David_Manning
Well-known
I'm going to Rio for my first time in June for a few days. Even though I'd really like to take my 5DmkII for lens variety, I'm very concerned about security while walking around.
I know there are many threads that mention safety and security in Rio, but I'm looking for recent experiences and advice.
Will it be safe to shoot an X100 carried inside a soft-side army-green canvas shoulder bag? Or is it better to just keep a Contax T3 and some slide film in a buttoned cargo pants pocket? (those are my options, by the way).
Thanks in advance. I'm excited, but apprehensive, at the same time.
I know there are many threads that mention safety and security in Rio, but I'm looking for recent experiences and advice.
Will it be safe to shoot an X100 carried inside a soft-side army-green canvas shoulder bag? Or is it better to just keep a Contax T3 and some slide film in a buttoned cargo pants pocket? (those are my options, by the way).
Thanks in advance. I'm excited, but apprehensive, at the same time.
Bill Clark
Veteran
My son & his wife recently spent some vacation time in Rio. They said it was safe, at least where they travelled! They also took in the Rain Forest. No tour as they arranged everything themselves!
My son got a nice sunburn so maybe pack sunscreen!
I would use the 5D.
If you're concerned about safety, I know a photographer who put her camera in a brown paper bag whilst touring New York quite a few years ago.
For me I take my camera and use it w/o strap. It's a part of me, attached to my hand! Haven't had any problems yet.
My son got a nice sunburn so maybe pack sunscreen!
I would use the 5D.
If you're concerned about safety, I know a photographer who put her camera in a brown paper bag whilst touring New York quite a few years ago.
For me I take my camera and use it w/o strap. It's a part of me, attached to my hand! Haven't had any problems yet.
jky
Well-known
I hear Rio is safe. A friend from Sao Paulo is currently doing a beach project there with his M9.
David_Manning
Well-known
Both those responses actually surprise me.
I've been told that Rio is not a place to walk around with a camera, which is why I was leaning away from the markII. In fact, two years ago, the reason I got the Contax T3 was because I felt too obtrusive in Mexico City while street shooting with an M6. (I got the T3 idea from Christopher Anderson's Capitolio experiences in Venezuela with an M and then a T3).
Any other opinions? I'd love to hear from Rio residents themselves.
I've been told that Rio is not a place to walk around with a camera, which is why I was leaning away from the markII. In fact, two years ago, the reason I got the Contax T3 was because I felt too obtrusive in Mexico City while street shooting with an M6. (I got the T3 idea from Christopher Anderson's Capitolio experiences in Venezuela with an M and then a T3).
Any other opinions? I'd love to hear from Rio residents themselves.
semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
I'm certain that as in any big city it depends where, when, and with whom you're shooting.
How you carry yourself is really important. I know a guy who shoots the shanty towns in Jakarta alone at night, with a 5D and 35/1.4. He's a relatively big guy and has an astonishing ability to draw attention away from that honker of a camera. It just disappears in his hands. He's never had a serious problem or lost a camera, except to moisture. I don't think I could get away with that.
David Alan Harvey's recent and amazing Rio project was shot mainly on iPhone and Panasonic GF1 + 20/1.7, with occasional use of a Nikon D700. Essentially the same as X100 + 5D. I'd cover that shiny X100 with gaffer tape though. Not to make it less visible, but to make it scruffier.
How you carry yourself is really important. I know a guy who shoots the shanty towns in Jakarta alone at night, with a 5D and 35/1.4. He's a relatively big guy and has an astonishing ability to draw attention away from that honker of a camera. It just disappears in his hands. He's never had a serious problem or lost a camera, except to moisture. I don't think I could get away with that.
David Alan Harvey's recent and amazing Rio project was shot mainly on iPhone and Panasonic GF1 + 20/1.7, with occasional use of a Nikon D700. Essentially the same as X100 + 5D. I'd cover that shiny X100 with gaffer tape though. Not to make it less visible, but to make it scruffier.
vfioravanti
vitor fioravanti
hey david
well i was born and raised in rio so i can give u some tips , like any other big city there is places u can shoot and other u cant (well u can put but is better not 2
if stay in the main turistic places u should b fine but want 2 explore more the city u should jst use ur common sense .
bout the cameras mkII should fine as long u dont walk around with the camera around ur neck ,using a bag is a good idea i used to shoot with a IIIc in a bag all the time never had a prob , the way i see it using a slr would draw much more atention of course by the size , than lets say a M9 even though is worth 3 x as much ,but of course the kids that gonna rob u could care less if u ve a cron or a lux , all they want is something to trade for something
but that. been said ,the city is not that bad
enjoy the place and dont forget to check the girls in tny bikinis)))
if i was still living there i d sure show u around
cheers
well i was born and raised in rio so i can give u some tips , like any other big city there is places u can shoot and other u cant (well u can put but is better not 2
if stay in the main turistic places u should b fine but want 2 explore more the city u should jst use ur common sense .bout the cameras mkII should fine as long u dont walk around with the camera around ur neck ,using a bag is a good idea i used to shoot with a IIIc in a bag all the time never had a prob , the way i see it using a slr would draw much more atention of course by the size , than lets say a M9 even though is worth 3 x as much ,but of course the kids that gonna rob u could care less if u ve a cron or a lux , all they want is something to trade for something
but that. been said ,the city is not that bad
enjoy the place and dont forget to check the girls in tny bikinis
)))if i was still living there i d sure show u around
cheers
Sylvester
Well-known
I wouldn't shoot the streets with a big DSLR in New York or in Montréal anyway... Stick with the X100 or another small camera. Rio looks like a nice city to visit and shoot.
tstermitz
Well-known
Wear tennis shoes, and project alertness. Interact with people rather than be aloof. Brazilians are extremely outgoing, so enter into that energy. Wave your camera at a beautiful woman, and I guarantee she'll flash you a huge smile.
The older neighborhoods on the hills are lovely. Of course see the coffee shops and sing "The girl from Ipanema" to yourself. Be absolutely sure to see the movie "Black Orpheus" before going.
The older neighborhoods on the hills are lovely. Of course see the coffee shops and sing "The girl from Ipanema" to yourself. Be absolutely sure to see the movie "Black Orpheus" before going.
drinkingeye
Well-known
.... and do not forget to always carry some money in your pocket, something like 20 US Dollars - the thieves get very angry if you have no money for them at all ;-) It's serious!
the most important is to try no to attract attention - so wear jeans & old t-shirt & snickers... And avoid places you would avoid in every bigger city... a question of common sense, as vfioravanti remarked before. besides that, rio is a great place to be. enjoy the trip & show us some pictures later on!
cheers
the most important is to try no to attract attention - so wear jeans & old t-shirt & snickers... And avoid places you would avoid in every bigger city... a question of common sense, as vfioravanti remarked before. besides that, rio is a great place to be. enjoy the trip & show us some pictures later on!
cheers
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
From your signature, you have a Canon EF.
Use and carry that one (or any other film SLR) in view.
If you get mugged, just give the camera to them, you'd lose one roll at the most, not the whole 64 GB worth of images and memories of the whole trip.
An old bag also will make you less attractive. You can hide your X100 in it until it's time to take a shot.
Use and carry that one (or any other film SLR) in view.
If you get mugged, just give the camera to them, you'd lose one roll at the most, not the whole 64 GB worth of images and memories of the whole trip.
An old bag also will make you less attractive. You can hide your X100 in it until it's time to take a shot.
furcafe
Veteran
Really? In 2009, I didn't notice any difference between when I used my Ms (chrome) & when I used my Nikon 28Ti (black).
David_Manning
Well-known
Thanks everyone for the advice.
I have decided to shoot my Contax T3 and either slide or negative color film. After one trip to Rio, I'll decide whether I can shoot another, larger camera for next time.
For Furcafe, I posted this after my Mexico City experience:
From RF to PnS
I have decided to shoot my Contax T3 and either slide or negative color film. After one trip to Rio, I'll decide whether I can shoot another, larger camera for next time.
For Furcafe, I posted this after my Mexico City experience:
From RF to PnS
CK Dexter Haven
Well-known
I've been nearly 20 times in the past 15 years. vfioravanti's advice is pretty much perfect, and matches my experiences.
My first trip, i had an EOS3 on my shoulder, walking around Copacabana. Four people - two civilians, a bank employee, and a policeman - stopped me to warn me that it was not a good idea to have that camera in plain sight. I became a bit more cautious, but carried on without incident.
I feel it's necessary to state that your appearance is going to have an effect on your 'victim likelihood factor.' I'm 6'3", black, and probably look like i could chase someone down. I've seen the results of muggings in Copa - an old woman, and an elderly Italian tourist man - both times by 'street kids.' With the Italian man, it was rather humorous - i saw the kid sprint past me, and then moments later the old man, in a casual jog. But, the man looked fit, and confident that he would eventually track the robber once the kid ran out of gas.
I have never been robbed. But everyone who goes with frequency knows someone who has been, or knows someone who knows someone..... I have a friend who is a driver there - a Brazilian man, and he has been carjacked. I've known four people, all Brazilians, who have been murdered there. And, these are not criminals leading dangerous lives. Stuff just happens down there. You DO have to be cautious.
Back to the cameras.... I've used just about everything down there. Leica M7, R8, R6, CM; Contax 159, Aria, RX, T3; Canon EOS3, 5D, 5D2, D60; Hasselblad 203FE; Rolleiflex TLR; Pentax 67, Mamiya 645AF; Mamiya 6; Nikon F100, FE2, F4.... I've had all of those cameras on the beach, and walked around Copa and Ipanema with most of them. But, i don't walk with them around my neck, unless i'm using them. I keep them in a bag - but never a camera bag. I've bought camera cushioning inserts and put that inside by regular 'beach bag' or shoulder bag or cheap backpack. Don't give away 'the secret' before it's necessary. Don't advertise.
Keep your eyes on the kids. Don't leave your stuff unattended on the beach. Don't be afraid to make eye contact - let people know you're aware of them. And, if anything happens, surrender. There are kids sniffing glue or paint or whatever, and reason is not their friend.
I don't know how to tell you not to dress/act like a tourist.... Leave the all white leather New Balance at home. Well-to-do Brazilians do wear Nike's, but only with the air cushioning.... It's sort of a badge of status. T-shirts. Jeans. Lacoste or Polo shirts. It's casual. And, this time of year, toward September, it's not blazing hot, and it does rain.
If you have any specific questions, about this or anything else, send me a PM. I LOVE Rio and hope to live there at some point.... It's been two years since i've been, and i'm jonesing hard.
[EDIT:]
David, i just read your most recent reply, after i had finished posting. I would advise you to take more than the T3. You can take as much as you like. And, when you're there, just take which ever camera/s make sense for that particular day/purpose/event/location. I ALWAYS travel with a fully loaded camera case, with 4-5 different cameras. I'll take a T3 when walking around, or to dinner. I'll take a 5D2 or an FE2 or a Hassy to the beach.... And, i would sometimes shoot little 'projects,' either in my hotel room or on the street, and i'd have whichever camera or system was appropriate for that. Make your decisions from the hotel, not from your home. That's assuming, of course, your destination accommodations are secure. I never put anything in safes, but i was always staying at hotels where i didn't have to worry. If you're renting an apartment, you do have to be careful. A close friend's short term rental was robbed. He did have a safe, but not large enough for anything but money and passport, etc.
My first trip, i had an EOS3 on my shoulder, walking around Copacabana. Four people - two civilians, a bank employee, and a policeman - stopped me to warn me that it was not a good idea to have that camera in plain sight. I became a bit more cautious, but carried on without incident.
I feel it's necessary to state that your appearance is going to have an effect on your 'victim likelihood factor.' I'm 6'3", black, and probably look like i could chase someone down. I've seen the results of muggings in Copa - an old woman, and an elderly Italian tourist man - both times by 'street kids.' With the Italian man, it was rather humorous - i saw the kid sprint past me, and then moments later the old man, in a casual jog. But, the man looked fit, and confident that he would eventually track the robber once the kid ran out of gas.
I have never been robbed. But everyone who goes with frequency knows someone who has been, or knows someone who knows someone..... I have a friend who is a driver there - a Brazilian man, and he has been carjacked. I've known four people, all Brazilians, who have been murdered there. And, these are not criminals leading dangerous lives. Stuff just happens down there. You DO have to be cautious.
Back to the cameras.... I've used just about everything down there. Leica M7, R8, R6, CM; Contax 159, Aria, RX, T3; Canon EOS3, 5D, 5D2, D60; Hasselblad 203FE; Rolleiflex TLR; Pentax 67, Mamiya 645AF; Mamiya 6; Nikon F100, FE2, F4.... I've had all of those cameras on the beach, and walked around Copa and Ipanema with most of them. But, i don't walk with them around my neck, unless i'm using them. I keep them in a bag - but never a camera bag. I've bought camera cushioning inserts and put that inside by regular 'beach bag' or shoulder bag or cheap backpack. Don't give away 'the secret' before it's necessary. Don't advertise.
Keep your eyes on the kids. Don't leave your stuff unattended on the beach. Don't be afraid to make eye contact - let people know you're aware of them. And, if anything happens, surrender. There are kids sniffing glue or paint or whatever, and reason is not their friend.
I don't know how to tell you not to dress/act like a tourist.... Leave the all white leather New Balance at home. Well-to-do Brazilians do wear Nike's, but only with the air cushioning.... It's sort of a badge of status. T-shirts. Jeans. Lacoste or Polo shirts. It's casual. And, this time of year, toward September, it's not blazing hot, and it does rain.
If you have any specific questions, about this or anything else, send me a PM. I LOVE Rio and hope to live there at some point.... It's been two years since i've been, and i'm jonesing hard.
[EDIT:]
David, i just read your most recent reply, after i had finished posting. I would advise you to take more than the T3. You can take as much as you like. And, when you're there, just take which ever camera/s make sense for that particular day/purpose/event/location. I ALWAYS travel with a fully loaded camera case, with 4-5 different cameras. I'll take a T3 when walking around, or to dinner. I'll take a 5D2 or an FE2 or a Hassy to the beach.... And, i would sometimes shoot little 'projects,' either in my hotel room or on the street, and i'd have whichever camera or system was appropriate for that. Make your decisions from the hotel, not from your home. That's assuming, of course, your destination accommodations are secure. I never put anything in safes, but i was always staying at hotels where i didn't have to worry. If you're renting an apartment, you do have to be careful. A close friend's short term rental was robbed. He did have a safe, but not large enough for anything but money and passport, etc.
David_Manning
Well-known
Thanks Dexter.
I travel a lot, to a lot of different cities, but I've never been to Rio so I'm working with stories and others' experiences. I'm sure I'll have a better idea once I get down there. I'll be there four days.
I travel a lot, to a lot of different cities, but I've never been to Rio so I'm working with stories and others' experiences. I'm sure I'll have a better idea once I get down there. I'll be there four days.
mday
Newbie
Spent 1.5 weeks in Buenos Aires and another week in Santiago with my 5D2, walking the streets and shooting. No real problems. Camera was permanently attached to my hand, along with a camera bag with a couple lenses. In both places I hired a teenage kid who spoke some English to spend time with me. Nothing like a few choice words of local slang to offset the tourist view of you.
Pablito
coco frío
That's not Rio.
whitecat
Lone Range(find)er
I think the T3 would work like a charm. Easier to point and shoot than the X100.
furcafe
Veteran
Oh man, I completely forgot I already asked about your experience in that thread. Gettin' old.
If you're willing to go really old school (no built-in meter, etc.) for a cheap camera you won't mind losing, you could go w/a good Kiev Contax II copy w/Jupiter Sonnar copy.
If you're willing to go really old school (no built-in meter, etc.) for a cheap camera you won't mind losing, you could go w/a good Kiev Contax II copy w/Jupiter Sonnar copy.
Retrotech68
Established
Pablito is right. Santiago isn't like Rio at all, being MUCH safer than the Cidade Maravilhosa, even in its poorer areas.
Although the T3 is actually a very good idea, I would follow CK Dexter Haven and take two more cameras with me. If digital is an option, I would take a X100, as Sylvester said above. Rio is indeed a nice place to visit and shoot, but remember to wear casual clothes and kit: plain t-shirts and jeans are a good idea, as per what CK Dexter Haven recommended. Avoid pricey sneakers (wearing them without socks is a good idea too...). You should also leave any fancy watches or similar stuff at your hotel, avoid flashing cell phones in the open. Also don't leave stuff unattended anywhere (not just on the beach)...
A Brazilian friend of mine, from one of the Southern brazilian states, got robbed twice in Rio because she wasn't familiar with the town and the modus operandi of the local 'street kids'. Another Brazilian friend, from Salvador, was also robbed on her first lenghty visit to Rio - a running 'street kid' relieved her of a Canon DSLR in less than a blink of an eye...
Alex
btgc
Veteran
I have not used digital on trip but would I do that I think I'd use bunch of small cards instead of one large, to minimize risks of theft and media failure. One can replay it's easier to loose some of many cards than one sitting in camera but then I wouldn't loose all of them