Safeguarding your equipment while travelling
May 19, 2019 16:18:40 #
19104 wrote:
If I was out and someone cut my camera strap and rode off with my stiff I would have a heart attack chasing them down.
If a stranger had a knife up to my chest (which is required to cut the camera strap), I'd be so happy to still be alive and not stabbed that a stolen camera would be the least of my concerns. Cameras can always be replaced.
May 19, 2019 18:47:02 #
I hear horror stories about Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, LA, etc... has never kept me from traveling there with my camera. These other countries are no different than USA, just don't go out of your way to act or look like a tourist. Do you believe Europeans don't visit other countries too? You are no different. I go out shooting often and have been taken for being English, Canadian, Dutch, German, etc until I speak, meaning if you don't draw attention to yourself - changing lens in middle of big crowds, or looking lost with your map out, etc. - you are just one of the crowd.
As for Africa, I found Morocco and Egypt very safe, and with common sense, seldom got a second look.
As for Africa, I found Morocco and Egypt very safe, and with common sense, seldom got a second look.
May 20, 2019 05:39:04 #
If you are not going to market your photos, why take (risk) a mountain of gear? 95% of your photos will be taken between 24-105, that is a good starting point for your equipment. A B700 can be a good back-up, as well as a "reach out" for those distant hyenas...
May 20, 2019 05:47:59 #
steve49
Loc: massachusetts
I think you need to be common sense aware and reasonably careful... Same as anywhere.
May 20, 2019 06:12:48 #
rmorrison1116 wrote:
I agree about OP/TECH products; I'm a big fan of OP/TECH and I have their connectors and straps on all of my cameras. As for slings, I have OP/TECH and Black Rapid.
Pacsafe also makes a nice strap with an interior steel cable to prevent slashing.
May 20, 2019 06:59:05 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
19104 wrote:
I really want to go to Europe and Africa. I have ... (show quote)
I also have a LOT OF STUFF. A LOT. But, when I travel, I only take two pocket camera's because I can put them in a small belt pouch and wear it to my front on the belt. I am hands free, comfortable, and I do not have to worry about thief. TRAVEL RIGHT, TRAVEL LITE.
I recommend the HX and RX Sony camera's. I have the RX100II because it has a hot shoe for my mini flash and I also carry the HX99V because it has a pop up view finder and a 24-720 mm zeiss lens that delivers sharp prints up to and including 20X30 prints.
Take my advice, TRAVEL RIGHT, TRAVEL LITE.
May 20, 2019 07:04:01 #
19104 wrote:
I really want to go to Europe and Africa. I have ... (show quote)
Hi,
I made a simple safety strap add-on for a trip to Europe. Get a short length of vinyl covered wire (like the kind in dog leash) and two small cable clamps plus snap clips to attach to your camera or bag. It runs in parallel to your normal strap and could easily be zip tied to the strap with small black zip ties available at the Dollar Store. All in, it cost less than $10 and completely eliminates cutting of your straps. I will make a post with photos of it soon.
Have a great trip.
Dave
May 20, 2019 07:56:55 #
Bazbo
Loc: Lisboa, Portugal
19104 wrote:
I really want to go to Europe and Africa. I have ... (show quote)
Insurance buys some peace of mind.
May 20, 2019 07:58:52 #
whitehall
Loc: Canada
Having recently completed a number of European trips, includind trips to Athens, Paris and Rome, I would add this: leave your paranoia at home. Europe is not violents. Thieves are very skilled, but mostly interested in your wallet which they can dispose of, having relieved it of any cash and plastic. That said, Europe is crowded, and unless one is in the country doing lanscape photography, one may be advised to leave DSLRs in the hotel and move around with a capable point and shoot such as the Sony RX 100 series.
May 20, 2019 08:00:50 #
I heard one of a tip for carrying cameras with the lens facing towards your body when carrying over your shoulder. Thieves can quickly remove the lens when it is facing away from you then they quickly pass it off a fellow thief and it is gone!
May 20, 2019 08:08:18 #
Bazbo
Loc: Lisboa, Portugal
19104 wrote:
I really want to go to Europe and Africa. I have ... (show quote)
Another poster had some great comments and advice on blending in. To add to that advice, don't wear base ball caps which marks you as an American tourist. Observe the culture around you and do your best to be invisible-which will help with the photography as well. Have a great trip.
May 20, 2019 08:20:33 #
Lots of great ideas here. Along with ‘what lens do I need for ‘name location’, perhaps time for a FAQ?
I record the serial numbers for all my gear in a Google Notes file (should be free with your gmail account), and store it in the cloud so available on all devices.
I record the serial numbers for all my gear in a Google Notes file (should be free with your gmail account), and store it in the cloud so available on all devices.
May 20, 2019 08:48:46 #
Jwshelton
Loc: Denver,CO
Use the same precautions that you would use in parts of any American city where you would have concerns.
Most of it is common sense and paying attention to your surroundings.
There has been several pieces of good advice regarding not advertising what you have or acting like easy prey.
Most of it is common sense and paying attention to your surroundings.
There has been several pieces of good advice regarding not advertising what you have or acting like easy prey.
May 20, 2019 08:51:10 #
May 20, 2019 09:00:35 #
dpfoto
Loc: Cape Coral, FL
Look for an old camera at a flea market that you can get for very little $$.
Open it up and strip out most of the insides (or have it done by someone else).
Buy one of those small tasers, fit it inside the old camera body, and connect it to the shutter release button.
If someone steals it, the first time he attempts to take a picture, he gets 8 million volts. :)
Open it up and strip out most of the insides (or have it done by someone else).
Buy one of those small tasers, fit it inside the old camera body, and connect it to the shutter release button.
If someone steals it, the first time he attempts to take a picture, he gets 8 million volts. :)
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