Backpacking in Central America

[Audioslave]

Hi everyone, first post on the forum, though I've been lurking around for quite som time..

Time to change that!

I recently sold all my digital gear (Fuji S5 pro with various lenses) to go with film only, so I ended up with a Leica M6 ttl with a Summicron 40/2 & 90/2.8 combo, (35/2 & 50/2 is the future plan lens-wise).

It's my first time with a rangefinder even though I've used a Hexar AF for a couple of months, not quite the same though.


Anyway, by the end of september I'm going to backpack with my girlfriend in Central America starting with 2.5 weeks in Cuba, then to Mexico and around in the region ending the trip with Panama.

I'm a bit worried about the possibility of theft or getting robbed, I know there's no easy straight answer to my questions but do people generally know Leicas and it's value?

My M6 is all black with a Artisan&Artist black leathercase, an old beat-up strap and the logo taped over, as stealhy as I could make it.

It's either the M6 with the 40/2 or my old Nikon FM2 & 50/1.8 I'm taking with me, and I wouldn't really mind if the Nikon got stolen except that I couldn't photograph anymore, and using the M6 seems like more 'fun'.

I'll probably bring about 15-20 rolls of Tri-X and 5-10 color, don't know which one though, ideas?

What else should I bring?

Anyway, all thoughts and advice are appreciated!

/Regards from Sweden

 

[freeranger]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

I think that you should take the gear that will cause you the least stress. If you are not worried about the FM2, then take that and have a worry free experience.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[_goodtimez]

Get the one you like the most or you will regret it. The best advise not to get your stuff stolen is to always carry it with you; the solution to this is to travel light. One body and 2 lenses is a great combo. Anything more than that and you will miss some good shots.

 

[robin a]

Get insurance...............

 

[janeve]

Hej Audioslave!

Don´t worry about it, most thievs haven´t got a clue what a Leica is, more soo third world robbers. They might robb you because your a white tourist but your Leica will not be the key factor in the descision. Expensive cameras are big with a long lens and a huge add on flash on top of it. Most people will probably look at your little funny camera and think poor guy, can´t afford a proper camera, might even get you a free lunch by som good hearted farmer out in the middle of nowhere.
I´ve travelled extensively in asia for years, and never ever have had a problem. Half a year in Phillippines with months spent in some pretty bad areas of Manila, and thats a tough cookie as far as tough citys goes. Not a worry. Thats not to say it isn´t dangerous, normal precautions are called for of course. Never drink from an opened bottle, don´t leave your beer on the table if you go to the loo, don´t let anyone get you a cab in advance at night time. And most important, don´t get drunk or even worse, stoned, and never ever get involved with any form of illegal drugs. Cops in some countries see it as a golden opportunity for some juicy cash, and if you can´t cough up the bribes "on the spot" your in a world of trouble.
Bottom line is, have a nice trip, don´t worry too much and buy a good travel insurance. And btw load up on the film, you gonna need it🙂

 

[ZeissFan]

I'm sure that taping over the logo will completely confuse them.

Seriously, if you travel with expensive gear, there's always the risk of losing it to thieves. I think that risk increases when in countries in which there is a widespread loss of government control (Mexico, in this case, not sure about Panama).

You should be safe in Cuba, but as always, take precautions there and in other areas in Central America.

I also agree with the idea of traveling light.

And because an SLR looks like a dSLR, I would opt for the Leica. Take your best camera bag that is in the worst condition. Having items that are new and look new certainly stand out, because it makes you look like an unknowing amateur, which is the target for most thieves and/or robbers.

But don't be afraid to use that camera as a weapon (swinging it wildly above your head). After all, it's just a camera.

 

[olle]

Longtime lurker, but I feel I can help you with this.

I spent 6 months in Brazil for work and took both a Nikon D200 with battery grip combo and a Leica M3 and Bessa R3a. I found I was much more comfortable shooting with the Leica and Bessa than I was with the D200 - as it looked expensive.

Don't forget that the average person doesn't know the value of a Leica or other 35mm camera, all they see is something that is 'outdated' and probably not worth much. Only other users and collectors now their true value. The average street mugger will not - keep in mind that they are usually after something that they can pawn almost straight away.

 

[FrankS]

How about taking just the Hexar AF? Backpacking means you have to carry all your stuff more often.

 

[KenR]

Travel light

Travel light

Travel light - less gear = more mobility = more fun. Take the Leica but take a Bessa R-- as a back up, just in case. Insurance on cameras is not expensive and adds a lot to your piece-of-mind. Also, you're less apt to do something stupid and try to retrieve the equipment rather than saying "take the camera, it's insured."

 

[35mmdelux]

I know Central America well and I would urge caution. The bigger cities can be dangerous for the usual lowlife. Be careful looking to much like a tourist. Dont stay at the cheapest places -- try the Pension -- rooms rented from a house. IF you are white causasion be careful not to get too close to the children in the rural areas as the locals get weird about it.

Dont act like your lost. Make sure you speak some Spanish, take a pocket dictionary. Use common sense. Good luck

 

[micromontenegro]

I live in Latin America, was born an raised here, so I feel authorized to go against the current and tell your that the average know-nothing around here is quite Leica-conscious. Walking around with a rangefinder, specially a chromed one, will get you wide eyes, and sometimes even the dreaded question: "Is that a Leica?" And their perception of its price can be wildly overboard: Ads selling very poor condition M3s at double the normal USA price are not uncommon here. Heck, there's a current for sale ad listing a R4 for over US$ 2,000.

So I do consider carrying one a small aditional risk. My advice? If you really want to take it with you, be aware that some people will know that it is an expensive item, and act accordignly.

 

[toyfel]

leave the camera at home, use all the time u have (now and during the trip) to learn Spanish. Talk to the people. Enjoy trip together with your girlfriend. THAT is the important thing, not the camera (which youy are worried about now already). That´s what I did anyway on a three month trip through Mexico and neighboring countries. If you must, take a Holga or some other 20$ camera with you. I know you guys will love Mexico. I envy you for sure! Lycka till & Buena suerte!

 

[stupid leica]

if threatened with physical violence, never consider using your camera as a weapon, unless you SERIOUSLY think/know you stand a chance. That is just stupid.

Insure your gear heavily, and enjoy your trip. If the worst happens, and it gets stolen- then you are covered.

 

[coelacanth]

Not to highjack the thread, but I always wonder about the insurance for our classic cameras. How would they determine the replacement value of your M3 or IIIf? I understand they won't care about CLA you did or collector's value, but the insurance will be useless if they simply say, "we'll pay $50 with $25 deductible for your 50 years old film camera." 🙁

As for the OP's M6, it is fairly new camera with straight forward street price, so I'd say insurance is your friend and don't worry too much.

 

[sevres_babylone]

When I pondered the wisdom of taking my newly purchased Mamiya 7 to India (granted, generally safer for travellers), a friend asked two questions which led to the irrefutable answer: Isn't that why you bought it? Is it insured? Then take it.

For safety information, I believe the Lonely Planet books are pretty good with their advice. When I ignored it in Buenos Aires (south of your trip, I know!), I nearly paid the price:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sevres-babylone/3298776719/

More current information is available on the Lonely Planet forums, where safety is frequently discussed:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa?categoryID=1

As for your trip, I only have personal knowledge of Cuba, El Salvador and Mexico. I have been to Havana twice, El Salvador four times, and Mexico fifteen.

When I was last in Havana, four years ago, the word was to be careful of snatch and grabs. And don't put your camera down in a restaurant. You should be worried more about scams than robberies.

My El Salvador experiences have been very sheltered. I have always spent time with a friend and his assorted family members, who tend to be over-protected. Although if I had my pick-up stolen from me at gunpoint, I might be solicitous of my guests' safety too. Be careful at night. Read the guidebooks and forums for current information. While often overlooked, and generally lacking the more colourful indigenous culture of its neighbour (a massacre in the thirties was a big factor), the people can be very friendly. I recommend Suchitoto and the centre of Santa Ana as places I found particularly enjoyable.

I've gone to Mexico with my OMs, my Mamiya 7 and my R-D1 (though not all of them at the same time). While I generally don't have my openly camera in my hand as much as when I was in Paris or Buenos Aires (no not when I was almost robbed), I don't not use it. Generally stay away, or be especially careful, in areas the guidebook says are crime-ridden. I haven't been to Tipito in Mexico City, for instance, but I have done a fair amount of street-shooting in Mexico City. I think one gets a sense of when not to pull one's camera out; but one can be wrong. And there is a certain amount of luck involved. Hence, the advice to get insurance.

But for sure, I would take the Leica.

 

[sevres_babylone]

Re: Havana. By chance I came across this posting about a robbery in Havana earlier this year. It might be of interest to you.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/message.jspa?messageID=15505326

(It was by chance, because I was trying to find an old posting where someone was inquiring about Contax G1 prices. I wanted to alert the poster to the G1 for sale here today on RFF. But the Lonely Planet search engine converted Contax to "contacts", and the results were useless.)

 

[mike kim]

Get insurance...............

THIS.

Don´t worry about it, most thievs haven´t got a clue what a Leica is, more soo third world robbers. They might robb you because your a white tourist but your Leica will not be the key factor in the descision. Expensive cameras are big with a long lens and a huge add on flash on top of it.

If you get robbed, the most probable situation is your bag being stolen with all your gear in it. I know. It happened to me and I saw it happening to tourists and non-tourists. Gunpoint, fake gunpoint, knifepoint, tricks... I've experienced them all. They don't even care if you have a camera or not... they'll just take the bag (no matter if you have it on you or not), your wallet, and sometimes even your clothes. Using a Leica instead of a dSLR won't decrease the chances of being robbed at all.

EDIT: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like a downer. Don't let any of these risks prevent you from taking great pictures, but don't forget to actually enjoy the trip!

 

[Olsen]

If you are afraid of being robbed then Central America is not the place for you. Backpacking in this region is very risky. You will be fine in Cuba and in some of the popular seaside resorts in Mexico, but great parts real 'Central America' is right out dangerous.

 

[myM8yogi]

I'm going to Ecuador (and the Galappagos Islands) in a few weeks. I'm taking my M8, 35cron ASPH, VC15/4.5, and VC 75/2.5 in a small Bilingham bag. All lenses are black. All Leica logos will be taped over with roughly torn black masking tape. I have deliberately selected an old off-colour thin camera strap that looks scruffy as hell. I will get camera travel insurance.

I bought this gear specifically for travel.

 

[alexz]

I back from Colombia just 2 weeks ago. Went for work, have been visiting Bogota and occasionally some rural city with a personal guide.
Well, as most foreigners going there every time people around hearing I'm going there begun intimidate me how horrified is there...obviously most were those who never being there and even hardly imagine where it is.
Of course, the country isn't the most ease and restful place in the world...but certainly tuned to be not that harmful as most considered. Up until 5-10 years back, indeed, knifing just for a few coins wasn't something very seldom on the streets and so robbery. However since then their government begun pushing hard guerrillas with quite good trained army, so making streets much more comfortable even for tourists.
Yes, there are police guards with explosive-searching dogs at the entrances to the hotels, business building, etc...but yet did not get the feeling of real danger on the streets, perhaps I was lucky ?
Obviously, common sense is your best friend. Don't go to the shady areas (this is common advise for any city or rural areas of any country). During the week of my stay, there was two street robberies with murders in the city, as shown on their TV news, but all in well know parts of the city going to which one (in particular foreigner) obviously looks for troubles.
In order to be light (all in all it was business trip), I only took my M6 with 35mm Cron Asph and I do not hide Leica logo on my M6 (just hate any sticky substances on my cameras). There I realised how clever was that idea - I wasn't feeling a need in any other lens for about 95% of my shoots (albeit had not much time for a photography joy) , and that allowed me to keep safer and be mre comfirtable not worring about any additional lense/cameras I left behind of wondering in my pockets/bag.
The camera is always on my (on Leica old, narrow strap) accros my chest or downside my body holding in my hand with the strap arround my wrist.
Once getting out of my hotel for some 20 minutes to shoot a street around before getting to the office - I was nearly ran upon a waiter from my hotel who was trying to explain me to be careful with my camera outside because of the danger of being robbed. That indeed made me a bit nervious, but I did shoot here and there, avoding narrow and not well lit side-streets and all was good. The other time, I was taked by a private tourist quide to a kind of city tour and he brought me to one of city center locations with a nice square surrounded by an antique buildings and lots of people around. I asked him to park for a half hour to get a walk and shoot around. He unwillingly agreed and us we walked to the square, he shared with me his fear about his golden watch and wallet, and he was a local guy who should be familiar with the situation. Well, that also made me alert, but I enjoyed the shooting for the next half hour among the people there and yet also all was fine.

On the other hand, I would certainly refrain from visiting a well defined "no-go" areas, in particular as a foreigner who does not speak a local language.

So, IMO, the most improtant advice - do you homework, learn about areas you're going to visit (I'm sure there is plenty of related info in the net on nearly evey place on the Earth), a local manners, at least basic phases in local language and use common sense.
Then take the minimum gear you're most comfortable with (be it Leica or others) yet that should cover about 80% of the opportunities (for most that would probaly be one body and just one lens, maximum 2) and enjoy the trip.