Friend wants to rent my camera and 2 lenses for vacation to Hawaii?

Well this was a strange call. I just got a call from a buddy of mine who him and his wife is heading to Hawaii next month and he doesn't want to buy a camera, but wanted to take some "professional" photos of their trip in Hawaii.

I told him I would get back with him, I'm not sure what direction to go. What would you do?

Might be the end of a good friendship if anything happened to the camera. Not judging your friend, but just saying that sometimes people don't take responsibility for things that they should.

I would agree with McBeth, what would happen if he broke the camera or lense - think u both would be peed off! As he doesnt want to buy a kit, would u be able to suggest a place to him to rent one? I wouldnt like anyone to use my stuff without me being there. Would make sense in the long run - or is he tight with money?

Maybe refer him to a good place to rent a camera/lenses? offer to help him decide what to rent? help him realize using a 'professional' camera and lens depends on the ability of the photographer? (I'm trying to think of a nice way to tell him that just using your camera may or may not get him some great vacation photos - he may end up disappointed depending on his abilty and expectations)

Not sure I'd want to loan camera equipment out and send it to a sandy beach! - maybe your camera would enjoy Hawaii but you may not be happy with it going on vacation w/out you.

As others said maybe talk to him about the risk of using it and something happening to it, not only would it not be good for you he'd probably feel bad if anything happened to it.

The only way I would do this is if I had an extra camera that I wasn't afraid to lose. Its just too risky for the friendship.

Maybe you could find a camera shop or somewhere that has rentals and offer your friend that informaiton instead.


Meri

Thanks everyone, this is the feedback I was looking to get. The guy is much better off than I'm at, so I know the guy could write a check today for a complete camera set up. I think he is just trying to save some money from having to buy one. He did throw out the statement "you never know I might enjoy photography then we can go out photographing together". He's a old college friend of my wife and family for a number of years. I would hate for something to happen with the camerar, because let's face it accidents do happen.

So I think tomorrow I'm going to let him know about Borrowlenses who I see are listed on this site. BTW knowing him he's going to ask for a coupon or promo code. Do these guys have any promo or coupon codes?

Thanks again!

Superman wrote: Thanks everyone, this is the feedback I was looking to get. The guy is much better off than I'm at, so I know the guy could write a check today for a complete camera set up. I think he is just trying to save some money from having to buy one. He did throw out the statement "you never know I might enjoy photography then we can go out photographing together". He's a old college friend of my wife and family for a number of years. I would hate for something to happen with the camerar, because let's face it accidents do happen.

So I think tomorrow I'm going to let him know about Borrowlenses who I see are listed on this site. BTW knowing him he's going to ask for a coupon or promo code. Do these guys have any promo or coupon codes?

Thanks again!

Dunno if they're doing any promos, but ive rented a 300 2.8 and a 400 2.8 from them. Great people.


Tell your friends that rental places usually have insurance you can buy, so they're taken care of.

If it was me I would tell him to buy the new camera (that I want to upgrade to) and offer to buy it from him used when he returns.

Rental cameras are available from commercial sources - I doubt you would want to insure the gear then wait for the call...

If he paid your transportation expenses would you be willing to accompany them as their private photographer?

Easy answer might be - No!

A real "buddy" or friend would never ask this of you, the easy answer is of course, NO....

No, not only if something would happen to that camera, but what if you would need it for that time frame he is gone? If he wants to take pics, let him buy his own camera.

Just tell him straight that you feel nervous and aprehensive at letting your camera out of your sight, its not that you dont trust him just that it is your baby, then lead him towards the rental place Scotty recommends, if he is a true friend he will understand, if he takes the huff then he never was a good friend.

Not a chance, he can get a good deal on a Nikon 5100 or 3100 kit for under $700 or so

Scotty wrote:

Superman wrote: Thanks everyone, this is the feedback I was looking to get. The guy is much better off than I'm at, so I know the guy could write a check today for a complete camera set up. I think he is just trying to save some money from having to buy one. He did throw out the statement "you never know I might enjoy photography then we can go out photographing together". He's a old college friend of my wife and family for a number of years. I would hate for something to happen with the camerar, because let's face it accidents do happen.

So I think tomorrow I'm going to let him know about Borrowlenses who I see are listed on this site. BTW knowing him he's going to ask for a coupon or promo code. Do these guys have any promo or coupon codes?

Thanks again!

Dunno if they're doing any promos, but ive rented a 300 2.8 and a 400 2.8 from them. Great people.


Tell your friends that rental places usually have insurance you can buy, so they're taken care of.

What did that run you on the 400mm?

I won't even let my husband use my new camera!

id say Noooooooooooooo i cant ... im sorry buddy but you on your own on this one.... He might be mad for like a month or many months but right there youll see whether he vallues ur friendship or your camera...tell him truthfully how u feel....