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How do you store your lenses?


eudemian

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At the moment I have my stash of lenses on my computer desk and load my bag before I go out. I think there must be a better way of doing this so what do other forum members do?

 

I want to see the lenses, protect them from dust, drying out etc and of course protect them. Is there anything that fits the bill, or will I have to have a bespoke cabinet made?

 

Interested in any replies.

 

Tom

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For gear that is not being immediately used, it goes in a storage cabinet with a heated drying/anti-humidity element in it. My lenses and bodies are stored with caps on on shelves. NEVER store your stuff long term in plastic, vinyl or neoprene cases that cannot breath -- that is sure fire recipe for lens fungus.

 

My everyday "ready-bag" usually has one or two bodies and three or four lenses in it, and goes with me everywhere. Bodies have lenses attached, usually without the lenscaps, but hoods on for protection. Other lenses are stored with rear caps and hoods mounted in individual slots for ready use. See the thread on bags for one version of my ready-bag.

 

Cheers,

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Interesting . I have never thought of doing anything with lenses and cameras but leaving them in the bag so they are reaady to go the next time. DR

 

Same here. I leave all the lenses in the bag, except the 135/2.8 bugeyes (doesn't fit in the same bag as all the other gear).

In fact IF I take the lenses out of the bag to clean or use them, I will sometimes load my photo vest with a few when I go walking or just out somewhere, the first thing I do when done is put them back in the bag.

 

The bag is with me 95% of the time. So what better place to keep all the Leica stuff together.

I do the same with Nikon stuff except for the long/big lenses.

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Dry cabinet (humidity controlled).

Here in Japan the humidity can stay as high as 80% for long periods during the rainy season and summer. Bags can absorb and hold quite a lot of moisture, and storing lenses and even bodies in them for extended periods is just asking for trouble. The humidity in my dry cab stays at around 45%.

 

On the other hand, keeping your gear too dry (below around 30% or so) can cause lubricants to dry out, which isn't good either.

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Tom

 

I have ALL my Leica lenses and the M8 in a Billingham Bag (don't quite remember which model bag). Within the bag, I have the 35mm mounted on the M8 and the 90mm is capped (both ends) and standing vertically on another leather lens case. ALL the remaining three lenses are in their original cylindrical leather cases that I received them in. Since this Billingham has three compartments inside and two pouches on the outside, everything sems to fit neatly. The lenses are all in the inner compartments. A few accessories are in the two pouches. This is my "ready to go" bag and that's where they are berthed.

 

Attila

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Guest guy_mancuso

Well they say never trust your kids to close a door and I don't . My office is built into my garage with it's own air and door and such but there is access to the garage door and if my office is open than kiss all my crap goodbye on a drive and shovel take off robberry. people steal from open garage doors all the time so i put everything in a safe that way it would take a long time to get anything from me except computers of course but my gear is safe. I also have a large bag of that silica stuff in there but dry is not a problem in the Southwest , it does not get any hotter or dryer. Humidty is the worst so always protect yourself from that if anything , not to mention thieves.

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Lined up...

 

on a shelf.....

 

in a closet.....

 

under the stairs.

 

I used to keep them in an authentic Leica bag.

But I found myself taking too many lenses or digging through the bag.

While my wife yelled at me to hurry up.

 

Now I grab what I need -

usually fits in pockets or can put into authentic no name bag if necessary.

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In the house-

In the Leica cases they came in, each with one or two dissicate (sp?) bags in the case. They all rest in my underware/sock drawer.

 

Out of the house-

Years ago, got a couple of Colt bags when I bought some pistols. Bags carry the Colt logo very prominently, and certainly don't look like a camera bag.

 

A couple of times a year, I take them all out when it is sunny, and lay them on the bathroom window ledge (second story) with caps off and open to max aperature. Have 10 lenses from 50 to 5 years old. Too many lenses I know, but they all still sparkle.

 

Jerry

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This was a serious post, I have spent too much money on lenses and I wanted to protect them, they are too vulnerable on the desk.

 

I thought there would be an off the shelf cabinet that someone could recommend but it doesn't seem like it.

 

My other concern was with the issues of dust and drying out. I think I will have to construct (get constructed) a cabinet that will keep them dry but not too dry (any thoughts on that?)

 

I am not constructing an altar to the lenses (though that may not be a bad idea!) but I have gone the peli case route and that seems to hamper looking for the right lens, I wanted something that kept them visible, safe and with easy access.

 

Tom

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It's very common to store camera gear inside dry cabintes in tropical countries. Most camera shops in Singapore will sell you a glass doored dry cabinet for this purpose.

Here is an example (gratis google - who knows all).

dehumidifying equipment, desiccant dehumidifier, electronic dry cabinet manufacturer.

 

I haven't used one, but they appear to be perfect for your purpose.

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