Hi all,

Just thought I would share a solution I (finally) found to storing all of my photo gear (lenses, bodies, accessories) in a manner that is safe and isn't a pile of bags or hidden in a closet. Although Ikea does not rank high on my list for quality, they make some very practical stuff that, in cases like this, can be easily adapted to the needs of storing photo gear.

The system is here (Besta/Indra):
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/12151/

Start with a bookcase frame like this:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80134048

Add full extension drawers with door faces and these felt interior dividers:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20117565
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00116656
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10116774

Now you have a system of drawers with solid bottoms (many ikea drawers have flimsy bottoms that I would not trust with expensive gear) with inserts spaced perfectly to hold lenses, camera bodies, filters and tall enough to hold a 500 mm F/4 supertele if you forgo the felt dividers.

Just another option if you are looking for a better way to store your gear.

I'm cheap. I store my stuff on a metal wire shelf that I salvaged from someone's garbage.

Any pictures of your unit assembled?

another option is keep an eye out for auctions for companies closing. My cousin got some killer fireproof/resistant filing cabinets for pennies when one company went out. they are beefy, lockable and protect stuff really well. I hate saying take advantage of others, but with the economy down if a company is going out and you can grab stuff like this why not do it and keep your gear a little more protected than you normally would.

4 Storage cabinets from Home Despot is what we use.

E

The fireproof cabinets used asbestos. Once it flakes about and gets on things you might not want to be holding things up to your face after storing in them. Not to be a kill joy but a consideration for you to consider.

Putting on my professional hat -

If there truly is asbestos in such cabinets - dispose of it immediately. Asbestosis (less likely) and Mesothelioma (more likely, but it will likely take decades to manifest) are very real and can occur with minimal exposure to Asbestos product. It's a very unpleasant way to die. I've diagnosed it in people with minimal exposure over the years.

Back on topic - I'll try and take a photo sometime this weekend.

Oh great Ikea, I can't tell you how many times I've spent almost entire days there. I'm sure they will be selling there own cameras soon too. You'll just have to assemble them yourself.

pelicans are fairly cheap for what you get.

I just keep stuff in the big airport bags. I move stuff to the little bags as needed, or go with the roller if I need a lot of gear.

Baker's racks, people. Baker's racks.

Building an Ikea cabinet for camera gear right now (w/- an eye on the football) - though Bjursta not Besta ... I'd out-grown the previous arrangement.

I find the Besta/Indra series of Ikea sturdier than their Billy series.

tag

I use plastic utility shelving I purchased from Menards for < $20. Unfortunately, the stuff is less stable on carpeting than it is on Hardwood. I'll probably want to get new shelves later.

Then again, I live on my own, so my camera crap is always everywhere in my Apartment. Right now, I have both bodies in my office so that I could transfer the photos to the computer for processing. I have my bag with a couple lenses and flashes in the living room because I set it there after shooting. I have my tripods and misc. crap on the utility shelving and maybe one or two lenses sitting on a desk that I place receipts, wallets, keys, etc.

So, I don't think a central repository will be totally necessary

my solution was to scout yard/estate sales for a standing gun cabinet, works great after i added some shelving