Lens storage

RalphLambrecht · Mar 15, 2023

I have about a dozen lesser-used Nikon lenses and am looking for appropriate storage options. My criteria are:
1. protective storage for occasional transport.
2. easy access and overview( don't want to open many individual boxes or wraps to find that one lens).
3.no foam(that's what I have now; it crumbles and makes a mess).
4. breathing material to avoid mold.
5. handle to carry them around.
6. reasonable attractive look.
7. waterproof to take the occasional rain shower.

BrianShaw · Mar 15, 2023

This is what Ive used for many years. Meets all criteria except #7, which might be unrealistic in context of the other criteria. I write on the wrap with a sharpie for identifying what’s inside. The wrapped lenses get stored and transported in either camera bag or a camera storage box… so maybe all 7 criteria are possible.

Domke Color Coded Protective Wrap - 722-11y

The Domke Color Coded Protective Wraps are constructed of padded knit nylon with a non-scratch nylon backing. These squares can be wrapped around small cameras, lenses, electronic flashes, tools, or anything else that will fit inside a bag or case. Touch fastener tabs on all four corners allow...

tiffen.com

RalphLambrecht · Mar 15, 2023

BrianShaw said:
This is what Ive used for many years. Meets all criteria except #7, which might be unrealistic in context of the other criteria. I write on the wrap with a sharpie for identifying what’s inside. The wrapped lenses get stored and transported in either camera bag or a camera storage box… so maybe all 7 criteria are possible.

Domke Color Coded Protective Wrap - 722-11y

The Domke Color Coded Protective Wraps are constructed of padded knit nylon with a non-scratch nylon backing. These squares can be wrapped around small cameras, lenses, electronic flashes, tools, or anything else that will fit inside a bag or case. Touch fastener tabs on all four corners allow...

tiffen.com

Thanks for the response that isn't it. Still need a case to carry it all.

madNbad · Mar 15, 2023

Take a look at OP Tech neoprene lens cases. They come in various sizes, are breathable, can stretch to fit the lens, don’t shed and the caps are attached. They’re not particularly expensive and are easily found either online or if you’re lucky enough, a camera store.

eli griggs · Mar 15, 2023

Find an old leather or vinal camera case, the box shape type with a hinged lid, or better yet, a leather 'files case', used by lawyers to carry court documents into Court Houses, usually with two parting panel lids and, line it with one half (1/2") paper sided foam core, as a removable one piece insolation, duck taped into a box liner, foam core top or no top as you like it.

Use additional foam boards to make lens compartments as needed and buy a sheet of fine or extra fine copper (no coated) screen for a breathable second top and keep the case material lid folded open so air can circulate when in storage.

To assist circulation, you can also cut half inch strips of the foam core boards, to fit into the bottom of each lens cell, in pairs, on opposite sides of bottom, that'll support the lens off the bottom board, for better circulation of the lower lens elements and a buffer against hard set-downs.

It's an easy project, once you have your case and you should be able to make the complete inner box in a few hours.

Last word, add heat/cold insulation to the inner box with heavy shiny aluminum foil, on the outside and bottom of the box, with HAVC silver foil lined duct tape, for car travel, etc.

wiltw · Mar 15, 2023

There are cases with divider sections, so that you can place things at the spacings you need. The cases are semi-hard exterior (e.g. Vangaard) or hard exterior (e.g. Pelican).
Lenses sitting in divided sections means nothing interferes with identifying which lens is which simply with a glance, rather than individually zippered lens cases. I have used one semi-hard case with divider sections for my medium format gear, taking it with me in the past for wedding jobs.

tom williams · Mar 15, 2023

RalphLambrecht said:
I have about a dozen lesser-used Nikon lenses and am looking for appropriate storage options. My criteria are:
1. protective storage for occasional transport.
2. easy access and overview( don't want to open many individual boxes or wraps to find that one lens).
3.no foam(that's what I have now; it crumbles and makes a mess).
4. breathing material to avoid mold.
5. handle to carry them around.
6. reasonable attractive look.
7. waterproof to take the occasional rain shower.

This might fit your bill, if you can locate one. I didn't see it on the Mountainsmith website just now, and the B&H entry says out-of-stock. I had a need much like yours, and the Mountainsmith bag works perfectly for me. I see similar items elsewhere, but they may not be of the same quality as the Mountainsmith bag.

Sirius Glass · Mar 15, 2023

I use photo back packs which I set up the equipment partitions to meet my needs.

RalphLambrecht · Mar 16, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
I use photo back packs which I set up the equipment partitions to meet my needs.

Yes, this looks like it could fit the bill. thanks

Kino · Mar 16, 2023

Check out Ape Cases: https://apecase.com/

I have one of their ACPRO1400 over the shoulder cases and it is very well constructed.

BobUK · Mar 16, 2023

RalphLambrecht mentions "breathable material to avoid mold."

I have just discovered mold behind the front element of one of my cameras.

I always leave a UV filter on my lenses for protection.
I am now thinking it might be a good idea to remove the filters when storing cameras and fitting the lens cap on loosely.
That way I am not creating an airtight compartment around the front elements that holds in any humidity that was in the air when the filter was attached.

L Gebhardt · Mar 16, 2023

I have two pelican 1510 roller cases with padded dividers. I bought them to check some cameras for air travel. I now mostly use them for storage of lesser used lenses and cameras. Since they are air tight I add a rechargeable desiccant pack to avoid mold issues, checking it each time I open the case. But like others I most store my lens in photoback packs in my basement office. I do run a dehumidifier during the summer months to keep the humidity around 50%. So far no mold with either option, though it's a constant worry for lenses and prints.

eli griggs · Mar 16, 2023

BobUK said:
RalphLambrecht mentions "breathable material to avoid mold."

I have just discovered mold behind the front element of one of my cameras.

I always leave a UV filter on my lenses for protection.
I am now thinking it might be a good idea to remove the filters when storing cameras and fitting the lens cap on loosely.
That way I am not creating an airtight compartment around the front elements that holds in any humidity that was in the air when the filter was attached.

I generally leave both caps off, on their sides, or set askew on top of the working side of the back cap, with a small fan circulating air.

These are set in a bookcase, turned camera kit station, in my small darkroom, which is about 10" x 10" plus closet and after a number of years, no issues, other than taking time to clean each lens before using.

I am fortunate enough to have central air, which others do no have, so the air is somewhat filtered, but my psoriasis, (one more gift from The Eniwetok Clean-up) is so bad, that if I spend a few days or longer in the darkroom, I have to damp mop the floor and damp wipe down the bench, etc, just to make sure it does no become dust and the attending dust mites.

Normally the door is shut and the blackout material door curtain, on the outside keeps everything out.

Circulation is key, and so is taking your lenses to a strong sunny window that'll allow UV to pass through and into the lens glass.

Cheers

Tom Taylor · Mar 16, 2023

I store my 2 F6's and 12 lenses for it in a Calumet WT2175 which is the Calumet version of the Pelican case. The 80 - 200mm AF is kept separately in its hard case. The Calumet case provides for great protection and if I don't know which lens I will be using for an outing I just load the whole case into the trunk and work out of it from the car. The Crown Royal bags are used for protecting the lens from scratches in the backpack.

Pieter12 · Mar 16, 2023

Take a look at the ThinkTank Stash Master. Comes in many sizes, a little pricey. https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/stash-master-photo-cubes

eli griggs · Mar 16, 2023

I forgot to mention I have an old, grey-blue Minolta bag, boxy but with a loose and very airy fabric, so much so, that I first thought it was rotten cloth.

Wouldn't stop a rain drop properly but very, very breathable, so you might look for one of these types, if anyone else ever made this type for specialized locations.

Kodachromeguy · Mar 16, 2023

Neewer® Flexible Partition Camera Padded Bag Insert Protection Handbag for SLR DSLR Mirrorless Cameras and Lenses,Flash Light,Radio Trigger,Battery and Charger,Cables and Other Camera Accessories https://a.co/d/1gmaema

The Mountainsmith bag is nice. As an option, type camera insert in Amazon. The one in the link above (if it works) is a handy bag with adjustable dividers. I might buy one.

Update: many of these insert bags are about 6 inches deep or more. They are designed for the DSLR crowd with their big honking lenses. I wish someone made a shorter and smaller version suitable for ltm, Leica-M, and Spotmatic Takumar lenses.

Philippe-Georges · Mar 19, 2023

I keep my lenses (and camera) at room temperature in the lesser damp place in my house (certainly NOT the dark room!), in an open case with just a tea cloth over it against the dust.
When I take them on location, a genuine camera bag (Lowepro), or back pack, will do, and when coming home I take it all out to let it acclimatise, as well as the the bag too.
Moister and dust are the real enemies!

wiltw · Mar 19, 2023

wiltw said:
There are cases with divider sections, so that you can place things at the spacings you need. The cases are semi-hard exterior (e.g. Vangaard) or hard exterior (e.g. Pelican).
Lenses sitting in divided sections means nothing interferes with identifying which lens is which simply with a glance, rather than individually zippered lens cases. I have used one semi-hard case with divider sections for my medium format gear, taking it with me in the past for wedding jobs.

Here is a photo of the Tenba Air Case interior, which is what I use and referenced in my earlier post

You can choose to either put lens in vertically (as divided) so lenses are not readily identified, or place them horizontally so you can readily see which lens is in which compartment.

Pieter12 · Mar 19, 2023

wiltw said:
You can choose to either put lens in vertically (as divided) so lenses are not readily identified, or place them horizontally so you can readily see which lens is in which compartment.

I label all my lens caps (top & bottom) with the focal length so I can easily identify them when stored vertically. Sometimes after a busy day of shooting, the caps can become mixed up so I put them back on their proper lenses.

GRHazelton · Mar 19, 2023

I've found that some Rubbermaid storage "tubs" good for lens storage before a shoot. The tubs furnish protection from dust, yet allow enough air circulation to prevent mildew, mold, etc. I also use the tubs for storing my various cameras between shoots. As always, YMMV.

eli griggs · Mar 19, 2023

wiltw said:
Here is a photo of the Tenba Air Case interior, which is what I use and referenced in my earlier post

You can choose to either put lens in vertically (as divided) so lenses are not readily identified, or place them horizontally so you can readily see which lens is in which compartment.

Buy an inexpensive Circuit accessory that'll cut a circle out of self adhesive vinyl, the non-permanent type, in the colour system you want, for example green for wide angled primes, yellow for medium length focual distance primes and orange for long telephotographical primes.

Use a bright red for zoom lenses and use some of the same vinyl colour for caps or even lens barrels; I'm strips or circles.

A Big_Black_Sharpie, for marking the lens data, will be wanted, for certain.

I write non-permanent self adhesive vinyl but if you're certain of your markings, go ahead and use the longer lasting material.

I think these circle cutters, press down to cookie cut, are less than $10U.S., and can be found in Michael's, Amazon.com and other places where Circuit machines and tools are sold.

Cheers.

mshchem · Mar 20, 2023

L Gebhardt said:
I have two pelican 1510 roller cases with padded dividers. I bought them to check some cameras for air travel. I now mostly use them for storage of lesser used lenses and cameras. Since they are air tight I add a rechargeable desiccant pack to avoid mold issues, checking it each time I open the case. But like others I most store my lens in photoback packs in my basement office. I do run a dehumidifier during the summer months to keep the humidity around 50%. So far no mold with either option, though it's a constant worry for lenses and prints.

This is a great solution.

Sirius Glass · Mar 20, 2023

eli griggs said:
Buy an inexpensive Circuit accessory that'll cut a circle out of self adhesive vinyl, the non-permanent type, in the colour system you want, for example green for wide angled primes, yellow for medium length focual distance primes and orange for long telephotographical primes.

Use a bright red for zoom lenses and use some of the same vinyl colour for caps or even lens barrels; I'm strips or circles.

A Big_Black_Sharpie, for marking the lens data, will be wanted, for certain.

I write non-permanent self adhesive vinyl but if you're certain of your markings, go ahead and use the longer lasting material.

I think these circle cutters, press down to cookie cut, are less than $10U.S., and can be found in Michael's, Amazon.com and other places where Circuit machines and tools are sold.

Cheers.

I make large sections for large lenses and short sections for short lenses. I have never had a problem figuring out which lens to put where.

eli griggs · Mar 20, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
I make large sections for large lenses and short sections for short lenses. I have never had a problem figuring out which lens to put where.

True enough for many of us, unless you occasionally carry a half dozen different 50-58mm lenses for use with a Canon FD, (in my case, Canon, M42, etc).

My previous reply was directed at a user or two that, in the organizing of separate compartments for each lens, want a quick reference system, and, I'll add, a similar colour lable on a lens hood should also assist rapid employment of their kit.

Cheers!

Lens storage

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency