Collection: Storage

Storage your lenses is not always as simple as it apears, any lens is prone to fungus and other damages from incorrect storage. Dust is in the lens is normal and to be expected, in most cases dust does not cause a huge problem, the problem is really humidity, temperature and lack of sunlight as mold spures will form undder these conditions. 

Lens or camera fungus is the popular name for the infestation of optical devices such as lenses, low pass filter (OLPF) or the camera sensor, by fungal threads (mycelium). By germination of fungal spores and further spore formation, the infestation can spread beyond the initial fungal network. The sensor or glass surfaces of the lens are clouded by the fungal attack and lens coatings may be etched away. The fungus can range from small, barely visible points to an irregularly spreading mesh, to complete "blindness" of the optics.

The fungi that attack surfaces belong to the groups of water mold (Oomycetes) and sac fungi (Ascomycota, especially the fungi imperfecti). "The lens fungus" is not a specific type of fungus.

Proper storage of optical devices can prevent fungal growth. The fungus thrives at temperatures of 10C to 35C and relative humidity of 70% or more. Thus, dry and warm storage is recommended, but the temperature should not exceed 50C, and the humidity should not be below 30%, as this could damage the optics. The development of the fungus is also hindered by light.

• The relative humidity should be between 30% and 60%.
• A temperature of around 40C is preferred to prevent fungal growth.
• Optical devices should be dried if necessary before they are packed up, or stored with desiccant.
• The surfaces of the front and rear lenses should be kept free from dust, fibres and other organic material, so as not to provide nutrition for fungus.
• Light and adequate ventilation should be provided.