A not very successful businessman

[Roger Hicks]

How about a double bluff? Carry two bags, one emblazoned NIKON (STEAL ME) in large yellow letters, containing only some sandwiches and toilet paper (I'm thinking of travelling in India here), and and the other cheap and nondescript for your spare M typ 240 body and full set of ASPH lenses? (Or of course just one Alpa).

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Diaper bag??

Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Sac a Langer Baby Bag -- $745
Gucci Supreme canvas diaper bag -- $1150
Prada Nylon Baby Bag -- $1340
Burberry Check Canvas Diaper Bag -- $1295

Of course Gwyneth Paltrow recommends the Million Dollar Baby Bag from Susan Fitch at only $214 for those of you who are cost conscious.
And last the Diaper Dude Sport Sling Messenger diaper bag from Walmart for $22.46 plus tax and shipping.

No sh1t, Fred!

Cheers,

R.

 

[emraphoto]

And did the bag helped making it safer?

the shopping bag? did it make the 'place' safer or the camera? neither really... but it certainly didn't say CAMERA BAG all over it. one thing that keeps me safer is my instincts and i have learnt to trust them.

 

[Michael Markey]

Or you can be just plain unlucky like Joel Meyerowitz was the other day in France.

http://oncemorearoundthesun.com/

 

[Timmyjoe]

For years, when I was in a dodgy neighborhood, it was usually work related, so I prominently displayed my press credentials, which are issued by the local police department and have their badge logo on them. I think this deters theft as folks aren't sure if I'm somehow related to the police.

But I completely agree with the post about modern day camera straps. Emblazoned with bright Nikon/Canon/Sony, etc. Might be great advertising for the camera companies, but I hate the attention they attract. I've got about four straps, muted colors and well worn from the last twenty years of use, and those are what I use with my D4 and D700. The less attention you can draw to yourself the better.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Sparrow]

... I always assumed people would think my Hadley pro had some shotgun cartridges and a couple of dead rabbits in it ... that's why I bought it

 

[back alley]

... I always assumed people would think my Hadley pro had some shotgun cartridges and a couple of dead rabbits in it ... that's why I bought it

oh gawd, that's funny!

 

[Roger Hicks]

. . . But I completely agree with the post about modern day camera straps. Emblazoned with bright Nikon/Canon/Sony, etc. Might be great advertising for the camera companies, but I hate the attention they attract. I've got about four straps, muted colors and well worn from the last twenty years of use, and those are what I use with my D4 and D700. . . .

Dear Tim,

Yes. When I bought my Df I fitted one of my old straps on it in the shop (I was planning on trying it immediately). "What are you doing," they said, and looked quite miffed when I said "putting a decent strap on it".

Cheers,

R.

 

[Godfrey]

I like to use camera bags that are good quality but nondescript in style. They blend into my clothing ... which is also good quality but nondescript (and somewhat worn looking).

It's like with shooting: know how to not stand out and make yourself a target when you're in the field. Move with purpose and economy, act professionally and simply. There's no need to hide, just don't make yourself obtrusive unless it's important to. And keep your eyes open at all times: both to see photo opportunities and to see trouble approaching.

Vanish when trouble approaches... 🙂

I do carry a bag most of the time and the camera is in the bag as I walk from place to place. But when I'm actually shooting, the camera is always around my neck or over a shoulder with my hand on it, ready to be used.

G

 

[robbeiflex]

I find it funny that so many people have mentioned diaper bags. With two little ones over the last four years, I have often put my gear in our diaper bag. (Not one of the luxury ones mentioned above, just a cheapo plain black messenger bag type.) It is great for protecting gear, because there is loads of padding in there from diapers, bibs, etc. However, you take the risk that sometimes banana goo or milk gets on your gear.

But why hasn't anyone stated the obvious? Such undercover tactics only work when they are authentic. No point to it unless the disguise includes kids, pram, and partner (wife in my case) in the near vicinity. So in other words, when you are carrying all of the gear involved in going mobile with a baby, then better off to put the camera in the diaper bag rather than carry yet another bag for your gear. For the rest of you, i.e. with no kids or with older kids, just be thankful you don't have to carry diapers and related accessories and use whatever nondescript theft proof option that works where you are.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[Kevcaster]

Yes all nice, lovely stories ... about BAGS!
Having started cynical, it is so true. I travelled through Africa and India and left my Tenba at home and replaced it with a WW11 gas mask bag, it worked and was self evidently unattractive. It carried 2 Nikon F cameras, a 28, 50 and 80-200 zoom, had two aerator inserts and socks for padding consequently , the cameras started to smell bit funky after a while.
Like diary systems and calendars a bag is such a personal choice!