Russia & Mongolia photography recommendations

[BestWesterman]

In a few days I (and a couple Leicas) will be traveling across Russia and Mongolia by train. I was wondering if anyone had any insights around how society and laws view general street photography and camera use. Any tips and recommendations much appreciated.

Thanks!
Andy

 

[Scapevision]

leave your guns in Texas Safe if you can take your hard liquor.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Can't tell you about Mongolia. I think, they depend on the tourists.

I came back from Russia few days ago. Did street, candid and straight to the face photography every day with M4-2 and Summarit-M 35. It was a blast and very nice experience. Check for "no photography", if it is not present, you are OK.
Don't do hip shooting, act with respect, smile and say "Spasibo".

 

[sr1200]

I recently traveled from South Korea through Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan. Both "stans" are very Russian in behavior. I brought with me about 25 rolls of 120 film. In both the Korean and Kazakh airports I had over an hour argument to NOT put my film in the x-ray machine. Though I eventually won both arguments, it wasn't worth it to me. In the future I'll shoot digital when traveling or use two lead bags (double wrap) my film and check it.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I had over an hour argument to NOT put my film in the x-ray machine.

I have my films through x-ray in Toronto-Moscow-Warsaw. No idea why you need to argue on something which is safe.

 

[Scapevision]

I recently traveled from South Korea through Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan. Both "stans" are very Russian in behavior. I brought with me about 25 rolls of 120 film. In both the Korean and Kazakh airports I had over an hour argument to NOT put my film in the x-ray machine. Though I eventually won both arguments, it wasn't worth it to me. In the future I'll shoot digital when traveling or use two lead bags (double wrap) my film and check it.

I too have taken film through numerous x-rays in the airports of Former Soviet, zero issues, no waiting or dumb remarks that they aren't equipped for hand inspections. 3200 delta went through with no damage whatsoever.

 

[sr1200]

I too have taken film through numerous x-rays in the airports of Former Soviet, zero issues, no waiting or dumb remarks that they aren't equipped for hand inspections. 3200 delta went through with no damage whatsoever.

Completely understandable. It's guard-dependent. I went through the KZ airport going IN without a care in the world, the lady was great. Going through again on my way out, another woman (not a lady!) had a conniption. And in Korea the same, the culture here (I live in korea) prevents underlings from making any kind of real decision, and it goes all the way up, so I was screwed. I think the "film in a ziplock" is just not a thing I'll try again.

 

[BestWesterman]

With the Siberian portion of my travels coming to an end, I thought I'd share a few images.
More here: http://www.davidhazy.com/projects/2016_siberia/

Ulan Ude, Russia

Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Moscow, Russia

Ulan Bator, Mongolia