Would you travel to Italy with the M9?

raid

raid

Dad Photographer
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Would you take along an expensive camera like the M9 or would you play it safe and leave it behind when traveling overseas? I have many other options.

Of course, a more important issue may be the choice between digital cameras (M8 and M9) versus film cameras (M3 and M6).

I am tempted to take along the Hasselblad SWC for the film camera, and take along the M9 for the digital.
 
Yes, I'd take it, but make sure it's covered by insurance etc. Nowhere is crime free, your home town, or your next vacation.
 
Italy is safer than you think. I would probably not take an expensive camera to Miami. M9 go quite unnoticed and I would exclude you could be robbed. Your bag could be stolen or opened if left unguarded, including in places where you think it may be in custody (airports, hotel deposit, etc..). As long as you keep always close to your M9 bag, I would not see any problems. Where about would you go?
 
Raid, when I go on vacation with family, I'd bring my P&S (D-Lux 4) which gives me enough control for most situations. Before digital, I'd bring the Contax T. My goal is to enjoy time with the family and not have to lug around too much gear. As to your question, I'd feel comfortable bringing an expensive camera (M9 or SWC), but I'd limit the lenses to a wide and a medium tele. Bear in mind that you'll be doing a lot of walking, and it's no fun when you become mule pack #1.
 
mretina said:
Italy is safer than you think. I would probably not take an expensive camera to Miami. M9 go quite unnoticed and I would exclude you could be robbed. Your bag could be stolen or opened if left unguarded, including in places where you think it may be in custody (airports, hotel deposit, etc..). As long as you keep always close to your M9 bag, I would not see any problems. Where about would you go?
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Rimini and Tuscany.
 
mretina said:
Italy is safer than you think. I would probably not take an expensive camera to Miami. M9 go quite unnoticed and I would exclude you could be robbed. Your bag could be stolen or opened if left unguarded, including in places where you think it may be in custody (airports, hotel deposit, etc..). As long as you keep always close to your M9 bag, I would not see any problems. Where about would you go?
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I live in Miami and never hesitate to take my M9 with me, here or abroad. On the other hand, watch your wallet, particularly if you look or act like a tourist.

Usually, I travel with a PacSafe 200 shoulder bag that has many anti-theft features and doesn't look like a camera bag. An M camera or small SLR (Pentax MX for me) fits nicely in the bag, though a Hasselblad would be a little more difficult.

The only times I've had any experience with attempted or successful theft, it has been when I've been with my wife or family. It's easy to get distracted when traveling with others. One time I found a person's hand in my front pocket, when boarding a train in Rome. Fortunately, the person didn't get anything, unlike the time when my wife had her wallet removed from her waist pack.

Most thefts aren't going be violent - the thieves want to get some money or cards and get away quietly.
 
of course i would...but try to get also a super wide lens 21 or even 15mm...that is a must when sooting those monuments and archtecture...
 
Reid, I'm living in Rome since 2005 and I never had problems neither with RF nor with reflex. I only got concerned when I went to Naples, going into the alleys it's a bit risky.
Keep a low profile. Do not show too much. But this is all about good sense.
If you come to Rome let me know, if you like. We could have a beer. :)
 
Yes. I would insure it and then take it. If you can't use it for trips like this then why spend the money on it at all?
 
Absolutely !

I just came back from 10 days there (6 in Montepulciano & surrounding area), plus quick days in Venice and Rome. I would not hesitate to bring any camera, but traveling anywhere, my bag is ALWAYS on my shoulder.

Spilling wine or espresso on your camera is more likely than getting it stolen :D :D
 
Raid, why wouldn't you?
It would be my camera of choice for anywhere.
I have traveled to Italy many times with all sorts of cams. Leicas included.

And I have had wonderful times.

Enjoy.
 
raid said:
Would you take along an expensive camera like the M9 or would you play it safe and leave it behind when traveling overseas? I have many other options.

Of course, a more important issue may be the choice between digital cameras (M8 and M9) versus film cameras (M3 and M6).

I am tempted to take along the Hasselblad SWC for the film camera, and take along the M9 for the digital.
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Seems like you need couple more cameras, choice is rather limited :)
 
Take it with you and have it insured. I live in Barcelona in the old town and being a Dutch expat everybody always takes me for a tourist. And I do feel comfortable walking around at 2:00 am at night with an M in my hand (though it might help I'm over 2 meters tall...). The very few times I got robbed of a camera (only once here, in the late 80's, when I WAS a tourist) was because I didn't take good care enough.

Besides, pickpockets are much more common than thugs assaulting you. And usually work in crowded places like subways, train stations or around top tourist attractions, while the others need a scenery that's more isolated. And most thugs will not recognise your camera.

Never wear your wallet in your back pocket, and even your left side inner pocket of your jacket isn't the safest place to keep lots of money.
If sitting on a terrace, keep your bag strap slung around your legs or tie it to the chair (someone may ask you for a cigarette or the time and snatch whatever he can lay his hands on). A good waist bag might be another good idea. Just be sure it's tied to your belt or its belt is put through your trousers belt loops (in case they're called that way). Any belt can be easilly sliced with a sharp knife. Shoulder bags can be snatched off by a couple of guys on a motorcycle. Not that this is very common in Barcelona, but in Sevilla it is and I'm pretty sure in Naples as well.

All this may sound like you have to be looking after your things every minute of your stay. It is not. It's precisely about not having to look after them all the time. Any tourist is an easy prey for pickpockets, because he's distracted the whole time with all these new impressions he gets. And no pickpocket KNOWS what you might have in your pocket or bag. He'll go for the one that looks easiest. So the trick is to be a less easier prey. All the rest is just a case of bad luck. But that can happen to everyone on the very doorstep of his house.

So, now that I've raised your travel paranoia by a degree or two, some final advice. Don't take your Hassy with you, unless you're really sure you're going to use it EVERY day. I did that once on a casual trip with my Bronica EC and my shoulders were not happy. And that was when I was a lot stronger than I am today.

Nescio

PS: almost forgot to say: have fun!
 
I think the question depends on how important the M9 is to you..

If you keep watching your m9 for A plus cosmetic condition and watchout for a small nick of a scratch on the body , then it's best to use it on places you are comfortable with.


When i carry my m6 i most of the time forget about me carrying it in my hand on the streets (hoods as well).


Would I carry an m9 with me to italy (touristic spots) No. As a college student whos on budget a 4,000 grand camera is too much the risk. An M8 or a Xpro1? Yes
 
I go pretty much anywhere with pretty much anything, Leicas and Alpas included. Everything Nescio said is right.

Mind you, I'd not go to Italy again anyway, if I could avoid it. Well, not if I had to drive, anyway. I'd be FAR more worried about motor accidents than about camera theft.

Cheers,

R.
 
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