CFC Case

[goose2]

Hi,
I just got a digital camera and love it. I have seen cfc cases which
will hold anywhere from two to four cards. I was wondering
is it better to store your card in a secure case or just carry in your pocket when traveling and changing out cards.

Thanks.

[Norm in Fujino]

Always place your cards in some kind of case. The sealed kind of case is preferable, especially if you carry the cards in your pocket, since pockets generally are magnets for all kinds of dust and crud. Remember: CF cards are mechanically one of the weakest types made, due to the pin-in-hole design. If you get a tiny bit of dust/sand in one of the holes, it could easily cause you to bend the corresponding pin inside your camera when you try to insert it. You don't want to know how much it costs to fix one of those, believe me (based not on personal experience, but horror stories from people who have; in some cases it's almost as expensive as replacing the camera.)

[Rhys]

Always place your cards in some kind of case. The sealed kind of case is preferable, especially if you carry the cards in your pocket, since pockets generally are magnets for all kinds of dust and crud. Remember: CF cards are mechanically one of the weakest types made, due to the pin-in-hole design. If you get a tiny bit of dust/sand in one of the holes, it could easily cause you to bend the corresponding pin inside your camera when you try to insert it. You don't want to know how much it costs to fix one of those, believe me (based not on personal experience, but horror stories from people who have; in some cases it's almost as expensive as replacing the camera.)

I have never had any problems like that and I have used CF cards for several years. My only problems were 2 64mb cards that went funny after 4 years use. I recommend an old envelope for keeping your cards clean and together. Why I get them free from all those people kind enough to tell me they need to sell me double glazing/liposuction/pet hair removal/politicians etc.

[Norm in Fujino]

I have never had any problems like that and I have used CF cards for several years. My only problems were 2 64mb cards that went funny after 4 years use. I recommend an old envelope for keeping your cards clean and together. Why I get them free from all those people kind enough to tell me they need to sell me double glazing/liposuction/pet hair removal/politicians etc.

I spoke too hastily, perhaps. Actually, what I should have said is this: I have read messages from several people who have bent pins inside their cameras, and I theorized that a grain of sand in a pin hole could cause that kind of damage. I honestly have no proof that that's what caused these particular people's problems, but I think the hypothesis is certainly reasonable. It has made me be a bit more careful when changing cards; I now check the pin holes for any obvious dirt before inserting a card in the camera, and I don't carry bare cards in my pockets.