Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case

Comments about Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case:

I had never thought much of needing a desiccant because of AC but recently found fungus on two lens that had been stored inside - they were about 12 years old. Living in Florida, we are exposed to normal humidities averaging over 60% and 90-95% is normal in summer months. I bought several of these to put in my storage cases of camera gear. They appear to work well. After only a few days of use, inside an air conditioned house, I see evidence of moisture absorption in the pellets via color change. You might not think that you'd need desiccant in a modern A/C house, but I can expect one or more power outages a year from storms. The longest we have had is about 3 days of no electricity after a near-miss by a hurricane. The combination of heat humidity then is unbearable. Just hedging my bits - cheap protection for expensive equipment.

Comments about Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case:

In Puerto Rico mildew grows easily and it damaged all of my first lenses. While I don't rely on the desiccant canisters to keep mildew from growing on my lenses, it is needed to avoid condensation and for short term protection. The desiccant quickly becomes ineffective but, when needed for short term (while photographing) it is enough. For storage the canisters are placed in Pelican or similar cases and the case is placed in a refrigerator. The low temperature works against the growth of mildew. The canisters prevent condensation when opening the cases. Although I wait for warm up time, the canisters give an extra assurance and keep the humidity in control for a reasonable time after the case is no longer in cold storage. I changed to plastic ones since I no longer have a conventional oven and the microwave works faster in drying the canisters anyway. Also the metal ones become slightly bent from the heat after repeated drying in an oven, and end up separating in two parts.

Comments about Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case:

I didn't realize how much moisture was in my bags before getting these canisters. It's easy to see how much moisture they have absorbed and when it's time to recharge them. Recharging was easy just plop it in the microwave for 3 minutes and your good to go, just be careful when you take them out, they are extremely hot.

Comments about Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case:

put it in the bag and it is still working!

Comments about Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case:

Nothing to it. Keep them in the drawer, cupboard, or bag with your lenses. When the desiccant turns red, put it in the oven for an hour or so until it's blue again and reuse.

Comments about Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case:

Simple product just what I needed.

Comments about Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case:

Easy to use and it works! ----and that's the most important thing. I use these in a security vault and these cannisters control the moisture. Microwave to "renew" and set it back in place.

Comments about Archival Methods Desiccant Canisters - Plastic Case:

They work as advertised! I use them in my lens and camera cases. When they are saturated just find a microwave and they can be recharged in a few minutes.