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