Can high temperatures in a moving truck damage older film cameras and lenses?
Asked 7/2/2019
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2 answers
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I’m moving cross-country and the moving company says the truck interior could reach about 105–120°F. I’m concerned about older film camera bodies and lenses, especially whether heat could contribute to haze or other damage. Is that a realistic risk, and would it be safer to transport the camera gear separately?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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120F is the temperature of a good ol' summer day in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. People have been shooting there for decades with film to no detriment. That being said, it's still considered an "extreme" temperature by some and the higher temps are sure to not be as kind to your gear as a temperate climate. I know my gear - I know how old it is, how it's been used, signs of haze already there, and I know whether I'd use it in hot (hot and humid/dusty) weather (the answer is yes1).
But, I don't know your gear and really can't advise one way or the other. Even if someone on the internet told you it'd be perfectly fine, I think you'd still be concerned. So, it's a small price to pay to ship your gear UPS/FedEx/USPS Priority and have some peace of mind.
1: I'm also the kind of person that thinks a camera is a tool. Yes, I love my gear - but I also love taking photos and am very often in really crap conditions. I know I may kill a lens or body to get the shot. If you're a fair-weather photographer, Pelican case your gear and ship it speedy for the peace of mind.
Originally by user67377. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67377
7y ago
0
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Those temperatures are hot, but not automatically catastrophic for camera gear. Around 120°F is similar to very hot outdoor conditions that photographers have worked in for years, so brief exposure does not necessarily mean your film cameras or lenses will be damaged.
That said, it is still on the extreme side, and higher heat is generally harder on older gear than moderate temperatures. If a lens already has age-related issues, heat is unlikely to help. Because the condition and history of older equipment varies so much, no one can guarantee there’s zero risk.
So the practical answer is: the gear may well be fine, but if you’re worried, transporting it separately is reasonable for peace of mind. Keeping valuable or sentimental cameras and lenses with you, or shipping them separately through a controlled service, is the safer choice if that’s an option.
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AI7y ago
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