When not using a manual lens

[Spodeworld]

This may sound like a very basic question about preserving manual lens longevity. When I am not using a manual lens, is there a preferred way to store it regarding the aperture opening? That is, should the aperture be stopped down so that it is almost closed or would it be better to have the aperture open wide when not in use? Or, does it not really matter?

Thanks.

[SonicScot]

I keep my Flektogon at half mast ( f8 ) but that's because it can stick if I leave it wide open.

The rest? I have never knowingly chosen an aperture before putting them on the shelf. No idea if it makes any difference.

[Attila]

I not confirm get sticking at wide open.

store lenses dust , humid free place and allow get light throw on them to avoid fungus.

To me solution is big transparent plastic boxes.

http://forum.mflenses.com/storing-lenses-t812.html

[Excalibur]

[SonicScot]

[Attila]

Jena lenses what have A/M switch decades in storage in dusty environment can be biggest enemy , blades works by a weak spring. If blades get dust, oil they will be stick. My oldest lenses in my storage 5 yrs now and none of them stick, so safe enough to store them wide open and stopped down too. I bought , try and sell numerous lenses including Jena, zebra finish quiet sensitive to get stuck, before and after much less this is my experience.

[Spodeworld]

That's what I was wondering about....if you leave it at one end or the other, is it more likely to become sticky? Is a mid-position best to keep the aperture from becoming sticky?

[SonicScot]

I'm guessing mine is down to the weak spring, everything looks clean otherwise.
It's my only lens that does this.
Oh well, so long as I remember to leave it half cocked it's fine. (small price to pay for an excellent lens)

[mo]

[SonicScot]

[SonicScot]

[Spodeworld]

So, what's best when not in use:
1. WO?
2. Closed down all the way
3. Somewhere in the middle

Just wondering if one is better than the other to maintain the 'health' of the aperture.

[Lloydy]

Box one small lenses. by Mudplugga, on Flickr

I use these excellent boxes the 'Really Useful Box Company' they advertise them with a car parked on 4 of them so they're strong. They stack and there's different sixes - depth - that stack as well. For long lenses I've managed to cut some partitions out of the inserts and I've got a long Soligor 400mm that's just about 12 inches long in the box. It's not easy to cut the partitions out, but with care it makes a great storage system. Medium size lenses I store in a box with one insert removed and standing up.
The boxes aren't airtight, they are opaque, the lids lock on nicely. They aren't the cheapest, but I looked everywhere and tried all kinds of storage before I found these. I've got five of them with lenses, flashes, converters and tubes in the partitioned boxes and six smaller ones with 'stuff'.
I love them, I stack them in my 'office' with a dehumidifier running alongside them, and the apertures as I left them !

[mo]

I think when it comes to the aperture blades it would be more the deterioration of the grease than keeping the blades open or closed.

[Spodeworld]

Nice storage solution...and like the bottle of wine near by

So...is there a rule of thumb whether apertures are best left wide open, closed or somewhere in between when the lens is stored?

Thanks

[Excalibur]

[Lloydy]

[s58y]

[martinsmith99]

Take them out once a month and work the aperture a little to avoid stickyness.

[SonicScot]

[Lightshow]

I think the only reason to store a lens one way or another is to help un-stick it, and that will depend on how the aperture system is designed, better engineered lenses have levers with springs that permit excess forces without causing damage.
The best option is to clean and re-lube, otherwise WO should be fine, and possibly the preferred position for transport.

Nice storage system Lloydy.

[Spodeworld]

that looks like a nice storage solution, but, with the tops on, wouldn't the humidity build up in there? Just wondering....

[Spodeworld]

I checked the site out....was wondering what size box this is that you showed here.

[peterqd]

[Lloydy]

Those storage boxes are the 21 Litre box with two trays.
The box outside size is - 46 long x 35 wide x 20 high cm ( 18 x 13 3/4 x 8 inch )
Each compartment in the tray is 80 deep x 90 long x 75 wide ( 3 1/8 x 3 1/2 x 2 7/8 inch )

The lid is very well ventilated so air circulation is excellent, the blue handles clip the lid on tightly and the box is carried by moulded handles under the blue handles - if that makes sense.

The boxes I have are the 12 compartment ones, that's two trays of 12 each. There are bigger compartment ones, and the web site uses one picture for all the different sizes - confusing.

http://www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk/uk/html/onlineshop/rub/b21_0litreLDT12.php

We've just arrived in the Lake District for a few days with a couple of boxes in the back of my old Landcruiser, and the rest of the luggage on top. These boxes are perfect for transporting lenses and gear. They're strong enough to stand on. I just wrap the lenses in a bit of bubble wrap to stop them rubbing on the plastic of the tray.
They are a bit expensive, but in my opinion they are worth every penny. There are a lot of cheaper boxes out there, and that's what they are 'cheap' - I've tried a lot and these are by far the best.