Advice: Afraid of theft, Crumpler 4MDH

lol at so many paranoid people...

I traveled all over Italy for 3 weeks without issue. You just have to use a bit of common sense... If you're in a very crowded place hold your bag where you can see it. Don't put it down and look away. Be aware of your surrounding's (area and people).

Most importantly, have fun and get some good pictures.

I have seen people crying after being pickpocketed and theft even their bags hanged on their necks cross side.. they do not need to open any velcro or something.. they put their hands in there without the person even noticing. sometimes you are just lucky that locals know who did it it helped on one occasion to get a wallet+passport after 50$ worth persuasion...

of course I know that sound different but I do agree that you will notice the guy taking a 100-400 or an 70-200 f2.8 out of your bag... but I mean sh*t happens and you have to do your best to stop em...

Instead of the Crumpler that screams "camera bag" get a plain old Timbuk2 and use wraps to protect your gear. Than keep your arm over the flap while walking around


Jack

I wouldn't keep your used CF cards in your bag. Just in case the bag does get stolen, you at least have your pictures until then.

Also as read in another thread here, put a Nikon sticker on it and don't worry about it.

_Dc wrote in post #5027954
Hey all,

I'm going to be backpacking in Europe during the month of May. I recently got into photography and I can't wait to use my 20d to take some photos. However, I'm wary of theft in parts of Europe such as Italy. If I walk around the city with my Crumpler 4MDH, will it get snatched or anything? I do doubt that I would get jacked but I'd rather hear from those who have previous experiences.

Thanks!

they won't snatch the bag, they will merely distract you, and use a razor blade to slit the bag and steal something without alerting you to the theft. In this case, the heavier the camera+lens, the better for you to notice quickly, but you still need to be fast!

As suggested, an ordinary (and beat up) bag is less likely to be noticed by passing theives. El cheapo day pack, for example.

Wilt wrote in post #5328154
they won't snatch the bag, they will merely distract you, and use a razor blade to slit the bag and steal something without alerting you to the theft. In this case, the heavier the camera+lens, the better for you to notice quickly, but you still need to be fast!

As suggested, an ordinary (and beat up) bag is less likely to be noticed by passive theives. El cheapo day pack, for example.

Exactly, something that doesn't look like a camera bag. When I travel, the only time my camera is in the bag is at night and when I am driving.

bomberman wrote in post #5327221
lol at so many paranoid people...

I traveled all over Italy for 3 weeks without issue. You just have to use a bit of common sense... If you're in a very crowded place hold your bag where you can see it. Don't put it down and look away. Be aware of your surrounding's (area and people).

Most importantly, have fun and get some good pictures.

What he said.

Stop making yourself feel like a target and you won't give off that impression. You have a camera, big deal. I just got back from a week in Italy with the majority of my gear, and to be honest I felt safer in most of Rome than I do here in London. Keep an eye out and stay out the rougher areas.