How do you protect your equipment the in urban jungle?

[robinpow]

How do you protect your equipment the in urban jungle?

I'm not talking about those nice safe, tourist locations where the only thing you worry about is a pickpocket. I'm talking about going a few blocks off the tourist path... where the real photos are.

I'm no where close to being a pro, however people often think I am, because I have an SLR with a zoom lens.

I have a Lowepro backpack, that I like because it keeps my hand free, however I've been warned not to use it, because the average bad guy will just cut it and steel the contents. When I carry my shoulder bag, I'm in fear of someone just grabbing it off my shoulder and running.

In some places I've been lucky enough to hire a driver that could double as a body guard, however sometimes I'm just on my own.

I do the 'eye contact' thing, try to keep an eye on surroundings, listen to that 'little voice', and try to blend in. However, there are places in the world where you can't blend in.

Would love to hear some tips.

[Hermeto]

Insurance company that I personally trust the most is often called Beretta M9.
Other people might prefer something else..

[tzalman]

First off, the shoulder bag strap is always across my body, not on my shoulder. Second, it helps to have a bag that doesn't scream, "Expensive stuff here!". I would never, for instance, use a bag with the Canon logo on it. Back in my student days I used an old WW II surplus gas mask bag. Old, ratty and stained, perfect camouflage. Of course, the camera has to come out of the bag eventually and that is when problems might start, but no solution will ever be 100%.

[calicokat]

Originally Posted by Hermeto

Insurance company that I personally trust the most is often called Beretta M9.
Other people might prefer something else..

i am with you on this one

[Pete]

Don't use a LowePro backpack. Crims will see that name in just the same way as they see white ear-buds and know you've got an iPod.

Plain old common sense says not to have anything that looks expensive on show. Wear old clothes, use an old backpack. Take your camera out only as long as it takes to get the shot and then move off again.

[csm328]

Cheapest place in the world to buy used canon gear is south-east asia. why? because they're good at stealing it from you no matter what precautions you take. They 'team' you, hand it off and before you know it, it's for sale in a pawn shop ready for you to buy it back. They will even tell you where it is! Don't bother with the police, the only way you'll get them to do the paperwork is with a cash bribe, and the only reason you need the paperwork is for your insurance claim.

Here's what you do: if you HAVE to go then take only what you need. Try to go with a buddy or pay for a 'guide'. Pay him $100 up front and another $100.00 when you get done for the day. The $200.00 you pay a guide gets split. He takes some and the local mafia take some to leave you alone. If you get the right person, you're pretty much protected. Always wear a backpack with the waist strap secured. A nice strong front clip is a good choice. Padlock your zips and if you can, place something sturdy into the slot for your laptop. Makes it harder for a 'slash and run'. Never carry a weapon. It's the first thing they look for and they will ALL bring theirs. Finally, don't let anyone else hold your camera gear other than your guide. He has a vested interest in nothing happening to you or your gear. If he says that 'we need to leave' then you do as you're told.

Variations on the above information will work for anywhere you go. At the end of the day, if it all goes sour, hand it all over and walk away. In some countries, your life means nothing but the money they can get for your camera gear will feed their family for a month.

[Jim7226]

Originally Posted by Hermeto

Insurance company that I personally trust the most is often called Beretta M9.
Other people might prefer something else..

Yup, mine's a Glock 27.

[calicokat]

From a law enforcement stand-point, do not go into areas where this is a possibility. Keep the odds on your side, stay in well lit and well populated areas, listen to that little voice in your head when something seems off or unsafe

[gjl711]

Only bring what you’re willing to loose. Get a rider on your homeowners/renters insurance for full replacement cost. This was suggested by someone else several months back and I was amazed at how inexpensive it was to add the equipment into my insurance. That way if it is stolen, you’re covered. I would dissuade anyone from actually bringing in a firearm into potentially hostile situation unless you’re willing to keep it at the ready. A gun in your bag is going to do you no good and if you were actually in a situation and used it, the consequences will most likely be much more severe and expensive than the couple of grand you have invested in camera gear.

[bobinatcat]

sounds like you have some experience here! interesting poiint of view.

Originally Posted by csm328

Cheapest place in the world to buy used canon gear is south-east asia. why? because they're good at stealing it from you no matter what precautions you take. They 'team' you, hand it off and before you know it, it's for sale in a pawn shop ready for you to buy it back. They will even tell you where it is! Don't bother with the police, the only way you'll get them to do the paperwork is with a cash bribe, and the only reason you need the paperwork is for your insurance claim.

Here's what you do: if you HAVE to go then take only what you need. Try to go with a buddy or pay for a 'guide'. Pay him $100 up front and another $100.00 when you get done for the day. The $200.00 you pay a guide gets split. He takes some and the local mafia take some to leave you alone. If you get the right person, you're pretty much protected. Always wear a backpack with the waist strap secured. A nice strong front clip is a good choice. Padlock your zips and if you can, place something sturdy into the slot for your laptop. Makes it harder for a 'slash and run'. Never carry a weapon. It's the first thing they look for and they will ALL bring theirs. Finally, don't let anyone else hold your camera gear other than your guide. He has a vested interest in nothing happening to you or your gear. If he says that 'we need to leave' then you do as you're told.

Variations on the above information will work for anywhere you go. At the end of the day, if it all goes sour, hand it all over and walk away. In some countries, your life means nothing but the money they can get for your camera gear will feed their family for a month.

[bsmotril]

Originally Posted by Jim7226

Yup, mine's a Glock 27.

I don't know about the self defense laws in your state, but in mine, if you use deadly force to stop a property crime where you were not first threatened with deadly force, or attempted to retreat first (will change with new law), then you will be the one in jail if you shoot the perp. You also really have to ask yourself the question; are you ready to take someone's life over a camera, and then fight the likely civil legal battles the survivors will bring to you over the next 10 years? I am licensed to carry a concealed weapon, and do daily. But under those circumstances, the perp is getting my camera. The exception would be if they first use deadly force on me. And even then, I'm not drawing down on someone with a gun already pointed at me, that is suicide. Carrying a weapon is pretty worthless unless you've first prepared yourself mentally for the various scenarios that might present itself. And if you've made the mental committment, you darn better make sure you're prepared legally and financially for the outcome.

[csm328]

Originally Posted by bsmotril

I don't know about the self defense laws in your state, but in mine, if you use deadly force to stop a property crime where you were not first threatened with deadly force, or attempted to retreat first (will change with new law), then you will be the one in jail if you shoot the perp. You also really have to ask yourself the question; are you ready to take someone's life over a camera, and then fight the likely civil legal battles the survivors will bring to you over the next 10 years? I am licensed to carry a concealed weapon, and do daily. But under those circumstances, the perp is getting my camera. The exception would be if they first use deadly force on me. And even then, I'm not drawing down on someone with a gun already pointed at me, that is suicide. Carrying a weapon is pretty worthless unless you've first prepared yourself mentally for the various scenarios that might present itself. And if you've made the mental committment, you darn better make sure you're prepared legally and financially for the outcome.

I think the topic was referring to non-USA locations that are either 3rd world or on the fringe.

[Gr8outdrsmn]

I carry an ASP, a good size pocket folding knife, a easisly concealed fixed blade knife, and (not to brag) but I can run faster and further than most of the people that would be attempting stealing my goods. Plus, I am a big guy 6'5 and in pretty good shape, so it's not likely anyone is going to mess with me. Now, when they decide to group up on me, i dont have a freaking clue what i am going to do .

[KCMO Al]

Originally Posted by csm328

I think the topic was referring to non-USA locations that are either 3rd world or on the fringe.

1. Hermeto - Beretta M9 - Toronto, Canada
2. CalicoKat - agreed on the Beretta, - S. Cal, USA
3. Jim7226 - Glock 27 - Minneapolis, USA
4. Gr8outdrsman - Knife - SE USA

Not exactly 3rd world locations (some may have other opinions on this)

Ironically, bsmotril, who brought up the legal ramifications of using your weapons is from Austin, TX. I thought it was mandatory to carry a gun in Texas? And didn't Florida just pass a law saying it was within everyone's right to shoot to kill if you felt "threatened?"

[René Damkot]

Originally Posted by csm328

At the end of the day, if it all goes sour, hand it all over and walk away.

Best advise yet IMO.