Combat fungus - Clean camera bag & lens cases

[Krzys]

I have a camera bag which previously held three lenses in cases which all have problems with fungus. How can I clean the bag and cases so I can store my healthy lenses without fear of fungus.

I realize that there is no 100% fugnus free lifestyle for a lens that is put under general use but in using this bag will there always be a heightened risk?

 

[Rick A]

My experience with fungus, is from leather cases, and the old vinyl (leatherette)bags. I havent had any notice or even a hint of fungus since switching to canvas(balistic cloth) as it breathes, not trapping moisture. If you suspect fungus, remove all your gear from your tote, and store on shelves. Only load your gear when you are going to use it. If you have been subjected to any moisture, clean and dry your gear ASAP, also keep dessicants(silica gel packets) throughout your bag. BTW toss the old bag--the one you carry your gear in,,NOT the wife!!
Rick

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.167 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

Good clarification tere, Rick. (Note to self . . .)

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I recall reading somewhere that daylight is the best 'cure' for fungus and that, if you get gear wet, dry it as best you can with proprietary lens cloth and then leave to dry 'properly' on a sunny windowsill.

Clearly, you need to avoid the risk of it falling out of the window or the cat knocking it for six, but it's supposedly the only way of stopping fungus from growing as it can only propogate and spread in dark, damp conditions.

 

[Uncle Goose]

To prevent fungus you can buy silica gel, the best I have seen are the aluminum boxes with silica pearls, they change color when they are absorbing moisture and when they are fully colored you can trow them in the oven for a few minutes and use them again afterwards.

 

[archphoto]

UV light kills the fungus, humidity feeds it.
The best place for storing lenses and gear is a clean, well aired, dry space with temperatures around 20 C year round.
Esp in damp climates you need silica gel as described above and air your gear regularly.
I use my gear frequently so I don't worry too much, having it out once a (couple of ) month will keep the bad things away.

Peter

 

[archphoto]

Cleaning the camera bag: once you have fungus inside I would discard of it completely, if it is a Pelecan case: discard the foam and seals, clean the inside thouroughly and leave outside in the sun for a couple of day's, replace the seals and re-foam.

Nylon bags: I would not trust them anymore after fungus inside even after a dry-clean.

Peter

 

[Shan Ren]

I store my gear in "dry boxes". I have them at various long suffering friends houses/apartments in various locations, and in my studio. These have heaters inside attached to a humidity sensor.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Cleaning the camera bag: once you have fungus inside I would discard of it completely, if it is a Pelecan case: discard the foam and seals, clean the inside thouroughly and leave outside in the sun for a couple of day's, replace the seals and re-foam.

Nylon bags: I would not trust them anymore after fungus inside even after a dry-clean.

Peter

What he said.

Steve

 

[Ian David]

Krzys
I would ditch the bag - but I am paranoid about these things!
I bought a small dry cabinet for my lenses etc from Photo Continental a couple of years ago. Keeps the humidity constant between 30 and 40%. So far so good.
Ian