Leather Lens Cases

monkowa · Jun 30, 2018

Hey y'all, I ran through the interwebs and didn't seem to find exactly what i was looking for. I bought a Summicron 50mm DR with the goggles and original case.
How effective is the case at protecting the lens and googles from mold and fungus? Should I store them separately from the case to keep any damage from possibly accruing?
Second, what kind of lens cases and/or pouches do you recommend for keeping glass safe and controlled? I spent a good chunk of change for my lenses and I'd like to keep them for a good long while. Thanks.

Sirius Glass · Jun 30, 2018

Unless you live in a dry area like Los Angeles or Las Vegas, I would avoid leather cases to keep the possibility of fungi growing on the camera equipment. I have lived in Los Angeles over 49 years and I have always avoided using leather cases.

R.Gould · Jul 1, 2018

I have three lenses, two for my Werra's and one, the 130mm for my Ambi sillette, that live in Leather cases, the Telenear for my ambi came from the factory in a leather case with the 130 viewfinder in the top, and I would assume that it has lived in it since new, must be 50/60 years, the werra lenses probably the same, and no fungus or mould, and I do not live in a dry area, look at the British weather,

choiliefan · Jul 1, 2018

I have a couple old leather lens cases made by Perrin which have never shown any signs of mold or decay. These have a fine silken liner material and drawstring closure at the top of the bag. I like the vintage look and they do cushion the contents from knocks.

Huss · Jul 3, 2018

The leather cases are ok if you know they are not moldy. You still should store them in a dry box unless u are in a place w/ year round low humidity.

chip j · Jul 3, 2018

Leica lens cases & pouches are posh,posh, posh.

guangong · Jul 3, 2018

I have a 35mm Summicron with goggles for my M3 that I keep stored in its leather case. In order to conserve space and to easily find what I want, most lenses are not in cases. What is important is to give lenses a sunbathe every now and then, while keeping storage conditions dry.
I store several pairs of binoculars in their cases without any problem.
Of the rf lenses that I have been interested in, I must say that I have never encountered a Zeiss of Nikon lens with haze of fungus, but Leica lenses can have a dendritic fungus and Canon lenses seem prone to haze. Of course, this has been limited to my experience and is not a scientific statistical sampling. All of my own Leica and Canon lenses, some from mid 1930s are crystal clear.

MattKing · Jul 3, 2018

Lens cases - of any construction - are best if regularly opened and allowed to air out. A bit of sunlight is good too.

monkowa · Jul 4, 2018

Cool, thanks for the input everybody. Im using the old leather case for an odds and ends holder. I bought some extra rear caps and stuck the lenses on my shelf.

Kodachromeguy · Jul 4, 2018

monkowa said:
Hey y'all, I ran through the interwebs and didn't seem to find exactly what i was looking for. I bought a Summicron 50mm DR with the goggles and original case.
How effective is the case at protecting the lens and googles from mold and fungus? .

The other responders are right: at home, keep the lens and goggles in a dry and safe place, like a shelf. Keep the leather case separately in a dry place. For use out in the field, did you get the little tubular case made specifically to hold the goggle unit? I have never seen a better way to protect the goggle unit from getting thumped in your camera bag or backpack. I made a tubular canvas bag for mine but would like to find the correct leather one.

Leather Lens Cases

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