Unpopular opinion: “stealth” tape on cameras

[JoeLopez]

I was down in Portland for a gallery reception this weekend, and while I didn’t get a lot of shooting in, I did meet a lot of artists and photographers and had some valuable conversations.

One such gentleman, whom I ran into on the sidelines of a parade, was absolutely floored I didn’t have my cameras wrapped in electrical tape, unlike his...well, whatever was under all those layers.

(He also had a lot of other strange comments I didn’t quite agree with, but that’s for another thread!)

I’ve always found the taping-over-the-logo thing a bit pretentious, as if one is just back from some war-torn country. I don’t know what I find more irksome, the giant new SLR with vertical grip, or the humble beater camera. The former seems comically insignificant, and the latter a bit pointless.

I never really felt like it was an issue anywhere I’ve traveled, at least in the US, to cover up the logo either for security or stealthiness. Either people notice you have a camera or they don’t, and the only people that pay attention to a logo are...other photographers.
Over the years I’ve lived and visited some colorful neighborhoods and feel like I have a good feel of when not to have a camera out, and it seems logical that if you’re going to get pickpocketed or ripped off, your average criminal isn’t looking for brand names on first sight.

But I do see the appeal of the Leica P models with a little more subdued styling, and the affinity for black paint cameras.

How popular is this practice here, and what’s your reasoning?

Why do people care so much? Honestly.

 

[Huss]

I think Mike Padua over at Shoot Film Co. has it right:

$10 for a pin? The irony of making fun of Leica, while charging a Leica price for that.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

$10 for a pin? The irony of making fun of Leica, while charging a Leica price for that.

First time I've heard $10 described as 'Leica price'

 

[semi-ambivalent]

...and of course, the diehards of camouflage carry their taped-up camera in a diaper bag...

On the other hand I have used my Domke f-5XB as a diaper bag, and it made a damn good one too.

 

[semi-ambivalent]

There was a time where "clean" serialnumbers of Leicas were rare subjects.
So I taped mine on the M6 because I did not want to find it anywhere in the web as an argument in a sellers description.
Indeed reasons for taping can be very different.

In the EU you also don't want a call from the police saying your recently ebay-purchased M2 had been stolen from a Frenchman in Venice and that you'll have to surrender it. The internet and its forums have changed the game.

 

[dourbalistar]

$10 for a pin? The irony of making fun of Leica, while charging a Leica price for that.

I bought a few for some friends, and they are nicer than I expected. I don't mind paying $10 to support a small business that promotes film photography. And unlike Leica, he often runs promotions and sales.

Of course, If you want a real Leica pin at a Leica price, that'll cost you €15.83 (excluding VAT, plus shipping). At that price, you don't even get a red dot.

 

[Huss]

I bought a few for some friends, and they are nicer than I expected. I don't mind paying $10 to support a small business that promotes film photography. And unlike Leica, he often runs promotions and sales.

Of course, If you want a real Leica pin at a Leica price, that'll cost you €15.83 (excluding VAT, plus shipping). At that price, you don't even get a red dot.

Leica was a small business that promoted film photography.

 

[vladimir]

I do it.

I do it.

I don't do it, I don't care if others do it.

I do it, , I don’t care if others don’t do it.

 

[Rob-F]

i never tape logos and i sometimes find it pretentious like the thread starter...

BUT

growing up in the ghettos and having criminals as childhood friends. taping is a wise thing to do if you dont want to attract criminals. crims dont know much about cameras and models usually but they do know about brands and logos.

on the other hand, any desperate scum will steal your gear regardless of brand.

having said that, it will depend on the area youre shooting in. people in some places just walk by but people in some places will give comments about your camera which is unwelcome in most cases and may lead to theft in worst cases or unwanted chitchat or attention at best.

will i tape my camera? maybe, but not at this moment.

This makes perfect sense and is helpful.