Re: [Leica] Camera Storage

[CapsTeeth <CapsTeeth@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-01-10 18:57:16 EST, >  Harry writes:

> I have a question that I am sure has come up before on this list but I have
>  only been a subscriber for about two months. I have a M3 and a M6 , when
not
>  in use I keep the cameras with the lens attached inside their respective
>  eveready cases. Is there any problem with this ? A fellow I met in the
>  camera shop today thinks its wise to store the bodies outside the case with
>  the lens removed (with a body cap on) and store the lens with the caps on
>  seperataly. I would like the groups advise on this. Thanks in advance (and
>  for all the great info I get on the list).

               You didn't say how long the storage intervals are between use,
but if they are unused for more than a month here's what I would recommend
from years of storing cameras and lenses in a tropical climate with no
casualties so far:
                         --take the cameras out of the everready cases (they
can give off gasses from chemicals used in dyeing/tanning and can even rot)
and keep them in a camera bag with the zippers open slightly.   Unless you
live in the desert, a little house dust is a lot better than no air at all.
Mildew and fungus thrive in dark, humid places.  Some fungus bacteria are
anaerobic--they grow without the presence of oxygen.  I would also remove the
lenses and cap everything up separately to prevent any chance of corrosion
from metal-to-metal contact in the presence of humidity.  Remove the batteries
from the M6 and any other equipment that uses them.
                          --make sure the cameras are in a cool, dry place.  A
closet should have an air conditioning vent.  Do not store cameras in attics,
garages or basements unless they are kept heated/air conditioned/hedumidified
just like the rest of the house.  If you live in a humid climate it's a good
idea to also place desssicant cannisters (and empty/refill them regularly)
like Damp-Rid in the area.
                          --Exercise them once a month.  Operate all the
moving controls several times and fire the shutter a couple/3 times at each
speed.  This is more important for mechanical cameras like Leicas than
electronic ones, but it's good for them also.  Operate the helicoids and
diaphragms of lenses.  
                          -- Especially important if you live in a humid area,
lenses should be exposed to UV light to prevent/kill bacteria growth that
causes fungus.  Remove lenscaps and expose lenses to sunlight, or an electric
UV light source (such as a plant growing light or the light used to prevent
algae growth in aquariums) for several hours once a month.  Examine lenses
internally with a penlight and have them serviced at the first hint of fungus
before it's too late.
                          --The best advice:  buy film and take your Leicas
out and enjoy shooting them often.  They're nice and light and are great to
take on long walks/jogs...which keeps you in as great condition as them!