Unpopular opinion: “stealth” tape on cameras

[richardHaw]

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.

 

[David Hughes]

Talking of tea leaves half inching cameras*; you often see them on ebay with only a strap and lens cap but seldom any instructions. I guess a lot were like that when stolen, otherwise where's the instructions and why the half used film or media card in it?


Regards, David


*(Cultural Note) that is pure Cockney...

 

[Axel]

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.

 

[Mark A. Fisher]

In times past I shot a LOT of Holgas, Dianas, Pringles cans, anything that could possibly hold film and occasionally make an image.

Tape ‘em? You betcha!! It wasn't an issue of logo. I was just keeping (most) light leaks at bay, and the things from falling apart in my hands...

 

[css9450]

In times past I shot a LOT of Holgas, Dianas, Pringles cans, anything that could possibly hold film and occasionally make an image.

Tape ‘em? You betcha!! It wasn't an issue of logo. I was just keeping (most) light leaks at bay, and the things from falling apart in my hands...

Indeed! My Zorki became a model citizen and excellent shooter once I started taping all around the joints where the camera back and body meet.

 

[jawarden]

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.

I'm not sure what this means. Are you saying you taped over your serial number so a thief couldn't look over your shoulder and make note of it for an eBay description? Wouldn't the serial number be easy for the purchaser to check? Or is this about sharing pictures of your camera online?

 

[MrFujicaman]

Only thing I tape is under the strap lugs to protect the finish.

 

[Huss]

I always tape my cameras. But not for stealth or security - I don't believe for one moment blacking out the logo makes you invisible, or that thieves are so discerning as to turn down an opportunity to nick any camera...

However, I refuse to be a walking billboard and provide free advertising! I generally remove logos I consider too prominent from anything I own.

My Sony A7R II:

If I saw that being carried around, I would so want to steal that prototype Sony limited Skull Island edition.

 

[Axel]

I'm not sure what this means. Are you saying you taped over your serial number so a thief couldn't look over your shoulder and make note of it for an eBay description? Wouldn't the serial number be easy for the purchaser to check? Or is this about sharing pictures of your camera online?

Both. But the process of decision was short. Maybe? Tape it.

 

[RichC]

If I saw that being carried around, I would so want to steal that prototype Sony limited Skull Island edition.

Damn - I'm going to have to be so furtive now you've let the cat out of the back...! 😀

 

[Lewis Francis]

pretty sure this is to prevent having to pay royalties to those companies featured

Huh, really? What law(s) would allow brands to charge royalties for film/photo uses?

 

[tunalegs]

Huh, really? What law(s) would allow brands to charge royalties for film/photo uses?

It can be argued to be a trademark issue. Kind of like how Union Pacific makes companies pay them a royalty if they produced a model train with "Union Pacific" printed on it.



More likely it has to do with studios not wanting to give out free advertising if they can help it, and rules about product placement in media.

 

[David Hughes]

One or two advantages to untaped logos come to mind; firstly chatting with other film users and the networking that it leads to like where to buy film and labs that are still open etc. Then there's the free old film cameras people give you. And lastly, you learn how to pronounce "Leica" in other countries; I never realised it sounded like "Leaker" until a while ago...


Regards, David

 

[konicaman]

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

Talking bags/cases a bit of camouflage is not that bad. A good friend of mine for many years drove around with his camera bags fully visible in his car with no trouble at all. They consisted of 2 wooden suitcases spraypainted (military style) with the words Decoration materials I and II. In one of the cases he kept his Hasselblads and in the other 3-4 M houses and a handful of lenses. Nobody took a second look at those cases 😀


Don't think he ever taped over the logos though...

 

[Out to Lunch]

Leaker? In which country would that be -I'd like to know so I can make sure I'll never go there.

 

[css9450]

Leaker? In which country would that be -I'd like to know so I can make sure I'll never go there.

I'm not sure its a pronunciation issue at all... Could be just a disgruntled photographer fed up with light leaks!

 

[back alley]

i have heard it pronounced leeka before.

 

[Out to Lunch]

Perhaps the 'ei' combination is uncommon...then again, the whole world knows how to order a Heineken.

 

[dourbalistar]

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

 

[Phil_F_NM]

So is it pronounced "lay-kah" in Hawaii?
Phil Forrest