Fungus Prevention

Hi Everyone.

I've managed to aquire several clear, air-tight, cube - shaped lucite boxes that used to house expensive Christmas ornaments. I've placed my lenses in them and arranged them on a window sill with all caps removed and the film-side element facing the sun (well, the great outdoors anyway). This is much the same arrangement I used to de-yellow a 1.4 50mm lens.

Is this a good way to prevent the formation of fungus, mould, mildew and athelete's foot?

If so, how long should I leave them (no fear of over heating at this time of year), and how often should this be done?

If not, is there some other routine I should follow.

Thank's (you've just read today's silly brought to you by

Hi Mac,
Here's my bit on keeping lenses dry, which'll prevent the fungus in the first place. Keep every packet of silica that comes with most electronics you buy ,and dry them out in the microwave or on a radiator. Use 'em in your camera bags. Not everyone can afford top end camera bags or waterproof cases, so here's a tip:
Inexpensive, padded lunch bags and coolers work great, as do diaper bags, (and in my opinion, anybody desparate enough to steal my lunch or diaper bag, can have the camera, we are after all our brothers keepers, and what's insurance for any ways?). 5 gallon pails from a restaurant work great - as cases. you put a cloth bag of rice or beans(doubles as camera support) in the bottom and then a layer of foam padding (cut to a circle doubles as a seat cusion when you are sitting on your pail) and a couple of padded lunch bags with your equipment inside.
They'll float, easy to load into small planes and tight spaces on trucks or boats, atv's etc. people don't think to look into margirne or ice cream pails for cameras....

By the way, when it comes to improv'd equipment, I'd love to hear everyone else's. Liam had one for baby tripods today that looks great.
Of course there'll always be one guy that carries it too far...
I am reminded of a conversation I had once with this biker. I'm into BMW's and Yamaha's Had a K100 at that time. On a Bike trip with tight funds improvising is mandatory, as is camping out. I met this Harley guy...nice fellow an all, but I had to tell him straight.."I don't care how desperate I am for my morning cup-o-coffee, I'd rather eat the grinds, drink some water and sit on my engine block, than drink something you filtered with your old tighty whities...."!

If you are keeping lenses or any other photographic gear for a very long time, then a bit of care is needed.

Good, dry air circulation is a good idea. Beware cupboards and drawers because of the chemicals in paint and varnish....

I have taken to leaving my lenses that are not in use on a bookshelf in my nice warm centrally heated computer room. The ones in regular use are with their respective cameras in the appropriate Billingham bag. A kit for every occasion!

OK, John and Don,

So, dry circulating air it is, and dry carry bags when transporting/shooting.

When I think of all the little silica bags I've tossed over the years.......

Does this mean I have to buy my wife boxes and boxes of shoes so I can accumulate the desicant? (Note: I'm asking YOU. I already know what HER answer would be.)

Cheers, guys

A doctor writes:

"Three stiff Scotches before bed. You won't need any further dessicant in the morning."

I have adopted the Reilly method. My lenses sit on open shelves in a bookcase, where they make a nice sight and are always ready for action. Pretty much the opposite of their owner.

G

Hi,

Just to say, my understanding is that spores from fungus need TWO conditions to thrive; moisture AND heat. In other words, they need humidity, so if you are 'heating' or keeping your lenses warm, do be careful you are not creating humid conditions....

Cheers Steve.

Fortunately, most modern centrally heated homes have very low relative humidity. Excellent for lrnses, but of debateable value to human lungs....

I've found that my basement studio works fine for long term storage.
We keep the humidity down with an airconditioner in the summer, we don't cool it too much, but just enough to remove the humidity. winter, that room has electric heat. We always run a hepa filter, and dust often. I need my computers just a little below normal room temp all the time.
We keep the equipment in bags as dicussed earlier.
In many years of service I've only had one problem:
My canon pro one (*L series lens with flouride (co-designed by colgate?) lol. Developed fungus in the front lens element and was repaired under warrenty. We can't be sure, but my spouse did at one point drop the lenscap in a snowbank on Newyears eve, and I've suspected but dare not accuse without proof, that she put it away wet.