Bedford High School - Art Dept. - 35mm Camera Borrowing Policy
We have a limited number of 35mm SLR (film) cameras available for photo students to borrow. This is to enable students to photograph for class projects outside of school. Because cameras will at times be in very high demand in relation to the number of them in supply, it's extremely important that all students adhere strictly to our borrowing policy:
Borrowed cameras are to be returned the following school day-- UNLESS the student has made special arrangements with the teacher to use the camera for a more extended period. Note that the statement says "school day" -- NOT "class day." For example, if you borrow a camera on the day you have class, and that's a Monday, you need to return the camera on Tuesday, even though you don't have photo class that day.
You are responsible for the camera while it is in your possession. It will be your responsibility to pay for the repair of any damage to the camera and/or the lens which is determined to be due to impact caused by improper handling . Here are some things to avoid:
- Carrying a camera by holding its strap in your hand: the only thing the strap is good for is to wear the camera around your neck. If you are carrying the camera in your hands, that's fine, but don't use the strap for this purpose, as the camera will start swinging around and may easily swing into a wall or other hard object.
- Putting a camera in a backpack filled with heavy items: those other items (such as books) can actually cause a lot of damage to a camera if the backpack, or other bag, is tossed around, as often happens in the course of daily activities.
- Dangerous situations where you might put both yourself and the camera at risk. (Ask for stories!)
You must sign out the specific camera you are borrowing in our blue sign-out binder. (This is not the same thing as reserving the camera.) You must write down the number of the camera you are borrowing when you sign it out: I need to know which camera it is that you are responsible for.
You should always check that the camera you are borrowing is in good working order at the time you check it out. See that the light meter is working. Likewise, check that all three rings (f-stop, focal length/zoom, and f-stop/aperture) on the lens turn properly and freely. Make sure that the film advance lever moves properly, and see to it that the shutter fires. Finally, check that the filter on the lens looks clean. (If it is not, clean it.)
Always rewind the film back into the cassette before, or as, you are returning the camera. We have a small orange woven basket where you can put your exposed roll of film in its cassette. If you leave your film in the camera, especially if you have not rewound it, someone else may very well open the camera back and ruin some, if not all, of your shots. Note: If you have only shot a small number of photos, and would like to use the rest of the roll of film, recall that we have a method for rewinding and reloading the film. Remember that it is vital to note which frame you've shot through for this method to work.
Return the camera directly to the teacher. Never leave it unattended in the room. If you cannot find the teacher, hold on to the camera until later in the day. (You can put it in your locker, for example.)
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Student signature date Parent/guardian signature date