One of the first equipments any photographer that moves into enthusiast class requires is the drybox. It basically is a controlled environment which is meant to keep the camera, lenses, and accessories free from excess or lack of humidity.
Photo courtesy of Google Images and indicated site
Most of the options to be considered are steel boxes with a glass front that can be most likened to a refrigerator except it doesn’t cool inside… instead it has a humidifier and a hygrometer so the user would have the peace of mind by looking at it and seeing a consistent temperature for the valuable items inside. Like the fridge, it also requires electricity to keep these things in check. Of course there is the possibility of using non electric means which is what a considerable number of the community does – those that don’t really believe in the idea of keeping equipment temperature in check, and those that don’t have a lot of equipment that would merit the purchase of a drybox (it is quite an expensive piece of appliance if you think about it… not to mention it runs on electricity as well).
One widely accepted solution is the Lock & Lock 10 Liter container it has sufficient dimensions that can accommodate most accessories (superzooms not included) and has more than enough space for mirrorless systems such as the Micro 4/3rds which I am using.
The 10L container has several features that cannot be found in the other capacities – a perforated tray and a top handle that collapses flushed to the lid so you can stack one on top of the other.
On its own it does a great job of isolating the contents from dust and air with its rubber seal and users take it further by placing dessicants inside to remove unwanted moisture that might have stayed with what is being put in.
Also, unlike a drybox, the transparency of the container allows views from all sides letting the user know what exactly are inside and can be oriented on either its long or short side when in storage.
Now that I have one I can say its pretty handy to have all of the accessories in one place which you know absolutely to be devoid of whatever atmospheric condition and changes around it… like a small Pelican case without the foam.
Mine is already quite packed even using a tray to effectively create a "loft" to use some more vertical space within the container and it doesnt feel so heavy that the handle might suddenly give out. It offers, as a bonus, the ability to just bring the case along (something the dryboxes wont be able to offer) and know for a fact that youd have everything in your equipment set with you even able to brave rains, floods, rivers and creeks for want of crossing.
A truly versatile and unique product whose purposes go far beyond food preservation. Grab one from your nearest True Value shop or Lock & Lock outlet had you crossed over to the enthusiast/pro realm… unless of course you already own a drybox.
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