Preventing fungus?

[Patriot]

How does one prevent fungus from growing inside the lens? I'm assuming that humidity might play a part in it growing. Also is fungus really bad for the glass? I heard that they eat away at the coating, but I don't know if this is true or not. I'm trying to find a service center for my vivitar lens just in case the company doesn't support it anymore.

 

[Rick58]

Humidity is everything. Without it, fungus can't grow.

 

[Mully]

If the fungus is small in size it should not effect the photo only cut down on some light ...... tut the lens in some sun for awhile and the fungus will go away.

 

[MLeeK]

Keep silica gel in your gear. Always.
If you have a little fungus in it now you can place it in the sun so that the sun beats through the front element of the lens. Obviously NOT on the camera. Leave it there for a day and it should kill it and stop further growth. I have one that I have kept the fungus as just barely visible on for several years now by doing this on a regular basis and keeping silica gel in the lens case. I use those net bags that they use as party favors filled with candy for the Silica. Silica is available at any craft store in the fake flower section.
KEH has a repair department

 

[tirediron]

The single biggest contributor to fungus is NOT moisture, but rather darkness. The best way to ensure that your lenses stay fungus-free is to use them! Even a relatively small amount of sunlight will ensure they stay clear. The fungus will of course not hurt the glass at all, but it may affect the coatings on the inside of the lens.

 

[gnorknik]

If you need silica but don't want to pay for it, go to a local home decor store (or Hobby Lobby, if your town has one), open all the boxes and drawers, and take the little silica packets.

 

[gnorknik]

I obviously mean the disposable silica packets.

 

[Patriot]

does it asorb moisture? I will try leaving outside or go shooting when it's really bright out.