Lens storage question

[hteasley]

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I just purchased a humidity cabinet to store my cameras and lenses. I've heard different manufacturers recommend different storage humidity levels for their lenses. Does anyone know what Leica recommends?

 

It's this cabinet: http://www.amazon.com/electronic-automatic-digital-control-cabinet/dp/B00870V6G2 which was on sale for $100, so I couldn't really pass it up. 

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[Jeff S]

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/125148-m9lenses-and-humidity-solutions/

 

No idea about Leica guidance.  Various forum comments (here and elsewhere) seem to land around 40-45% on average for cabinets, but typically only used in very humid climates.  It would seem that too dry isn't good for lubricants.  

 

I haven't worried about it over several decades, keep lenses actively used, and in a bag when not.  

 

Jeff

[hteasley]

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/125148-m9lenses-and-humidity-solutions/

 

No idea about Leica guidance.  Various forum comments (here and elsewhere) seem to land around 40-45% on average for cabinets, but typically only used in very humid climates.  It would seem that too dry isn't good for lubricants.  

 

I haven't worried about it over several decades, keep lenses actively used, and in a bag when not.  

 

Jeff

Thanks. I too have gone years without doing much in the way of humidity protection, but when I saw the cabinet for $100, it seemed foolish to me to not consider paying attention to humidity, for many thousands of dollars worth of lenses I care a lot about.

[Doc Henry]

Put them in a dry or ventilated place (for me in my office)
I never have a problem , get them out occasionally, if we do not use for long time .

Fungi like moist places without light. Put a silica gel in your bag if you are afraid
(I do not put).
If there is a power failure, what do you do (in summer with storms) ?
it works ?

"keep lenses actively used," I agree with Jeff and I add "keep lenses and camera..."

Best

Henry

[Jeff S]

 it seemed foolish to me to not consider paying attention to humidity, for many thousands of dollars worth of lenses I care a lot about.

 

The best protection for all of your gear is a comprehensive insurance policy to cover everything your warranty doesn't, even user accident, loss or stupidity......and it can be cheap, too, relative to Leica prices.  A little common sense helps, too.  But the cabinet looks nice.

 

Jeff