Travelling overseas with D70

[leigh999]

Further to the recent post about 'Travelling with your D70' in Australia and how to keep it safe I was wondering if anyone had any advice for security when holidaying overseas.

I hope to go to London and Rome later in the year and wanted to know the best way to carry the camera on the street (around neck/shoulder or in bag) and whether there was a particularly good style of bag for tourist travel (round the waist or backpack / zips or flaps).

Geanerally I want to travel very light! so just handheld with my two lenses.

Any thoughts or stories from your experience greatly appreciated!

[sirhc55]

leigh999

I would recommend the wrist strap - they would have to cut your hand off to get the camera - plus a backpack

Chris

[r2160]

Maybe consider a Lowepro trekker backpack.

You can easily fit the body and two lenses and other things as well.

It has a number of security features such as two additional clips to secure the opening flap as well as two straps around your shoulders and waist.

Would also be more comfortable

Glen

[MHD]

Make sure you are insured...

Remember: No risk=No gain

[r2160]

Also

Maybe a small automatic gun turret on the flash shoe and a rottweiler for additional insurance

lolololol

glenn

[birddog114]

and a fancy monopod to act as your "lethal weapon" to the bad guy

[mudder]

G'day Leigh,

Firstly I'm sooooo jealous, enjoy your trip

Might be prudent to check out insurance before you go, I'm currently with RACV and enquired about insurance recently, $3000 cover for 8 days = $49, $6000 cover for 8 days = $175...

Not a large sum in comparison to what your holiday might be costing and good piece of mind, even in the worst case...

I'd also go for the backpack, that'd be hard to pull off with the straps etc. and would be confortable during the day.

Food for thought...

Cheers,
Mudder

[nodabs]

if you have say a lowepro pack which i would recommend get a razor blade and cut off the lowepro tag or at least tape over them. camera company bags are advertising for thieves

[bago100]

Leigh

Couple of things

1. When you have your camera try to be very aware of everything that is happening around you. While in Europe, be especially aware of motorcycle sounds as this is a common method of bag snatching in some countries. Also be very aware that pickpockets are usually common in crowded areas and in tourist places like Paris, Rome etc

2. Don't allow anyone who asks you if they can take your photograph with your camera, to do so unless you are sure they are genuine tourists themselves or you can run faster than they can, if they take off with your camera.

3. Buy suitable travel insurance and read the policy carefully. Some policies require losses to be notified to the police or competent authority within a vertain time period after the loss occurs otherwise the claim is void.

4. Use your hotel safes wherever possible and keep your hotel door locked and chained whenever you are in your room.

5. If you are driving, be aware that in many cars these days, one can access the boot from the back seat. Theft from unattended tourist rental cars via this manner is increasingly common unfortunately.

6. Finally. only take with you what you can afford to lose. Never take stuff that is irreplacable such as sentimental jewellery, watches, ect.

And if you do get held up, give them whatever they want but remove the cf card first! You can easily replace a D70 but not a Leigh 999

Now, all of this sounds doom and gloom but let's keep things in perspective. Travelling is generally worry free is one used common sense and prudence.

It all common sense really; it's just that Australia is an exceptionally safe country in common theft terms and Australians often make the mistake of assuming the rest of the world is as well.

Cheers and have a good trip

I'll carry your bags and D70 for you if you like. How about "Bago's D70 bodyguard and minding service" Cheap but good.

Cheers

Graham

[Onyx]

Vote 1 for Crumpler! The way the backpacks are designed, it's impossible to open/access the internals of the bag without first taking it off. This also means you cannot accidently leave it unzipped, strap it to your back and take off only to have the bag's contents spill out. No brand names visible, highly inconspicuous.

A monopod is not a bad idea. It's possibly among the only item one can legitimately carry as a handy self defense tool. 6D Maglites tend to look out of place in daytime, cutting instruments will earn a 'please explain' if used in any defense capacity virtually anywhere, and concealed firearms are only trouble-free in the US.

[birddog114]

I'll carry your bags and D70 for you if you like. How about "Bago's D70 bodyguard and minding service" Cheap but good.

leigh999,
we have number of trained bodyguards and chauffers in our forum for your consideration to employ them on your trip

[bago100]

Crikey Birdie

I don't want too much competition

If I got the D70 body guard and minding job I was going to send you a postcard everyday, but you've done your dash! Now, you'll only get one every two days!

Cheers

Graham

[leigh999]

I am overwhelmed by so many offers to provide bodyguard services - all for the good of the D70

I will have a rather burly Pommy bloke with me - a deterrent in so many different ways!

I have a Lowepro Trekker (Red) and I note the advice to remove obvious logos announcing "I am an expesive camera bag". I actually had someone else recommend something similar with the camera itself - they suggested that making the camera look old and beat up (with bits of tape) and cover the D70 logo to make it less attractive. What do you think?

Also, before this post I hadn't looked into the wrist strap notion - it looks like a comfortable option compared to the standard neck strap which weighs me down a bit - how have you guys found the wrist strap?

Then again my burly bloke is concerned that if I attach the camera to myself too firmly I might end up getting dragged away with it should someone wish to take it when he is not around - he recommends the insurance and letting go option!

[Neeper]

Might be a good idea to not use the neon yellow Nikon neckstrap. Get a generic one with no name on it. I plan on doing that when I go to Europe.

[sirhc55]

I still say the wrist strap is a good way to go but the reason I am coming back on this thread is because of the general paranoia that I am feeling through this thread.

I have been overseas so many times and into many black areas with my Nikon over the shoulder, with its bright yellow strap and not once have I ever been thoughtful of being attacked. I even left my camera in a hotel in the north of Italy and drove back 200km after the police stopped me to say the hotel had phoned them.

The main thing is insurance - an absolute must, and the rest - well whatever happens it is called fate.

Chris

[christiand]

I'm planning to go to Europe with a stopover in Japan
or Vietnam.
I'm a little bit paranoid about showing my big donkey d..k (70-200mm VR) in public.
I know there are people who cover up the Nikon logo on the D70 and use
generic lens caps etc.
I guess I will be making enquiries about insurance.
And also travelling with the spouse may be better than travelling alone.
I guess I will pretty much take all my gear in the LowePro Trekker 100 and perhaps put a lock on it.
There are a lot of suggestions being made regarding travelling safely that are good.
And it is also a matter of common sense I guess.
If you happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time you need a miracle.

Cheers
CD

[birddog114]

I'm planning to go to Europe with a stopover in Japan
or Vietnam.
I'm a little bit paranoid about showing my big donkey d..k (70-200mm VR) in public.
I know there are people who cover up the Nikon logo on the D70 and use
generic lens caps etc.
I guess I will be making enquiries about insurance.
And also travelling with the spouse may be better than travelling alone.
I guess I will pretty much take all my gear in the LowePro Trekker 100 and perhaps put a lock on it.
There are a lot of suggestions being made regarding travelling safely that are good.
And it is also a matter of common sense I guess.
If you happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time you need a miracle.

Cheers
CD

Christiand,
Don't worry too much, it ain't bad as many people thought, just try to enjoy the trip and look after yourself and the wife. Forget the rest!, everything in this world can be replaced but not the lives of both.
So, with me, once travelling, I pay attention on some surrounding areas and look after my gears, but not too stress myself. BTW, it's time for you to put the microtrekker into your surpluses, cos once you have everything packed, this baby is too small not enough room for other stuff after the 70-200VR + TC-17 E, D70, X-Drive etc...
and once it on your back it looks as funny as "teddy bear goes to school" or first day at kindergarden It can be classified as lady's bag
Go for the Mini Trekker AW II!

[Greg B]

I removed the Lowepro tag from my Minitrekker yesterday, it is sewn on, easiest way to remove is with a normal sewing unpicker thingy. Take the tag off and it looks pretty much like an ordinary backpack.

(BTW - I love the Minitrekker, what a fantastic bit of kit)

[birddog114]

I removed the Lowepro tag from my Minitrekker yesterday, it is sewn on, easiest way to remove is with a normal sewing unpicker thingy. Take the tag off and it looks pretty much like an ordinary backpack.

(BTW - I love the Minitrekker, what a fantastic bit of kit)

Oh God! You've done that!
80% loss on resale value

[fozzie]

'Lowepro' Mini Trekker AW II rules.


Cheers,

[Greg B]

Oh God! You've done that!
80% loss on resale value

No worries Birdy, it's a keeper After the Nova 2, (bought for the G3 but much too small for d70), the Nova 4, good size until lens lust + SB800, then too small.

Don't think I will be looking at a resale on the minitrekker

[leigh999]

Thanks for your comments everybody! Points all well made including the one that you can actually become too preoccupied with being mugged and end up spending your entire holiday cowering in a hotel wardrobe muttering 'don't touch my d70...'



SO anyways the trip is still some time away... hopefully I will have some good pics to show for it before the end of the year!

[Glen]

Hi Leigh, just back from Koh Samui and Bangkok, so not as bad as Rome, but some of the back lanes of bangkok are interesting. For interesting areas I used the same bumbag I have been using for twenty years (including Rome), just big enough for the camera body with lens + 1 lens, in somewhere I am unsure about I wear it around the front and can leave my hand on the camera, very reassuring. I still carry a real bag for nicer areas. As everyone else says, enjoy, it's just a camera.




Edit PS I have the D70 users wrist strap and would highly recommend it. Comfy, secure, cheap, what more could you want? (best removed for tripod work though)

[Allan]

Hi Leigh my wife and I travelled around Central America for 4 weeks in Nov. Dec.
I bought a very generic looking brown backpack and sewed in some pockets and bubblewrap for 3 lens plus the D70. I Scotchgarded the backpack, (waterproof) added fresh silicagel and put in the address of each Hotel in as we stayed there.

I took 2xD70 batteries, really only needed one, plus the cleaning gear and plenty of large capacity flashcards. Buy them O/S much cheaper.
I kept all the shots unless it was a total shambles. Created folders in the menu as a lot of places look alike, you get pretty quick at this after a bit.
I had travel insurance to cover everything, worth getting quotes there.
Don't worry about a special security wrist strap, you're far more valuable.

Watch out for the lens hood on the kit lens, I lost one. Bought replacement in San Fran. for $US12. Also bought some beaut little plastic cases $US9ea. that hold 4 cards each airtight, never seen them here.

We went thru 38 sets! of customs X-rays, no problems. Don't smile or talk to them, avoid anyone in training, women and anyone under 25, study them before you queue up. But be ready to show the lens minus caps.

Always carry your gear on board the aircraft, NEVER book it in. Wear slip on shoes, for security checks at airports, and each day carry photocopies of your passports, visas etc. out with you, originals leave in hotel safe. Log your travel details with Aust. govt. Smarttraveller web site before you go.

The only real problem was the weight of everything, load it up and practice setting up/down, before you go.
After 5 or 6hrs. the D70 is damn heavy. Each day I only took 2 lens out. Also had a Ricoh p&s, sometimes there was no time to erect the D70.

Stay pretty much in the tourist traps, especially at night. Don't wave the D70 about too often, you'll be surprised how many others you'll see, and.......... have a great time!
HTH Al.

[natjac]

Hi Leigh,

Lots of people with lots of good ideas!!! Don't get too hung up on it though, make sure that you also enjoy yourself. After doing quite a bit travel around Europe over the past 4 years I would have to say that common sense is severely underrated and that most places you would go are fine if you are sensible about it.

I would definitely agree that the most important thing you can have is good travel insurance ( and by good I mean in terms of claim instead of initial outlay) and if things go pear shaped then just let it go, report it to the local constabulary and enjoy the rest of the trip. Never let an unfortunate event ruin a trip of a life time.

Oh and probably the second most important thing is the photos you have already taken. It's one thing to lose a damn fine camera, but to lose the previous weeks priceless memories would really put a downer on your day. If you only have one CF card in your camera then l'd get it burnt onto cd/dvd whenever you can, or upload/download you photos at every opportunity.

Whatever precautions you take......remember to have fun!!!

[genji]

I'm planning to go to Europe with a stopover in Japan
or Vietnam.
CD

I'v been to both of the stopover country you mention. i wouldnt worry too much in Japan, I've been to Tokyo, Kyoto, Horishima and Sapporo. i felt like a bum in japan, not to say i look like a bum normally.

In vietnam, its still a developing country. But thats not to say everyone of them is a thief. The only thing they want from u is money. They do this by charging u a foreigners rate, ie 10 to 20 times more the the local price. although considering the australain exchange rate is 10x more than vietnam, and food and other things are cheap, thats inexpensive compared to Japan.

I am vietnamese/chinese, so i fit right in, in both country
If u r caucasian u will probably stand out. u should treat the japanese/vietnemese the same as you would europeans.

The only problem i had in Vietnam was not getting run over!! by the endless steam of honda om's

genji

[birddog114]

I am vietnamese/chinese, so i fit right in, in both country
If u r caucasian u will probably stand out. u should treat the japanese/vietnemese the same as you would europeans.

genji,
hello my countryman!
I knew that you have been back to Vietnam which I'm not or never I'll.
If you're The Viets living abroad long time like me, you'll get the treatments same as all other foreigner tourist from our beloved people.
They can ID you very easy and they never make a mistake, they ripped off most of retunees on the street, perhaps more worst than they treated other. Especially with the colour of Red and yellow star.[/quote]

[JordanP]

WOW!!!! Birddog ... 3000 posts

[birddog114]

Yes, It's 3K! It's a long way

[genji]

I am vietnamese/chinese, so i fit right in, in both country
If u r caucasian u will probably stand out. u should treat the japanese/vietnemese the same as you would europeans.

genji,
hello my countryman!
I knew that you have been back to Vietnam which I'm not or never I'll.
If you're The Viets living abroad long time like me, you'll get the treatments same as all other foreigner tourist from our beloved people.
They can ID you very easy and they never make a mistake, they ripped off most of retunees on the street, perhaps more worst than they treated other. Especially with the colour of Red and yellow star.

[/quote]

true, true. when we meet up we should have a more in-depth discussion on this topic

[birddog114]

genji
Welcome and hope we'll meet one day, redline, huynhie are our Viets too!

[aprilfool]

Just another question which is bothering me regarding travling with D70
Once you enter another country with all your stuff of D70 pack (with two or three lenses flash etc) ....Does anyone had any problem with the customs guys?

For example I am in France at the moment and would be soon going to Pakistan. Will I have to pay some kind of custom duty for importing such kind of material knowing that I have already paid the VAT(value added tax) in France.

[Glen]

Aprilfool, just keep all your receipts (or copies) and you should be ok. It is extremely rare to pay a carnet (like a bond) for something as small as a camera, though I haven't been to Pakistan so I don't know

[birddog114]

Just another question which is bothering me regarding travling with D70
Once you enter another country with all your stuff of D70 pack (with two or three lenses flash etc) ....Does anyone had any problem with the customs guys?

For example I am in France at the moment and would be soon going to Pakistan. Will I have to pay some kind of custom duty for importing such kind of material knowing that I have already paid the VAT(value added tax) in France.

If you're entering Paksitan as a tourist, you may not required but if you're residence returning to your own country you may face the Customs, whatever you paid VAT, GST or Sales Tax in overseas does not have any meaning to the Custom Laws at your residing country.