Try as we might, it’s almost impossible for anyone with a passing interest in photography not to get a bit of kit envy.

You know you probably don’t need the latest and greatest, but camera tech is still moving on with better resolutions, better auto focus and – critically – better 4K film capabilities.

The trouble is, the weak rand is pushing the cost of new cameras and lenses ever upward. What’s the aspiring snapper who wants to get her hands on one of Fujifilm’s new X-Pro 2 or X-T2 cameras to do?

Fujifilm South Africa thinks it has the answer. It’s opening up a new hire-purchase scheme called Fujifilm Rent-To-Buy this week.

Aimed squarely at those who want to upgrade or invest in the firm’s mirrorless compact range, but can’t afford it, the company is essentially underwriting loans for camera shops to finance purchases.

Customers who pass a credit check can rent Fujifilm gear including cameras, lenses and flashguns over 6, 12, 18 or 24 month periods. Monthly payback will increase for shorter rental periods, but all renters will be offered three choices at the end of their rental period – return the kit, re-rent it or pay one extra month’s rental and own it.

While Fujifilm reckons the majority of people will opt to own the kit, it’s an intriguing prospect for photography businesses or students for whom monthly rental expenses may make business sense too.

According to Fujifilm, an R18 000 X-T1 and lens setup would cost around R800-900 over 24 months, with an optional 25th month to buy – so the interest rates vary but aren’t, by the looks of it, extortionate.

Rent to buy will be available in five store nationally from Friday, including Kameraz in Joburg and Orms Digital in Cape Town.