5
\$\begingroup\$

If I keep the lens on the camera will it be protected from dust and fungus? I keep my Nikon D5100 fitted with the lens in a plastic bag together with some silica gel.

Is that enough to protect it?

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ Chuck it in a pelican case along with the silica gel? \$\endgroup\$
    – NULLZ
    Commented Mar 12, 2013 at 11:46

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
10
\$\begingroup\$

When attached to the camera and with the front lens cap on the camera will be pretty well protected from dust.

Protecting against fungus is a matter of keeping everything dry. Placing everything in a sealed plastic bag is only a good idea if the temperature is kept warmer than when the bag is sealed.

Air can hold a certain maximum amount of moisture according to it's temperature. If you bag the camera in a warm environment and then place the camera in a cooler one, then as the air in the bag cools it wont be able to hold as much moisture and condensation will form on the glass surfaces. As there's air inside the lens condensation can get inside from where it's very difficult to remove, allowing mould to grow.

The ideal solution is to keep your equipment unbagged and well ventilated in a humidity controlled environment.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
10
\$\begingroup\$

I live in a very humid place. So my equipment has a high risk of getting fungus.

What I do is, not keep it inside. Yes, you heard me right :). I use my camera frequently and expose it to sun every now and then (sunlight is a good anti-fungal solution).

Apart from that when you are not using your camera for long, make sure you have the silica gel (active) in the camera bag. You can reuse silica gel packets by simply heating them.

If you can afford to spend some money for some storage, get a dehumidifier or something called a dry box, where you can store all your digital gadgets for long-term storage.

As for the dust, leaving the lens on is more than enough.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ Good answer. There's also a factor of contamination, however. As I got fungus on my gear once, and when I actually noticed it. All of my gear was affected: 3 lenses and the camera sensor. I cleaned it all up myself last year, as I was a bit far from major cities where this equipment could be serviced. And it stayed out completely for the whole year. Just to come back mid-July... monsoon season :/ But like you say, it doesn't affect you or some other photographers I know. So I'm guessing some spores were hiding inside, and once abundance of humidity came, they have sprouted. \$\endgroup\$
    – Emil
    Commented Aug 4, 2017 at 11:31

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.