziplock seems like a good item to have around (water-proof to some degree, going from cold to warm environment, etc.). I guess there are some nice dehumidifier cabinets available. But, I would like to keep my equipment in my bag ready to go. Thanks for the info. By the way I live in a lower humidity place, usually in the 60% range for relative humidity. Also, why don't manufacturers like Leica throw in a dessicant bag in the lens box from the factory, some lenses MUST sit around in a non-breathing dark environment in the boxes for quite a while before being sold.

-- Fred Fisk (yuma@yahoo.com), February 24, 2002

Answers

Fred, since you live in a low humidity place you need no extra measures. I live in a high humidity place and my Leicas, when not in use, live in their camera bag. Fungus, as I understand it, breeds in high humidity where there in no ventilation. If you use your Leica gear regularily that will expose it to ventilation (meaning just taking it out of the bag) your should have no worries.

-- Steve LeHuray (steve@icommag.com), February 24, 2002.

No leather! I prefer breathable storage, such as a simple domke bag. I've used a lightware case to haul a load of hasselblad items around, and never had a problem (since 1989 or so if thats long enuf).

Think no organics, no dust, no humidity, good ventilation, and easy climates. I prefer a well ventilated closet (my walk in doubles as a safe when need be, but it has very good air flow).

-- Charles (cbarcellona@telocity.com), February 24, 2002.

Fred- I live in New York City. It can be quite humid in the summer and I keep my gear in its Tenba bags. I also keep several silica bags in with my gear as well as a humidity indicator. When the latter exceeds 30%, the silica bags are changed. This is safe, simple and effective.

-- Albert Knapp MD (albertknappmd@mac.com), February 24, 2002.

Personally, I would have to tendency to use Pelican Cases, with dessicant. I don't need to worry about this as my Leica is with me 24/7.

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.com), February 24, 2002.

Rather than those little bags of silica-gel, I prefer to use the little capsules than come packed with pills and / or meds.

Regards,

-- Alan Purves (lpurves@mnsi.net), February 27, 2002.