I'm contemplating whether I should get a dry cabinet to store my camera. I use my camera about once in two weeks or every now and then if I need it. My camera + lenses are usually in my bag when not in use and my bag is all around the house. LOL. I figure if I get a dry cabinet I'll be able to store it nicely and I can put my bag away inside a closet. At the same time, I'm not too worried about my camera gears being infected with fungus.

What's stopping me I'm not sure what is the right capacity and which brand and model to get. : (

I only have a D7000 + 35mm + 17-50 + SB600 at the moment but I was thinking I want to chuck in other things into the cabinet too (things that I leave elsewhere around the house cause I got no proper cabinet and these items won't be affected by humidity level etc).

*edit: this is not a priority. obviously the main objective of getting one is to get a proper storage to keep the camera gears and prevention of fungus.


I see a lot of people suggesting/bought AIPO but I also see a lot of people said that they have problems with the adapter.

I want to get a digital model cause I'm lazy to check and make sure the humidity level is correct all the time.

me. XD Sorry, I ramble a lot.

This post has been edited by ruxyn_tang: Apr 29 2013, 06:07 PM

Why would you want to buy a huge ass dry box to store useless things like slippers or pants? That's just a waste of money, space & electricity.

i'm not wanting to buy huge ass dry box to store useless things like slippers or pants.

the primary objective is of course to find an appropriate dry cabinet to store my camera gears in a proper plus + prevent fungus from growing.

im not going to put in slippers or pants in the drybox obviously ;;

i was thinking to put in my money collection..

... I think keeping electronic equipment and paper stuff (dollar notes) need different setting ... not too sure though ...

Hmm if not mistaken is rh 50

yes it's need different RH

Dry cabinets are good but not a need. A lot of my stuff spent their time in bags, stored at cooling stable temperature area. once in a while took out. no fungus problem.

That was the past of course, now I use AIPO dry cabinet. The thing about dry cabinet is IF you so happen to out grow the capacity, what are you going to do with it?

I bought a big cabinet and I'm am soon to outgrow it already. Mind you, mine's an 88L unit.

Perhaps you should consider a dry box instead.

: ) okay. i considered dry box - it's cheaper and better for my budget. but i wanted to get a digital one that's why i scrapped off the idea. on second thought, maybe i dont need to have a dry cabinet for now since i use my camera "quite often".

A few things to note.
1. Fungus can still grow even if you use them once a fortnight. Especially in our hot and humid weather.
2. Dust will enter your lens, moisture will seep into your lens and fungus spores will grow. It's impossible to prevent dust and fungus spores, but we can reduce moisture.
3. You will need to purchase silica beads for dry box. Probably the colour coded one. (blue for charged, purple pink for empty). Take note that these silica beads are rechargeable by putting them in a microwave. Take note that it's carcinogenic though. You don't want to use that microwave for food again.
4. New lens are somehow a little more resistant to fungus compared to cheap old lens. Probably it's the coating.

how often do i need to change the silica beads for drybox? :1 dont think i have a microwave just to charge the beads :/

For Malaysia's weather. I would say once every 6-8 weeks.
One large bottle (about 1L) of blue silica gels should not cost more than RM20 and can be use to refill an average drybox about 5-7 times.

if you go for dry box, you would need to check the RH manually using hygrometer from time to time....

yes, silica gel is carcinogenic. there is a type of product in the market where the silica gel can be regenerate by conducting electricity (have plug integrated with the small box contained silica gel)....octopus brand... RM70 i think....

Bro, XD. I am think to get one dry cabinet too but no budget. Aipo is expensive....I heard octopus brand is cheaper a lot and provide lifetime warranty.... hardly heard any user reviews. Anyone using it?

eh guys, ayam oso thinking shud i get or not, but i'm studying @ outstation, india , for another 1.5 year... around may to september will got monsoon.... monsoon humid till wall all will grow fungus if we're not in the room for few weeks....

this kind of humid level need mah?? if i dont wan to get, will it affect the lens? and what way u guys suggest to safeguard the lens? container + silica gel / any other options?

Fungus on the wall....seriously??? then I think you better get a cabinet...but since you are in india...get a dry box 1st will do? Malaysia rainy days can get 80-90% humidity....I scare also

If humid till wall grow fungus, what do you think will happen to your lens?
Probably humidity level will be around 95%RH then. At about 98-100%RH, you can see dew forming on your walls d

Fungus on lens is not a 100% sure thing. It can be really humid/dark, and there might still be no fungus on your lens.
Same thing vice versa.

The only practical way is through a drybox or dry cabinet.
There are other methods like some fungal prevention chemicals or even periodic UV light exposure(not for too long, it will degrade the rubber/plastic).... but ultimately, just put them in a dry box.

This post has been edited by LegendLee: May 1 2013, 12:08 AM

hmm buy dry box, will be heavy and hard to transport around ma? i scare wan go back time duno need how...
my friend room all got fungus lah, but my room so far din kena ( last year at sept, around end of monsoon )

what if i buy big container then put lens inside + those thirsty hippo ( dehumidifier ) can ma? maybe put 2 / 3 like that...

Just make sure to change once your thirsty hippo runs out.
Again, no guarantee as you will have no idea what your RH level will be or how air tight is your container.

if i just buy one RH meter nia leh? put in the container.
btw dry box isit easy to carry and bring back by flight?

That will work as well. RH meters are quite easy to find and they don't cost much.
A regular drybox can fit into those really large luggage bags, so it should be ok.

okay imma look around ebay =) thx... dry box ebay wont have fake 1 rite
wad brand good ah