How to store the expensive lenses of your coveted DSLR

If you have purchased a DSLR and want to experiment with different types of photography, then you need to invest in lenses. The default lens that comes with the body, also known as kit lens, would prove to be inadequate for most of the occasions. Once you invest in an expensive lens, then you need to keep that lens fungus free. Time and again, the lenses are affected by fungi and fogs. While researching, I came across the following tips from a photography veteran–

Fungus is more comfortable when it is Humid, Dark and Warm….
To avoid this we need to get rid of these condition..

Objective
Hence, main Mission is to Get rid of humidity (moisture) for the camera and lenses… (this is priority above warmth and darkness)

Theory

-> we will be keeping the cam/lens in a air tight box so that it is less affected by change in humidity in atmosphere..
-> Will be using silica gel inside the air tight box to remove the moisture inside the box.

Procedure:

1. Get few Air tight boxes to keep the cam and lenses.. the size and number could be choosen as per your requirement

2. Now U need to keep the silica gel inside it. Either get the ready made boxed silica gel like this – http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/242571-REG/Pelican_1500_500_000_Silica_Gel.html

** If not, other option is to put silica gel crystals inside it… This could be done as-
# get Silica gel crystals available in market.. bring some small plastic boxes also. size could be something like 10x7x4 cm (estimation) lets call them silica box…
# Make small holes in this silica box.. this will let the silica gel inside it come in contact with the air inside the air tight box.
# De-saturate the silica gel U brought by heating it (don’t use microwave for it)… then let them get cooled in a non humid condition
# Once cooled, put them inside silica box which got holed

3. Put this silica box and the camera gear inside all the air tight boxes U will be using.. Close the lid well

4. U can put a hygrometer also inside these air tight boxes to check the level of humidity

5. If possible keep these boxes in well lit and cool place

6. De-saturate the silica gel time to time as it get saturated

That’s all.

Source:

• JJ Mehta forum
• Pelican silica gel
• Ebay link for silica gel
• Where to take your lens for cleaning
• Dehumidifier cabinets
• Discussion on storage

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