Debate: Do you let strangers shoot your camera at shows or street events?

I was shooting a punk show at this dive bar in Austin last month. Some kid walks up, probably 19, asks if he can take a shot with my Nikon FM2. I hesitated because it's my only body and film is 12 bucks a roll now. I handed it over and watched him nail the focus on the singer mid-jump. He got one frame and handed it back. Turned out fine but my gut said no. The other side is a buddy of mine lets anyone shoot his gear and he says it builds trust. I've also had a guy drop my lens cap into a sewer grate. What's your rule on handing your camera to a stranger?

2 comments

2 Comments

jones.grace15d ago

The FM2 is a mechanical body though, so dropping it usually just scuffs the metal. The real risk is that lens getting smacked. I've handed my gear to strangers maybe three times total and twice it came back fine. One time a guy spun the focus ring on my 50mm like he was cracking a safe and I wanted to scream. Film prices are insane now so I get being cautious but if I'm shooting digital I'll usually let someone try it since the stakes are lower. A dropped cap is annoying but a dropped camera is a whole different problem. I'd rather hand it over than be that gatekeeper who acts like their gear is made of gold.

juliam4014d ago

Waved goodbye to my 50mm 1.4 once at a street fair when I handed my camera to a guy who looked like he'd never held anything more complicated than a flip phone. He took the shot, smiled, and then proceeded to try and hand the whole rig back to me lens-first into the asphalt. I caught it with my elbow but my beer went flying and I looked like a total fool. I've also handed it to a sweet old lady who accidentally snapped the flash on and scared herself half to death. So my rule now is I'll only let someone shoot if they ask nicely and I can see they've got steady hands, otherwise I just tell them I'm out of film even if I'm shooting digital.