Storing your cameras

[Mark A. Fisher]

I did a cursory search of the forum, but didn't find what I was looking for (The information found on this forum is truly extensive!). If this has already been addressed in another thread, please accept my apologies.

I have a fair amount of cameras - not nearly as many as some collections I've seen, but a couple dozen, perhaps - and lately I have noticed my complete lack of organization in how I store them! I use most of my cameras fairly often, so most of them are kept in their bags, ready to go out the door. But now I'm wondering if that is the best thing for their health. I recently saw someone's post of their collection on this forum, where they had a lovely glass-doored display case with all their gear; in another post someone had shown how they used a locking metal cabinet, neatly organized by rangefinder, slrs, etc. What is the best method for keeping them free of haze, mold, fungus, dust, poltergeists, and other enemies of such equipment? Do you have a preferred way of doing this? Shelving, cabinets, cases with doors, camera bags with dessicants, plastic bins with lids? Do you pull batteries when they are not in use? Do you become really elaborate, with humidifiers/dehumidifiers and air filtration systems? All suggestions welcome!

Thanks in advance for your input,

Mark

 

[Bill58]

I keep my camera/ lenses in aluminum storage cases w/ foam dividers at ambient temps. The cases aren't 100% water/ dust proof, but are pretty much so. They cost me about $40 each here. I've written the name of all of the cameras/ lenses on the outside of the case w/ a Sharpie.

Lenses are additionally kept inside foam bags w/ drawstrings. The bags are about $6.

 

[imokruok]

I have dry boxes that seal completely, and I put my gear in the boxes with a can of desiccant and a hygrometer. The dry "boxes" are actually just plastic tubs from the Container Store that seal, the desiccant comes from B&H. You can get a hygrometer online or at a cigar store. My humidity in the box stays around 40%, and I've never had any problems with mold.

 

[PKR]

My repair guy told me to store my bodies on their backs. If there were a lens on the body it would be pointed upward. He argues that this keeps the lubricants from traveling to the bottom of the system. As for lenses, store them vertically. Same reasoning. I store my gear (all working stuff, no camera collection) with Si Gel. Cabela's has the metal enclosed units for gun storage. They are cheaper there than other sources I've used. The cameras and lenses are in Pelican cases. My lighting gear is stored in Alu cases. I don't keep anything out that is not being used. If I can, I blow off (canned air) both bodies and lenses on the digital gear before removing lens or body caps. I remove all batteries if the cameras are stored-unused for more than a week. All Batteries are stored in a separate case with the lighting wiring. Memory is stored in Pelican CF and SD cases. These are cheap and great storage. Film is kept in REI thermal lunch bags when out of cold storage. In the field, if working alone, I use camera bags that will fit into a shopping bag. If you're packing a shopping bag full of cameras you're not likely to be a target for getting banged on the head for your gear. If left in the car, throw some dirty rags on top of the shopping bag and it will go un noticed. PKR

 

[Mark A. Fisher]

Excellent suggestions! Thanks for your input. I'm off to get some shopping done for new storage items!

Mark

 

[Vickko]

I have a nice display case for most of my cameras. The more expensive ones are in a locked cabinet, but I don't like that, because it takes an extra step to see them (unlocking the case).

I like to see my cameras.

I live in a temperate climate (dry cold winters, only humid times are summer), so climate control isn't so much of an issue. And I do like to play with the cameras, so that keeps the air moving and hopefully, keep the fungus away, and keep the bellows supple.

Vick

 

[ray*j*gun]

The glass cabinet you saw in a recent post I believe was mine. I store them that way for four reasons.

1) My living room is the most controlled as to temp, humidity and dust. By keeping the gear there I find I don't need any sort of chemical agents.

2) I have a shelf system that I use so its easy to put my hands on the camera body , lens , and hood that I want. Bodies are in front, lenses behind them and hoods nearby. Leicas on the top shelf etc.

3) I keep batteries out of the bodies that require batteries, in old film canisters that are labeled. The canisters sit right behind the body in question.

4) I love to look at my gear when not in use and honestly, they are beautiful machines and guests that don't know a thing about them admire them for what they are. Also it helps me remember my choices when I get set up for a shoot. (I own a big Rottie that helps me feel good about my set up.

Reading the thread, I never heard about the migration of lubricants but I will have to think about that....seems to make sense!

 

[PKR]

On the second shelf, what are the cameras to the right of the Nikon SP ?

p.

 

[mooge]

I keep most of my stuff in a cabinet...

... except for my Leica, which is usually on the floor. 😀

I think the best way to keep 'em free of dust, haze, fungus and poltergeists is to use them. which becomes complicated if you have alot of stuff.

but yes, remove those batteries! I once tried to fix a Nikon P&S which had been stored with batteries inside... the acid eroded away the plastic around the battery contacts... not cool...😱

cheers.

 

[Pablito]

Just bear in mind that humidity and heat promote fungus. Dry air and LIGHT prevent fungus.

I know many photographers who live in humid or tropical places use dry cabinets. Silica gel is a pain because once it absorbs all the humidity it can absorb, it's no use until you bake it in the over to "recharge" it. So you have to monitor it all the time.

Personally I live in a temperate climate (at the moment) and don't think about storage at all. I have some metal drawers. The cameras that don't get used as much end up in the back of the drawer. But I used to live in high humidity, tropical areas an its a big problem unless you want to be sending in your stuff to have the fungus cleaned out all the time.

 

[PKR]

Just bear in mind that humidity and heat promote fungus. Dry air and LIGHT prevent fungus.

I know many photographers who live in humid or tropical places use dry cabinets. Silica gel is a pain because once it absorbs all the humidity it can absorb, it's no use until you bake it in the over to "recharge" it. So you have to monitor it all the time.

Personally I live in a temperate climate (at the moment) and don't think about storage at all. I have some metal drawers. The cameras that don't get used as much end up in the back of the drawer. But I used to live in high humidity, tropical areas an its a big problem unless you want to be sending in your stuff to have the fungus cleaned out all the time.

I use the Si cakes. I bake the metal cakes every 3 months.

 

[Mark A. Fisher]

While we are not as humid an area as New Orleans, we still gather a lot of moisture as we simmer in the summer in the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers. I have a dehumidifier running fairly constantly for my darkroom/workspace area, which is currently where my cameras live, when they're not jostling around in my car. Most of them are in Tamrac or Lowe Pro bags for a quick getaway, but it does take time to cycle thru the lot. Hence my original query.

Ray*j*gun, I love the idea of the glass door cabinet. You can see each piece, they're easy to grab and go, and they do make for swell conversation starters! Beyond that I think you've solved most of the dust/mold/fungus issues. I like the visual components of the cameras as well; they are sculptural at times. Maybe I'll explore a similar furniture solution!

Again, thanks for all the input.

Mark

 

[maddoc]

I use a 120 L dry cabinet from Toyo living, had to buy it after moving to Tokyo last month because the rainy season means 80 ~ 90 % humidity with around 30 C every day ... 😱