Dry Cabinets

chouglez

chouglez

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Hello everyone,

Is there an alternative to Dry Cabinets. Would like to keep all my gear in one cabinet rather in the camera bag. Is anyone using a Dry Cabinet and is it really useful?

Many thanks.
 
I use one to store my gear safely in the loft. I got a bit paranoid once when I found fungus in a lens. TBH it’s a hangover from the days when I had nearly 8k of lenses. It didn’t seem an issue back then to spend another £100 on a cabinet.
 
Thanks @Brazo What size cabinet is yours? Not many are available in the UK. Seems like most are shipped from PRC. Also not many used available.
 
I have two of these in a large plastic tub
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rechargeable-Mini-Dehumidifier-Pack-Set/dp/B001P478OG
Our old stone house can be damp especially in summer when no heat is on for weeks.
There's also a weather station sensor in there which wirelessly shows the humidity on a console, usually the packs need recharging about once a month assuming it's opened once or twice a week.
I tend to recharge when it's creeps to about 35%, It usually drops to about 25% with fresh packs
At the moment the room it's in is around 40% which would be OK but it can reach 70% at times.

My first SLR was a Canon 300D, after a year or so unused when I went more compact fungus had got on the sensor.
It had been carelessly left in a bag in a hallway cupboard which was typically rather damp and cold.
That camera was cheap enough to not worry much, but the risk was highlighted- it isn't something you only get in hot humid places, but most UK houses will have a suitable area without doing anything special.
Most UK house probably have places whichught to be avoided though.
Leaving slightly damp gear forgotten in a bag for long must be risky
Sunlight (UV) also discourages fungus, this implies leaving lens out and without caps though?
 
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Packs of silica gel are very effective at keeping humidity levels down. Periodically dry them out on a radiator. Cheap and functional.

These guys were quick and provide it in virtually any quantity you need.

https://www.bluestarpackaging.co.uk/silica-gel-134-c.asp

Amazon market place do it too.

I have seen silica gel provided with Peli Cases in metal perforated boxes and it is common to have it both in storage cases and in camera protective housings for underwater photography.
 
You can get silica cat litter in most shops. Just fill some old socks.
 
You can also get silica gel bean bags used to minimise moisture in cars, periodically dry for a few hours on a radiator or oven at 40 degrees. Cost around a tenner on amazon.
 
My experiments with the humidity sensor and dry packs in normal cupboards or bags showed they make hardly any difference and needed recharging so frequently it was impractical - the container needs to be more or less airtight.
 
I'm in Malaysia - and one of the most popular local brands here is Aipo - I use the 48l version linked below. It seems most of the locals use them too. I know this shop ships internationally -- I've bought through them before, so know they are legit - but you might want to ask them for an quote as I imagine it would be pricey to send it. The 48L holds my 1dx2 and about 5-6 lenses at any one time, with room for more.

https://shashinki.com/shop/aipo-dig...t-guarantee-lowest-price-malaysia-p-1509.html
 
chouglez said:
Thanks @Brazo What size cabinet is yours? Not many are available in the UK. Seems like most are shipped from PRC. Also not many used available.
Click to expand...
I have the AD-60 so 60L. Has 3 large shelves and can stand up smaller lenses such as a nifty fifty but need to lay down larger lenses on the shelves. I set it at humidity of 45 % as if it’s too low (say 35%) the rubbers can dry out.
 
cymruchris said:
I'm in Malaysia - and one of the most popular local brands here is Aipo - I use the 48l version linked below. It seems most of the locals use them too. I know this shop ships internationally -- I've bought through them before, so know they are legit - but you might want to ask them for an quote as I imagine it would be pricey to send it. The 48L holds my 1dx2 and about 5-6 lenses at any one time, with room for more.

https://shashinki.com/shop/aipo-dig...t-guarantee-lowest-price-malaysia-p-1509.html
Click to expand...

Cheers Chris. Shipping is a killer :( but do appreciate you taking time to post the link.
 
What would be an ideal setting for a loft area where the dry box is placed in the UK?
 
Picked one from a UK seller dispatching from the UK. Took 3-4 days to reach.
Simply glad I bought it.
 
chouglez said:
Picked one from a UK seller dispatching from the UK. Took 3-4 days to reach.
Simply glad I bought it.
Click to expand...
As did I, I think if you check that link 4wd posted is to the same seller we used albeit for the smaller version, don't think there are several suppliers in the UK more like several models from same seller. Shame as could do with bit bigger than he sells really, did ask if he can source larger but no response so got the 68l as I think you did too. May get another, undecided.
 
The cabinets are great for piece of mind. I would suggest purchasing one that can grow with you, as lens, cameras and filters can start taking up space quiet quickly.
 
I bought the 38 litre one from that ebay seller, it's pretty solid for the price as plenty of similar ones are at least twice as much.
There is ample room for a 5Dmk2, with three lenses. The biggest 70-200 can stay attached.
You could easily get a few more small items in too. Probably at least one more lens or body.
It took about three hours for the readout to stop dropping towards the set level.
However I checked it with a separate humidity meter which says it is about 8% higher than it indicates
Setting it 8% lower got it to expected level.

A nice feature is subdued LED lighting on/off - useful to see in and looks good too.
There is no obvious heat or noise from the unit.
 
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