Folder camera in the sub tropics

[Out to Lunch]

I'd appreciate feedback from RRF members living in the (sub)-tropics on the effect of humidity on the bellows of a folder camera. I am thinking of buying a Bessa III but concerned about longevity in a (sub) tropical environment. Many thanks for your feedback!

 

[hanskerensky]

I have read many articles from the early fifthies from (Dutch) photographers working in the tropics (Indonesia). The humidity not only affected the bellows but also the metal and glass parts of their folders. Many problems with fungus and oxydation. The only good way to avoid that was keeping the camera as much as possible in a metal or glass container together with a drying cartridge (like silicagel) and seal the seams with tape. The drying cartridge had to be de-humified regulary.

Rollei for instance sold a special tropical case for their Rolleiflexes which included extra space for the drying cartridges.

 

[netoga]

I live in Lima, Peru. Humidity here is around 80% or more all the time, but in summer.
I have all my photo equipment in bags inside a closet. If the bags are sealed there is no problem at all. (I have more problems with fungus in my clothes than in my camera and lenses)
I actually have the Fuji GF670 with its Fuji case, which actually fits very well the camera and protects it from fungus.
I also use a drying cartridge, but not really sure if it helps.

 

[sevo]

Even in the past, the no-leather "Tropenkamera" editions were only made for special conditions - most of the tropics and sub-tropics are rather on the dry side, and if any you'd have to fear heat if you are negligent and leave camera bags in the direct sun or inside a car.

In rain forest or monsoon regions (or even good old Ireland, not exactly a tropical region) you'll have to counter the effects of dampness at least seasonally, but for that you don't need to do anything more than store the camera over night in a Peli case (or air tight cabinet) with fresh silica gel, or inside a air conditioned apartment - it needs a 24h exposure to damp to make fungus grow.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

This camera in my collection looks rather untouched, an old Contessa Nettel Tropen Adoro. It was bought in the late 1920's in Batavia, Dutch Indonesia and used there many years: (it still has a little shield which bears the name of the photocompany in Batavia).
These cameras where made of teakwood and special non-corrosion (nickel plated) metal parts. Don't know what kind of stuff the bellows are, but they look also rather untouched.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I just had another peek at the Contessa Nettel Tropen Adoro...what a beautiful camera! Thanks for sharing. I used to live in Sumatra, in a non-AC environment and remember a lot of my stuff would get moldy over time...leather goods, clothing...more or less, everything! This time around I'd end up in a place with, at least one AC room and so things should be more manageable. Again, your feedback is much appreciated!

 

[hans voralberg]

If possible invest in a dry box, it really helps.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

In Singapore I had a very simple solution to fungus/mold on shoes, cameras, clothes etc.
The bottom of the wardrobe cupboard had a false perforated floor underneath which was a 15W-25W bulb left permanently on and so warming the air. The top of the wardrobe door had a vent to allow the rising warm and moist air to exit. Worked a treat and could be left operating year-round.

 

[oftheherd]

In Singapore I had a very simple solution to fungus/mold on shoes, cameras, clothes etc.
The bottom of the wardrobe cupboard had a false perforated floor underneath which was a 15W-25W bulb left permanently on and so warming the air. The top of the wardrobe door had a vent to allow the rising warm and moist air to exit. Worked a treat and could be left operating year-round.

That was the recommended solution for many GI's in Vietnam. However, I didn't have mould problems personally with boots (regularly shinned with shoe polish) nor with other leather items, including the case for my Yashica SLR. Clothing had to be watched as it was washed daily and was hard to dry in the raining season.

 

[mgd711]

If possible invest in a dry box, it really helps.

I keep all my cameras in 2 dry cabinets. The perfect solution for a humid environment.