Concealing the camera

[ChrisPlatt]

A *great* pocket camera is a wonderful thing indeed...

Chris

Contax T
Minox 35ML
Olympus XA
Petri Color 35

 

[Scarpia]

Note that HCB is wearing a conservative suit. People generally won't challenge you if you look "official". Also note that when HCB was holding the camera at ready he was much better dressed than the people around him. This has been my experience as well. Perhaps conservative dress inspires trust that the photos will not be misused and have a legitimate purpose. Just a thought.
Kurt M.

 

[fishric]

When I go into town I buy a newspaper and accept the offer of a carrier bag. This is strong enough for the Fed, no problem for my Canonet but my long time favourite is the little m e super with a 28mm lens set at f8 and 3 metres. (Neatly marked out in red by those thoughtful Pentax people).
Regards,
Richard F.

 

[rpsawin]

I found the following ruse quite effective when street shooting (most never notice the camera in my left hand):

Bob

View attachment 44905

 

[ruben]

Hi Lament,

I would like to get a tip from you for the unescapable event you are caught in the action.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[RML]

Still, my photos are ****e and I am too shy - but, hey.

No, they're not, kully. 🙂

 

[lament]

Hi Lament,

I would like to get a tip from you for the unescapable event you are caught in the action.

Cheers,
Ruben

That's why the camera needs to be concealed in a way that doesn't look suspicious. I don't think carrying a camera in a pocket and then taking it out for a few seconds to take a shot is suspicious.

Besides, what happens once you already have the picture is of secondary importance, no? 🙂

But I agree with the other posters here, openly carrying the camera is almost always fine. Don't think I'm a wannabe spy or anything 🙂

 

[RML]

Besides, what happens once you already have the picture is of secondary importance, no? 🙂

I'd like to think so but I know it ain't always so. First of all, I feel bad when I offend someone. SO, if someone feels offended by my covert shooting, I feel bad about that, which in turn changes my mood. Thus I could make me loose the joy, concentration, etc I'm in. That's bad for shooting.

Secondly, worse things that a foul look could happen. You wouldn't be the first one to get smacked, yelled at, end up with a damaged camera or even get hurt. Yes, I know, we have laws against that but that's no good when you have to go to hospital to get your nose fixed or a brow stitched. And it ain't good either if you need to go through the hassle called insurance to get your camera fixed or replaced.

Secondary events can be as important if not more than the actual shot.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[St.Ephen]

I have found, living in Japan, that it's far easier with a small camera, like a rf, as opposed to a SLR. People here are more likely see you *with* a rf, respect you, and take you more seriously. Every other joe-schmo has a DSLR these days.
Besides, being a gaijin, i can hardly blend in to the street furniture!! 😉

 

[wlewisiii]

Besides, being a gaijin, ...

Aint't that the truth? I loved the time I spent there, but the "forever gaijin" bit get's a bit old after awhile. OTOH, I wish I had been into LF at the time I was there in the mid 80's ...

William

 

[St.Ephen]

Being here during the "Bubble" would have been so mind-blowing.
What were you here for??

 

[trittium]

Just use misdirection. It works for me everytime. If see someone I want to photograph, I look away, aim the camera, and shoot. Obviously, this is a "no look" technique. If I want to frame, I just zone focus, shoot quickly, then disappear into the croud. I have never been stopped.

 

[wlewisiii]

Being here during the "Bubble" would have been so mind-blowing.
What were you here for??

Pure tourism. My best friend from HS was living in Tokyo & I lived with him for a month. A very fascinating time. My best memory was being invited by a Japanese anarchist to a reception at the Soviet embassay, but I was denied entry because I was still in the US Army Reserve... 😉 Gah, I'd love to have serious coin and go walk about in Shinjuko (sp?) again...

William

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request