Conservation of cameras

Due to lack of space to display my collection of cameras, I am considering storing them in an upper room of my house. The room is unheated, and the temperature can range from minus 3 degrees C in the winter to plus 30 degrees C in the summer. I thought that I would seal each camera in a plastic bag, each containing a sachet of silica gel. I would then store the bags containing the cameras in plastic boxes. What do you think?

David

(http://www.rcccuk.com)

Dear David,

Storing them in sealable bags or boxes with dry silica gel should be the best possible option. Relative humidity increases when the temperature becomes lower, the silica gel will prevent too much moisture in the plastick bag if the bag can be sealed.

Leather and moisture is a breeding place for fungus on glass. If possible you may store the camera separate with its case.

Good luck!

Many thanks Milo,

That's exactly the information that I needed. It is always a worry that cameras and lenses will deteriorate if not stored correctly.

David

(http://www.rcccuk.com)

Maybe re-charge the silica gel every so often. Any moisture it has absorbed can be driven out again by either leaving on a hot radiator, or baking in a warm (but not very hot) oven for a bit. Then reseal in the plastic bag.

hi David ,
do you know where you can get free silicatgel bags ?
Go to a shoes shop and ask for free bags : in each card box storing shoes there are such bags. After selling shoes these bags are felt in garbages box.So you can get it free.
Alain

use pickle jars . But in all seriousness, you know they sell these vacuum sealer bags that may work for you... something like this: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=112260

Vlad

Silica gel may be found cheaply as "cats toilet sand"! Most brands are not sand at all: some are made out of wood and some are pure silica gel.

Best regards,
Juhani

Wow . I am not sure I'll be comfortable to store my cameras in kitty litter.. LOL!!!

Well, just don't take it from the neighbours old lady's cats litter box, use new...

Best regards,
Juhani

I would worry more about summer time, when it gets hot. Low temperature is Ok for cameras, but heat does promote all kind of decay.

Heat can separate oil out of lens grease, and it dribbles all over your aperture blades!

Kiev 88, Kiev 6c, many Zenits