no12mo

That's a good idea. Any suggestions especially from BnH, Amazon etc. I generally carry my camera around using my right hand.

Again, suggestions appreciated, Alan

no12mo

OH! I like these kind of "endings." Thanks. You made my day

Alan

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

???

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

I have one of those flashlights too.
It's not actually a taser it is a stun gun.
Tasers shoot a projectile, stun guns must be used in close range. They must actually touch the person to work. ⚡

Will

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Although the Leica's have an iconic look you could place a piece of silver or black tape over the Logo. Also, use a strong strap and keep it around your neck preferably draped across your chest. When sitting place the camera/bag on the ground and wrap the strap around your leg.

You may find yourself using one lens to the exclusion of others. In that case, just carry the camera with you.

Lucius Loc: Denver, Colorado

I have been in Paris numerous times and never had any problems. Even when I carrid a tripod in the evening to Louve and a few other places. I only took one lens.

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

Don't ruin your vacation before you go thinking that you may be robbed, mugged, etc. You're going to Paris to see the sights and shoot a ton of pictures. Your daughter said it best. I say, "Give your camera a workout and keep on shooting. Enjoy.

huyenguyen408

You're right: Paris is in chaos with riots and violence, so to avoid any misery and regret, I suggest you buy a cheap compact with at least x50 zoom and using 4 AA batteries + a charger, the whole thing should be lighter than your expensive camera and lenses. Buy 2 if you want, so if you loose 1 you still have 1 to use, make sure to copy or move all your images to your laptop at the end of the day...

ebercovici

Your camera should be insured, either be a separate policy or with a rider on your homeowner's insurance. Make sure that you have photos of your equipment and documenting of serial numbers. Another documentation is the My Gear Vault on your smartphone. You probably will want to bring a wide zoom lens and a normal to short telephoto lens.
Enjoy.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

I must admit, I got a little concerned when I read your post. I’ve been to Paris several times on business and pleasure over the years, and have witnessed several thefts on the streets.

In addition to the risk of having your Leica camera stolen, at your age you could also run the risk of being physically hurt, which in my mind should be the greater concern. No matter how observant you are, oftentimes these thieves work in teams so you could be easily surprised.

Leica cameras are like a neon sign to knowledgeable thieves. I’m not saying you shouldn’t take it. You’ve gotten good advice from several posts, including carrying it across your chest, change the strap, use only one lens, stay away from curbs, etc. This will certainly minimize the risk.

Also remember, it’s really easy for someone who is younger and in good physical shape to say “ ... Ah, don’t worry about it. No big deal.”
When I was younger I would have probably run off after a thief, but at 75 not so now. My health is more important to me in terms of staying away from possible injuries.

No easy answer. I hope I didn’t confuse you further. I’m just all about taking calculated risks, so I weigh as many considerations as I can, which you are also doing. Personally, I would take a good Point and Shoot, instead, but that’s just me. I’ve gone to Europe enough times now to know it’s much more enjoyable for me to enjoy the experience, than to constantly feel I have to document it.

Oh yes, have FUN in Paris!

DICK32

I've traveled all over Europe. I rent a car and use a GPS with European maps. I rent a car that has a cover that goes over the back that conceals luggage, cameras etc. Ask the car rental company. Passports and wallet go in a pouch that goes around my neck out of sight. My travel companions know to watch my stuff and theirs. I've never had an issue. I've taken the Euro Star train from Paris to London so I got to see both countries. The airlines can't get you there faster. Google translate or Berlitz will help you find your way and good restaurants.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

If you stand out as an American tourist you are a prime target. If you can blend in with the local people you will be less conspicuous. My wife and I were in Germany for 18 months in 2015-16 and were able to blend in. You couldn't tell us from citizens. I usually carried a camera over my shoulder when we were out in public but never had any problem. When we went into the old city in Dresden we saw many groups of tourists from many countries but we were just two locals and never had any problems.

Miamark Loc: Florida

I have been to Paris many times with cameras ranging from Nikons with long lenses (80-200 zoom) to a Leica M-6. I never had a problem. I kept the cameras in a waist pack facing forward. One be occasion, my girlfriend was pickpocketed by a group of girls on a train. I grabbed one of them and was about to pull her through the train door as it closed but let her go since I did not want to be charged with a battery. Just try not to look like a tourist and keep your eyes open. I do carry my passport and valuables in a money belt under my clothes. I have been all over the world and Paris was the worst for pickpockets and thefts. I also tend to carry my cameras when in use by winding the neck strap around my left hand. I would not carry a lot of lenses with you. Just pick the one or two that you will need.

Srpacker Loc: Syracuse, Utah

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We lived recently in Paris for two years, and came home just before the pandemic hit (2-2020). You will be fine bringing a camera, IF, you keep your backpack in front of you and have the special strap that no one can cut through it. I had no problems with even anyone trying (but we did hear plenty of stories), but I was cautious the whole time. We lived right on the Island of Notre Dame and so were in the heavy part of Paris constantly walking around, in the metro and train systems. It's worth having it.

Watch everything though, like your phone, wallet, luggage, etc! They love snagging phones the most and wallets. Have all those in a safe place and not easily accessible. Watch everything like you would your precious child! They aren't as important as a child, but that's kind of what you have to do. Best to you!

danger911

I went to Nice a few years ago and was advised by a pal who was swapping her apartment with me. She cautioned about street robbers - there are gangs of rob and runners.

Forget the Leica. Use small LUMIX point and shoots with Leica lenses. Same is true for super zooms. Be realistic. iPhones these days have pretty good cameras. Don’t dress like an American. No baseball caps or camera vests. Wear a money belt around your neck with your passport. It’s ok to be a little uncomfortable. Old military bags are a good idea, too. Walk fast in crowded places. Wear quite shoes and not $300 screaming red runners. Cross body straps are a good idea. No Hermes bags. Those bags are worth more than a camera. We live in unusual times; never forget that.