Camera Case Desiccants: I would like to share a recent photography hack that offers peace of mind. I went into my local pharmacy and asked the pharmacist if he could collect the...

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I would like to share a recent photography hack that offers peace of mind. I went into my local pharmacy and asked the pharmacist if he could collect the plastic pill bottle desiccants. He didn't mind doing so since he knew I was a photographer. I threw some of these sealed plastic desiccant fans into my camera bag and tool box. They absorb moisture and humidity. Every month or so, I replace them. I never have any more issues of condensation or mold growth.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Scruples wrote:

I would like to share a recent photography hack that offers peace of mind. I went into my local pharmacy and asked the pharmacist if he could collect the plastic pill bottle desiccants. He didn't mind doing so since he knew I was a photographer. I threw some of these sealed plastic desiccant fans into my camera bag and tool box. They absorb moisture and humidity. Every month or so, I replace them. I never have any more issues of condensation or mold growth.

Thanks for the tip - great idea

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

That's a great idea....thanks for the tip.

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

For those that don't have an obliging Pharmacist there are many different shapes and sizes of containers full of desiccants on Amazon.com that can be re-dried periodically in the oven.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

tommy2 wrote:

For those that don't have an obliging Pharmacist there are many different shapes and sizes of containers full of desiccants on Amazon.com that can be re-dried periodically in the oven.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

tommy2 wrote:

For those that don't have an obliging Pharmacist there are many different shapes and sizes of containers full of desiccants on Amazon.com that can be re-dried periodically in the oven.

Yes. Almost any desiccant can be dried for reuse. I place them in a rack on a sheet pan and dry them in the oven for about an hour at the lowest temperature I can set on my oven.

Andy

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Scruples wrote:

I would like to share a recent photography hack that offers peace of mind. I went into my local pharmacy and asked the pharmacist if he could collect the plastic pill bottle desiccants. He didn't mind doing so since he knew I was a photographer. I threw some of these sealed plastic desiccant fans into my camera bag and tool box. They absorb moisture and humidity. Every month or so, I replace them. I never have any more issues of condensation or mold growth.

More than likely these dessicants don't absorb moisture, they "adsorb" water vapor - the contents have large surface areas (lots of tiny crevices) that will help lower humidity in a sealed enclosure, like a pill bottle, or cellophane-wrapped lens or camera box.

After they have become more or less "saturated" or incapable of adsorbing any more moisture, they become useless, and must either be heated to "dry them out" or put into a dry environment.

Putting these into an unsealed camera bag is about as helpful as trying to bail water out of a canoe with a sieve.

The fact you have not had any issues with condensation or mold may be serendipitous. I don't use any dessicants and I have never had mold, condensation or resulting damage to any of my electronics or camera lenses. I've used my gear in winter, while it was snowing, in a light rain, in Florida, in the swamps of Delaware in the summer (very humid), etc.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

You make a good point. I just can't imagine how much it would cost to repair an expensive camera after a silly mishap. Although it seems futile, I am penny-wise and pound wise too. As for these little marvels of technology, since they are free (courtesy of an obliging apothecary), it is just as easy to throw them away after two weeks or a month. Then, throw into your camera bag another two or three more. By The Way, I still have my Pentax K-1000, Canon AE-1, Canon EOS Rebel 2000 Date, Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 5D Mark IV in pristine condition.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Gene51 wrote:

More than likely these dessicants don't absorb moi... (show quote)

Many / most manufacturers of photo equipment include little bags of dessicant in their boxes - these I save and place in my bag. Are there perhaps different types of dessicant?

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I simply go to the nearest dollar store when I need desiccants, and buy a dehumidifier tub for a dollar. Those tubs are filled with desiccants - an entire bucket of that stuff!
This is what they look like:
http://www.hollar.com/products/dehumidifier-disposable-moisture-6-3-oz
You can pop off the lid and take out as much desiccants as required. Or leave as is and place the tub and your equipment together into a sealed plastic bin.

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

Just post a question and get the best answers!
The way this thread is going someone will list a source where the product will be delivered free!

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I went online. It seems a bucket of 6000 desicants costs about $100. I just head to the pharmacy to get a handful. Either way, these are a small price to pay for peace of mind. Besides have you ever see a grown photographer cry because a $3000 camera needs to be repaired. It's not pretty!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

AndyH wrote:

Yes. Almost any desiccant can be dried for reuse. I place them in a rack on a sheet pan and dry them in the oven for about an hour at the lowest temperature I can set on my oven.

Andy

👍👍 and you can microwave them (gently) as well.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

TriX wrote:

👍👍 and you can microwave them (gently) as well.

Haven't tried that one... No reason it shouldn't work, though.

Andy

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

AndyH wrote:

Haven't tried that one... No reason it shouldn't work, though.

Andy

For the desiccant packs I use in a small (hearing aid) dryer, 1 minute at 50% power works for me, but experimentation as to time and power is warranted.