Dry boxes - do they work?

[Mr Jon]

Hi all

I've had a couple of problems with my camera recently, which the guy in my local camera repair shop tells me are due to humidity; I live in Vietnam, where the humidity can reach upwards of 80% in summer.

The repair guy was able to fix the camera, but recommended that I store my gear in a dry box to prevent problems in the future. It's not a huge investment - about 25 USD - but I'm wondering if (and how) a dry box will work.

Does anyone out there have experience of using a dry box, and would you recommend getting one?

Thanks in advance,

Jon

[OsmosisStudios]

That being said, what are the issues you're having? They may not be humidity based.

[ddr]

i can tell u that they definitely work. all my friends in Asia that are into photography own one.

There are cheaper plastic ones with a lock, and more expensive ones that look like a cabinet with shelves that needs a plug-in.

[joe27]

I have never used a dry box, but some time ago (when I was first getting into photography) I bought reusable desiccant to prevent issues with negatives. I figured with that I could use any container that would seal.

Just wondering, is that 80% year around or just in the summer?

[BK553]

A dry box works, and protects your equipment as well. You can also buy silica gel in bulk for really cheap, which is the same thing in those small "do not eat" packets. This will basically eliminate any humidity problems, and dry out the camera after you take it for shooting. Try it, it's a cheap but effective fix.

[Mr Jon]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

Osmosis, the problem I had most recently was with my Canon 17-85mm lens, rather than the camera itself. Basically, the autofocus seemed to give up when the lens was zoomed in at all. The repair guy tells me it was due to the humidity but he may have just been trying to sell me a dry box!

That said, it does sound as if it's worth getting one, or maybe some silica gel if I can find it here.

Joe, it's humid all year round, especially in the north, where I live, but it reaches its peak during the summer. The temperature in the north is lower in the winter, but the humidity is still high.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Mr Jon

Osmosis, the problem I had most recently was with my Canon 17-85mm lens, rather than the camera itself. Basically, the autofocus seemed to give up when the lens was zoomed in at all. The repair guy tells me it was due to the humidity but he may have just been trying to sell me a dry box!

Sounds like it to me too: Autofocus isn't really affected by humidity. Does it only happen with that lens, or does it happen with all lenses?