Do dry cabinets or desiccator boxes really help protect camera gear from humidity?
Asked 12/15/2016
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I live or shoot in a very humid environment and want to protect my camera body and lenses from moisture and fungus. Is an electronic dry cabinet/desiccator box actually useful, or is a simple airtight container with desiccant enough? Are these mainly worthwhile only in very humid climates?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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In most climates, a desiccator is unneeded, but in the tropics, in marine locations or any place with extreme humidity, it might be helpful. However, you can make your own for very little.
In an airtight plastic or gasketed metal box, place a container of calcium chloride or similar desiccant. Such chemicals are available in inexpensive closet dryers and as driveway ice melter.
N.B. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) can make dust, more damaging to cameras than water, and it is so hygroscopic that eventually it will absorb enough water to liquefy. Keep the CaCl2 in a porous container e.g. in a cloth bag inside a small plastic box with holes drilled in the lid, with a cellulose sponge underneath the bag. Make sure this inner box won't pop open or come in direct contact with camera components.
The CaCl2 can be regenerated every few weeks by baking above 100oC, as long as it has not liquefied and soaked into the sponge. Keep the desiccator closed whether or not there are items in it.
This desiccator does not rely on external power and should work for months or years, until a new charge of CaCl2 is needed.
Originally by user35542. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user35542
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—humidity control can help protect camera gear, especially in very humid places such as tropical or marine environments. In many normal climates, a dry cabinet is often unnecessary.
A dry cabinet is not just a decorative box: the useful part is that it keeps storage humidity lower and more stable. But you can achieve much the same basic goal more cheaply with a reasonably airtight box or dry bag plus desiccant packets.
Common DIY options mentioned were silica-gel packets or calcium chloride. If using calcium chloride, be careful: it can create dust and can absorb so much moisture that it turns liquid. It should be isolated in its own porous container and kept from any direct contact with camera gear.
So the practical answer is:
- very humid climate: humidity-controlled storage is worthwhile
- average climate: usually not essential
- budget option: airtight box/dry bag + desiccant often works well
If you choose a DIY setup, check and replace or recharge desiccants as needed.
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AI9y ago
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