Lense RENTAL help...

Question

So, if you've done this before, how does it exactly work?

Ok, so here is my problem. I've been doing photography for awhile (out of passion) and of course I'm new at rentals.

I called a local camera store that did rentals and reserved a particular lense worth about $1300.

I go in to pick it up cause on their website said $40 a day.

Then the guy gives me an attitude and said that I needed to pay $1300 upfront in cash. And I was like "wtf? I might as well go buy me a brand new one." It's weird.. SO really how does lense rental work? Is it like this everywhere? He said either I make a payment $1000 or make payments of $40 until I pay off all the $1300.

I clearly said I wanted to rent, even on their website said renting this camera lens for $40/daily.

Heres their website for lens rental... http://www.camren.com/camera/35mm.html#Anchor-29931

I'm lost, so I really do need a step by step.

Answer 1

Yes that is a standard practice ... unless the renter is an agency like AP or a large newspaper.

I have always used my credit card when renting lenses or cameras, but like anything else, the credit card is the security you post until you return the lens or camera unharmed.  If I am on assignment and need a special lens, the client pays for it and they also put up the deposit.

Answer 2

(I have never rented a lens) but what I have seen on some websites basically asked for the credit card info. They won't charge the full amount on the card, but rather, put a "hold" on it (the limit will go down to the cost of the lens).

So I am not sure why they ask you to put down that much money to rent a lens. Are you using your credit card?

Answer 3

What Pooky said. I just wanted to point out the terms clearly displayed on their web site http://www.camren.com/terms/index.html . They ask for a deposit equal to the value of a new lens - not an unreasonable request. When you return the lens, you get your deposit back minus the cost of rental. If you don't bring it back, the rental shop gets your deposit plus rental fees.

Answer 4

yea its not an unreasonable request