Lens Swapping / Borrowing

[illumiquest]

I love trying out new lenses and have a fairly short attention span, usually I'm happy with a new purchase for a week or so and then begin looking for the next bit of kit. Just wondering if there's others out there like me who'd like to try swapping lenses for two week periods? Sort of like lens rental but without the whole money thing. Thoughts welcome!

[Rick A]

Thats all fine and dandy, but what happens when you get ahold of a lens you dont want to part with?
My friends and I used to do that years ago when most lenses were M-42 mounts. We had a very informal club of sorts, and we all would show up at someones house and talk about the latest and greatest, then go out and shoot with each others gear. The best part was coming back to the house and developing all the film, drinking a few beers, and comparing the results.

[DanielStone]

I've been wondering the same thing. Seeing that I'm a college student, I'm not made of money, so getting new lenses for my 8x10 will take a while. The only real problem that I can see is that there are some people out there that WON'T return your lens, even when they're supposed to.

the other problem(possibly) is getting the proper lensboard issue(un-mounting, re-mounting, etc...) this could be a tedious situation.

I'd think that the best way(at least for my piece of mind) would be to take some sort of deposit(like renting from a camera store) that would be refunded when its been returned.

unless you've done prior business with someone(through selling or buying) I'd be wary of someone saying, "ya, I'd like to swap for a while". They may just part off with your beloved lens.

and insuring the package both ways of course for full value .

-Dan

[illumiquest]

Obviously there's some risk and perhaps a deposit would mitigate that somewhat. It seems that regular posters on here have generally bought or sold something and have a bit of a track record as reputable folks. I guess I'd be comfortable swapping and banking on the gods of karma to take care of things The problem with being able to actually meet people these days is that there's only handful of people shooting film in a given city.

I've got -

Fujinon 300mm f/5.6 in a Copal 3
Schneider Symmar-s 135mm f/5.6 MC Copal 0
Rodenstock Sironar 210mm f/5.6 in Copal 1
B&L Aero-Tessar 252.5mm f/4.5 stuck in an old shutter with gaffers tape

[John Koehrer]

I've been around here for a while and have to say I've not seen any threads about lens rustlers or other villain types.
When you make an offer like this the greatest majority will be honest. There is going to be some risk involved but think the overwhelming majority won't be a problem.
If this proceeds though, any bad apples should be exposed quickly & publicly so it should be a one time bad deed.

[CBG]

... The problem...is that there's only handful of people shooting film in a given city ...

I'll bet that in some cities that smallish group of folks would find they had a surprisingly wide selection in total among them. Sure, there would be too many 150mm and 210mms, but the rest might be worth swapping.

[photobizzz]

I would be down for the idea, sucks for me because as far as I know there aren't any APUG members in the Anchorage Alaska area, I am sure there must be but I have yet to see one or hear from anyone...

My current lens lineup is, 270/5.6 Roendstock Rotelar in Synchro-Compur 1 (tele style), 210/5.6 Rodenstock Sironar-N in Copal 1, 90/8 Schneider Super Angulon in Synchro-Compur 0 , and a 150/4.5 Xenar in Synchro-Compur 1 (on the way that should be here any day)

[TimmyMac]

I wouldn't mind trying out a 65-75mm lens. Happy to offer my (probably plentiful and unnecessary) 90/8 super angulon, 150 and 210 symmar-s.

[clayne]

I've been around here for a while and have to say I've not seen any threads about lens rustlers or other villain types.
When you make an offer like this the greatest majority will be honest. There is going to be some risk involved but think the overwhelming majority won't be a problem.
If this proceeds though, any bad apples should be exposed quickly & publicly so it should be a one time bad deed.

Trust me - they're out there. Thieves love this kind of stuff and no lens should be traded without fully meeting and knowing someone - preferably having visited their residence or at the very least has a known and valued rep.

[photobizzz]

Well I have been around this forum and RFF for years and personally would never trade my rep for a silly lens, things can be bought, respect cannot. I have done a few trades here on RFF where myself and another member have traded for keeps, not to try out the lens but both have worked out fine. I even traded a Leica M4-P for a M3 on RFF a while back, kind of a leap of faith as the member had not been on the forum for a super long time but he did send me the difference in price up front and then we both shipped on the same day.

BradS and I just traded lenses, no money involved and we were both happy with the trade. I guess it all comes down to the member being on the forum for a good couple of years at least or personally meeting them, that should make it easier on the old worry wart in side of us all...