yep, my sentiments exactly. i also dun like to touch touch see see other people's camera stuff. similarly, I also dont like people to touch my things, especially people whom I had just got to know. this is to prevent arguements when things go wrong!
No wonder. I noticed that some ppl wearing rolex and driving nice car still begging you to lend them.They give all sorts of excuses i.e last minute plan trip and need the gear asap and only you could help.
Another group is as you all pointed out, has high chance of unable to pay for the damage or think it's not worth buying it.
But do you really feel upset if you get to know their altitude( i.e telling someone of your friend and somehow the rumour gets to you) ,'why should I buy and waste my money if I can borrow?'
I had experience lending some cheap gear to someone close with me and it get scratched. She said it's still working and anyway the equipment would wear off. I think for those who really cae of their equipment and never let it scratch, but somehow those ppl borrow from you scratched it has this kind of altitude. What's more to pay for the damage.
At least if she said 'Sorry I don't or I it's my fault, etc etc'.
But anyone has ask for compensation if your equipment get scratched?
You see, some ppl just pleading you and threat you nicely when they want it from you. If anything happen, they don't even want to pay and end up losing a friend.
But if you dont' lend it, they said you're not a friend of them.
Or if it's happend to be your gf, then she might threaten to this and that and said 'what's more important for you, your gear or me?'
Nowadays DSLR is quite common.So either your best friend/gf who happen to be don't know anything 'bout camera would request you to lend to them. I think for this case it'll be quite rude if you ask them to buy for their own and said 'you can afford it'.
I think for those who've experience any of the above would understand the situation. It's not as simple as saying 'NO' and 'I love my equipment'.