Now when you look at the on going expense, that is not as big of an issue as one might think. Just how many rolls of film are these kids going to use in school anyway? You have two options. First and the preferred one for a primary school would be to go down the street and find a lab that would run the film at a discount for the school. With enough kids with cameras in hand, the number of rolls would be large enough that a lab would welcome the business and give you a good deal in the process. The other option would be to start a darkroom but if you have a budget that big, Id probably just go digital. In higher grade levels a jobo could be had a reasonable price and teach the kids to do it. I wouldn't want the chemicals around kids that might still have a tendency to put things in their mouths that don't belong.
As far as the film itself, Kodak likely has some program for schools, though I don't know what it might be. Id call them and ask for help. Who knows if they don't have a way to help you with film, they might be able to cut you a deal with a digital if the volume is high enough.
Unless the school was in the lower income levels, I'd let most parents buy the film and processing with the school supplying the cameras and lenses. Granted there are places this would be unworkable, and having grown up poor I can relate.
Further more in 2 years those old film cameras will still be clicking, far less likely to be subject to the sticky fingers condition, and if one breaks its not a major expense to replace it. Which would you rather have, one $300 point and shoot, or 10 film cameras???
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Point & shoot cameras
From: jonathan turner <home@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, May 22, 2009 11:38 am
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Hi,
Just wandered if anyone has any recommendations for some reasonably cheap but good quality 'point & shoot' cameras.
I'm doing some work in a primary school, the school has a budget to buy some cameras for the kids to use, but not really sure where to start...there's so much out there!
They don't need to have aperture and shutter priority (though wouldn't be a problem if they did) but would be good if they had a view finder as well as live view screen...
Any suggestions welcome.
Cheers,
Jonathan.
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Jonathan Turner
Photographer
e: pictures@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
t: 0113 217 1275
m:07796 470573
7 Scott Hall Walk, Leeds, LS7 3JQ
http://www.jonathan-turner.com
