Need advice on Rome and Athens Photography and Safety: Hello. My wife and I are planning to see Rome and Athens soon. I have a bulky Canon SLR T5. For those of you who have been to...

desperante

Hello. My wife and I are planning to see Rome and Athens soon. I have a bulky Canon SLR T5. For those of you who have been to these two cities, is it safe for me to be lugging this around and taking photos of the magnificent wonders of the ancient world? I hope I can use this Canon SLR in the daytime as well as the night time.

rizer Loc: Long Island, NY

I was in Rome and Venice with my expensive DSLR and lenses. First of all, my hotels had a large safe for me to out both the camera and lenses in it when I didn't want to carry it. For walking around, I have a slingstrap that used and always had the camera on my body. There were absolutely no problems for me. You have to be willing to keep the camera strapped to you at all times when walking around.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

Although I cannot speak about Rome and Athens, my camera and lenses go wherever I go. Just be cognizant of your surroundings and don't set anything down. A little common sense goes a long way when travelling.

On the other hand, my employer conveniently provides an annual refresher course in pain compliance techniques so the buggers better be fast if they want to take somethinf from me.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

desperante wrote:

Hello. My wife and I are planning to see Rome and Athens soon. I have a bulky Canon SLR T5. For those of you who have been to these two cities, is it safe for me to be lugging this around and taking photos of the magnificent wonders of the ancient world? I hope I can use this Canon SLR in the daytime as well as the night time.

Don't know about those cities in particular but the same precautions apply in all areas.If you are carrying a bag with camera gear use a plain back pack as it wont scream CAMERA. as above, have the camera securely strapped to yourself. Never leave stuff unattended. Most of all enjoy yourself.

desperante

rizer wrote:

I was in Rome and Venice with my expensive DSLR and lenses. First of all, my hotels had a large safe for me to out both the camera and lenses in it when I didn't want to carry it. For walking around, I have a slingstrap that used and always had the camera on my body. There were absolutely no problems for me. You have to be willing to keep the camera strapped to you at all times when walking around.

Thank you so much.

desperante

Mike D. wrote:

Although I cannot speak about Rome and Athens, my camera and lenses go wherever I go. Just be cognizant of your surroundings and don't set anything down. A little common sense goes a long way when travelling.

On the other hand, my employer conveniently provides an annual refresher course in pain compliance techniques so the buggers better be fast if they want to take somethinf from me.

I appreciate the advice.

desperante

boberic wrote:

Don't know about those cities in particular but the same precautions apply in all areas.If you are carrying a bag with camera gear use a plain back pack as it wont scream CAMERA. as above, have the camera securely strapped to yourself. Never leave stuff unattended. Most of all enjoy yourself.

I'll keep it strapped. Thanks so much.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

desperante wrote:

Hello. My wife and I are planning to see Rome and Athens soon. I have a bulky Canon SLR T5. For those of you who have been to these two cities, is it safe for me to be lugging this around and taking photos of the magnificent wonders of the ancient world? I hope I can use this Canon SLR in the daytime as well as the night time.

Understand your concerns, but coming to Rome, Athens or any of the other major European cities is really no different (in terms of safety at least !) to going to New York or Washington. Just take the necessary precautionary measures as an American outside your own boundaries, and you will be extremely unfortunate to suffer any misfortune in Europe.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have traveled extensively in Europe and Asia. I have never had a problem of any kind. Yet, I carry an APA insurance policy from State Farm. It is zero deductible and covers drops, spills and theft. Check with your insurance agent.

desperante wrote:

Hello. My wife and I are planning to see Rome and Athens soon. I have a bulky Canon SLR T5. For those of you who have been to these two cities, is it safe for me to be lugging this around and taking photos of the magnificent wonders of the ancient world? I hope I can use this Canon SLR in the daytime as well as the night time.

Goober Loc: Southeastern PA

My last visit to Rome was about 7 years ago. I spent a week walking all over the tourist areas of city, day and night carrying a SLR and a couple of lenses and never once felt unsafe. Didn't feel any less safe than walking around Philadelphia. Actually, maybe a little more safe than Philly because I know Philly.
Just use the same common sense you would in any other large city. Before I went I remember reading about the crime in Rome, i.e. pickpockets and etc which made me a little paranoid but never saw any of that. A great city to visit and non-stop photo ops.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

desperante wrote:

Hello. My wife and I are planning to see Rome and Athens soon. I have a bulky Canon SLR T5. For those of you who have been to these two cities, is it safe for me to be lugging this around and taking photos of the magnificent wonders of the ancient world? I hope I can use this Canon SLR in the daytime as well as the night time.

You will of course stand out like a sore thumb as neither of these places are used to tourists. Your major problem will be finding accommodation that is suitable. Most inns and hostels will expect you to strip wash outside in the trough the pack mules drink from. I would advise taking a small shovel so you can bury your morning turd. You will be expected to do this in the hedgerows.
Re security for yourself and your camera I would strongly suggest you weld a large chain to your camera and pass this through a previously bored hole in your skull and secure it with a big padlock. Its not a bad idea to carry a pickaxe handle or similar at all times. be bare chested wherever you go,and yell out and whoop every few steps to let the locals know you can handle yourself!!!!!

European cities are no different to anywhere else in the world. take sensible precautions and be aware. Its no different to a city in the States. Stay on the main thoroughfares and you will be safe.
Enjoy your trip

mutrock

I am not familiar with Athens in this regard. I usually take both my Canon DSLR and my Leica Rangefinder to Rome. I was targeted by two thieves on the street one time I am aware of. They were unsuccessful because I noticed them following me and was able to scare them off with a direct stare and an umbrella raised in the air like a club to hit them. The steps I take in Rome are as follows: Be aware of those around you. Use a camera strap with wire in it. . . I use one from Sun Sniper. Wear the strap across your body, not just over your neck or on one shoulder. . .They cannot pull it off of you. When walking on the sidewalk wear the camera to the side of your body that is not toward the street. . . to avoid those drive-by thieves on scooters. Keep lenses and other equipment in a safe in your room. Enjoy the greatest city in the World!

desperante

Billyspad wrote:

You will of course stand out like a sore thumb as ... (show quote)

Lol! Thank you so much for the introductory and serious advice.

desperante

mutrock wrote:

I am not familiar with Athens in this regard. I u... (show quote)

I thank you for the advice on wearing the camera to the side of my body that is not toward the street. I will remember that. I will also check on that Sun Sniper wire strap. Grazie.

desperante

DavidPine wrote:

I have traveled extensively in Europe and Asia. I have never had a problem of any kind. Yet, I carry an APA insurance policy from State Farm. It is zero deductible and covers drops, spills and theft. Check with your insurance agent.

APA insurance policy!? Wow I will check into that. Thanks so much.