Prague These Days?

[sepiareverb]

Wondering for a friend how camera-safe Prague is these days.

He's heard the general reputation of the city is not good, there is quite a bit of thievery, bag-snatching, etc. Any camera incidents?

Of course, common sense rules, but does anyone have specifics about the city these days?

 

[johannielscom]

Been there last spring and autumn 2008. No problems, even when carrying a Billingham with just the flap over. Ofcourse I do always wear the bag with the strap over my chest, and have it dangling more to the front than the back.

Just remember not to take the bag off if you suddenly have strange goo on your coat after sitting down somewhere. A friendly person will undoubtedly come up to you to ask directions, while another snatches your bag... Old trick, but I read on RFF several times its a succesful one...

In general, if something unexpected happens, do not deal with it on the spot, but walk on and deal with it in a place you can oversee. Make sure you have a blind wall or a shop window behind you, if putting the bag down place your leg or foot through the strap or put it down sit on one knee and have the bag between your legs.

When packing light, I wear an old worndown army surplus coat and stuff the lenses in the pockets or in a small waist belt. Makes me look like a poor homeless man, perfect disguise. Don't overdo it 🙂

 

[Freakscene]

Prague was a lot dodgier 10 + years ago. I carried my Leicas around there for most of September without any problems except German tourists asking me if my camera was a Leica.

I got some decent shots too; it's an astoundingly beautiful city.

Marty

 

[jarski]

only positive comments from here as well. spent several days in Prague this summer, wandering all around with cameras. no problems, or even bad vibes.

 

[sepiareverb]

Good to hear.

 

[Joao]

I’ve been there recently. No problems so far, as long as you don’t look too much like a wealthy tourist - I second the recomendations of previous posters.
If gear buying is in your list of interests, do not miss Foto Skoda, near Wenceslas Square.
http://www.fotoskoda.cz/?lang=en
http://www.360cities.net/image/foto-skoda
Lots of FSU gear, maybe some less usual items, obviously the place to buy Meopta stuff. The best English speaking seller was a young lady with beautiful green eyes – I hope she is still there when I return next February.
Have a nice trip
Joao

 

[faris]

A beautiful and a surprisingly diverse city.

Was there last august with my leicas. No problem whatsoever.

Enjoy.

 

[jarski]

police is present and watches after, sometimes gets watched after. this guy probably cursed "these damn tourists are everywhere, photographing everything..." (it was a hot day).

I was there on summer, now its probably easier to see popular places, less crowd.

 

[filmfan]

I just got back from 3 months in Europe. I spent all of November in Prague carrying all sorts of cameras around. No problems.

 

[sepiareverb]

Thanks all for the replies. He is enroute.