If you are a beginner in Photography (using your expensive DSLR camera and lens), maybe your are not familiar with this – LENS FUNGUS. Given enough moisture, FUNGI can grow inside your lens! Yikes! But not only that, it can destroy your precious glass! Don’t let your expensive lens go down the drain just like that!
Fungus can grow inside your lens given the following circumstances are all present on your camera:
- Exposure with fungi spores (always present outdoors!)
- Dust
- More than 70% Relative Humidity
The first two (2) can’t be prevented, but the third one, you can control it.
Here are the top ways to prevent the growth of FUNGUS on your DSLR.
1. Expose your camera in SUNLIGHT
Sunlight contains small amount of Ultraviolet (UV) rays which can kill fungi spores on your camera. Use your camera often and expose it outside with the sun. If you don’t use your camera that often, avoid putting it in a dark closet.
2. Avoid using your camera in a MOIST ENVIRONMENT
Beach, forest, mountains, rainy days. These are some examples of a moist environment. During rainy days, the relative humidity (RH) or the measure (percentage) of water vapor in the air, is above 90%. That’s 20% more from the 70% RH threshold for the fungi to grow!
If you will use your camera in these environment, make sure to wipe off your camera and lens with a dry cloth before storing it inside your camera bag.
3. Use DEHUMIDIFIER or DESICCANT
Do you recognize this thing with label “Do not eat! Throw away! Desiccant”
You can find this inside the box of your new shoes, new bag, or anything new. But why? Is this thing to prevent insects? No!
Silica gel are there to prevent your new shoes or bag from having a nasty odor. This is to prevent moisture build-up inside. This thing suck-up moist in the air.
Put some inside your camera bag and on your camera storage. I’m super addicted to this thing, I buy almost every month!
There are many types of desiccant available in the market. Some are disposable (but cheap), some are reusable.
Disposable desiccant are cheap, but in my opinion, this are not economical in the long run, and also not eco-friendly.
I recommend using reusable desiccant (dehumidifier) just like this Xiaomi Deerma Dehumidifier (I’m writing an unboxing and review, will link here when I’m finished). This dehumidifier can be plugged-in when it is already saturated with water inside. When plugged, it will generate heat that will allow the water inside to evaporate. Be sure to plug it outside you house!
4. Buy HUMIDITY SENSOR (Hygrometer) and DRY BOX for Camera storage
Make a DIY Dry Box for your camera!
Buy a humidity sensor for you to check and monitor the humidity levels (make sure it is below 70% RH!). Any transparent box that is big enough for your camera and lens will do. Put the humidity sensor inside, as well as silica gel and/or other type of dehumidifier or desiccants.
What is the recommended range of humidity levels for your camera and lens?
45-60% RH is recommended to prevent the growth of fungus inside your camera. Lower than this can make the rubber on your camera lens go hard (and it will crack, ouch!). Higher than 70% will be a good environment for those nasty fungi!
I hope this article helps you on your photography journey. Thank you!
Don’t forget to share this to others and help spread awareness! Happy shooting!
