MarkrKnight Loc: Los Angles

I will be travelling to Paris next month and Im worried about taking my new Leica.
Unfortunately, Paris has is rife with pickpockets, bag snatchers, and muggins.
It is unfortunate, but still worth going.
At age 67 I would have a problem keeping up with a kid that grabs my camera bag.
My daughter who is travelling with me says the reason to have a camera is to take pictures. I can’t disagree with that.
I would appreciate any opinion from the form Thank you in advance

yorkiebyte Loc: Scottsdale, AZ/Bandon by the Sea, OR

No opinion other than maybe you worry too much, but that Quote from your daughter is outstanding!

The reason to have a camera is to take pictures.... Boom! Spot on! Get on with life. Did you not buy that expensive Leica to take pictures? Or, gather dust?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Welcome to the site. Following your daughter's thinking: a photographer brings their camera.

Many times, you just have to get used to having something valuable out in public, in a crowd. Bringing just one lens is a good approach for any one day's travel so you're don't have another unnecessary bag with more equipment and you're never fumbling around with changing lenses, and otherwise bring more valuables than the minimum.

Hanging a branded camera strap over one shoulder may / may not be any more inviting to a thief than an expensive purse / bag. Personally, I use the camera strap to wrap the strap around my wrist. This approach has the camera always ready and you'll have to cut off my arm to take it. I have a mixture of branded straps and generic black, not for security, but because of how I came by used bodies.

You have time now to find a generic strap or consider another camera option. You have time to adjust your existing / new strap to comfortably wrap around your wrist. You could look at a shoulder sling, an option like the "BlackRapid Street Breathe Camera Strap" that goes over one shoulder, across your body, and the camera at your waist.

Finally, avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Have fun and don't worry beyond what is appropriate to be reasonably prepared for the modest risk of major cities as exists everywhere.

bobforman Loc: Anacortes, Washington State

The last few friends who reported thefts while visiting Paris were all in high touristy areas, e.g. The Eifel Tower (especially), Notre Dame (before the fire), The Louvre, etc. Some were asking for it by having their wallets, with cash and passports in they back pocket. That's a no-no. One woman I know was carrying her purse and a bunch of kids came running up with pieces of card board which they held horizontally against her waist as they grabbed at her pockets and purse. Out of desperation or good thinking, she hauled off and gave one of them a knuckle sandwich. They were shocked and obviously frightened as they ran off in every direction. Purse saved.

Elsewhere things are relatively safe. You just need to stay alert and be well-attached to your camera. Also, I have a small nylon pouch that hangs around my belt and hangs inside my pants containing passport, cash, cards, etc. So far no issues.

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

Some camera bags have anti-theft features built-in. Check B&H and Adorama for those, and see if your comfort level increases. And put some thought into other ways to protect your camera while on the trip. Maybe other UHH members who have encountered your situation will give you some tips, too. Either way, I hope you enjoy your trip.

wet3843

I have been to Paris 2-3 times and have never incurred a problem whatsoever. I have walked the streets, visited museums, churches, etc. I have always had a camera and a camera bag hanging over my shoulder, just use common safety practices and enjoy Paris.

2Dragons Loc: The Back of Beyond

When our cruise ship dropped anchor in Marseilles, France, the first thing our tour guide told us was to stay away from the curbs as thieves on motorbikes could grab purses and cameras easily. A couple of the tour members apparently forgot the warning and ended up with their bags stolen by thieves on motorbikes, and a few scrapes and bruises when they lost their balance and fell. One friend who is a world traveler always keeps her money in a money belt and has a fishing-type vest for camera equipment, etc.

rcarol

There are camera straps that have a metal cable embedded in the core of the strap. Look for one of these.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Most major cities in the world, including in the US, have that same problem. It’s not just Paris. Use common sense. Don’t load up all your gear in a bag and drag it along behind you, you probably won’t need a lot of gear anyway. Don’t leave your camera loose, keep it around you neck or across your body, even while eating. You bought that Leica for a reason, use it.

MarkrKnight Loc: Los Angles

Thank you to all of you that responded. I think my fear was more driven by recent health issues, then anything else.
I neglected to mention, that I lived in Paris for three years in the early 2000’s.
I also know that assaults and mugging on tourists are under reported for business reasons, understandably.
My camera is a black Leica P That is basically unlabelled. My camera bag is a cross body, repurposed foreign army OD ammunition bag.
I am mostly interested in street photography late at night on a small tripod. Thank you all for your input I really appreciate it

BebuLamar

I do agree with others that buying a camera to use but they way you describe I am a little worried. A black Leica is very much recognizable and late at night on small tripod make it easy to grab your camera and run.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Mark, Welcome aboard. Just take some black electrical tape and put it over the name and logo,
I have been to Paris 6-7 times and have never incurred a problem whatsoever. I have walked the streets, visited museums, churches, etc. I have always had a camera and a camera bag hanging over my shoulder, just use common safety practices and enjoy Paris.Stan

MarkrKnight Loc: Los Angles

Thank you, Now I know I’m not crazy! My daughter would be around “watch my back”
Also she can get into positions and seems to not mind staying behind the camera for long exposures, that I can no longer physically do as I approach age 70.
I would be heartbroken to lose this “Holy grail” camera to a crook. Or worse

katatl

The last time I was in Paris a few years ago I watched from my apartment window onto a side street in a relatively non touristy area as two male "tourists" got mugged as they walked down the street with cameras on their shoulders and shopping bags in their hands. The two crooks got their shopping bags and cameras. Unfortunately for the crooks, it was a sting as the tourists were cops who, after a couple of gun shots, ended up apprehending both of the bad guys. The lesson to me was, when you're finished using your camera put it back into a cross body bag and if you can, have you purchases sent to your hotel.

MarkrKnight Loc: Los Angles

Bravo! Thanks