Leica LTM Best way / environment to store cameras / lenses ?

[Luddite Frank]

Now that I'm at a point in my life where I can finally indulge myself in finer cameras a bit, I began to ponder what is the best environment / protective measures to store my gear when it's not in my shoulder-bag for a shooting session...

( Assuming the general premise of starting out with a "cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, etc" )

When I have a camera out for use, I like to have it in the leather eveready case, to protect the body from dents & wear, but is it better to take the body out of the eveready before putting it back in the closet for what may turn into months or years of hibernation ?

Same general question regarding lenses... also, better to store them in a bubble / bakelite tube, zip-loc bag with desicant packet, on the camera, etc ?

Also, I have been told that it is best to store Leica's with the shutter cocked... is this true ?


Thanks for you input...

Luddite Frank

 

[jesse1dog]

I'm collecting 1litre ice cream boxes (empty!)
I intend to put a few very fine air holes in the lid and base and store cameras without case inside. Because the boxes are fairly clear I should be able to see what is inside without taking lids off.
Thought I would put an identity card in with the camera - basic information like camera and lens number, when bought, price, filter size, service history. Seems all that should go on a file card.
Hope this helps.
jesse

 

[landsknechte]

I'm not sure about cameras, but I always hear not to store knives in their scabbards, as moisture can get trapped in there and accelerate the rusting of the blade. I'd imagine the same would hold true for everready cases and cameras.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Humidity-controlled cupboards -- I use the Chinese-made Wonderful Dry Cabinet - are best and may cost less than you think. Storing the camera in its case isn't a very good idea, and most shutters store better uncocked, though this should make far less difference than just about every other variable you can think of in the short term (weeks/months).

Cheers,

R.

 

[wolves3012]

If you want to cosset them an airtight container or enclosure of some sort would be best, with a dessicant to keep them dry if you're in a damp climate. In "normal" climates I'd have thought that ventilation would be a better option. Definitely better out of the case, since they can hold moisture. Cocking shutters is not a good idea since it leaves springs under more tension than uncocked does. With modern spring-steel it's less of a problem than is usually thought but it's still avoidable. It's also well worth "exercising" shutters periodically, to keep lubricants distributed. I tend to "play" with my empty cameras! That's my excuse anyway...

 

[eric]

Anywhere away from my wife, kids and dog. In that order.

 

[amateriat]

Everything I've learned about equipment storage can be summed up here.

(I finally got the entire Traveling Wilburys canon via iTunes tonight...just so you know)


- Barrett

 

[Dralowid]

No caps, no cases, no leather. Not too cold, shadow, a tiny bit of warmth, not airtight and left unwound...above all, dry.

'bout sums it up

Michael

 

[Luddite Frank]

How about any sort of padding or say putting camera in a soft flannel bag ?

 

[wolves3012]

How about any sort of padding or say putting camera in a soft flannel bag ?

Not unless there's a serious risk you'll be shaking them around. Anything absorbent like flannel is going to hold moisture...not good news unless there's a good airflow, even then I'd say better without.

 

[cmogi10]

Hm...in my bag, they see use every day.