latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

I am plagued with my equipment and cameras (5) distributed throughout a number of camera bags etc. I want advice on how to store them for facile access.
I have been thinking of clearing out a closet in my study and putting them on current or new shelves in the closet. This will likely take me and a team of mules to move stuff (photographic mostly) to another place. This is why I want opinions before jumping in and moving stuff.
In your opinion is it safe to store cameras and lenses open on a shelf without being protected? For security reasons, is it safer to store equipment in closet rather than on open shelves in my study?
What do you do? Do you have suggestions and opinions?
Thanks in advance. I find the contributors on this site to be extremely helpful.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

I bought a large dresser and built inserts into the drawers to fit my lenses and cameras for storage. It is easy to locate what I need and the equipment is kept safely out of sight.

jayd Loc: Central Florida, East coast

Ruggard makes several sizes of climate controlled cabinets to store without worry about humidity and fungus.
Has a key lock also

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I surly wouldn't put anything on an open shelf unprotected, dust magnets.

wetreed

I think the best place is your camera bags. If they are safe enough to use when you have them in travel and outdoors they should be a secure place for storage inside your house.

Quinn 4

I use Sterilite's Storage Boxes for shoes (13"L x 71/4''W x 41/4''H) to keep my cameras in. Boxes sit in a book case.

Hammer Loc: London UK

I have a couple of cupboards and the stuff also spills over to some camera bags. The problem is stuff is hidden and access is tricky because the shelves are too low and deep. I suggest that open shelves would be best. Perhaps with a lip to stop the stuff falling of.

Bill_de Loc: US

My house has hot air heat (I hate) and A/C (I like) so I'm not too concerned with climate control. The shelves are 22' x 9.5" and the cabinet is 8' tall. The 3 shelves not shown hold the junk --- I mean accessories.

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delkeener Loc: SW Rhode Island, USA

Suggest looking for what is called a barrister's bookcase. It should have easily opened glass fronted doors, one for each shelf. Most of the designs I've seen have the door hinged on top. Pull a knob or handle at the bottom edge of the door and the top edge is pushed in over the top of the books on the shelf. Barrister bookcases are quite expensive as bookcases go.

Drewline Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

I keep our cameras in their respective Domke Bags so they can be picked up and used on the spur of the moment. The Domke bags are on an open shelf in what has become our Equipment Room along with all the musical instruments. Extra lenses are kept in a huge old Domke Bag on the same set of shelves.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I once used a file cabinet, with the drawers lined with towels it worked nicely.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Hang one on a hook for easy access.

HardworkingGal

Great question! Since I just started with dslr don't have much but what I do have currently is stored in a small sling pak under an end table in the livingroom awaiting me to decide on a permanent home (a course book sits on the end table and tripod is tucked under the sofa). Didn't think about the fact that my collection will grow over time as I advance. Kind of like the dresser idea, that would work I have one in my office that I keep office supplies in with 2 empty drawers but what about the humidity and fungus issues? What is the proper humidity for equipment? and what is done to prevent fungus? Not concerned about security issues; live in a very rural area...
The sling pak has a ingenious system of Velcro edged cushion cloth (lint free) inserts that can be reconfigured to fit changing needs, I could sew up a similar system to use as dividers within the drawer and I already have everything in its own soft cloth (lint free) drawstring bag so dust wouldn't be an issue. And if another drawer becomes necessary either I find another place for the office supplies or just get a taller chest of drawers!

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I've been burgled. They stole every camera, every lens, every accessory I had ever owned. I am now looking at installing a safe under some shelves in the bathroom closet and putting a deadbolt lock on the closet door. Of course, if they want it, they will still take it. The door will be taken off the hinges or smashed and the save simply stolen en toto. Until then, I store in their carry bags in as inconspicuous spot I can find in my house. I keep each bag totally equipped with everything I need for that camera - cards, lenses, filters, etc. So no matter which bag I grab, I'm set to go.

richandtd Loc: Virginia

I keep mine in my gun safe