Reusable dehumidifier for stored cameras/gear

Disconnekt · Mar 5, 2024

Living in the Inland Empire (Southern California), theres times humidity can get pretty high, especially when its raining. I was thinking of getting one of those "rechargable" humidifiers, like this one: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188736-REG/barska_af12500_dehumidifier_pack.html to put in storage cart where I have some cameras & lenses in, and maybe one to put in my camera bag where I have my "grab & go" stuff in. The one thing I like about that one is I can just put it in the microwave for a couple minutes to dry it out instead of the kind where you put it in the oven for like 3+ hours

Anyone use something similiar for their camera gear?

Pieter12 · Mar 5, 2024

I just keep all those little sachets that are packed in with just about anything today, and throw a bunch of them in with my camera gear.

Mamiya_Repair · Mar 6, 2024

I use "Orange Indicating Silica Gel Desiccant Beads". They indicate when a recharge is needed and you can use a microwave oven. Two pound jar is under twenty dollars. These are readily available online.

titrisol · Mar 6, 2024

that looks good
I use smaller silica pouches for my cameras, humidity isn;t that much of an issue in my house (A/C)

c.d.ewen · Mar 6, 2024

I use these:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/242571-REG/Pelican_1500_500_000_Silica_Gel.html

Charley

Kino · Mar 6, 2024

Gun Safe Dehumidifier, Moisture Absorbers, FULLBOW 200g Desiccant Canister for Gun Case, Tool Box, Firearms - No Cobalt II Chloride (6 Units)

Since Amazon links don't work here, a search using the above exact wording will show what I use.

DREW WILEY · Mar 6, 2024

I use Damp Rid or Dri-Out canisters in my storage spaces, available at many hardware stores. It's more cost efficient and effective than silica gel. But you can't rejuvenate it by baking it out again like silica gel, so need to periodically replace or refill it. Use caution not to get this stuff or its liquid on anything else - especially leather! The same kind of product is used in gun safes.

This is obviously for stationary storage places only, and not for use in any mobile application, since the moisture being drawn into these canisters eventually becomes a liquid solution capable of spilling if tipped.

MTGseattle · Mar 6, 2024

I've got one of these;

Space Dryer: SD106 | H2 Out | H2 Out

h2out.com

@DREW WILEY I have no idea what the chemical reactions are involved in creating the "damp-rid" water, but DO NOT spill that stuff inside your car. It is ridiculously hard "water" to get rid of. I needed some damp-rid earlier in the winter and the only kind in stock was Lavender scented.

DREW WILEY · Mar 7, 2024

Like I said, those Dri-Out etc canister devices are not realistic in mobile applications. And you have to be very careful when decanting them, so that none of the liquid gets on anything; it's almost impossible to remove. But these do make a lot of sense on shelves, or in closets and stationary bins, or in gun and data safes. I didn't know scented versions even existed.

Mal Paso · Mar 22, 2024

Most of the gun owners I know use a Goldenrod dehumidifier in their safes. It is a very low wattage heater available through gun supplies. I'm not familiar with Dri-Out but I'm fortunate not to live in high humidity.

MTGseattle · Mar 22, 2024

It was somewhat unfortunate, but this was the only thing left on the shelf that day.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DampRid-Refill-Lavender-Vanilla-Moisture-Absorber-44-oz/5013023683

MattKing · Mar 22, 2024

Hmm, lavender??
Perhaps it will make you think of this when you use it:

snusmumriken · Mar 22, 2024

I don’t have precise knowledge about how much water any dessicant can absorb, but I have always felt it was pointless to try to keep the inside of a camera bag dry unless said bag is airtight. Otherwise you are trying to dry the entire neighbourhood.

Like others, I keep all the little bags of Do Not Eat, put them in a zipped bag of closely-woven material (to avoid dust), and keep that in an airtight box with my kit when it is off-duty. Periodically I rejuvenate the stuff with a few hours in the oven at low temperature.

Reusable dehumidifier for stored cameras/gear

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