Earlier this year I started to use the PacSafe CarrySafe100 anti-theft camera straps. After using the Domke 1" Gripper for literally more than half of my life, I switched all my straps to the PacSafe strap due to the similar size and function of these straps to the Domke straps, with the added protection of them being slash proof and having a locking connection to the camera.

The original CarrySafe 100 straps did however have one huge flaw. The strap's shoulder padding could be slick and cause your strap to slide off your shoulders. My answer to this problem was to slice off the pads and use a 'bare' strap.

I had the opportunity to address this problem with PacSafe when meeting them at their offices in Hong Kong earlier this year, and others expressed the same concerns. I am happy to report that PacSafe has listened to its customers and changed the pad significantly so it now features a non-slip grip pad making this strap (in my opinion) damn near perfect.

Having travelled extensively as an editorial and corporate photographer, I have found the PacSafe CarrySafe 100 strap is ideal for anyone traveling, or working in the street, as a photographer. The width of strap makes it idea for both SLR and point-&-shoot cameras.

If you're interested in finding out more about the newly updated strap, I have written about the newly updated PacSafe Carry Safe strap and placed up some photos comparing the new and old shoulder pad for comparison here: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2008/12/04/updated-anti-theft-camera-strap-the-new-pacsafe-carrysafe-100/

Have you ever lost a camera because somebody slashed the strap while you were wearing it?

I hear in Italy it's common for urban theives to slice the bottom of fanny packs and catch the falling contents.

I've travelled in Italy four times and not been hit (yet). I don't dispute that things happen, I just want to find out how many people have actually been affected, and determine whether a hardened strap would prevent it.

In areas of Rome, Moscow, Manhattan, near Montmartre Cathedral, thieves are very well known to work in teams. One bumps to cause a distraction while the partner slices a camera strap (or a woman's purse) up just below the shoulder. By slicing a strap in this area, while being bumped, they can distract you just long enough to yank hard and be gone with your items before you have any ability to react.

If they fail, they back off and blend back into the crowd and wait for another target.

You didn't answer my question.

jcolwell wrote:
You didn't answer my question.

No need to be so confrontational, sheesh. You take the necessary precautions and hope that it never does happen...

Well, it sounds like a blatant marketing post to me, and that's not legit on this forum. Maybe my question is blunt, but it's clear.

marketing, neh, doesn't sound appealing, I suggest use any strap that holds a camera, and common sense!

JC,

Blatant marketing approach? I am in no way affiliated with, work for, or have any financial gain from discussing PacSafe's products. I have enjoyed them, used them and had the pleasure of sitting down with the founder last spring to discuss what I liked and disliked about the strap. That's it.

A topic I frequently discuss on http://www.flyingwithfish.com is the personal security of photographers. I have researched it and discussed it to the point where I was featured on Good Morning America discussing how to avoid the target of a thief in airports. My understanding of this topic has also resulted in me being featured in Popular Photography, PopPhoto.com, referenced and quoted in the New York Times and International Herald Tribune, and appearing as a guest on multiple national radio shows in the US and Canada. I have done enough in depth research that I ended up seeking out and speaking to airport thieves, and other types of thieves, about they operate.

So when I find something that can help ensure a photographers personal security, and it is a good product I write it up.

-Fish

Fish,

Sorry for my negative attitude. As my wife sometimes reminds me, I can be cynical when it's not warranted. I apologise for being confrontational and I look forward to hearing more from you on issues related to personal security of photographers. It is an important topic and one that I take seriously. Sorry for being rude.

Jim

jcolwell wrote:
I've travelled in Italy four times and not been hit (yet). I don't dispute that things happen, I just want to find out how many people have actually been affected, and determine whether a hardened strap would prevent it.

I didn't have a camera arond my neck, but I have been "worked" unsuccessfully a few times in Rome and Milan. The bumping and/or misdirection happens, and when it does somebody is right behind you going for the grab. Fortunately our group discussed it ahead of time, and the second there's a bump or misdirection in front, half of the group would turn around to protect our backside, usually to see someone suddenly retreating back into the crowd. Carry your backpacks on your frontside and "Circle the wagons" immediately if anything odd happens.

Look out for the birdseed sellers, street vendors, etc. and be especially wary near train stations or tourist areas. Don't give them any more money than you're willing to spend, you often won't be getting change back even if they say you will.

In Rome, my wife was confronted in Piazza del Popolo by a group of women that looked a lot like Gypsies. They walked right up to her and then started talking loudly "at" her, and then they began pushing a baby towards her. As this was happening, somebody grabbed her arm from behind and started pinching it really hard. The likely target was the purse on her other arm. Before going on this trip (my third, her first), we talked about this kind of thing, and she reacted appropriately - she started jumping and spinning and yelling - they backed off and faded into the crowd.

Montmartre was definitely one of the worst places i've encountered in my travels as far as shady stuff. Had problems with gypsies and also some guys that would try and tie these strings around your finger, then force you to pay them for it. I was able to avoid them but I had a friend who got suckered. Not very comfortable walking around that area by myself at night.
I'm glad you posted this because I remembered you mentioning the company on your blog and was looking at ordering them but couldn't remember the name.

Carlton,

The crews at Montmartre are unbelievable. I spent a whole afternoon just watching them once. If you don't speak, don't act or look touristy and have a nasty look on your face they'll leave you alone (spending half-a-dozen years working the overnights as a news photographer in New York City taught me well how to look pissed ).

You could watch these crews telegraph their movements between each other, warn off other crews that a target was 'taken,' and the guys with the bracelets are unbelievable in their aggressive nature.

I must have spent at least 4 hours watching these crews operate. By my body language they probably assumed I was there canvasing out some targets as well (which was intentional).

Watching criminals work is interesting and it helps me better understand how I can work safely.

I did this canvasing of Montmartre to be able to come back the next day and shoot a portrait with minimal harrassment by these crews.