I've got an odd question:
I'll be traveling throughout Turkey carrying a good bit of camera gear. My question is regarding bringing a telescoping knight stick for self defense.
Has anyone done something similar?
Where would i find the Turkish legal info about this?
Personally, I would just insure it and not risk getting into a physical altercation with potential thieves. And if said altercation could not be avoided, a D3 on the end of a swinging strap makes one helluva deadly flail.
Brian Lingle wrote:
Monopod?
Hahah, yup. It's a telescoping nightstick with a 3/8" threaded stud on top. Use a Manfrotto aluminum one as opposed to a Gitzo carbon fiber. Attach a Really Right Stuff BH-40 for double damage and increased chance of critical strike.
Do you normally carry weapons to protect yourself when you are carrying kit??
Todd is right, you should get appropriate insurance. If you go to Turkey with an attitude like yours, you are set for disaster. Midnight Express was only a film, you know...
I shoot abroad all the time, all over the world, often in some very tough places; people aren't as scary as you think they are. Just smile, be cool and you'll be fine.
Apr 05, 2010 at 01:55 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Terrorist bombings over the past several years – some causing significant numbers of casualties – have struck religious, government, government-owned, political, tourist and business targets in a number of locations in Turkey. These incidents show an increased willingness on the part of some terrorist groups to attack Western targets.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Terrorist bombings over the past several years – some causing significant numbers of casualties – have struck religious, government, government-owned, political, tourist and business targets in a number of locations in Turkey. These incidents show an increased willingness on the part of some terrorist groups to attack Western targets.
Really, is it the dumbest? Your comments must have been taken straight from Neville Chamberlain's "Book of Appeasement."
"Midnight Express was only a film" No where did I see in Photoseniors post anything about smuggling heroin, in fact I read into it, it was more in a personal defense against possible thieves.
G. Ogilvie wrote:
No where did I see in Photoseniors post anything about smuggling heroin,
Did you see anything about protecting himself from terrorist bombings?
It was a legitimate question, no reason for the attacks.
I agree that there are many dangerous places in the US to go "shooting", and in such cases I do go armed (I'm a licensed concealed carrier).
But I also travel extensively for my "day job" and my company sends out security briefs where ever I'm scheduled to be traveling to. What he read raised concern, so he posed the question. For me, if it raises to much concern, the gear stays home. I have mine fully insured so it rarely stays home.
G. Ogilvie wrote:
Really, is it the dumbest? Your comments must have been taken straight from Neville Chamberlain's "Book of Appeasement."
Yes, it is the dumbest. It's ignorant, stupid and irrational in equal measure.
"Midnight Express was only a film" No where did I see in Photoseniors post anything about smuggling heroin, in fact I read into it, it was more in a personal defense against possible thieves.
The point is Photosenior is scared of Johnny Foreigner, he doesn't need to be. Everyone that takes camera gear abroad should be insured. There are no more dangers in Johnny Foreigner's home town than there are in yours. Simple.
Midnight Express...personal experience?
I'm not sure what you mean by that, I guess it's nefarious and puerile, care to explain?
Don't be a hero or a James Bond with some silly, exotic weapon.
Most people are OK in Turkey, as in most other places in the world. Just be sensible and respectful and you should be OK. Turks are proud and honorable people.
I've been to Turkey 4 times and never felt threatened, unlike is many US cities downtown where deranged-looking addicts eyeballing my camera made me feel more wary.
Don't flash more gear than necessary, don't roam back alleys at midnight and ask folks before taking their photo - this approach should get you by in most places anywhere.
have fun.... learn the 2 word, 6 syllable expression for "thank you" in Turkish.
PS ..... in Turkish restaurants you can walk into the kitchen to check out "what's cookin'".
Apr 05, 2010 at 03:01 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Terrorist bombings over the past several years – some causing significant numbers of casualties – have struck religious, government, government-owned, political, tourist and business targets in a number of locations in Turkey. These incidents show an increased willingness on the part of some terrorist groups to attack Western targets.
Yes, everyone just loves Americans and terrorists aren't as scary as everyone thinks they are...
And what about the number of casualties from Terrorist if you travel in the USA. Thousends of people have died from terrorists in the USA.
We get the same warnings from our State Dep. when we like to travel to your country
And what about the number of casualties from Terrorist if you travel in the USA. Thousends of people have died from terrorists in the USA.
We get the same warnings from our State Dep. when we like to travel to your country
+10 - I have traveled to what I deem the most inhospitable depths of hell all over the globe. The average citizen is happy, friendly, very good natured and as inquisitive about you as you are of them.
In Guatemala a young man (in broad daylight) approached me a demanded my kit. He had a small knife, and I was with my wife, I gave him everything I had (it was insured) and my watch willingly.
This is not to say I am a pacifist. But the few seconds after I gave him everything I deemed my decision to be correct. 4 others stepped out and joined their friend in enjoying my kit.
Lesson learned: Is my camera worth my life? Or the life of my wife? NO
On an upside he did allow me to take the CF card from my camera in exchange for my watch.
If you are in Compton, Tacoma, Des Moines, or NY, the risk is there to be robbed. Modern digital cameras LOOK expensive and gather a lot of attention. Someone said 'Don't flash your kit' Good advice.
Turkey or Somalia pose the same risks as any where else in the world.
I hope you have an amazing trip! It is a magical place.
Todd Adamson wrote:
Personally, I would just insure it and not risk getting into a physical altercation with potential thieves. And if said altercation could not be avoided, a D3 on the end of a swinging strap makes one helluva deadly flail.
BTW Lars-Dinner with some senior Thai Army officers, the Thais are experiencing their own terrorist issues, something about beheadings, muslims, Southern Thailand, maybe it was the just the Lao-Lao talking.
And I would wager a years wages, if Daniel Pearl had willingly given up his gear, smiled pretty at his captors, and praised them 24/7, the outcome, unfortunately would still have been the same.
I'm not suggesting Seniorphoto stand and fight, however, the victim rarely has the choice of picking the common thief to one that has more deadly intentions.
Those who choose to willingly comply, knock yourself out, and hope for the best outcome.
21 years military, I have always practice situational awareness, common, sense, and listened to the threat assessment of the area, I didn't experience any problems, except for the time I got jacked on the Zagreb trolley from a trolley "official.
And for the Midnight Expresser, it sounds like you're a bright one, you can figure out.
“I prefer rogues to imbeciles, because they sometimes take a rest.” ~ Alexandre Dumas (And I prefer the fellow rogue travelers)
