RED Manual Copyright

[Sam Roberts]

I like having a hard copy of the RED manual printed in a binder so I can refer to it on location now and then without having to fuss around with the laptop. I never had any problems in the past but when I went to Staples and Business Depot the other day to print the manual for the latest build they wouldn't do it saying it would be a copyright violation. Anyone else run into this?

 

[Justin Chin]

That's a general policy that most copiers have. It's pretty silly given it's for personal use. I use FedEx Kinkos online services for printing and binding and pick it up. That's what I've done the last few manual iterations and other manuals I supply for rental gear.

 

[Alexander Ibrahim]

You could print and bind it yourself it yourself using a low end laser.

Or, you could print it yourself and outsource the binding

Or use a company like FedEx or AlphaGraphics that puts the responsibility for content on you rather than being a gatekeeper like the office supply stores.

You could ask RED to give you a license for copying. Just a note on their letterhead that says they are the copyright holders and they grant you permission to copy.

RED might even be kind enough to update one of the first few pages in the PDF to grant allowances for copying.

 

[Mark Phelan]

I just print it myself then take it to Kinko's for binding. Is it just me or did the manual double in size from a couple years ago?

 

[Sam Roberts]

It may be time to upgrade the old inkjet I guess. Thanks.

 

[Frank Glencairn]

Jeeeez, and I thought Germany is restrictive.
The US changed a lot since I was there in 1998.

Frank

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Copyright laws haven't changed, but intellectual property and copyrights are more focused on these days. Most copy places won't copy anything with a marked copyright on it unless you have some form of copyright release or authorization saying you're allowed to duplicate it. In the case of the RED manual, it would be as simple as RED amending their copyright statement on the manual. It just needs to stipulate any allowances. On the last page of the RED Ops Guide there's a Copyright 2007-2010 RED.COM, Inc. Which is as it should be and a statement below about trademarks, tradenames, etc.. If RED were to add a "Duplicaton without modification is authorized" or a "Duplication for reference purposes authorized" to that, then these places won't turn it down unless you have some incompetent fluky telling you "no". Unfortunately, you may still end up with that situation and might have to seek a manager who hopefully has a better understanding.

Or just print it yourself. With what Kinkos and the like charge around here, it's cheaper to print yourself. Be warned that copy places can also refuse to bind a manual if you print it if they don't want to open themselves up to potential copyright liability.

 

[Gavin Greenwalt]

They won't even copy things that are out of copyright. They wouldn't print a photo clearly taken in the 1800s even though there is no copyright law which could extend that far back.

If it looks professionally shot they blanket refuse. I assume even with a "note" from RED they still would refuse in case you forged it.

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

They won't even copy things that are out of copyright. They wouldn't print a photo clearly taken in the 1800s even though there is no copyright law which could extend that far back.

If it looks professionally shot they blanket refuse. I assume even with a "note" from RED they still would refuse in case you forged it.

That's when you give them the "F-You" and go somewhere else... I've run across the same sort of blanket policy in the past at a couple camera shops trying to get prints from some of my 120 negatives. I try to tell them, yes I shot them professionally, I'm holding the negs right here... Had to go elsewhere. Those couple shops are no longer in business... Good riddance. There's two great places in the area that still cater to those of us shooting medium format. But I fear their days are numbered. Once RED releases Epic 645, I'll probably never buy another roll of 120 or 220 ever again. I'm trying to decide if I want to sell my Mamiya kit or not. I'll probably wait until next year, but it's not increasing in value. I still use it here and there, but it's expensive to shoot film nowadays. I have about 8 rolls of Fuji Velvia 400 120 left in the fridge. I'm hoping it will last me until I hang up that camera for good, but I think I'm on my last roll of Velvia 50 and last 2 rolls of Velvia 100. The 50 is insanely sublime for shooting outdoor daytime... I may have to buy another pack.

As for documents, I can't really comment... I print all that stuff myself as I've got more printers than I should rightfully own... Oh well. I do use the local Kinko's for making large-format 24x36 copies of various bulding/construction plans. I know I have personally run enough copies through that unit to have bought my own... But they never hassle me, nor even care what I copy anyway. Most that work there don't know a thing about that large format copier and are amazed that myself and a bunch of others that use it regularly actually know how to use it.