retrofocus wrote:
I don't fully agree here from own experience in this matter: several years ago when taking photos with my Leica M6 in Europe, I was approached twice at different locations. The photography-interested bystanders recognized my camera as a Leica due to its red dot. Even both times I had friendly conversations, I felt a bit uncomfortable in this situation where I normally try to blend in and avoid conversations to focus on taking photos instead. I have since taped my red Leica dots with gaffer tape and fully avoided these kind of situations. Without red Leica dot - I also taped the Leica brand name -, the camera looks more like a standard Fuji MLC. To add to this experience, my Leica M 246 monochrome without any red dot nor Leica name has so far never attracted any attention either.
Regarding thievery, it is very dependent on the location. In areas with many tourists, specialized thieves likely know well about differences in camera size and shapes to quickly determine the value. The red dot for sure will be a magnet in this kind of scenario. ...Show more →
Ok, so you are approached by some fellow photography nerds that want to talk shop. That’s much different than getting your gear stolen.
As far as professional thieves, they can recognize an expensive gear and will feed on you if you look vulnerable. Do you really think they’ll pass up a $1,000 camera if you are careless with it because it’s not a Leica? They study you, your actions and how attentive you are and will target you no matter what brand of camera you are using if they feel you are vulnerable. The secret is to not look like an easy victim rather than trying to cover up your brand.
Professional thieves will steal your wallet. They have no idea if there is $500 in there or $5.
They will still steal it.
So if you think taping up the red dot so a thief thinks it’s just a Sony and won’t bother is going to work? Well, no.
They’ll just be pleasantly surprised later that they snagged a Leica.
A red dot within a black background stands out like a sore thumb imo. The level of insecurity is a personal matter, but similarly like a bag that's speaks photo bag vs a non descript satchel with a camera insert will be less of a notice to thevies.In any case the thieving usually takes place when the photographer leaves it unsecured/ vulnerable place such as car boot or open bag on the floor.
The Leica screw is appealing but I'm just as happy to put some washi tape as I've done so for years. Having tape around my camera so as to look as it's patched up and requires some tlc helps to deter thieves imo.
Just as there's a Leica look as some would say, there's also a photographer look that screams valuable camera gear. To each their own in their level of flaunting lol
retrofocus wrote:
I don't fully agree here from own experience in this matter: several years ago when taking photos with my Leica M6 in Europe, I was approached twice at different locations. The photography-interested bystanders recognized my camera as a Leica due to its red dot. Even both times I had friendly conversations, I felt a bit uncomfortable in this situation where I normally try to blend in and avoid conversations to focus on taking photos instead. I have since taped my red Leica dots with gaffer tape and fully avoided these kind of situations. Without red Leica dot - I also taped the Leica brand name -, the camera looks more like a standard Fuji MLC. To add to this experience, my Leica M 246 monochrome without any red dot nor Leica name has so far never attracted any attention either.
Regarding thievery, it is very dependent on the location. In areas with many tourists, specialized thieves likely know well about differences in camera size and shapes to quickly determine the value. The red dot for sure will be a magnet in this kind of scenario. ...Show more →
I’ve had the opposite happen to me. Carrying my Fuji X100 people have asked: “hey, how do you like your Leica?” 😛
Erich6_ wrote:
I’ve had the opposite happen to me. Carrying my Fuji X100 people have asked: “hey, how do you like your Leica?” 😛
I can see this happening, too - especially if this comes from someone who knows Leica cameras. In general, many more are familiar with Fuji MLCs than with Leica cameras - might explain my earlier described experience. But it can go the other way around, too like in your example.
chez wrote:
Ok, so you are approached by some fellow photography nerds that want to talk shop. That’s much different than getting your gear stolen.
As far as professional thieves, they can recognize an expensive gear and will feed on you if you look vulnerable. Do you really think they’ll pass up a $1,000 camera if you are careless with it because it’s not a Leica? They study you, your actions and how attentive you are and will target you no matter what brand of camera you are using if they feel you are vulnerable. The secret is to not look like an easy victim rather than trying to cover up your brand....Show more →
There are multiple things I do to avoid thieves. First, I never use a branded photo bag like for example from Billingham which already shows some expensive value could be in there. Keeping it simple is the first line of protection. Behavior for sure is studied by thieves - they don't like observant people. Another line of defense is when and where to use specific gear - I shine away of using more expensive Leica gear in more crowded places or where safety could be compromised. Yes, a preferred camera should be always taken anywhere, but the reality nowadays just doesn't work this way. For the latter mentioned situations I tend to use more often my older Sony A7R - it never attracted any attention.
retrofocus wrote:
There are multiple things I do to avoid thieves. First, I never use a branded photo bag like for example from Billingham which already shows some expensive value could be in there. Keeping it simple is the first line of protection. Behavior for sure is studied by thieves - they don't like observant people. Another line of defense is when and where to use specific gear - I shine away of using more expensive Leica gear in more crowded places or where safety could be compromised. Yes, a preferred camera should be always taken anywhere, but the reality nowadays just doesn't work this way. For the latter mentioned situations I tend to use more often my older Sony A7R - it never attracted any attention. ...Show more →
I go into the more undesirable areas as that’s where the real locals are rather than the tourists. I buy insurance and if someone really wants my camera, they can have it. I have travelled to many countries…many that people feel are unsafe and have never had an issue with my cameras.
I think you are much more likely to be robbed ( camera, wallet, phone etc… ) in crowded tourist places than other non tourist places.
chez wrote:
I go into the more undesirable areas as that’s where the real locals are rather than the tourists. I buy insurance and if someone really wants my camera, they can have it. I have travelled to many countries…many that people feel are unsafe and have never had an issue with my cameras.
I think you are much more likely to be robbed ( camera, wallet, phone etc… ) in crowded tourist places than other non tourist places.
I also carry World wide insurance on my gear. Very affordable. I too like the local areas and go frequently to such places. I guess in my life there have been about half a dozen (+-) attempts to rob me in various Countries. None of these events involved camera gear. But being in the gemstone business does tend to make you a target too. Surprisingly the most violent attempt was when I was followed into my room at the the Nairobi Hilton. So, you can be at risk even in upscale locations. So far they have never succeeded. Some paid a heavy price. One time in France I had Police trouble because of the injuries the thieves suffered. The officials thought I shouldn't get physical with the Gypsies, and just let them have my things. They used teenage boys to do the dirty work because they won't be prosecuted heavily when caught. The Police basically patched them up and let them go. Certain areas in Africa, and South East Asia were the biggest problems. I was younger in those days. I probably would resist but not attack these days. I would give up the gear not to get injured myself. With my current limitations success in resistance is questionable.
I don't go out with a lot of gear these days. So I rarely have a gear bag. Just a camera around my neck, and a couple of lenses in my pocket. My M11 still has the red dot. It does have a half case, and a protective skin on it, so maybe I will cover it with the same material...
Desmolicious wrote:
That is where thieves congregate because those are high value target areas.
Exactly. They look for quick grabs, cameras hanging loosely on one’s neck, wallets pushing out of back pockets, cell phones tucked into our pockets of purses…etc…,
They don’t look for the camera, wallet or phone make…they look for an easy grab and run victim.
1bwana1 wrote:
I also carry World wide insurance on my gear. Very affordable. I too like the local areas and go frequently to such places. I guess in my life there have been about half a dozen (+-) attempts to rob me in various Countries. None of these events involved camera gear. But being in the gemstone business does tend to make you a target too. Surprisingly the most violent attempt was when I was followed into my room at the the Nairobi Hilton. So, you can be at risk even in upscale locations. So far they have never succeeded. Some paid a heavy price. One time in France I had Police trouble because of the injuries the thieves suffered. The officials thought I shouldn't get physical with the Gypsies, and just let them have my things. They used teenage boys to do the dirty work because they won't be prosecuted heavily when caught. The Police basically patched them up and let them go. Certain areas in Africa, and South East Asia were the biggest problems. I was younger in those days. I probably would resist but not attack these days. I would give up the gear not to get injured myself. With my current limitations success in resistance is questionable.
I don't go out with a lot of gear these days. So I rarely have a gear bag. Just a camera around my neck, and a couple of lenses in my pocket. My M11 still has the red dot. It does have a half case, and a protective skin on it, so maybe I will cover it with the same material... ...Show more →
Yeh, but there might be that time you meet up with a knife or gun. I get insurance just for this reason, a camera is not worth a life, be it mine or the thieves.
It’s true; perceptions of safety can be misleading. Tourist areas often have higher foot traffic, making them easier targets for thieves, while “gritty” neighborhoods are unfairly labeled as dangerous. Staying aware of your surroundings is key, no matter where you are!
chez wrote:
Yeh, but there might be that time you meet up with a knife or gun. I get insurance just for this reason, a camera is not worth a life, be it mine or the thieves.
That would not have been an unusual circumstance for me back in those days. I was just talking about thieves in the previous post.
It's a shame people feel they have to go through this level of concern and preparation, it can't help your creative muse. These lurid tales sound like pure Hollywood, maybe pay Statham to come along.
The only people who have ever shown an interest in my cameras were soldiers in sensitive areas - military convoys, no mans lands, nuclear installations, missile bases, military airports. They just want a chat and to skim my photos on the LCD, then we part as friends. No one messes with the PLA.
I'm happy to stay clear of the wild West. Once law and order break down..problems. But yes, always in heavily populated areas - situational awareness is vital. Being low key helps your work too, dress shabby and act like you are a local. Or wear a dark hat by choice, so you look like a cop to them. Like dogs, bad arses can smell fear. Use good neck straps, discreet day bags with a small padlock if necessary. Visit at quiet times, avoid crowds where poss.
A long-term solution would be for Leica to replace the dot with a small OLED screen and provide an option to display a "P" for Panasonic whenever shooting in high-crime areas
retrofocus wrote:
I don't fully agree here from own experience in this matter: several years ago when taking photos with my Leica M6 in Europe, I was approached twice at different locations. The photography-interested bystanders recognized my camera as a Leica due to its red dot. Even both times I had friendly conversations, I felt a bit uncomfortable in this situation where I normally try to blend in and avoid conversations to focus on taking photos instead. I have since taped my red Leica dots with gaffer tape and fully avoided these kind of situations. Without red Leica dot - I also taped the Leica brand name -, the camera looks more like a standard Fuji MLC. To add to this experience, my Leica M 246 monochrome without any red dot nor Leica name has so far never attracted any attention either.
Regarding thievery, it is very dependent on the location. In areas with many tourists, specialized thieves likely know well about differences in camera size and shapes to quickly determine the value. The red dot for sure will be a magnet in this kind of scenario. ...Show more →
People have only asked me if my Fuji X100 series was a Leica. They never asked about my Leica (and I do tape the red dot).
I agree any camera is a thief’s target. Every fancy phone even more so. I don’t tape up the red dot to hide the Leica sign against theft, I tape it because it screams too much branding to me. I like my cameras black and unobtrusive and I dislike obnoxious branding. That dot is about as over the top as an Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt.
johnvanr wrote:
I agree any camera is a thief’s target. Every fancy phone even more so. I don’t tape up the red dot to hide the Leica sign against theft, I tape it because it screams too much branding to me. I like my cameras black and unobtrusive and I dislike obnoxious branding. That dot is about as over the top as an Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt.
Then this will give you conniptions. A fancy phone that is a Leica!
