Dry Cabinet- Controlled Environment

[kdemas]

Does anyone here use a dry cabinet or other device to store their equipment when not in use? I have quite a bit of equipment that I am getting nervous about having in my home with no air conditioning (90+ degrees inside now).

If anyone knows of a quality dry cabinet or similar device I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Thanks!

Kent

[stumac]

Kent,

In my opinion a controlled dry cabinet is not necessary, a cupboard with glass door so lenses are not stored in the dark and with some moisture absorbant is all that is required.

Here in australia we have a similar climate and I have only had fungus develop in lenses I have had in the tropics. Moisture absorbant sold here under name "Dampsorb" I think Calcium chloride, discarded when becomes wet, I prefer indicating Silica Gel, blue when active, turns pink when exhausted, reclaimed by roasting in oven until turns blue again, can be used many times over.

Regards, Stuart

[jlancasterd]

Hi Kent

You only really need a dry cabinet for storing cameras and lenses if the humidity is consistently high where you live and you have a lot of gear to store - high temperatures have little effect if the atmosphere is dry, although some glues may dry out (or melt) in really fierce conditions.

Cabinets are expensive, but a cheap alternative if you only have a small outfit is a hermetically sealed plastic box (eg Tupperware) and a bag of silica gel dehumidifier - which should be kept activated by periodic baking (at a low heat) to drive off absorbed moisture. I used this method for years on the coast in West Africa where temperatures reach 100 Fahrenheit, and humidity 90%, and had no problems.

John

Originally Posted by kdemas

Does anyone here use a dry cabinet or other device to store their equipment when not in use? I have quite a bit of equipment that I am getting nervous about having in my home with no air conditioning (90+ degrees inside now).

If anyone knows of a quality dry cabinet or similar device I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Thanks!

Kent

[stnami]

Lived on the equator for 3 years bought one never switched it on a waste of money. Anyway the computer would not fit especially if I was using it

[lloyd_chan]

Kent,

John is correct. You only need a dry cabinet if you live in high-humidity conditions.

If anyone needs a high quality dry cabinet Id suggest the Japanese brand Toyo-Living (www.toyoliving.co.jp). I understand their products are sold in USA under "Totech America" (Desiccators, Desiccant Dry Cabinets, Dry Box Storage - Totech America)

[uulrich]

Sun light (UV) prevents lenses from having fungus. John stated that silica gel can dehumid the lenses. I can confirm this. These silica gel bags can be re-used/reconditioned after a short drying process in an oven at around 120F - 140F.

[kdemas]

All,

Thanks for the excellent tips, I really appreciate it! I will be stocking up on some more dessicant and all should be well.

Have a good day!

Kent

[wilyum]

Kent, I have several cameras and lenses which I protect with silica gel which I placed in a large picnic cooler (icebox) which has a gasket sealed lid which keeps out humidity. The box is insulated as well to guard against temperature spikes. It has lots of room, a removable shelf, and was very inexpensive! Best regards, Bill