Camera and lens storage
Oct 14, 2019 16:29:42 #
MattW1
Loc: Baton Rouge
Good afternoon,
There was a recent post that morphed into several replies about equipment storage and humidity control. I've thought (and worried) about this occasionally as I live in a very humid environment. There were a couple references to Ruggard electronic dry cabinets. Can anyone give their opinions of these? Are there other companies who make similar or better storage options?
When I searched this topic in UHH, the only company I found referenced was Ruggard. The size I'm considering in the Ruggard line is the 120 liter.
Thank you for any help. Looking forward to hearing what else may be available.
Matt
There was a recent post that morphed into several replies about equipment storage and humidity control. I've thought (and worried) about this occasionally as I live in a very humid environment. There were a couple references to Ruggard electronic dry cabinets. Can anyone give their opinions of these? Are there other companies who make similar or better storage options?
When I searched this topic in UHH, the only company I found referenced was Ruggard. The size I'm considering in the Ruggard line is the 120 liter.
Thank you for any help. Looking forward to hearing what else may be available.
Matt
Oct 14, 2019 20:36:13 #
I have the Ruggard 80L and am extremely pleased with it. Since I received it some 8 months ago it has sat there cycling between 40 to 43% RH and I have noticed no increase in energy bills. Living at the edge of a rain forest by the sea in horrendous humidity I feel absolutely confident that my gear could not be stored better.
With respect to the size I spent a fair amount of time deciding which capacity unit I needed, parameters being that I wanted to be able to store both bodies with longest lenses + TX fitted along with all my other lenses.
With respect to the size I spent a fair amount of time deciding which capacity unit I needed, parameters being that I wanted to be able to store both bodies with longest lenses + TX fitted along with all my other lenses.
Oct 14, 2019 21:48:57 #
RowdyRay
Loc: MN
I'm not in a real humid area. Although, this year we set a new record for precipitation. So tired of rain. Anyway...as a hunter, I have a mid range Stack-On gun safe. It's not air tight. I was using one of their renewable dehumidifiers and it worked great. Haven't had an issue with rust. It's amazing how much moisture they can absorb. And renewable. They've been around for quite some time. And, they even make packets that can be put into Pelican cases.
Recently switched to this one. Only because it doesn't contain cobalt chloride. A potential carcinogen. No issues so far. If you're in a really humid area, maybe buy the four pack. Keep two in the storage area. Keep two ready to throw in. They're not that big. If you scroll down, you'll see other options.
https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Eva-dry-E-333-Renewable-Dehumidifier/dp/B000H0XFCS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1475957867&sr=1-1&keywords=Eva-dry+E-333+Renewable+Mini+Dehumidifier&linkCode=sl1&tag=dehumidifier025-20&linkId=56aee77f2a5a895b2f13146c1ea33c0c
Before anyone beats me up, I did Google the Ruggard 120 liter. Looks like a great unit. If you're a professional with 10,000.00 worth of equipment, I get it. But for us amateurs, it's overkill.
Recently switched to this one. Only because it doesn't contain cobalt chloride. A potential carcinogen. No issues so far. If you're in a really humid area, maybe buy the four pack. Keep two in the storage area. Keep two ready to throw in. They're not that big. If you scroll down, you'll see other options.
https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Eva-dry-E-333-Renewable-Dehumidifier/dp/B000H0XFCS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1475957867&sr=1-1&keywords=Eva-dry+E-333+Renewable+Mini+Dehumidifier&linkCode=sl1&tag=dehumidifier025-20&linkId=56aee77f2a5a895b2f13146c1ea33c0c
Before anyone beats me up, I did Google the Ruggard 120 liter. Looks like a great unit. If you're a professional with 10,000.00 worth of equipment, I get it. But for us amateurs, it's overkill.
Oct 15, 2019 00:06:16 #
MattW1
Loc: Baton Rouge
Grahame wrote:
I have the Ruggard 80L and am extremely pleased wi... (show quote)
Grahame,
Thank you for the reply. That’s helpful and if I go with Ruggard, I’m currently waffling between the 80L & 120L.
Oct 15, 2019 00:12:12 #
MattW1
Loc: Baton Rouge
RowdyRay wrote:
I'm not in a real humid area. Although, this year ... (show quote)
That’s certainly inexpensive, and worth considering. I’m sure it likely depends on the level of humidity, but how long between renewals?
And how long does it take to “renew”?
Oct 15, 2019 07:25:10 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
MattW1 wrote:
Good afternoon, br There was a recent post that mo... (show quote)
I use the Ruggard. Here is my unit.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1348545-REG/ruggard_edc_120l_electronic_dry_cabinet_120l.html?sts=pi&pim=Y
Be aware, B&H deeply discounts these cabinets about twice a year. I believe I got more than $100.00 off mine. You can sign up for their daily deals. I do not always buy, but every once in a while they offer really great deals. Just be patient.
I really like mine, if you have expensive equipment it is only logical to care for it the best way you can. I really like my cabinet, you will too.
Oct 15, 2019 10:47:50 #
I am also contemplating a dehumidifier unit, and the 80L seems about right. And I recommend reading the reviews at B&H.
But...something I discovered recently...not a bad thing, but I thought it interesting.
There’s a company called Gradus that imports different categories of photo gear under an assortment of names. Some of these names may be familiar to you, like Bolt, Oben, Bolt.
But here’s the thing: Gradus ONLY supplies to B&H. It says so on their website. That’s their purpose. That’s why you won’t find a whole lot of data on Ruggard outside of B&H.
I’ve had to deal with their customer service twice, and they were great.
But...something I discovered recently...not a bad thing, but I thought it interesting.
There’s a company called Gradus that imports different categories of photo gear under an assortment of names. Some of these names may be familiar to you, like Bolt, Oben, Bolt.
But here’s the thing: Gradus ONLY supplies to B&H. It says so on their website. That’s their purpose. That’s why you won’t find a whole lot of data on Ruggard outside of B&H.
I’ve had to deal with their customer service twice, and they were great.
Oct 15, 2019 11:39:35 #
KLambar
Loc: New Jersey
Amazon has other manufactures besides Ruggard. I recently purchased the Ruggard 80 as B&H had it for $149.99
Oct 15, 2019 12:56:01 #
I have this one:
Sirui HC70 Humidity Control Cabinet, 26.8 x 15.7 x 13.2", 70L Capacity
It holds my Canon 5d Mark IV, 70-200, 85, 100, 35, 16-35, 24-105, 40 pancake, flash, G7 Mark II.
It's packed. I can't get any more in.
Sirui HC70 Humidity Control Cabinet, 26.8 x 15.7 x 13.2", 70L Capacity
It holds my Canon 5d Mark IV, 70-200, 85, 100, 35, 16-35, 24-105, 40 pancake, flash, G7 Mark II.
It's packed. I can't get any more in.
Oct 15, 2019 12:59:20 #
I have been a person that has done my own get by attitude. I am JUST a hobbyist person with a love of cameras. D5300 and a D7200 with 6 lenses. I have done welding and needed to keep my welding rods dry. I have taken dorm fridges and placed a 25 watt light bulb in it. It keeps the interior at a constant atmosphere. I think that is the goal here, is it not. If you want, add a can of "Damp Rid" but that might be over kill. Look around at garage sales, Craigslist, end of semesters at colleges, you get the idea. Some people need to get over GAS and get to work at building. It does not have a brand name but it works. This is worth 4 cents. Good luck!
Oct 15, 2019 13:28:21 #
MattW1 wrote:
Good afternoon, br There was a recent post that mo... (show quote)
Sirui and many, many other also produce dry cabinets!
Oct 15, 2019 17:51:47 #
Aloha Matt, I recently bought the Ruggard 80L as I live in Hawaii where it is very humid. I was here about 3 years before buying it, and could feel some resistance in my lens focus, almost a sticky feeling so I bought the cabinet since it persisted even after cleaning. There are other cabinets out there, just google it and lots will come up. I choose the Ruggard since B&H had it on special and the reviews were very good.
Oct 15, 2019 21:01:33 #
RowdyRay
Loc: MN
MattW1 wrote:
That’s certainly inexpensive, and worth considering. I’m sure it likely depends on the level of humidity, but how long between renewals?
And how long does it take to “renew”?
And how long does it take to “renew”?
They say 20-30 days. Obviously, it depends on the humidity, but mine lasts longer. They also say 8-10 hours to renew. I've never timed it. Usually overnight and it's good to go. Some of the packets and other canisters need to be heated in the oven to renew. Been there, did that. This style is so much easier.
Not trying to discourage you, or anyone else from buying one of those units. If I lived in a super humid climate then I'd figure out a way to fit it in the budget. Probably worth every penny. Just wanted to present a cheaper, viable option, for hobbyists like myself.
Oct 15, 2019 22:00:07 #
RowdyRay
Loc: MN
DBQ49er wrote:
I have been a person that has done my own get by a... (show quote)
Oddly enough, this was my first thought. Cheap, easily found with a seal on the door. And...much bigger than some of these units. Any form of desiccant will wick the moisture out.
I'm Just a hobbyist, as well. A DIY guy. Not made out of money, and take care of the things that my hard earned money paid for. The Eva-dry is cheap, easy and lasts for years. That's why I suggested it. May have to do some testing and research. In the name of science......
Oct 15, 2019 23:53:04 #
MattW1
Loc: Baton Rouge
billnikon wrote:
I use the Ruggard. Here is my unit. br https://www... (show quote)
Thanks Bill,
I will look into B&H’s daily deals. Wasn’t familiar with that.
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