Leicas and Street Thieves

Theives like quick and easy. I brought my Bessa and 3 lenses to Rome this fall. As long as you are contious of your surroundings, don't flash money, keep your camera where you can see it, you should be fine. Some Americans are just so naive when travelling. Only in a few places like New York or Chicago are you dealing with lots of people crowding onto the streets, so Americans just aren't use to it.

The DSLRs attract a lot more attention. Thieves like easy targets and hot items. No one knows Leica anymore.
 
Take a look at the LowPro Flipside 300 oe 200 Backpack - as long as you carry it on your back, nobody can access it - I love that bag. The access is not from the front, but from the back. To get something out, you just flip it around. It works really well.
 
Double Negative said:
... Put your stuff in a Crumpler "___ Million Dollar Home" bag...
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Putting anything in a Crumpler bag is like waving a banner saying "modern camera inside!!!" I carry my stuff in an old and tatty Billingham bag. Only people with a historical sense of photography will recognize it, while it serves all my purposes more than well.
Anybody else will take me for a hobo with a filthy old bag. I love it, when a plan comes together;)
 
I've taken M7/MP kits to all sorts of dodgy places, in Europe, the South Pacific, Boston ;), and so far no problems. Had someone sniffing in my camera bag in the Rastro in Madrid a few years ago but nothing was lifted. Silver or black, makes no difference, Leica is just not that interesting. Act like you know what you're doing, talk to people around you, have your wits about you and you should have no problems.
 
CLE-RF said:
Putting anything in a Crumpler bag is like waving a banner saying "modern camera inside!!!" I carry my stuff in an old and tatty Billingham bag. Only people with a historical sense of photography will recognize it, while it serves all my purposes more than well.
Anybody else will take me for a hobo with a filthy old bag. I love it, when a plan comes together;)
Click to expand...

I use a tatty old Billingham too - the only comments I've ever got are those asking me where I'm going fishing! :)
 
Be careful and keep track of everything. I've travelled in many countries with Leicas over the past 45 years including North Africa, Middle East and South and Central America. No Leicas went missing, but some things were lifted, like towels, shirts and deodorant. Those things were more exposed and weren't kept track of as well. Pack wisely.

Henning
 
in the past 6 months of travel i've felt more secure with my RF street-side in london and moscow than i do here in detroit.

generally, my feeling is that leaving a camera in a car or hotel room exposes it more to risk of theft than having it with you.
 
In todays world to encounter a common steet thief in the US who actually knew and recognized what a Leica camera was, I would consider to be an 'intelectually advantaged' street thief...far less common. Most would likely look beyond, regarding us as mere 'cheap-ster' morons still shooting an old (but curiously cool looking) film cameras. Travelling abroad however in certain areas, I think one stands a greater risk and should be a little more careful. Gypsies are a reality in Italy, and can have one had of far more than their camera without immediate notice. (Be especially careful on the busses and at train staions!) I believe however there is always risk for anything to happen, and one should not bind himself up too much in fear or over-caution. It's sort of like the same hang-ups and thought consumption that occur when worrying too much about getting a scratch on your camera. Such disrupts the free flow of natural living and art making.
 
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Mostly, it sounds like:

Be aware of your surroundings.

Keep a hand on your gear/bag at all times.

Walk purposefully.

Be prepared to lose what you carry.

Have a carry method either bagged or unbagged that makes it obvious if somebody grabs the item.
 
I travel some with my M3, two trips to Europe and many domestic trips in the US, and I've never had a problem. I'm pretty aware at all times as to WHERE my camera is and I think that helps. I mostly think they haven't a clue WHAT it is.
Vic
 
So you're saying that virgin blood has magical properties? Maybe that's why I can hold a camera steady at very slow shutter speeds and I have a full head of thick curly hair at 66.
 
~ I find these threads where Americans ask about safety in Europe quite funny. In Europe most people think that in America everyone has got a gun and people get shot every five minutes ~
 
I lived in a very upscale neighborhood in Ohio and left my 2nd car unlocked in the driveway. Goodbye Leica M6, summilux and a few other lenses. Now I'm in NC and someone swiped a CLE from my doorstop (dropped off by UPS who didn't wait for the required signature). People will steal anything not moving where ever you are.
 
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