![woodys poly cut fingers woodys poly cut fingers](https://www.esshelf.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/finger-joints.jpg)
Manufacturers of wooden cameras are very careful to store their wood raw materials for long periods of time before using them, to allow them to cure and stabilize. Usually, the type of metals that are used for camera manufacturing are not iron and will not rust. Both types of cameras use metal hardware.
![woodys poly cut fingers woodys poly cut fingers](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yOVykzoINjM/SwHzQftbSHI/AAAAAAAAABs/SJycDamcyh4/s1600/box-joint.jpg)
It swells up and shrinks down, depending on the amount of moisture it has absorbed.
![woodys poly cut fingers woodys poly cut fingers](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1b/90/72/1b907212398fa90a5c12715336f62a33.jpg)
Ray, wood will absorb moisture (Hydroscopic). With proper care, as with any photographic "tool", they should last you a lifetime. The metallic components are usually made of brass or stainless steel, which won't rust. using a wood field, after all, where is wood in it's most natural setting, outdoors of course! The wooden field cameras of today are made of very stable, close grain woods such as mahogany, cherry, ebony wood, etc., and they are sealed very well with poly or marine varnish, which makes them practically weather proof. As far as the weather is concerned, I have never had any issues with humidity, heat, rain, snow, etc. There are other reasons, such as the beauty of a fine crafted wood field camera, much nicer than cold black metal. many times lugging my gear (in a backpack of course) 1 to 2 miles (or more) through the woods, mountains, swamps, etc. Most times when using my "field" camera, I am exactly there, in the field. Call me nostalgic, call me old fashioned (because I am) but I do prefer wood over metal for some more practicle reasons. I don't mean to sound prejudice, but I do prefer "woodys".