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Is it safe to take M9 to Milan


Janan

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Yes.

 

It's no different from any other big city with lots of tourists. And a small number of people who want to steal stuff from you. Like New York, or London, or Berlin, or your home town.

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Don't leave in hotel room.

 

Don't carry in a bag on your shoulder with a flap fastener. Carry with your hand on it.

 

If you're mobbed by street kids begging, groups of gypsies asking to sell you something, or if someone spills something on you and offers to help you clean it off, be careful.

 

Get a pouch for your passport and valuables and wear around your neck under shirt.

 

Don't hang camera or bag on the back of chair when eating, or put on extra seat, or on the floor under seat.

 

They can grab your camera and be far down the street in an instant, before you even realize something is missing.

 

(If you're just going for work, forget the M9 and take the point and shoot. Much less to carry, too)

 

I would say the danger in Milan or Rome is somewhat higher than some other European cities, but all big cities are dangerous for a rube.

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Tips

1. No the M9 only goes between Glasgow and Edinburgh. If travelling form the north I would recommend taking the St. Gotthard Tunnel.

2. Do not play with nuclear bombs while smoking.

3. Never take any camera outside the security of your home if you are afraid that something might happen to it.

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What level of image quality do you want from this trip? DLux4 quality or M9 quality? But seriously, it is a problem considering that you may be walking around with $20,000 worth of camera and lenses. Then again, you will find lots of people in Milan wearing watches that expensive. The more expensive the gear, the more careful you are with it. If in doubt, get it insured.

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Well, I am not sure of the image you have of Italian towns…

 

I have been there many times, and did not find it to be more stressfull than being in London or New York… Actually I found it to be much more a relaxed place.

 

Don't hang aroung with the "steal me" look, and I think that it will do just fine, like in any other West European city.

 

edit : if you travel a lot, anyway you should take an insurance for your expensive gear.

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Definitely bring all your Leica stuff to Milan!

 

That is how we get our leica equipment here... The official importer is way too busy going to bonga bonga parties to be bothered to try to get some M9s and lenses from the manufacturer.

 

I myself nicked my two M9 one from an American gentleman, the other from aN old Swedish chap... The assorted lenses I now have, from various different bags I don't care to remember.

 

Ubi major minor cessat! Me says...

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Don't bring your m9, Milan is a dangerous place. They have the Mafia

:D

 

Yes! But on the other hand maybe sticking some tape over the Leica logo should be sufficient to camouflage you and your precious. Or go somewhere else:confused:

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I don't understand all the sarcasm, the OP asked a legit question for any city. Especially that it seems his knowledge is limited regarding Milan or he might have been misinformed. ;)

 

I've been to Milan last year for two weeks on business. I did not take an M camera, I took my Sony Alpha 900 with it's vertical grip and huge zeiss f2.8 zoom lenses. I've walked around town everyday after work with my huge camera on my shoulder. Did not face any problem, but that doesn't mean I was careless with how I hold my camera or where I set it down. I also walked for 30 minutes to the office and back to the hotel with a laptop bag on weekdays with no issues. Personally, I though it was a relatively safe city.

 

If you are really concerned about your camera, you could make it look a bit old with some black gaffer tape. Scratch the tape with some sand paper before you apply it and maybe even cover the screen. I've read that some photographers do that to their cameras in risky places to avoid theft. I don't think it is necessary in Milan though.

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OK, sorry. Take the camera and forget where you are. Milan is the same as any other place (except Neasden)

 

Recent history

McDonald's opened its first drive-through restaurant in the UK in Neasden in 1988. The Grange Tavern (previously called The Old Spotted Dog) on Neasden Lane was closed in the 1990s and demolished to make way for a block of flats, bringing to an end the inn that had stood there for around two centuries. Another old pub, The Pantiles which stood on the North Circular Road was converted to another McDonald's restaurant. The Swedish furniture retailer, IKEA opened its second UK outlet in Neasden in 1988.

In 1995 Neasden became the home of the biggest Hindu temple outside India: the Neasden Temple.

In 2004, the Shopping Centre area was partially redeveloped by the council in an effort to reverse its fortunes. It remains to be seen if these measures have proved effective. The Grange, which had housed a museum about the people of Brent was closed by the council in 2004.

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Don't bring your m9, Milan is a dangerous place. They have the Mafia

 

Mafia, in the North of Italy, has much more important businesses than stealing Leicas... :o

 

Anyway... if you ar going to Milan, pay a visit to Mr. Watanabe (Newoldcamera - Home page) : it's in downtown, next to Duomo and not far from S.Maria delle Grazie (Leonardo's "Last Supper" fresco) , so a place you will go surely : a small shop, nice people, a little paradise for Leica lovers... :)

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What have you got against Neasden? Brixton maybe...

 

1. Don't be foolish, wherever you carry an expensive item

2. Get insurance!

3. Enjoy your camera

 

I don't know Milan, but have had no hassles elsewhere in Italy. In any case, thieves are looking at opportunities, not camera brands or models.

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Mafia, in the North of Italy, has much more important businesses than stealing Leicas... :o

 

Anyway... if you ar going to Milan, pay a visit to Mr. Watanabe (Newoldcamera - Home page) : it's in downtown, next to Duomo and not far from S.Maria delle Grazie (Leonardo's "Last Supper" fresco) , so a place you will go surely : a small shop, nice people, a little paradise for Leica lovers... :)

 

+1 for both. Milan isn't that dangerous! Just carry your camera with the usual precautions you'd take anywhere else. And I subscribe the suggestion to pay a visit to NewOldCamera. The problem is that you won't come out of there with empty hands...

 

Cheers,

Bruno

 

P.S. for the sake of security I prefer to take my camera with me wherever I go rather than leaving it unattended at home when I'm away.

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Thank you all even those of you who are being sarcastic if you feel the question is stupid you dont have to answer the question.

 

I have heard a few people say things about having their camera's stolen in italy thats why i asked. I am usually very careful i always have the camera on the strap and never leave in on chairs etc. I was just worried about putting myself in danger and having someone try to swipe it off of me.

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