Do you let friends and family hold/shoot your camera?

I even let my 2 year old grandson handle my 30D. Nothing like starting them very young if they show an interest in photography!

yeah I do. That's the only time when it is switched to the Green Box mode.

I dont bring a DSLR to a bar or club unless that is what I am there to do.

yea, I'll let them handle it. I just put the strap over their neck before they get out of my sight

sapearl I was hoping someone would mention the neck strap. That is a rule that I follow for myself as well as anyone else.
Sabotaging your friends efforts to take a picture will assure you a feeling of superiority. Helping them will impress them far more!

I'll let just about anybody try it out, as long as 1.) the strap is around their neck, and 2.) they are sober. My son is in a photography class and loves borrowing my camera. (He's jealous)

It seems very weird to react this way IMO, and even worse to sabotage the picture on purpose. I guess I just don't get that at mentality at all.

Anyone that asks me, I always let them have a go at it. And that includes my own $4K and $7K bodies, to a $30K medium format digital body I frequently rent. I use it as an opportunity to hopefully get them interested, and convert another person with an casual interest over to the dark side If they have time, I'll show then some basics and maybe a few tricks depending on their knowledge level and interest. I find it's a great way to make a new friend from a casual contact. I've even had models I've worked with ask to try some photography. Its a great way to give them the other perspective, which also enhances their understanding of the process and how better to work with the camera.

Elbee19 wrote in post #2445055
For some people is it is JUST a 30D, but for others financial aptitude in life, it may very well be the equivalent of the $7000.00 1DS!

At any rate, a bar scene would be a little scary to be letting people handle the camera. We all know what happens to judgment when a bit of alcohol is involved!

true, but its still just a 8mp 30D. my 17-40 costs more than a used 30d. Point is, people know when to be carefull with an item. An SLR looks scary to any P&S consumer. You have a better chance of having it dropped by a clumbsy amateur that thinks he's a pro.

I rather have someone drop my camera than a good copy of any lens I have.

I agree Polo - the strap just seems like common sense. Kind of like a belt and suspenders . You want to encourage people, not discourage their curiousity.

poloman wrote in post #2445181
sapearl I was hoping someone would mention the neck strap. That is a rule that I follow for myself as well as anyone else.....

My daughter (coming up to 7yrs) has used my 350D plenty of times, she now uses her own 350D in manual mode. (a christmas present).
Was hairy to begin with but she soon learned to always use the neck strap and hold the camera safely, I stopped following her around with my hands out of my pockets after about a week.
Sons have both used it, wife has used it on occasion.
My daughter has used my 30D already, she prefers the 350D and kit lens, it's perfect weight and size for her.

Would I let a anyone else use it? sure if they handed me the cash value first.

What are family and Friends?

Dave

My 3 yr old grandaughter just asked if she could take a picture, I said" sure", and handed her my 20d.
The pic she took of me is way out of whack,,,but it is a keeper.

Not usually, since I make a good part of my living with my cameras and can't afford to have them damaged. I do allow my younger son to use my 10D, as he is quite talented photographically and knows how to use the camera. But I always put the strap around his neck and monitor him while he uses it. If my friends want to use a camera, I'll hand them my Kodak point and shoot!

Chimping practice this morning.

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I personally dont like anyone touching my camera,especially if I feel they have no clue as to what theyre doing.And like you I ask them simple photography questions and when they have no clue,thats the end of the questions.And again like you if the camera is goind to break it is going to be by me.Although letting them break it could open up the door for a new camera,still nonetheless I am leary.And since Im the only one into photography I dont see any family members grabbin my camera for a nice photo session.