When it comes to expensive camera equipment, protecting your investment is important. That goes double for areas of the United States where humidity is an issue, as humidity (and the mold it causes) is public enemy #1 of cameras and photographic equipment. At Hide-Away Storage, we know a thing or two about storing stuff in humid weather, especially technology. If you need to store your photography equipment and want the top tips
Invest in a Quality Camera Case
The first line of defense for any high-quality camera is an equally high-quality camera case. A good camera case not only protects against physical damage but is also an excellent barrier against humidity when it’s properly closed.
Camera cases that are water resistant or, even better, waterproof are a great choice, albeit expensive. You’ll even find some cases with built-in hygrometers to monitor the humidity level inside the case at all times. In short, if you have high-quality cameras and lenses, the importance of quality camera cases is not exaggerated.
Silica Gel Packets are Perfect in High Humidity
You’ve probably seen silica gel packets if you’ve recently purchased new shoes, sneakers, supplements, or several other products. These small sachets are filled with tiny silica gel “dots” that can absorb moisture like a sponge, keeping the humidity extremely low inside your camera case or wherever you store your camera equipment.
Not only are silica gel packs an excellent mold and mildew prevention method, but they’re also easy to find and inexpensive. One thing to remember, however, is that you should replace them regularly if you live where the humidity is truly off the charts.
Separate Lens Cases are a Must in Humid Weather
When you have expensive cameras, you almost always have expensive lenses to go with them. If you do, consider using specialized, padded lens cases for them, similar to camera cases. (Some camera cases also come with extra space for lenses.)
If you rent a climate controlled storage unit to store your camera equipment, a lens case is still a good idea, as it will fully protect your camera from damage if it’s dropped or otherwise mishandled.
Keep Your Camera and Lenses Clean
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many camera owners rarely, if ever, clean their cameras and lenses. The fact is that cleaning your camera and lenses goes a long way towards preventing mold and mildew. The reason is that dust and dirt can trap moisture, so removing that dust and dirt will help keep moisture levels low.
Cleaning your camera and lenses with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth is the best choice. Consider purchasing a small blower device to remove dust and debris from parts of your camera and lenses that are hard to reach. If you ever find mold or fungus in any of your camera gear, experts recommend bringing everything to a professional cleaning service.
Purchase Additional Insurance for Your Camera Equipment
Only you know how much money you spent on your camera, lenses, and other photography equipment. Camera experts alike highly recommend purchasing additional insurance. The truth is, you never know what can happen to your camera gear when it’s being stored, even in a highly safe and secure place.
Severe weather is becoming more and more prevalent these days, and even the best storage location can be affected by them. As we’ve seen, areas of the United States with extreme humidity present a risk for your expensive gear. In other words, to ensure that you’ll be OK if something catastrophic happens, it’s best to purchase extra insurance.
What are the Risks of High Humidity to Cameras and Camera Equipment?
If you’ve never lived in an area of the country that’s affected by high humidity, you might not know what effect it can have on your camera and equipment. (Hint: it’s not good.)
The truth is that high humidity can cause the growth of mold and fungus, which can affect the aesthetics of your camera and gear and also their operation. Humidity can cause corrosion, especially on small mechanical parts, and either damage or ruin them altogether. This can lead to expensive repairs and, in extreme cases, the need for camera, lens, or gear replacement.
Consider a Climate Controlled Storage Unit
If you have a lot of camera gear and expensive cameras and lenses, the best place to store everything in a humid climate is a climate controlled storage unit. These specialized units, which range in size and price, are kept at a specific temperature throughout the year and at a low humidity point.
Yes, they cost a little more than a “regular” storage unit, but if you have expensive cameras and lenses, it’s well worth the small extra charge to rent a climate controlled unit. The good news is that you can rent the size storage unit you need, including as small as a 5’x5′ storage unit, and save money. If all you’re storing is camera gear and equipment, a 5’x5′ storage unit would be the perfect size.
Last Thoughts on Storing Camera Equipment in a Humid Climate
Did you find the tips and advice in this article helpful? We hope you did and that you can store your precious cameras, lenses, and other photography gear well to stay in perfect condition. At Hide-Away Storage, we offer safe, secure storage units all over the Sunshine State, where the humidity is often overwhelming. We also give you convenient access hours to all the belongings you store with us and offer monthly storage contracts so that you only get stuck renting once necessary. When ready, you can reserve a storage unit in Florida with Hide-Away Storage for your photography equipment. Until then, we wish you the best in your photographic endeavors!