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  • 1.  Storage and Preservation of Leica Cameras

    Posted 13 days ago

    We have a very large collection of late-19th to mid-20th century Leica cameras, lenses, cases, and other accessories, as well as many of their product boxes. I'm looking for guidance on how to properly store and preserve them, given the volume and complexity of the instruments.

    • Should sets be separated and like stored with like? I.e. should all camera bodies be stored together, cases stored together, lenses stored together, etc, and record the locations of the respective parts? Or should sets be stored together?
    • I've read that cameras must be operated periodically to keep the parts in working order. Is there a recommended timeframe for regular testing?
    • The product boxes still have the original foam inserts, which are badly degraded and disintegrating into powder everywhere. Can the foam be removed and discarded? Its only value is that it's original to the packaging; the cameras are not stored in these boxes.
    • Is there a recommended climate for storing cameras and lenses? Are there any light restrictions for displaying them?

    Thank you for any advice you can offer!



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    Faith Walker
    Collections Manager & Registrar
    Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum
    Oxford OH
    United States
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  • 2.  RE: Storage and Preservation of Leica Cameras

    Posted 13 days ago
    Dear Faith,

    I suggest contacting Todd Gustavson, the technology collection curator, at the George Eastman Museum.  The museum has a very large collection of cameras and ephemera. 

    Best,
    Al

    Al Carver-Kubik
    Program Officer, Grants & Research
    Environment and Culture Partners
    Rochester, NY (Eastern Time)

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  • 3.  RE: Storage and Preservation of Leica Cameras

    Posted 12 days ago

    Hi Faith,

    I would be interested in the responses you get to your query - if you would be willing to either share them here, or to me privately I would be most grateful.

    Thanks in advance,

    Anna 



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    Anna McCann
    Collections Officer
    Monaghan County Museum
    Monaghan
    Ireland
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  • 4.  RE: Storage and Preservation of Leica Cameras

    Posted 9 days ago

    We should place each camera in its original case, along with the lens cap if available, and keep it away from any moisture. Each group should also have silica gel packets to absorb moisture.

    The batteries should not be stored inside the cameras. They should be removed and stored separately. For lithium batteries, keep them at around a 50% charge to help extend their lifespan.

    Clean the camera body with a soft, dry cloth and avoid using any liquids. The storage area should have stable conditions and be kept away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.

    If you have different camera models, keep each model separate in its own box, as you mentioned. It would also be a good idea to create a simple inventory with the serial numbers, so you always know exactly where each camera is located.

    This way, we can properly preserve the cameras and keep them ready for use whenever we need them again.

    If you would like a clear, detailed plan, I can share one with you.




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Storage and Preservation of Leica Cameras

    Posted 9 days ago

    Hello Faith,

    Rebecca here - I was acting as the C2CC monitor last week and didn't get a chance to chime in publicly before you got some responses. It looks like you've had some helpful ones with regards to proper storage conditions. I agree with Yasser that each one should be kept as a unit/with its elements all together rather than like with like, as it could get confusing and risks dissociation of components. I would like to add that silica gel is only necessary if you do not have climate controlled storage -- and if you are considering silica gel, there are many different types. Ideally you want one that will help buffer the environment and keep it within a set range, not simply act as a desiccant as you are also dealing with paper materials. I can provide resources on this, if helpful.

    The question you had about the foam inserts was not addressed. This material will continue to degrade, and the risk it poses is largely in making a mess and leaving abrasive particles in the packing materials. One option would be to sequester the material in polyethylene bags and let it keep degrading... or if space is a concern and other stakeholders agree, document and dispose of the materials (and document the reasoning for disposal!). 

    With regard to maintaining functionality of the cameras, this is something we would need an expert to weigh in on. The suggestion of reaching out to the George Eastman museum is an excellent one -- consulting with a technology and scientific instruments conservator is another route. I can reach out to colleagues to put you in touch with experts.

    Rebecca



    ------------------------------
    Rebecca Gridley
    Partner
    Art Conservation Group LLC
    Long Island City, NY
    rebecca.ec.gridley@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Storage and Preservation of Leica Cameras

    Posted 8 days ago

    Hi Rebecca,

    Thank you! That would be wonderful if you could put me in touch with the Eastman conservator.

    Best,
    Faith



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    Faith Walker
    Collections Manager & Registrar
    Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum
    Oxford
    United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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