lens storage

CMoore · Jul 6, 2016

A lot of you guys must have quite a collection of 35mm lens.
Is it "bad" (long term) to store a lens in those typical Leatherette Cases.?
I was thinking, maybe, just a cabinet with doors (no case) with a front and rear cap...or it it better to have the lens enclosed and toss in some silica packs.?
Thank You

chip j · Jul 6, 2016

The cases can get mould on them. A cabinet's much better.

Kirks518 · Jul 6, 2016

I toss the leatherette cases. Like chip says, they get moldy and IMO, promote fungus. Besides, who actually uses them? I keep my lenses on open air shelf units.

Theo Sulphate · Jul 6, 2016

Kirks518 said:
... I keep my lenses on open air shelf units.

Likewise.

benjiboy · Jul 6, 2016

The same thing applies to ever ready cases, you need to keep your gear where it can breathe if you want to avoid fungus, I keep mine in three Domke bags they're cotton canvass which is breathable but keeps the equipment dust free. I've had the majority of my cameras and lenses for more than thirty years and I have never suffered with fungus problems.

CMoore · Jul 6, 2016

For long term, i think i will just go for a cab, with shelves, doors, and a front and back lens cap.....and use the cases for transport once in a while.
Thanks For The Info.

Sirius Glass · Jul 6, 2016

I used to store my cameras and lenses in lens wraps, now I store them in my photo backpacks.

TheRook · Jul 6, 2016

Unlike leather, leatherette is a plastic product and doesn't make good food for mold. However, the backing material (paper and/or cloth) can break down over time and in humid conditions, may develop mold. The last place you would want to store your lenses or cases is in a dark, damp basement!

Poisson Du Jour · Jul 6, 2016

No special storage is afforded any of my cameras and lenses, all of which live in two LowePro packs. When visiting tropical regions and exposed to very wet weather over an extended period of time, I take the time to pack the lenses first in tissue paper, then plastic with a silca gel sachet, then pack in. I don't see the point in storing lenses, however expensive and/or precious, in glass-fronted cabinets where they are looked at and never used. But if one travels about widely, thought must be given to avoiding problems when going from say a very dry environment to a persistently very humid/warm to hot environment without respite. These are the conditions conducive to fungal growths, possibly months, years down the track.

CMoore · Jul 6, 2016

...i am talking about storing a lens, something we all do when they are not in use, on a camera.
It sounds like you are talking more about Displaying A Lens.....

Poisson Du Jour · Jul 6, 2016

CMoore said:
...i am talking about storing a lens, something we all do when they are not in use, on a camera.
It sounds like you are talking more about Displaying A Lens.....

I don't put my lenses on display, but I know a few people who do! There is nothing to be concerned about if you are storing the lens and camera between uses — stuff the caboodle in your pack and move on.

gone · Jul 6, 2016

Yes, those cases are pure poison. Fungus Factories. The best way to store them at my place is in an area that gets plenty of air flow. Putting them on a shelf is just fine. Silica gel packs are a good idea too, but for sure, store them where they're not closed up w/ no air flow around them. This is why bathrooms often have mold issues too.

lens storage

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