Leather Case--Fungal Contamination

[tnturnerx1]

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I ordered a Q2 3/7, not received yet, but also ordered a Arte di mano leather case for it. While waiting for the Q2, I downloaded the user manual and read it.  I came upon something a bit alarming and wonder what forum members experience  might have with this.  It's on page 134 of the manual, under the Care/Storage topic:  "Do not store the camera in a leather case for extended periods of time to prevent FUNGAL CONTAMINATION" (my caps).  The next bullet point refers to the camera bag, but I think may equally refer to the camera itself:  "Empty your camera bag completely if it ever gets wet during use. Your equipment might otherwise be subjected to moisture and TANNING RESIDUE RELEASED BY THE MOIST LEATHER" (my caps).  So, it would appear that even with some moisture falling on the leather case, the result could be 'tanning residue', in addition to 'fungal contamination' mentioned earlier.

I think these points could apply to any camera, not just Q2, and any leather case (including the Leica case).  Has anyone experienced either of these conditions?  I'm considering canceling my order for the leather case, and I'd have to do it quickly, as estimated delivery in another 2 weeks, and those cases can't be returned.

Thanks!

 

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[david strachan]

Always something to worry about nowadays.

 

I'd relax and use the case.  If you live in a very humid climate with no airconditioning and mouldy shoes...well that's a different matter.

 

Your own common sense should be the answer.

 

...

[Mute-on]

Keep the case. Just dry it separately if it gets soaking wet. The same applies to any camera bag, case, etc.  As David said, this is just common sense. You have nothing to be alarmed or concerned about. 

Recall that Leica has produced leather half cases as Ever-ready cases for its cameras for over 80 years. 

[LexS]

The same goes for all leather things, shoes also. There is a dry powder that you blow in leather items when you store those for a long time to avoid fungus....

But if you store leather things do not have anything in it. Fungus is very difficult to get rid of, if possible at all, "living" matter.

But as long as you use it regularly the chance on fungus is almost nil.

 

Edited May 23, 2019 by LexS

[Leica Guy]

I had my Q in an Arte de mano half case consistently for over 3 years. I never experienced any problems at all. I suspect they are more referring to a fully encapsulated case where there’s no air movement. 

[marchyman]

15 hours ago, tnturnerx1 said:

I think these points could apply to any camera, not just Q2, and any leather case (including the Leica case).  Has anyone experienced either of these conditions?  I'm considering canceling my order for the leather case, and I'd have to do it quickly, as estimated delivery in another 2 weeks, and those cases can't be returned.

Yes, I've seen that happen to some Leica cameras.  One of them was shoved in a drawer for a couple of decades in its leather case.  My brother found it when we were cleaning up my parents estate. If you are going to put your camera into long term storage it might be best to store camera and case separately.