Low Humidity Camera Storage?

[giganova]

Hi all --

High humidity is the enemy of vintage lenses because fungus and mold can grow inside the gear. As you can see from the graph below, fungi & mold can't grow when the humidity drops below ~55%. I live in a high-humidity area where humidity can reach 70% in the summer. So I read that storing cameras & lenses inside Ziplock bags with silica gel is best, which is what I did. However, the small hygrometers that I keep inside the bags show a humidity level of only 20%. Is this too low to keep cameras & lenses in proper working condition? I am thinking about the lubricants inside the camera and lenses, rubber seals, etc.

Thanks!

 

[Rob-F]

I think it depends somewhat on the camera. Rubberized Cloth shutters can deteriorate if humidity is too low. And some lubricants may evaporate, others less so; the best thing would be to check with the manufacturer.

 

[WJJ3]

I believe a relative humidity of 40~45% is Zeiss’s recommendation for lens storage.

 

[blumoon]

I got this dry box last month when B&H had a sale. Usually it's listed at $399, but I got it for $229. It works great. I keep it set at 44-45%. I live in Florida where it's always humid.

[/url]Ruggard Dry Cabinet 120L [/IMG]