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Additional costs? If you can't pick up the gear in person, count on shipping fees in both directions, including shipping insurance for the full replacement value. Cameras and lenses are usually shipped in hard cases with closed-cell foam padding and exterior walls of high-impact plastic. Typical charges run between $25 and $70, but are much higher for big studio lighting setups.

Shipping insurance is provided by the carrier, but covers the gear only while in transit. Once you sign the shipping receipt, the gear's your responsibility. As soon as the item is in your hands, study it and its packaging for evidence of mishandling. Make sure everything's fully functional, and if there are problems, notify the rental house immediately. If, for example, a lens arrives without a lenscap, report it right away. (A cap for a Canon 500mm f/4 streets for $90!)

High-end electronic gear, such as medium-format digital backs, sometimes ship with "impact tabs" attached. Resembling a small spirit level, the impact tab is filled with a clear liquid that turns color (usually pink or, worse, red) if the item is bumped, jarred, dropped, or otherwise mishandled. If your item's impact tab is anything but clear, contact the rental house ASAP.

With the practicalities out of the way, the fun can begin. Renting unfamiliar gear can shove you out of your comfort zone and help you grow as a photographer. It lights a creative spark that improves the pictures you take with any camera.

While the rental process may sound intimidating, rental houses want you to enjoy the experience and rent again. And chances are, that's just what you'll do.

Costs Per Day

$10: Studio-grade Gitzo tripod and head.
$15: Canon or Nikon 2X teleconverter.
$35: Canon PC tilt/shift lens.
$35: Leica M6 body.
$35: Mamiya 645AFd body.
$35: Mamiya 7 with 80mm lens.
$50: Sinar P2 4x5 camera with choice of available lenses.
$50: 300mm f/2.8 AF Nikkor.
$75: Blimp to smother camera sounds in theaters, churches, etc.
$75: Gyrostabilizer for shooting from moving cars, boats, or aircraft.
$75: Profoto Octa Bank 8-foot reflector for lighting groups.
$100: Sinar P 8x10 view camera with choice of available Nikkor, Rodenstock, or Schneider lens.
$120: Profoto D4 studio lighting kit, including powerpack, three heads, stands, and softboxes.
$200: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II body with 1GB CompactFlash card.
$300: 16MP Hasselblad or Phase One digital back for Hasselblad or Sinar 4x5.
$500: Hasselblad H3D-39 system, including camera, 80mm Hasselblad lens, and digital back.

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