Thanks very much. That makes perfect sense!

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts. On balance I have decided that the risks associated with Ziploc bags probably outweigh their benefits, particularly over extended periods. However, cloth bags with desiccants in drawers or on closet shelves should be sufficient protection for my cameras and lenses. And of course the batteries should be removed.

Many thanks to all of you for your replies which have been extremely useful! I think that removing camera batteries before extended nonuse - say two weeks - is an excellent idea. I have ordered the silica packs and will have them by the beginning of next week. I hope everyone had an excellent Thanksgiving and got some great family photos.

Thank you both for your insights! Like tinplater, I have never worried much about how to store my camera bodies or lenses. However, I have recently read articles online warning about fungus that can invade lenses and dust that can invade sensors so I started worrying about storage. I feel better now!

Thanks Bob – that’s very helpful!

Thanks Bob. For years I have been storing my cameras and lenses exactly the way you do. I was hoping the Ziploc bags would keep dust, humidity and fungus away from the cameras/lenses more effectively. Any reason for your discomfort about using Ziploc bags?

I have noticed that some Hogs put dehumidifier sachets in their storage bags but I have been uncomfortable about potential effects of the chemicals on cameras/lenses. Any thoughts?

I have several cameras (both film and digital) that I do not plan to use for several months. Is there any reason why I should not store the cameras and their related lenses in Ziploc bags in a closet where the temperature is heated/cooled to 73° to 78°F with 50% to 60% humidity?