Security & Carabiners

jesse1dog

jesse1dog

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At some time it's been suggested that using a climbing carabiner to attach a camera bag to a cafe table would prevent a thief snatch. Seems a good idea to me and as I am putting together an outfit some advice on what shape, size, and strength of carabiner would be appreciated.
The carabiner I just picked up looked great in the shop - really big hook on the end. I could just imagine it going round a metal table leg. Opening it and the spring clip doesn't open all that much. Hence some suggestions please.

jesse
 
Try attaching the carabiner to a short loop of rope - pass the rope and 'biner around the leg then clip it back to the bag.
 
Anything to upset the grab and run type theft will work, but for the price, I would go with a climbing carabiner instead of the cheap key ring carabiners. A climbing carabiner is only a few dollars more, but has a much better gate. There are auto-locking carabiners that give an extra layer of security to that scheme. They are as easy to snap on/off as a non-locking carabiner, once you know the open sequence. The Petzl AM'D Ball-loc is a good one.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___34956
 
The weakest point will be the strap lugs - so a carabiner, although quicker, is overkill (and one more thing to carry around).

Why not pass the loop of the strap behind whatever (say a chair arm) open the loop and then pass the camera through that loop - pull it and "voila".
 
Thanks guys.
I like the idea of the rope loop - needs trying out.
The Petzl Ball lock is probably the right shape of carabiner - certainly better than the one I have - good idea there.
The PacSafe products look ideal, but a bit pricey. I'll look at availability in GB.
I am aware of the weakness of the strap lugs. I have replaced the plastic ones on one of my bags with gunmetal D rings and am much happier - the strap or bag stitching is most likely to give now. In fact the fixings to the bag seem as vulnerable as anything else. However its easy to go for over-kill and the quick snatch is what I am trying to guard against. The intent thief will probably demand at knife point ....
 
when i am sitting down with my camera bag, i just put my leg through the strap and keep the strap on my thigh, and the bag generally between my legs. if you carabiner it to a table or chair or whatever, your sense of security may lead you to not pay as close attention, which might give a thief with a pair of scissors or snips a chance to just cut your strap and be off. i think one of the most important things is to maintain constant physical contact with your bag.
 
I use a ski/board safety device. One of those code locked retractible spools of high tensile braided steel wire. Quick and easy, adjustable length means you can lock just about all you belongings to a table if need be.

One example:
3d5d051c-c01c-4342-9833-9d055a21fd73.jpg
 
Why so complicated ?
Albeit very rarely I have any camera (or camera-like) bag with me (mostly I lug camera exposed on me), I just used to strap it around my leg under the table when sitting (be it cafe, restaurant or airport). If as usual I have camera only on me - I just have it hanging down off my knee.
 
I think the anti-theft tactics for camera are close to bicycles in large cities. If the thief really wants to steal it, it's next to impossible to stop it. But the key is to discourage the thief. If he/she thinks your bag/camera takes an extra second (for snatching) to take, thief won't bother and look for easier target. So whatever visible "locked state" is the biggest protection for snatching.

My bicycles and motorcycle wear kryptonite ulocks, laptop is always physically touching me (or use cable lock) and bags wrapped around table/chair. When I have a camera by itself on cafe table, the strap is always around my arm.
 
I think this is where a bit more information is needed about my query.
I'm setting up an Olympus OM for an experienced lady photographer who is great with an automatic focus camera but has never used an SLR. She has now realised that automatic focus won't do what she wants the camera to do. However toting the OM round her neck isn't really an option and hence the need for some bag or other. Dare I say that she is well into her 60s! And as her friend has just had her handbag snatched there is some apprehension on her part about the security of the camera bag. And digital isn't the answer because she likes film. I think you will agree that the more encouragement I can give her the better, and a gutsy middle aged lady with a battered bag could look an easy picking for a snatch thief.
What suggestions would you give her?
 
jesse1dog said:
I think this is where a bit more information is needed about my query.
I'm setting up an Olympus OM for an experienced lady photographer who is great with an automatic focus camera but has never used an SLR. She has now realised that automatic focus won't do what she wants the camera to do. However toting the OM round her neck isn't really an option and hence the need for some bag or other. Dare I say that she is well into her 60s! And as her friend has just had her handbag snatched there is some apprehension on her part about the security of the camera bag. And digital isn't the answer because she likes film. I think you will agree that the more encouragement I can give her the better, and a gutsy middle aged lady with a battered bag could look an easy picking for a snatch thief.
What suggestions would you give her?
Click to expand...

Hmmm, without meaning to sound flip, I think the answer is not so much how to make her camera bag secure, but rather, to point out that losing one's camera is less expensive than losing one's wallet or purse. Particularly when one considers the value of an OM camera (not to insult the OM, but it is just not as valuable as say a Leica M9). I guess what I'm trying to say is that I would focus less on absolute security and more on ease of carry and utility. That also frees her up to enjoy shooting rather than constantly worrying about losing her camera.

-Randy
 
Attach the carabiner to the shoulder strap. Clip the carabiner a second time to the shoulder strap with the table leg, for example, in the middle. Another method is to clip the carbiner to your belt. (Very few people have their camera's snatched but the piece of mind it gives one is worthwhile.) Another use for the carabiner is to attach it to the strap. Wear the strap across the chest instead of hanging from your shoulder. Shorten the camera strap and insert it into the carabiner which can slide up and down along the strap which runs diagonally across your chest. You have now made a Y strap. If the strap attached to the camera is short enough should it fall from your hand (afterall you are not wearing it around your neck like a tourist.) it will not hit the ground. If the camera strap is of a proper length the camera could be tucked into your camera bag still attached to the strap of the camera bag. I hope this helps.
 
To add to my above comments. The lady should carry a purse that does NOT hang from one shoulder but across her body from left to right or right to left. Her bag should be big enough to accomodate the camera. Buy a soft padded lens case big enough to accomodate the camera and fit comfortably into the handbag. Attach the camera strap to the carabiner and the carabiner to the strap of the handbag. Another idea is to purchase a camera case that attached to the belt. Lowepro makes such models. Thieves tend to pick the easiest "mark." With the strap across the chest you are no longer an easy mark. As for wallets: Always carry your wallet in the front pocket, along with keys or cash. Front pockets are harder to pick.
 
Whatever system you use, you should make sure that the security system is very visible. If the thieves are planning to knock you down, then cut the bag loose, there's not much you can do. But if they're snatch-and-run, and they see that it's secured, and it'll take a while to free, then they'll most likely pass on it. I like that ski lock: I may get one. The danger with attaching a bag to your body is if the snatchers are on motorbikes; you'll get dragged. And if the snatcher puts his arm through a loop on the bag, instead of grabbing with his hands, you could get dragged quite a way.
 
coelacanth said:
I think the anti-theft tactics for camera are close to bicycles in large cities. If the thief really wants to steal it, it's next to impossible to stop it. But the key is to discourage the thief. If he/she thinks your bag/camera takes an extra second (for snatching) to take, thief won't bother and look for easier target. So whatever visible "locked state" is the biggest protection for snatching.

My bicycles and motorcycle wear kryptonite ulocks, laptop is always physically touching me (or use cable lock) and bags wrapped around table/chair. When I have a camera by itself on cafe table, the strap is always around my arm.
Click to expand...

Those kryptonite locks are really secure!

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Haha. That is one sad looking ride indeed. It's really sad to see a bike locked up and something goes missing everyday you pass by. BTW, I wouldn't leave my bike out of my sight more than a coffee fetching long WITH an ulock on. :p

Oh, another typical bicycle anti-theft technique that could work for camera theft.

Park your classic ride with Columbus tube lugged frame and vintage Campy next to a shiny 7.5 lb. bike with full carbon frame and top of line Shimano.

This translates to

Sit down with your classic OM with dreamy 50/1.4 next to a guy with a full frame DSLR with 28-200/2.8 zoom lens and vertical grip.

:D
 
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