temperature, the corrosive action on metal doubles.
This is why corrosion is so prevalent in the tropics.
Centigrade is now commonly called celsius.
(1) When two dissimilar metals are brought into contact or are connected by an electrically
conductive solution, such as water, corrosion begins. In the tropics, high humidity (water in the air) helps
corrosion to start. Even though you think your equipment is dry, the moisture in the air is corroding the metal
parts of your equipment.
(2) This corrosive action can be halted or slowed by protecting the metal parts with sealing or
waterproof coating.
b. Fungus is a parasitic growth that is nourished by particles of organic material in the air or on material
on which it rests. It cannot live without moisture and flourishes at temperatures of 75F or higher. Fungus
reduces the operating efficiency of your equipment in several ways.
(1) Fungus acts as a water collector and this promotes corrosion.
(2) Fungus releases corrosive by-products that are capable of etching glass and pitting weather-
resistant materials.
(3) Fungus reduces the efficiency and resolving power of optical systems.
(4) Fungus causes leakage and interference in electrical components.
(5) Fungus slows down or stops delicate mechanisms, such as camera shutters.
(6) This deterioration can be controlled by keeping the equipment dry, by applying heat, and by
using disinfectants and insect repellents.
3.
In order to reduce the chance of corrosion and fungus attacking your equipment and rendering it useless,
you can do a number of things.
a. Keep your equipment dry.
(1) Keep equipment in cases or camera bags.
(2) Wipe the equipment whenever it gets wet.
(3) Set the equipment out in the sun to help dry all components.
(4) Use silica gel packets in all camera bags and cases. Silica gel is a desiccant or dehydrating agent
that absorbs moisture.
b. Apply heat.
(1) There are a number of ways to apply heat to your equipment.
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