Also I would recommend actually using \"Anti-Fungal\" packets and not silica sand or gel bags. Anything that says \"anti-fungal\" or \"fungicide\" on the package will do.
Anyway, spores are everywhere already. Probably every camera lens in the field has spores on it. For the spores to begin growing they need moisture for a short period of time. (10 or 20 min.? depending on the kind of fungus.) Once started they no longer need the moisture to continue growing although for new spores to start it needs it again. This is not any guarantee tho because a single growth can be very large. Once it starts it can continue growing on it\'s own without moisture! In fact some fungi synthesize their own moisture from the hydrogen contained in whatever they\'re growing out of and the surrounding oxygen molecules. So just using silica won\'t work - for example if you shot on a misty or rainy day for an hour or two and then dried the lens and stored it in with the silica sand bag. In fact using too many of silica packs is known to dry out the lubricants used in lenses, so if you do use silica then you need to use your discretion with the quantity. If fungal growth has already started and if it\'s the type that doesn\'t need continuous external hydrogenation you\'re just as screwed with silica as without. Once those hyphae are going about their business silica sand won\'t do diddly squat! Something with a mild fungicide that hopefully lasts a long time is needed!
Holistically speaking thyme, oregano, and carom are all naturally occurring fungicides. If you can\'t find anti-fungal packets where you live a paper bag with an ounce or two taped along the seam and kept in your case will do the trick! Of course the best way to prevent it from happening is just to get out in the sunshine and shoot more often.
Feb 14, 2009 at 03:28 PM
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