Can we use the NetFlix model for ULF cameras?

I have personally been a big participant in the 'recent trading in / trading up / trading out' trend for all of these big cameras and lenses. It seems like a lot of people use one for a while, and then decide it doesn't quite fit their personal work methods. So maybe we should just set up an APUG subscription plan, where for $500 a year, a group of people just send ULF cameras in a round robin rotation among the group every couple of months.

It sure would save us all a lot of money! Our spouses would love it!

We could do the same thing with lenses.

Tongue in cheek... sort of.

you know clay, I laughed while reading this the first time...but the second time thru it started sounding like a good idea. The old try before you buy with a twist, there have been times wished something like this was around....

Not a bad idea. Especially for people on a limited budget. One thing to figure out though, is what about film and such? But then again, I would love to get my hands on a 5x7...

Drew

Clay,

Since I seem to borrow your gear at times, I think this could be a good idea. I'd be willing to contribute to a time-share arrangement on a camera and lenses, depending on what the buy-in would be.


---Michael

An interesting idea. A few of things you would need to factor in is the cost of insurance each time it is shipped, and the cost of a very good case, a spare ground glass and one box of film to get started.

You could have everyone kick in for a box of film and if someone wants to use more sheets then their allotment, they could pay for extra sheets with the money going into a "kitty" for the next film purhcase.

If you are talking about 11x14 or bigger, you are looking at about $300-$500 for a decent case to hold a camera, 3 holders and a lens. For 8x10 useable cases show up on ebay pretty often.

I saw a car, in Vancouver, that said owned by ___________coop of owners. I asked around and what happens is they pooled their money and sign up for days they need the vehicle. They paid for insurance together but gas was paid for by the driver when they borrowed it.

I bet this would work with a camera is folks lived in the same area. Each pitch in for a camera and three or four film holders and a lens or two. Each individual buys their own film. That way if I prefer BPF 200 and someone else prefers Efke we can stick to the ones we like.

I could see how this would be a Bi&ch to organize if the mail was involved but if people lived in the same general area then it might be worth thinking about. It would open up ULF to those who do not have the initial outlay of funds for a complete set up.

If you do it good luck.

This sort of arrangement would probably work best with some sort of "smaller" ULF, like 8x10 or 11x14. Plus, it would be cheaper for everyone to chip in. And film would not be too much of a hassle.

Drew