40 minutes
EVERY photographer dreams of that one lens or camera that they wish they had, but would never buy.
A piece of equipment that would be amazing to use, but not practical, financially or for everyday use.
For Jayz Yong, the co-founder of Lens Library, it was the 200mm F1.8 lens.
It was this legendary lens, which is also fondly known as ‘The Eye of Sauron’, that started Yong on a journey to opening the Lens Library.
“It all started in 2007. I have always wanted to see this lens, a 200mm F1.8 lens.
“Not to even have it, but to be in the same room with it, to just lay eyes on it. I didn’t see one for the first seven to eight years.”
“One day, I had a chance to buy it in Thailand.
“A friend of mine texted me to ask me if I wanted to buy one. Without thinking, I said yes.
“Finally, I got to have my dream lens. I want to share that joy with other photographers.”
“But, I also understand that using a lens like this is a dream for many photographers out there.
“However, realistically speaking, they would not buy one. It is not only expensive, but it is also very specialised.”
“In Malaysia, most camera equipment are kept behind glass, in cabinets, and left inaccessible.
“Photographers don’t get to try them, to get to know what equipment is out there first hand,“ said Yong.
That feeling was the inspiration for Lens Library.
Currently located in CO3 Social Office in Puchong, Selangor, the Lens Library has a collection of over 130 items of photography equipment.
They range from the exotic lens that could take macro photos (extreme close-ups) with 3X magnification to medium format digital cameras and everything in between. There are even drones and lense for phones in the library’s collection.
The modern and relaxing environment within CO3 Social Office is perfect for gathering and is a stark contrast to its facade on the outside.
Yong explains that the lens library is currently in its prototype phase.
The goal of the library is not only to give photographers access to equipment, but also to create and build a community.
“In this initial phase, to be apart of the Lens Library, become a member, and borrow the equipment, a patron must trade in US$1,000 (RM4,201) worth of photography equipment.
“The value of the equipment will be based on current market values and the equipment’s condition, and we’ll return the difference.”
“We don’t take the money and accept equipment for our initial membership requirement because we want to build a community, a sense that each patron is contributing to the library and making the library grow.”
He added: “We do this as both an investment and as a way to grow our library. Once a member, a photographer can try any equipment they want in the library.
“They could also borrow equipment from the library by paying the small insurance and administration fee which is five-times lower than a normal rental service.”
He explains that it is different from a rental service where users would have to pay a deposit, pay a rental fee, and pay for any repairs.
At the library, because patrons are a part of the community, up to 70% of the cost of repairs is covered by insurance.
Yong added that it would take time for the concept of Lens Library to be accepted and to evolve.
As it is currently, the Lens Library’s model works best for professionals who have the equipment to spare.
For a student who only has one camera body and few lenses to spare, handing it over to the library to have access to it is counterintuitive.
Because of that, Yong said that new models would have to be made for Lens Library to cater to a broader audience.
