Equipment Check Out Permission Supplemental: Digital Camera
Due to the specifics of a digital camera, it is important that a separate Permission Form be approved. Use of a digital camera is optional. This form is for a Canon A85 for 1st year students and Pentax DSLR for 2nd year students.
Checking out a camera is risky and actually NOT recommended.
A classroom set of cameras was purchased for during-class use. The older set is now being made available for home use. This did NOT work well at Central nor West Brook. After offering the digital cameras for check out in a previous year, 2 cameras were stolen and 2 damaged with in a couple of weeks, despite procedures in place to reduce the risk exposure, such as only checking out equipment in the afternoon, and only accepting equipment for check in before school. It is hoped that greater awareness of the cameras vulnerability will help to prevent loss.
Unfortunately, the digital cameras have a much HIGHER theft probability than the film cameras. It is unlikely that somebody would try to steal an old Pentax K1000. But if somebody is seen using a digital camera, and then leaves it unattended for even a moment, the size of the camera/bag makes for an easy target. The digital cameras are also more likely to be damaged from minor impact. The cameras are in new condition, and are expected to be retuned the same. I have used the same camera for years, for thousands of pictures with little or no signs of wear. The same care is expected for these cameras. The cost of the camera, memory, rechargeable batteries, bag and other equipment checked out could easily exceed $600.
If the camera is lost, the equipment will need to be replaced before a final grade will be assessed and will ultimately hold up a person from graduating. If the equipment is damaged, repairs are generally not feasible. If the camera receives even minor impact damage, it is unknown as to the long-term impact to the camera. As a result, if the camera receives obvious and/or significant damage, the camera will need to be replaced and the student will get the damaged camera. It is the students SOLE responsibility to check equipment CAREFULLY for operation and damage BEFORE leaving the classroom.
The equipment is expected to be used for completing school assignments and then returned. Just like film, some processing might need to be handled outside of class, especially smaller 4x6s prints. I have shown the students how to use the Fuji Kiosks at the local stores for easy processing. A separate memory card can be checked out to take images from the computer to local processors for smaller prints (4x6s, wallets, etc) and photo quality enlargements. Photo quality prints (8x10s and larger) can be printed in the class for the cost of the supplies.
Check out will ONLY be available at the end or after school. Check IN MUST be done before school. This is primarily to protect against school theft, but is also a matter of logistics for the instructor. There is NO exception to this other than a student is leaving campus (co-op, career center, etc.). A pass will be provided to get to our classroom in the morning.
Failure to turn in the equipment on time will result in a less than a Satisfactory conduct grade because of the additional work that is created for the instructor. Checking out equipment is a massive undertaking on the instructors part, and is NOT a requirement by the school to provide such a system. Students are expected to be responsible and will be held accountable.
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We have read the above details and are willing to assume the additional responsibility of this particular equipment. We are aware of the greater potential for loss, the consequences of damage and are willing to assume the additional responsibility.
_________________________ _________________________ _________________________
Student Parent #1 Parent #2 (or Witness)
(Please excuse the need for a witness due to past experiences of students signing for their parents.)