Photography Paradox
 

Three years ago when I moved from a point and shoot digicam to a DSLR I was conscious of the value of kit I carried but soon became cool in this regard and carried a camera and lens every where I went visiting airfields with my professional travels.

I now have a Nikon D2X and its labelled as such is large gold lettering on the neck strap, due to its value and my own safety fears I only take the camera when I am actually on a photography related trip, often among like minded people who offer no thread to equipment or person, namely an airshow.

I recently went on a business trip to Central London with an overnight stay, rather than use the D2X for sightseeing photos I borrowed my fathers D70 for the trip so there would be no risk to my D2X.

So the paradox is, owning a more valuable camera for better images is actually not allowing me to take many images at all!

I think ownership of a valuable piece of kit is hindering my photographic opportunities.

Should I invest in a D70 for everyday use or be more cool about my camera?

I would be inclinded to buy a D70 neck strap as it is cheaper than a D70. It would interesting to know if your average mugger is up on the different models of Nikon.

I am a bit like David Bailey when I am out with the camera scruffy as hell. Keep the camera inside my leather jacket for safety. I have never felt threatened. Most people think you work for the newspaper when they see the gear.

I assume you have some sort of insurance for your kit? I don't own anything anywhere near as valuable as your set up, but I think, if I did, I'd want to get the most out of it. So as long as I was insured, I think I'd try not to worry about something that may never happen :) .

I was all set to say that (get an optech strap, black tape over Nikon name, mugger won't know the difference anyway) but I think Stephen was more concerned about a camera so expensive being lost rather than a far cheaper camera.
Must admit, if I do ever shoot in a built up area, it's with my tiny Contax...but that's more about convenience than any worries about getting mugged (and 6ft 4 large build has it's advantages).

cheers,
Andy

I think you should be cool, Maybe be tone down to fit in with the crowd. You bought the camera to use not have it locked up is a safe wrapped in cotton wool. In ten years time it will be a museum piece anyway.

It is a bit like owning a Rolls Royce and never taking it out of the garage in fear of crashing it. What is it they say ? If you have to ask the price of a Rolls you can't afford it.

The value of the object is not always related to if it will be stolen. In London as with many big cities it is more about being Street Wise. You can get beaten up in a village if your face does not fit in. It is a case of blending in with your environment.

The only time I have had a car broken into was when I was working late at the Liverpool Post and Echo newspaper. The car ended being locked in as I did not realise how late it was. As my hotel was nearby I did not worry and would pickup the next day. When I went to pickup the car I found out that the car park was broken into with an angle grinder. My car along with five others had broken windows and had stuff stolen. In my case they stole an old broken car radio, 50 pence in change from the ash tray and a tax disc with only 3 weeks remaining on it.

Definetely use what you've got. By all means change the neck strap and make sure your properly insured - but buy another and leave your D2X behind; surely not.

You must of been glad then that they took the radio if it was broken then.

I'm so glad that I live where I do. It would never occur to me to worry about being mugged.

my canon 350D is not insured, I've used it in weather conditions that only the more expencive canon cameras should be used in, (rain, etc) due to lack of weather proofing. shows that its getting some use, and that just because a camera isnt said to be weather proof doent mean that it can only be used on bright sunny days without a cloud in the sky.

Not much point in owing a top of the range camera that only comes out on Sundays and High days,its only a tool to be used!"Todays"got to have, cost today £2800ish, tomorrows junk,worth 1/2 the original price.So use it and get the best out of it.
Dispose of the "I've got a D2X" strap and go for something less obvious.
These straps are for pros at tournaments, to advertise CAN/NIK.As already stated put some blacktape over the logo, and wear steel toe capped boots!!
Anyway, who are you afraid of? muggers or the police, because to the latter you may be a spy or much worse (I have omitted the "P" and "T" words for obvious reasons!!) Genuine photographers are having a hard time these days, don't give up your rights.
A light hearted bit for Snowny Owl,- You don't have to worry about muggers, well I don't have to worry about a BIG GRIZZLY BEAR breaking down my back door for a sandwich!
regards Subzero.

Check your house contents insurance. if you have an all risks extension it will have a single article limit.

However if this is insufficient, you can specify it under the contents insurance for the replacement cost, for a small amount.

Nogbad

LOL - Its so true no matter what part of the world your in either somebody or something is trying to bite your arse. It's just a question of how you deal with it.

Yes I am lucky in the village I live in crime very low and no looking over your shoulder every 5 seconds.

Well, that's true of some places where I've lived but here the last black bear was shot about 1921. Lots and lots of skunks though.

I do have all my photography equipment insured with a specialist company. I feel walking around with large camera suggests 'mug me' although I am 6ft tall and athletic build. I am also concerned with damage in transit if I carry it around everyday in the car. Now skint after I aquired the camera it means a lot to me.

I guess I do need to be a bit more cool about the camera.

All these people 6 foot something and little me 5ft 7". I am starting to worry I don't have a complex about being mugged. ;)

I would certainly carry a D2X if I had one.

I think it is all about how a potential mugger would perceive the value of you as a target. From their viewpoint minimum risk and maximum gain. Your D2X would probably only get them £200 in the circles they move in. So as has been said a flashy neckstrap, smart designer clothing draws attention.

If you are aware of what is going on around you, you make yourself less of a target.

Oddly to non photographers it is not the camera but the size of the lens that would get you noticed. I was burgled once ( house unoccupied overnight on bonfire night, no time constraints ) and the camera that was taken was my wifes budget Nikon 301 with 50mm f1.8E lens. The lenses that went were the bigger bits of glass, 300mm f4.5, 400mm f5.6, ( budget Sigmas, but looked to be expensive ) all of my Nikkors were left as was an F2. When you are next at an event look at the photographers that draw most attention.

I have drawn more attention by officialdom with F2's and F3's as you are seen by them as being professional and therefore making money.

The only reason I can see for you getting a D70 would be to have a more compact / lighter camera for travel. In the case of your London visit a walk of 2miles plus with a D70 was easier than with a D2X.

Don

A friend of mine had over £8000 worth of Nikon cameras and lenses nicked from the boot of his locked car, he was only away from it for about 15 minutes, at no time had the equipment been on view. The insurance company he was with covered him for theft from his car, they eventually paid him replacement value, (took 6 weeks). They pointed out to him, had the car been unlocked he wouldn't have been paid out in full!! Who in their right mind leaves their car unlocked these days. His biggest problem was he was on a wildlife photographing trip, which of course he missed out on, not having any equipment left. The insurance of course didn't cover him for the trip.

nirofo.