Travel and Explore

[spikemozeley]

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Dear friends,

 

This is a general thought and question. But thought I would raise it here with other MM users.

What’s your travel kit? Especially when you are travelling to dangerous or risky places.

Travelling with such expensive gear sometimes insurance isn’t possible. So do you still take i.e 4 lenses or would you strip down to the essentials.

Are you taking different bags for different situations? Vest?

I’m curious on your previous experiences and tips. I’m sure we all have ideas that could help each other on our adventures.

 

Cheers!

[Chuck Albertson]

As a rule of thumb, never take more gear than you can run 16 blocks with.

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[dunhoy]

Whatever you take, wherever you go, just be discreet... don't stick your lens in peoples faces without engaging them first and always use a bag that doesn't scream "expensive cameras" to a thief... and wear the strap across your body.

 

When out and about in a "dodgy" areas I always carry some "mugger money" ... most muggers have no idea what Leica gear is worth but they do know that an easy $50 may just get them that fix (or whatever) they crave...

[Gregm61]

As a rule of thumb, never take more gear than you can run 16 blocks with.

 

I like this....

[Belle123]

One camera, one lens. Preferably something slim so can stash it away quickly in a bag or coat pocket, without lens hood. I prefer wrist strap so look less like a tourist with a camera around my neck.

[Kwesi]

Dear friends,

 

This is a general thought and question. But thought I would raise it here with other MM users.

What’s your travel kit? Especially when you are travelling to dangerous or risky places.

Travelling with such expensive gear sometimes insurance isn’t possible. So do you still take i.e 4 lenses or would you strip down to the essentials.

Are you taking different bags for different situations? Vest?

I’m curious on your previous experiences and tips. I’m sure we all have ideas that could help each other on our adventures.

 

Cheers!

 

My thoughts.

1: Buy a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag and place in it a Billingham insert. choose whatever size works best for you.

2: Take only what you need for the day - your back will thank you.

3: Remember, you are a tourist - no matter what you do you are not going to blend in.

4: Given #3 above, claim your space. The vendor is there to sell, the panhandler is there to beg. You are there to photograph. Make photographs. Make friends. Enjoy yourself.

[Lonescapes]

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Small bag, camera in bag when not shooting, never leave bag anywhere, never put it down on floor of bus. It's always on your lap or your hip.

 

Following these rules, I've never had any issues with attempted camera thefts, and I travel to a wide variety of countries, including pretty rough ones.

 

As for camera impacts/slamming into things in crowded spaces, cameras getting dirt and water on them, etc--that's another story. There's definitely something to be said for traveling with a weather-sealed, rugged body for certain trips. Olympus if you want something small, Pentax if you want a DSLR.

[Gregm61]

I've carried some relatively expensive equipment to New York City and Paris and will continue to do so wherever I go, along with a good dose of common sense, keeping any bag I use across my chest and camera in the bag when it's not in use. Do research on where you are going and stay away from the areas where you are told are not good for locals, much less tourists.

 

People get into trouble not following some pretty logical rules about traveling to places where it makes no sense to be.

 

As far as amount of equipment, I take whatever I think I'll need for the subject(s) at-hand. One lens is never enough. One "normal", one wide and one longer, whether that;s a trio like the 18-28-50, or 21-35-75/90mm, or some other combination. No more than 4, but always at least three.

[ibramr]

[Edited.... travelling to dangerous or risky places....]

 

For specifically this reason, I am currently testing a Sony RX1.  If I do not bond with it, a one-body-one-lens is my second option.  In my case, this may mean a M240 and a Summilux 50mm.  Photography is very enjoyable, but personal safety is paramount, hence, the safety in the suggested minimalist approach.  Enjoy in good health.  

[DwF]

For specifically this reason, I am currently testing a Sony RX1.  If I do not bond with it, a one-body-one-lens is my second option.  In my case, this may mean a M240 and a Summilux 50mm.  Photography is very enjoyable, but personal safety is paramount, hence, the safety in the suggested minimalist approach.  Enjoy in good health.  

I had an RX1R a while back and traveled with it. It is a very nice camera and yes, for travel, the lighter the load the better. I just picked up the RX1R II and while it definitely doesn't replace the MM for me, it is a nice compact choice.  I have also found the X 113 is also a great travel camera. I was actually out traveling with an M9 and a trio of lenses when I stumbled on my MM....ended up trading the M9 to get it. All of which to say, in spite of trading it, the M9 was a very nice travel camera.