How to store cameras & lenses

Omestes · 09-09-2017, 11:47 AM

Hello All!

My partner, Andrew (Omestes), died in January, and I am moving. I am looking for advice on how to store his cameras and lenses and general photography accoutrements. There will be significantly less space in my new home, but I'm not ready to sell or give away his beloved cameras... Any recommendations would be incredible helpful!

Thank you,
Laura

**ivanvernon** · 09-09-2017, 12:24 PM

Originally posted by Omestes

Hello All!

My partner, Andrew (Omestes), died in January, and I am moving. I am looking for advice on how to store his cameras and lenses and general photography accoutrements. There will be significantly less space in my new home, but I'm not ready to sell or give away his beloved cameras... Any recommendations would be incredible helpful!

Thank you,
Laura

Since the equipment has sentimental value, perhaps you will wish to display it rather than simply warehousing it. In that case, you may want to consider a display case. I am attaching a photo of the display case I use. I bought mine used from a Goodwill store for something less than $100. If money is no object, you can simply shop in any furniture store. If you wish to economize, you can haunt the thrift stores in your region until a satisfactory case turns up. The one I am using was originally a hutch for a dining room set. (The sides are actually straight, of course, but appear bowed because of the fish-eye lens used to make the photo.)

I agree that it is a good idea to maintain the equipment for a time in a safe and protected place. Having it properly stored and organized will also be to your benefit if you should decide at some time in the future to sell the items. I am sure you would find many sympathetic and able photographers who will be prepared to give these items a good home.

Please accept my sympathy and best wishes for your new home.

NOTE: Sorry the photo got turned on its side, but unfortunately that is a common occurrence here on Pentax Forum. Hopefully, you can get the gist of the matter by turning your head and squinting.

pschlute · 09-09-2017, 12:28 PM - **1 Like**

Whether you keep the equipment in existing camera cases or perhaps in a sealed plastic storage box the important thing is to keep out moisture. Buy plenty of silica gel pouches...the big ones , not the little ones that come with many mail order goods.

Best wishes to you.

KiloHotelphoto · 09-09-2017, 12:59 PM - **2 Likes**

I would also suggest pulling the batteries out of the cameras before storing.

Unregistered User 8 · 09-09-2017, 05:31 PM

Hi Laura, very sorry to hear of Andrew's passing. Tough times for you and the family. About his equipment, excellent advice already given, but may I add, removing them periodically from cases and bags to inspect them for mold etc. and letting them out into the light would be beneficial. Good luck to you and the family in the future.

Steve Beswick · 09-09-2017, 05:45 PM

A few thoughts - if you can:

Keep them out of direct sunlight.

Keep them out of direct halogen light.

Keep them as cool as reasonably possible. Room temperature is fine, definitely try and keep them under 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are going to put them on display, perhaps just put a couple cameras out, each with a lens on it. That way you can have a nice reminder, without it being overwhelming.

**Alex645** · 09-09-2017, 09:15 PM

Normally I would recommend air tight cases and desiccants, etc. to reduce the chance of mold, rust, etc. But as you live in dry Arizona air, I believe it is better to let it "breathe" in a display case or non-airtight baggage or cases.

+1 on removing batteries. But all cameras, digital more than film, need to be used at least once or twice a year if you care about the longevity of the electronics. So perhaps on an anniversary, give them life for a day. As they say, "use it or lose it."

**WPRESTO** · 09-10-2017, 05:44 AM

So very sorry for your loss. Such events always come much too soon.
Small suggestion: Storing lenses horizontally may reduce the risk of oil dripping from the diaphragm onto an internal lens surface.

**lmd91343** · 09-12-2017, 12:56 PM

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that your beloved's camera equipment brings pleasant memories.

The tips you've received so far are good. One more would be regarding any old cameras or exposure meters that have selenium cells. That would apply to those items from the early 1960s or before. Those cell windows need to be kept dark with a small piece of cardboard or masking tape over the selenium cell window. Selenium cell windows are covered with a stippled glass, similar to a bathroom window.

09-09-2017, 11:47 AM	#1
Omestes Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 207	How to store cameras & lenses Hello All! My partner, Andrew (Omestes), died in January, and I am moving. I am looking for advice on how to store his cameras and lenses and general photography accoutrements. There will be significantly less space in my new home, but I'm not ready to sell or give away his beloved cameras... Any recommendations would be incredible helpful! Thank you, Laura

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09-09-2017, 12:28 PM - 1 Like	#3
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,211	Whether you keep the equipment in existing camera cases or perhaps in a sealed plastic storage box the important thing is to keep out moisture. Buy plenty of silica gel pouches...the big ones , not the little ones that come with many mail order goods. Best wishes to you.

09-09-2017, 12:59 PM - 2 Likes	#4
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	I would also suggest pulling the batteries out of the cameras before storing.

09-09-2017, 05:31 PM	#5
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Hi Laura, very sorry to hear of Andrew's passing. Tough times for you and the family. About his equipment, excellent advice already given, but may I add, removing them periodically from cases and bags to inspect them for mold etc. and letting them out into the light would be beneficial. Good luck to you and the family in the future.

09-09-2017, 05:45 PM	#6
Steve Beswick Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,736	A few thoughts - if you can: Keep them out of direct sunlight. Keep them out of direct halogen light. Keep them as cool as reasonably possible. Room temperature is fine, definitely try and keep them under 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are going to put them on display, perhaps just put a couple cameras out, each with a lens on it. That way you can have a nice reminder, without it being overwhelming.

09-09-2017, 09:15 PM	#7
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Normally I would recommend air tight cases and desiccants, etc. to reduce the chance of mold, rust, etc. But as you live in dry Arizona air, I believe it is better to let it "breathe" in a display case or non-airtight baggage or cases. +1 on removing batteries. But all cameras, digital more than film, need to be used at least once or twice a year if you care about the longevity of the electronics. So perhaps on an anniversary, give them life for a day. As they say, "use it or lose it."

09-10-2017, 05:44 AM	#8
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,138	So very sorry for your loss. Such events always come much too soon. Small suggestion: Storing lenses horizontally may reduce the risk of oil dripping from the diaphragm onto an internal lens surface.

09-12-2017, 12:56 PM	#9
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	I am sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that your beloved's camera equipment brings pleasant memories. The tips you've received so far are good. One more would be regarding any old cameras or exposure meters that have selenium cells. That would apply to those items from the early 1960s or before. Those cell windows need to be kept dark with a small piece of cardboard or masking tape over the selenium cell window. Selenium cell windows are covered with a stippled glass, similar to a bathroom window.