trapper1 wrote:
I was surprised to see references to mold in cameras as it never occurred to me that this might happen. What sort of conditions lead to this mold? Does it attack both cameras and lens? What can be done to prevent this from happening? How is it removed? Appreciate any comments on the subject.
"Mold"is the mycelium of a mushroom. It starts with spores. These are very small, most are ten microns or so long.
If on lens it looks like spider web. In camera you may not see it.
Two spores are needed for reproduction, but if only one, it just keeps growing in length.
Spores need moisture to germanate.
As was stated, cameras breath. It 'inhales' the spores. So the trick is to keep the camera dry. Any way you can. Obviously keep the camera clean and dry. Mine are in a cabinet and have a bit of air flow.
Be careful with quick temperature change in either direction.
Mushroom mycelium secretes a powerful acid. It can and does break down stone. It is hygroscopic, so it attracts moisture from the air.
Once on the glass, it eats the coating. As it grows stronger it will etch the glass.
In the camera they eat oil, rubber and other substances. It attracts moisture and corrodes electronics.
I use mine often. Run a roll of film through an SLR .
I use old film and keep it for that purpose only. Never developed.
RetiredCPO speaks of the Philippines as humid. I was on Guam. Heaters in lockers for shoes. Circulating fans to keep uniforms dry or mildew will turn them to rags in a few days.
And why is it on the north side of a house?
South and east and west too much sun. On the north side? Less to no sun, so damper.
And I would NOT put any liquid on a camera. Bleach and vinegar fume and would enter camera and condense.
You can sometimes see where the mold is in a lens by looking thru it and tilting it. The mold will appear to move. Parallax.
And goodnight, all.
Bill