Lens timeshare

Anyone have any experience of sharing lenses?
I reckon there are two or three people within 3 miles of me who would like access to a couple of specialist lenses like a macro, DA*300, and maybe a fisheye. But can't justify the expense.

A lot of the time they languish in a bag doing nothing. Personally I wouldn't have a problem with availability - if one of them was unavailable I would always be able to improvise, like I do already.

I thought about this as well.
I see so many ppl lusting for some lenses, it seemed a good idea for guys who are comfortable trusting each other, they could form a coop to buy lenses. Basically form their one lens borrowing service.
Not an easy deal though...

Someone would end up with the lens. I don't think it's possible to make an arrangement like this - far too inconvenient to have to plan when you want to use something.

I hadn't thought of a co-op scheme, but I have often thought it might be an idea to arrange 'swaps' between members who are thinking of purchasing a particular lens, so they can make an assessment before they splash out.

John, that would clearly be an obstacle at times, but I find that I often go out knowing exactly what I want to do, we still have our standard kit for those spontaneous moments.
I'm pretty easy going and have no need to own a lens and look at it on a shelf, all I need to do is find other people nearby who are the same.

That's fine. Don't forget to decide who insures it and what happens when someone drops it!

This kind of thing can work if you see each other regularly, my Dad and I frequently borrow lenses from one another (main reason I got Pentax gear in the first place!).

Of course in our case one of us deffinitely owns any given lens and simply lends it to the other for specific occasions, and being family trust isn't really an issue.

I think its something that can work for ppl living in the same town, when they can meet often and develop trust.

I would like to think so, I'm still dreaming tho', I would still need about ten people to sign up before I could afford a DA*300mmmMMMmmm

B*****d estate agents in Somerset - PAY ME what you owe me. scumbags....