Camera disguise for travellers

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Permalink Reply by Ian Phillips-McLaren on October 21, 2009 at 9:23am

Hi Adam, I hope your having a ball out there, you lucky so and so.

I have seen people use the black tape before and it took a while for me to realise why they were doing it. I've seen the odd camera going around London dressed like that.

I don't know of any other methods.

Just thought I'd say hi and wish you luck.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Paul Fuller on October 21, 2009 at 4:46pm

Hi Ian,

Yes it's odd to see and probably only stops the "steal to order" thefts as some criminals are specificaly looking for a certain camera that there is demand for. But mine still looks like a big expensive camera unfortunately.

Take care Ian and hope all is well mate

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Permalink Reply by Paul Hughes on October 24, 2009 at 2:03pm

not to be funny but you are a target full stop. Even an OLD camera is worth something to someone out there.

Best defence method-----------9mm auto

best luck and enjoy

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Permalink Reply by Edward Arthur Roth on October 30, 2009 at 1:20pm

Have heard the "City of God" area is particularly bad,be careful. Tape and phony ding mark are only methods I have seen. Like make-up on a model.

Best Luck,Good Journey!
Ed

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Permalink Reply by Adam Paul Fuller on October 30, 2009 at 9:24pm

Am actually in Bolivia now and for the first time ever I have had two failed attempts at mugging/pickpocketing in La Paz...however both times it was large groups of locals getting close and surrounding me and both times they went for my bag and wallet and not my camera! Could be the old tape saved the day...

If you are curious, to get out of this situation I found shouting at the top of my lungs "Thief, Police!" saved me (well my stuff, they weren't violent thankfully, just a bit intense and hands on). Just glad I have comprehensive Worldwide Camera Insurance!

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Permalink Reply by David Anthony Procter on November 8, 2009 at 4:57am

Having spent the best part of five years wandering around Thailand and Asia with such a camera, I can appreciate your concerns. I (touch wood) haven't had any problems yet, but I'd say South America is a far more worrying destination. I taped my logos etc but the fact remains that with the massive 24-70 I use, combined with a battery pack, there's no hiding you have a damn expensive object in your hands. A friend of mine carries his camera in a very cheap battered backpack and only pulls the camera out when necessary ie doesn't have it hanging round his neck.
Recently, I actually got fed up of carting the dead weight of my canon 5D about and at about the same time, I started experimenting with using film. I now feel much more confident walking round with my old Rollei which, when it's in it's box looks more like a gas mask!
All the best with your travels.

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