How do you guys keep your camera/lenses?? Since dryboxes are beyond many people's reach, an alternative way is to get an air-tight Tupperware and some silica gel. Question is, where can I buy silica gel?

Someone suggested those thirsty hippo stuff, but they aren't the same right?

thirsty hippo also keeps it dry..many people use it...i use silca gel myself..but i get it from those suppliers that supply scientific materials to schools....

ps: theres quite a number of thread about this topic...try to search through those topics before starting a new one...thanks

go to kodak or photoshop that got sell camera, i used to buy one bottle for my camera.

I once saw PhotoShangrila Times Square selling those in large packs at cheap price. You can check it out there...

Yes, Thirsty Hippo does the job pretty well. All I need is a TUB (The ones for keeping Books with the lock on lids), put the Thirsty Hippo inside, mount the hygrometer and lastly proceed to store the lenses and camera in there. Does keep the environment in there at 30% - 40% humidity....

I used to use the recyclable Silica Gel which you put into the microwave once its turns from BLUE To Pink. But thats only for temporary purposes and for the bag. The silica beads start to turn white and flakes at times. I have now chucked them into cold storage. Got them from one of the camera shops at 1Utama. RM40 For 2 cartridges.

hardware shop dont sell ka?

Just get a small dry cabinet, problem solved. Small 1 is about rm250 oni. U buy those thirsty hippos is not cheap oso in the long run. Plus the container got water inside 1. Spill then habis.

Indeed you are right. Thirsty Hippo's cost about RM5 per pack. COuld probably last you 1 month.

Its always better to have a proper DRY CABINET. Mine is just temporary as I have yet to find time to go to KL and look for a proper Dry Cabinet. Prolly have to go for the mid range sized ones...

But by using thirsty hippo or equivalent products, you do not have control on the humidity. It could be too dry or too humid. Too dry, it will dehydrate all your equipment lubrication and rubber materials. Also I read from another forumer that some humidity beads release anti-fungal 'perfume' which can cause corrosion.

Better buy a decent dry box. Just be informed that the dry box humidity meter is about +/-5% off the scale because there is no consistent calibration done. You could however borrow a hydrometer to take measurements in the first few days of using your dry box.

Will probably try to get the silica gel from Times Square or 1 Utama as mentioned. I will be travelling so a dry box isn't such a good option.

julchin_09, u mean use hydrometer right? wonder how much one of those things cost...

Gonna be costly for an accurate unit. Anyway since you are traveling silica gel will be good for your carrying case.

OK, for those wanting a dry box, maybe we should bulk? Just prepare cash and buy together? Haggle together for better discounts maybe

Any recommendations on where to get? I heard J-One sells the AIPO brand. Since it's a decent shop (not the best price, but damn pleasant shop owner) can get from there? I'm looking for one as well.

I think there's a specific AIPO thread section from within ShutterAsia and Photomalaysia. Go over there for user reviews and price. Last I heard from that thread, they have a pretty good customer service. When buying a dry box, two of the most important thing is the dehumidifier heating element (must be reliable) and the door sealing properties.

A lot of users neglected the door sealing properties. I must agree that a door is a door and sealing is sealing. Some 'brands' out there uses cheap and flimsy door axles. Because of this weak construction, it might fail causing the door to dismantle or not seal the whole system properly causing erratic readings on the internal hydrometer. So check that the door has a solid construction, one that won't fail and check the sealing so that all four corners of the door is properly sealed to the box when closed.

How about those digital humidity meters as opposed to analog ones? Hows the accuracy for those?

Yes I do use a hygrometer. But its cheap as its the kind we use for terrariums for pets. Its from a brand called Exo Terra. Cost less than RM10. It takes a while for the analog indicator to move, but it does the job. I put 3 in my room, it all works well.....

From what I know, the humidifier system has 2 components - the humidifier element and the hydrometer measurement device.

The humidifier element/unit itself has a control which is analog based. A lot of sellers prefer this one because it has been reliable while the humidifier unit with digital control has been reported to be wacky at times. The hydrometer both with analog and digital display that is usually hanged at the front door is for the purpose of measuring humidity in the box. These two systems (element and display) does not connect to each other and provide any feedback and compensation which is why some people has been commenting on the accuracy which is around +/-5%.

The humidifier with digital control consist of the element itself and the display. You set the desired humidity on the front panel and it will feedback to the element until a balance is reach. This is supposedly more convenient than playing with the analog knob and wait till it stabilize and then fine tune it until it reaches our desired environment. I bought mine from Direct Photo and the salesman had this strange reject rates with these systems (assuming what he said is real).

I'm currently using AIPO dry box..so far so good..i'm getting the analog hydrometer, so far so good.

it takes time for the meter to stabilize, so maybe after a night, if u notice the reading is too low or too high, just adjust the lever accordingly and wait it to stabilize again..well, what u pay is what u get.

but i sastify as long as it do its job.

i bought around RM250 or 280 if not mistaken. it can hold like 1 body with 2-3 long lens and on top u can put those short prime lens such as 50mm.


as others state, becareful of using thirsty hippo or equivalent drying agent, humidity too low might dry off the lubricants and if extremely low, it increase the chance of electrostatic discharge which might kill off the electronics components inside ur camera

I suppose then some silica gel, hygrometer (around RM10 says julchin_09) and a tub/tupperwear would do the job? Think the total would be around RM 30-50, depending on the size of the tub.

I get it from my company's warehouse.

If you wanna calculate that way, my setup is Silica gel Thirsty HIppo (RM5), Tub/Tupperware (Transparent type @ RM15), Exo Terra Hygrometer (RM10) which makes it a total of RM30. My Tub is pretty big in terms of dimensions (Width X Height X Length) = 24cmx25cmx40cm. Can fit a 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS standing + 3-4 lenses and camera body. Lowest humidity measured is 35%....

This post has been edited by julchin_09: Mar 3 2008, 11:49 PM

Errr 35%??? I thought the recommended humidity range is around 40-45%? 35% would be a little too dry for your lenses.

Bro, where can get the Exo Terra Hygrometer??

40% Would be ideal. But since I don't store them for long, the average is 40%-45% due to the opening and closing of the lid. Lowest was one particular period, must have been pretty hot as well and the reading was 35%.

Hygrometer can be bought at petshops. Exo Terra terrarium hygrometer. Try the petshops selling repltiles and exotic pets. They should carry this meter......

Ooh that one from those pet shops. I get it. I also want to get one to double check on my drybox's accuracy.

Yes. Its kinda handy actually. Since they were relatively cheap, I got a few of them to install in my toilet, and bedroom just to see the daily readings. A friend of mine upon seeing this also bought quite a number for his R&d Department. Not sure if they're trying to cut cost though

I would agree to your friend's decision to install in his R&D because too low humidity tends to cause electrostatic problems. So maybe he's trying to monitor the conditions. Sometimes air-conditioned rooms/departments tend to reduce humidity levels too and become dry. But why do you install so many of them in toilets and bedrooms? Hahaha! Maybe to check on the weather outside?

I know if humidity levels reach a certain threshold it will indicate stormy/wet weather.

I just wanna monitor my rooms humidity. Cos I have a collection of shoes in mint condition. So too humid also not good for them.

Stormy and wet weather, get a pressure gauge. Pressure drops? Storms Coming......

Right on the spot. So you're into shoes too ya. Hehehe

OOOO..... A fellow sneaker afficianado? Nice to meet ya. But lets not get Off Topic. Save that for the sneakers and shoe thread.... http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=ST&f...0#entry15849467

Yeah back to the topic. But its nice. Really.

Bit the bullet. RM420 gone. Got an AIPO 38 liter from Jone.

erm i got my aipo ap-48ex rm450.

Pics guys. Me wanna see pics....

dry box pic or silica gel pic?

Good buy ebernie. You'll never regret it.

So cheap?

My box is about 2/3 the size of undazztood's one, with only 2 racks instead of 3. Other than that, looks the same. Glass door with a key.

Note when buying - examine that the doors shut tight.

Yes to prevent air leakage. Be suspicious if the door when close does not align with the dimensions of the box. Some doors are slanted a bit which indicate wrong/lousy/weak door hinge.

Just noticed - flash also need to keep inside drybox ah? I only taruk my lenses and body.

Don't know. I put my batteries, speedlite, memory card and plastic hoods in it too. Haha! But dry box is not a new thing for me. In the electronic industry, we keep semiconductor products in dry boxes too. Thats why I put my memory card in it too. My batteries are organized in battery covers to keep them in their respective places without shorting themselves and easy for me to carry them in packs of 4.

put everything
i wanna get one that is huge enough to put all my negatives and slides and trans too.

Thanks for the pics. Its these DRY BOX pics Im requesting for. I really need to get me one of these. Whats the humidity level you maintain it at? Digital or Analog meter?

I want drybox also ...

me only keep my drybox humidity at 45%-55%. just using analog, digital to pricey for me.
and i keep all my gears in the drybox include my flashgun, batteries, memorycard as long it can be fit inside the drybox
i bought from photomalaysia and they send the drybox to me in seri kembangan for free.
just be carefull about the power and the door.

I bought this below rm40 in International photo pertama complex.
I think this is good to dehumidify - if indicator said need to plug in than u plug in to electric plug for 1 hour n use for 6 mths and last very long.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh212/h...pg?t=1204721442

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh212/h...pg?t=1204721487

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh212/h...pg?t=1204721661

I think better than buy blue hippo but cheper than dry box can keep in bag. Ask for discount.

This post has been edited by hanafinoor: Mar 5 2008, 08:57 PM

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for, thanks man... Saw a similar thingy on the net, was wondering if anything similar was sold locally... Don't know how effective it is though...

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Mar 5 2008, 11:14 PM

Initially wanted to get these + tupperware but I read somewhere they don't last long in practice. I can't seem to recall which forum though (Malaysian definitely). Hence my decision to get a dry box.

Those using dry hippo, be careful. If too dry, you will spoil the rubber parts of your camera.

Eiraku, that thing is cool, it can last forever and simply with indicator to show if you need to plug it....Ist floor in pertama complex in front of Bank BSN ask ppl where is BSN and the shop name is International photo...the boss and the lady even teach me for free how to use my dslr..i am just a beginner and bought alpha200 not from them but in low yatt. I bought a tamron 70300 from them. They dont even mind i bought my body from elsewhere but still helpful. Look for the girl in the pic (she even pose for me without asking guess she likes me hehehe), refuse any other sales girl (not vey bright). The boss himself a stout man is also very friendly.

Effectiveness? If you trust silicon gel, its the same but doesnt retain water and can recharge to dry (with indicator), not as good as dry box but for sure its mobile and suitable for personal (non profesional). But for camera shops or studio I think dry box lah but ppl like me who owns a couple of lens ...have to think budget lorr.

This post has been edited by hanafinoor: Mar 6 2008, 12:37 AM

What about the door undazztood? You mean the weak hinge and hence door falling off? Then the power?

just make sure u can turn on the power

Hahaha! Of course. I once forgot to turn on the power but it was able to maintain humidity for 8 hours. Not bad. But I'm very concern about the door. The hinge is weak and it will not provide a good seal to the box. What about yours?

Which pet shop can get it in area KL?

Ah.. wants me to get a Dry box to

Dry box expensive for me at the moment...

hanafinoor, your photo can't see anymore. =p

How much u get that silica thing ? thanks

Yes Hanafi, mano gambornya?

OOps deleted by me cause I thought no respond here anymore...ok the price rm30+ international photo, pertama complex next to sogo. Can plug in to electricity if you need more dryer.

Anybody know where can find cheap2 silica gel?

Sorry for bumping the topic but im finding those small packets and not lare ones.Thanks.

You can buy those small packs at any Foto Shangrila outlets. I bought mine there and it costs RM5.90 per pack. Just cut a small opening on the plastic bag and it's good to go.

but it wont last long
you need to recharge it often!

Thanks for this info. Been wanting to buy this for my camera bag ages ago.

try this supplier: Mr Kelvin Pang Tel: 03-78476318
Just had a talk with him. He can supply RM18/kg (!!CHEAP!!)of the blue-to-pink silica gel.
Preferably min 2kgs. Delivery have to settle yourself or with him.
Good luck!

This company is from US, but it seems they ship to any country. They have wide variety and they do NOT offer the Blue Indicating Silica Gel which contains Cobalt Chloride (causes cancer and bad for environment). They have a reformulated product that turns Orange to Dark Green.

[URL= http://www.silicagelpackets.com]SilicaGelPackets.com[/URL]

whr 2 get this drybox at this price?

where to get silica gel... still got contact number ?

---

Added on November 23, 2012, 1:34 amu can get silica gel in 500g, around 30-40RM.....

This post has been edited by xjia: Nov 23 2012, 01:34 AM

Those interested in Silica Gel can view my page at:
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2215261
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2215240

Thanks

i am using Eureka drybox. quality very good. door seals like refrigerator. off power can maintain the humidity for days. got it frm YL but i saw garage here sells cheaper

Sorry for bumping up old page and apologise if this seems like a "hard sell"..

Just needed to get the info out to those who are looking for A-grade silica gels (that do not contain Cobalt Chloride) to protect your gear from humidity. A great sidekick to those who already have a dry box and convenient way to keep your equipment dry when on-the-go.

Feel free if you have any questions

I want to know what this is? Because the photo links don't seem to be working.

I bought these

https://www.lazada.com.my/products/fs-camer...7-s3346936.html

and

hygrometer (under RM20)

and RM16 airtight plastic container (20L) and few RM4 ones from mrDIY

they work very well to keep humidity very low. the gel pack comes in 4. one container 1 enough.

once the silica gels become light in color (depends on how often you open the container), just heat them up 150C at around 40minutes.

All the silica gel is overpriced. Even dry box is not worth it and take up space. Just get an air tight box with a dehumidifier like the Thirsty Hippo Moisture Absorber. Can easily save cash. Don't even need to change it unless there's a lot of water in it.

I think the cost of a good dry cabinet is far less than the potential damage to your equipment and lenses should they get affected by moisture.

I used to just store my gear in a camera bag with silica gel but as I accumulate more and more gear, the risk far outweighs the cost of a dry cabinet.

I have the AIPO AP-88EX (RM800.00) and very happy with it so far. Humidity for mine is set at 45% and has been very stable.

bought few at daiso.

you can purchase and buy silica gel & desiccants locally in Malaysia from SilicaGelly.

This post has been edited by jind86: Jan 16 2019, 03:09 PM

Silica gel is waste of time n money. Just get a decent dry box.