As oppose to keeping it where or in what manner of constant upkeep to maintain it's condition?
You should be asking why people choose to invest and use a dry cabinet. It's all for the same reason we have one for DSLR, lens and yes mirrorless too. The internet at your finger tip is full of information on this topic like this.
Where in the world did you get these ideas? PCBs and ICs? They'll be happy even in a vacuum!
Most of the concern over humidity is mould and fungus on the optics. I don't think the 'White stuff' on the rubber is likely to be mould. Maybe salt from sweaty hands?
And yes, my bodies go in the dry cabinet if not in use. They have optical assemblies too.
And the myth of oil/lubricant drying up is bogus. It's been discussed in CS before. Lubricants generally evaporate very slowly, more quickly at high temperatures and low atmospheric pressures (NOT low humidity)
All answers so far are partly right.The main reason to use dry cabinets are fungi prevention because it's humid here.The use of dry cabinets here seem mandatory and I would agree but the most surprising thing is I have met
someone who does not use dry cabs at all for his photographic equipment.His way is to use a plastic box and silica gel to absorb moisture and he has never experienced fungi attacks, go figure.You may say eventually he will..it's already been years.
Another thing I like to point out is cameras are also electronic they have electronic components and given their
minature sizes over time the copper connections and electrical connectors may oxidise so good electrical contact may
be a problem.But the number one possibility of keeping electronics unused for a long time is that the electrolytic
capacitors being of a chemical nature as they need a film of oxide to form in order to function so it is neccessary
to power them up for the capacitors to reform this chemical layer.Failing which can cause circuits not to work and therefore a dead camera.Such is life and reality it's no magic but science.So power them up once in a while on a regular basis.Everything needs maintenance just like our mrt system..haha.
Lastly rubber parts may be chemically unstable in the long run as manufacturers think short term rather than
think long term for customers benefit.I'm sure those cameras that have a layer of rubber to prevent being slippery
turning to a sticky mess over time so don't be surprised if that happens.
I purposely bought a big dry cabinet so i could throw everything in there. (SD cards, battery, lens, body, caps, cleaning kit, instax.. instax printer... etc etc)
Yes. I keep my lens n camera body inside too..
I believe many folks would keep their equipment in dry cabinet as well.. when not in use.
so far.. so good.. nothing happens. All my gear still working fine.
Dont worry too much..
As long you bring it out n use it once in awhile at least. It would be fine.
The more you worry the more it will go wrong.
