T-Ray Loc: Tennessee

ROTFL!!!! Yes it would!

condor

It absolutely would, Jim, unfortunately it would also end your camera equipment and possibly your ride. Darn, there's always a catch. Maybe rig the lid with one of those double barrel derringers loaded with 410 shells.

condor

Tiger, some years ago I heard that if you have homeowners or renters Ins. the stuff in your car is automatically covered. Can't verify that personally but it's worth a try.

josoIII

I leave my equipment in an old tool bag with a rusty pair of pliers and a beat up tap measure visible, doors unlocked and windows down, no one even thinks about taking it.

brandy sanders Loc: louisiana

well if it is an old cooler you can drill holes in it and it can breath. also the thief will not want a cooler that cant keep drinks cool

brandy sanders Loc: louisiana

for the mentally challenged, i am not saying any of you are, make sure your equipment is not in the cooler while drilling! haha
o by the way i am sorry for your loss. i know you camera is your baby, its like loosing a loved one

KathyinNH Loc: Kingston, NH

I've also heard that using some lunchbox or lunch bag containers also work great for camera bags and draw less attention than a camera bag. They usually don't steel peoples lunches. Just another safety measure. Any ideas that lessen the chance of getting your equipment stolen is worth a try. Good luck.

ewoody Loc: N.E. Ohio

Try checking out Craigslist in your area as well as pawnshops ..if the lowdown crook is not very smart( few are)
then he'll try and get rid of it ASAP. good luck !!

myts10 Loc: SE Ohio

I was wondering, you know all those nice little bags that are used to absorb moisture that they place in medication? I've taken a few of them and place the in my camera bag in different locations. Do you think that might work in a cooler?[/quote]

To defeat condensation you can get deisccant material in reusable cans or pouches. Great stuff, I have used it for long term storage in sealed containers and it has kept things dry for a year. Recharge in the oven, used it again. Some or the military grad stuff is over 30 years old and still usable

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

+1 ! BrandySanders for the win.. :)

Melissa Loc: Oklahoma

:cry:

Jessies5thkid

How about a meaningful reminder on your car bumper or driver's-side window, such as a National Rifle Association decal, or a "Guns and Ammo" magazine casually thrown on the dashboard? An EMPTY holster on the seat is cheap insurance, too. Likewise a "U.S. Marines" baseball cap. I have never had my car or home broken into. Seems like the wannabe thieves get a whole lot of religion and move on to a safer victim. Semper Fi.

greenwork Loc: Southwest Florida

Sorry about your experience and I know we can all relate. I have been intrigued by an idea I read about using an old diaper bag - the idea being that most thieves will find it unattractive!

WrenZ. Loc: Colorado

I'm not sure what to do without receipts but definitely file a police report. I would check every pawn shop in the area. My husband had his mandolin stolen out of his car and we checked every pawn shop around and finally found it a couple of days later. Anyone who would steal something like photo equipment or a music instrument is probably looking for money and not looking to take up a new hobby.

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

I find it best to assume everyone is a thief, and take the primary equipment (camera and lenses) with you, even if it makes for a clunky lunch. Finding a minimalist way to carry the stuff counts. Lightware makes good, high density (in terms of "stuffability" ) cases which are very versatile.

The bag pictured (via iPod Touch Camera) is small enough to lug into a restaurant, yet holds 13 lenses, a digital body, a color meter, a flashmeter, and wireless sync for strobes.

It helps to have a good, solid monopod as well. They just look dangerous, properly swaggered, according to shooting condition. It's been a while since I created my current arthritic shoulders with 40 pound strapped camera bags and a monstrous monopod. Press photography was a future pain in the neck... I did, however, keep things safe.

Insuring everything with serial number and photographic records is a good backup plan, but try to plan on never losing essential stuff first! I haven't lost a camera body or lens in 30+ years. If the bag gets odd looks in the restaurant... you just say "In THIS neighborhood?"

Dense Bag