E-System lens and accessory hire!

[yorky]

Possibly not quite in this remit but...camera Insurance is a bit of a minefield for mere enthusiasts. Has anyone got any experiance of reliable camera insurence for amateurs?

[Ian]

Originally Posted by yorky

Possibly not quite in this remit but...camera Insurance is a bit of a minefield for mere enthusiasts. Has anyone got any experiance of reliable camera insurence for amateurs?

We use Towergate Camerasure for our insurance, and our quite happy with them. I think they are more aimed at professional insurance, though.

You could use your house contents insurers, but recommend contacting them and ensuring they know what you have and you knowing from them what they will insure.

Ian

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Ian

That sounds like a good idea

I have come across one company, so far, which offers insurance via a third party underwriter - we're looking into that option.

Ian

This turns out to be quite promising; for regulatory reasons we can't be an agent for the insurance company, so we would be insured by them. The cost is not prohibitive as long as we reach a certain level of business!

Ian

Interesting idea!
As it happens I'm wondering whether to get a wide ZD for a project over the next few months. My first thought when I need Wide is film as I have the stuff but.... ...the rental thing could be an opportunity to try something out. I noticed in the BJP this week that Jacobs have a 50% offer on their rentals - but no ZD I think.
Last time I tried the 7-14 with an E1 I wasn't that impressed but I'd try it again with a newer camera.

[jonesy]

Its a brilliant idea, and one I would be interested in! There are lenses I would love to try, but wouldnt want to buy until I'd given them a good test-drive... tho I doubt I would ever be able to justify a top of the range lens

[Ian]

I think it will take at least a couple of weeks to get the show on the road as we need to set up various things with Olympus and the insurer. But the more I research the project, the less worried I am by potential stumbling blocks.

Ian

[theMusicMan]

Ian - contact Stuart on this site - http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/

Not sure how much he would be willing to help in offering advice etc as you're in competition with him - though he doesn't offer Oly kit for hire.

He's also a member on TalkPhotography - I'd do it for you, but I no longer visit there after the pros on that site started getting way too up themselves and not liking the [wedding] competition.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by theMusicMan

Ian - contact Stuart on this site - http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/

Not sure how much he would be willing to help in offering advice etc as you're in competition with him - though he doesn't offer Oly kit for hire.

He's also a member on TalkPhotography - I'd do it for you, but I no longer visit there after the pros on that site started getting way too up themselves and not liking the [wedding] competition.

Thanks John, I don't think we're actually competing with anyone, to be honest Nobody else rents Olympus gear as far as I can see. I have already looked at lensesforhire.co.uk, it's been very useful. Their business model is quite different to ours as they have had to fund the acquisition of their stock. This means we don't need to charge as much, though that statement is dependent on how popular our service will be as there are some minimum costs involved.

Ian

[DerekC]

What an excellent idea a thank you to Ian & Olympus. I bought a 90-250 earlier this year I love the lens but it would have been nice to try before buying. The only try I got was on the Olympus stand at Focus. I thought it would be good for my fav subject motorsport and I was not wrong. No buyer remorse.

[Snibbo]

Great idea. I would certainly consider using it if I lived in the UK and I may in fact use it on future visits to the UK as my UK base is not very far from Ian's location.

[Zuiko]

Great idea, Ian.

Would there be minimum/maximum periods for hire and (maybe) a discount on the daily rate if hiring for, say, at least a week?

This service would be brilliant for someone like me who, for example, couldn't afford to buy a 7-14mm but would like one to take on holiday for a week.

[theMusicMan]

Originally Posted by DerekC

What an excellent idea a thank you to Ian & Olympus. I bought a 90-250 earlier this year I love the lens but it would have been nice to try before buying. The only try I got was on the Olympus stand at Focus. I thought it would be good for my fav subject motorsport and I was not wrong. No buyer remorse.

Hi Derek - would love to see some results from this beast if you are willing?

[sapper]

I would be interested Ian. I have been able to use one or two lenses on the UK safari outings I have been on, but to have a 90-250 for a few days would be good.
I have hired specialist kit in a previous life but cannot remember prices, who was responsible Etc. From Jessops if I remember.

[The Saint]

Ian

This is a great achievement.

There three principle reasons I can see the hire scheme will be required for: -

1. Try before you buy, therefore I would suggest that having pro/top pro lenses and various current camera bodies. If I'm going to shell out £500+ I would rather spend a little cash and try one before I invest.

2. Hire for a specific event, I was considering last week about getting a 35-100 as I have a couple of weddings to shoot next year for friends and spending £1,800 for two events seamed a little excessive speacially as I'm doing them as a favour.

3. As a short term replacement when your current equipment is in for service/broken, but you still need to shoot. Probably good for pro shooters.

In terms of insurance, I think either you need to include it or offer/direct where to get it. I don't think many house insurance policies would cover a £5,500 ZD300 f2.8 and the insurance would only be required for a few days.

I guess the last thing to consider is how to get the equipment from you to the user and back. I don't know where you or the equipment will be located but to make the best of the service it needs to be made widely available.

Have you been in contact with Sigma to see if they would join the scheme? Access to their range of macro lenses and the Bigma/Sigmonster could also be a useful addition to the hire scheme.

Anyway good work and I hope the venture is very sucessful.

Simon

[Ian]

I'm confident that insurance cost will be factored into the cost of the rental. There may be some exclusions - for example, we wouldn't be able hire equipment to anyone under 18 without a full deposit to the value of the kit.

Most rentals would require a courier to and from the customer, although arrangements could be made for personal collection and return, where appropriate.

Ian