Renting out equipment

[jack jutson]

I have no idea about this so coul you tell me if its wise ...

Me and my friend have a heap of equipment that we sort of inherited when his dads company closed down and we were wondering if, since we aren't always using it as we go to school during the day and only make films on weekends and holidays, it would be a good idea to rent our equipment out to people.

[Nigel]

I have a couple of cameras that I have rented before--One (Beaulieu 4008) came back with a 450.00US repair needed. And my Aaton is now waiting for a 2500.00US overhaul. So in my humble opinion is---NO. I wouldn't.

I have let some close friends rent some of my gear but that is onlly because I know how they treat their stuff.

Good Luck

[GREATwarEAGLE]

But Nigel, when you think back, don't you realize that if you took the proper precautions (deposit, insurance, etc) those repairs would come out of the renters pocket - not yours?

I'm not trying to be rude. I'm just sayin' - were you aware you were taking a risk?

[Nigel]

No one has ever even touched my cameras without proper insurance. I also charge the market rates on rentals--250US per day for the Aaton(just the body, mags, etc) and the lens is more and 100US for the 4008. The customer signs a rental agreement that an attorney made for me but under that agreement there is a clause for normal wear.

The thing is that when a camera gets used three or four time more than usual that means that these repairs/overhauls occur three or four times faster. And unless the lessee does serious (that is outside "Normal Wear") damage there isn't much I can do.

I don't rent out my gear anymore--That is why there are rental houses.

Good Luck

[GREATwarEAGLE]

I see. I guess I was being a bit presumptuous. Under those circumstances, I wouldn't want anyone to handle my equipment either.

[jack jutson]

hmm ... you have some good points.

Would it make any difference if I told you my cameras were digital? I also have a sennheiser shotgun, a reporter mic, lapels etc some lights a reflector board... maybe I could just hire some of it?

[Nigel]

It is up to you PandaRiotSquad. In my opinion take it if you like I don't think renting is good idea. What I have done to get jobs in the past and still at this point in my career--Is "rent" the camera but you then have to get me as either the DP or AC so that the camera is never out of my possession but I still get the money. They still have to provide insurance too.

Good Luck