Crazy lens theft: Travelers beware!

Heie · 07-20-2013, 04:02 AM

This, is...wow. As someone that champions personal integrity, seeing this in action is more than depressing. I don't have the proper words for it...

But, in the interest of being objective, I must say that that photographer seems to be a rich guy that is aloof. He is walking around with what looks like a D700/D800 and 70-200 f/2.8. That is between $3500-5000. You don't do that, especially like a necklace. Second, you NEVER EVER NEVER take your hands off your camera. I sometimes have my camera on my strap, although I prefer Lauren's MO with holsters and in the bag when not directly in use, but when it is out, my hand is ALWAYS on the camera. Because I use an OP/Tech Sling Strap, it is also pointed down towards the ground at my right hip. Always.

Last, but what blows my mind the most, is that he doesn't realize for at least TWO FULL SECONDS that his camera+lens, hanging on his NECK just dropped in weight by at LEAST 75%. And then that doesn't happen until he finds that his finger went into the lens mount as opposed to against the lens.

Regardless, it makes me even more grateful in light of my most recent experience with "losing" gear.

I Left My Camera Bag on a Train...

-Heie

**Digitalis** · 07-20-2013, 10:04 AM

Originally posted by Heie

NEVER EVER NEVER take your hands off your camera.

I agree - camera makers go through a great deal of effort to make their cameras comfortable for handheld use, it is a bit of an insult to hang it from your neck. Another thing that I will point out is when i'm using longer lenses like that I never handle the camera by the body alone - I always have a hand supporting the lens. The reason for this is that with most cameras these days the area behind the metal lens mount is the mirror box which is often made of plastic which can crack from the strain of having to hold something that has almost as much weight as the camera itself. When I'm using my Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG on my Pentax K5IIs I often just hold the lens near the lens mount to reduce any strain, since it is by far the heaviest lens I regularly use on the K5IIs - the camera can take care of itself.

Na Horuk · 07-20-2013, 10:11 AM

But wasnt this guy trying to lure thieves and capture them on film? I thought he was playing a careless photographer on purpose.

**Digitalis** · 07-20-2013, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

wasnt this guy trying to lure thieves and capture them on film? I thought he was playing a careless photographer on purpose.

If it were me: I would have a bit more than a just camera waiting for them. Probably a shotgun loaded with rock salt and citric acid crystals.

Last edited by Digitalis; 07-20-2013 at 10:18 PM.

**OrangeKx** · 07-20-2013, 10:16 PM

Thanks to the power of the Web, this technique of acquiring a lens will be coming to a city near you.

p38arover · 07-20-2013, 10:32 PM

From the shadow, I think it's been recorded on a camera fitted to a bus - check the shadow LHS, it looks like a coach mirror.

Apapukas · 07-21-2013, 01:20 AM

Hello,

My problem is quite similar so I guess no need for a new thread.

Today (21st of July) my just out of the box Pentax K-01 (under 200 shoots..) and my most precious Pentax 31mm Ltd was stolen during a wedding(or a few hours after it)... Sometime from 24 to 8am (at night). Location - conference hall of the museum of the centre of Europe.
I am writing here (as well as on LT forums) because most of the guests were foreigners (France, Argentina, Puerto Rico), so maybe there is a little more chance writing on the international forums as well.

I still can hardly accent what happen, because all the guests and staff were super awesome people, the place is deep in the forest...

Serial numbers:
K-01 (White) - 2695205
31 Ltd (black, AIV) - 0038510

Don't know what other info I should provide. On the way back I also met a friendly policeman who sadly said that cameras are not phones and finding them is very difficult..

Please share your experience, because I am really confused what to do (it is the first time something is stolen from me).

Thank you!

Jean Poitiers · 07-21-2013, 01:43 AM

Wrong place ... and definitely wrong time to have a big, obviously expensive zoom hanging around your neck (a universal signal that you are a visiting tourist and an easy mark) ... a bit of common sense and caution would seem to be in order. When I lived in Paris, I saw similar bands in the metro .... IMHO, these guys aren't too bright because they could have cut the camera strap and had it all ... J

manntax · 07-21-2013, 02:05 AM

Originally posted by Apapukas

Hello,

My problem is quite similar so I guess no need for a new thread.

Today (21st of July) my just out of the box Pentax K-01 (under 200 shoots..) and my most precious Pentax 31mm Ltd was stolen during a wedding(or a few hours after it)... Sometime from 24 to 8am (at night). Location - conference hall of the museum of the centre of Europe.
I am writing here (as well as on LT forums) because most of the guests were foreigners (France, Argentina, Puerto Rico), so maybe there is a little more chance writing on the international forums as well.

I still can hardly accent what happen, because all the guests and staff were super awesome people, the place is deep in the forest...

Serial numbers:
K-01 (White) - 2695205
31 Ltd (black, AIV) - 0038510

Don't know what other info I should provide. On the way back I also met a friendly policeman who sadly said that cameras are not phones and finding them is very difficult..

Please share your experience, because I am really confused what to do (it is the first time something is stolen from me).

Thank you!

Is there any chance that you might recall any circumstances or events before that happen ? Try to calm down and recreate the events - perhaps there are clues waiting to be discovered.

It is sad truth about our society that even behind a friendly face of Mr Jekyll can be hidden a Mr Hyde - this type will exploit others on opportunities that coming from someone's lack of attention and awareness - as you've probably experienced in this case. But there is this other nasty type , Mr Hyde alone which will create opportunities by arranging the situation and setting a trap for those who are less aware of the surroundings. And there is no recipe for avoiding the worse - often comes down to who we are - as my wife and my son both had stolen things from them - wallets, phones, etc. and in contrary I have never had anything stolen from me whole my life - does that make one better ? Of course not - this is the beauty of life and being human being - that we are different - the real problem are those unscrupulous faggots all over the world that makes this place so nasty.

Anyway try to post these numbers on the thread that was designed for - search the forum - it one day might surface somewhere being sold and you never know what might that lead to.

Let us know if you have any progress on tracking down the bastard!
Kind regards!

p38arover · 07-21-2013, 02:19 AM

Originally posted by Apapukas

Don't know what other info I should provide. On the way back I also met a friendly policeman who sadly said that cameras are not phones and finding them is very difficult..

Maybe Stolen Camera Finder - find your photos, find your camera could work?

G and T · 07-21-2013, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

If it were me: I would have a bit more than a just camera waiting for them. Probably a shotgun loaded with rock salt and citric acid crystals.

A long forgotten Pentax camera may be the answer, the C.I.A single-shot gun camera.
Glenn

Apapukas · 07-21-2013, 03:15 PM

manntax, p38arover

Thank you, I'll do what I can and post any news.

carrrlangas · 07-21-2013, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

camera makers go through a great deal of effort to make their cameras comfortable for handheld use, it is a bit of an insult to hang it from your neck. Another thing that I will point out is when i'm using longer lenses like that I never handle the camera by the body alone

Did you notice they actually include a neck strap with the camera?... I often use it as a sling though. And a slimmer one, less cumbersome. I am considering using some kind of hand strap but hadn´t seen one that´s looks practical and unintrussive enough.
Regarding lenses, my rule is: If the lens has a tripod mount, then you should hold the system by the lens. If it doesn´t, the camera can handle the weight*. I think the camera lens mount weight limit must be arround 550 - 600grs

*Except for the K300/4 and similar lenses...

**Digitalis** · 07-21-2013, 11:46 PM

Originally posted by carrrlangas

my rule is: If the lens has a tripod mount, then you should hold the system by the lens. If it doesn´t, the camera can handle the weight*. I think the camera lens mount weight limit must be arround 550 - 600grs

sounds sensible enough, though sometimes with my long telephoto lenses I use a monopod which would have hampered the thieves considerably...especially if your monopod happens to have a lawn spike on the end of it.

Jonathan Mac · 07-22-2013, 12:36 AM

These people have no shame.

When I have a zoom lens fitted I usually have one hand on the camera at all times (especially when somewhere busy), but that hand is usually more on the lens than on the camera. This more to prevent damage in case I accidentally knock the lens into something and wrench the mount, but would also serve the purpose of protecting the lens from theft (at least to some degree). If I have a small prime fitted then my hand is usually just on the camera though.

Mobbing people is an increasingly common tactic for thieves, whether it be to steal a camera or to distract when taking money from a cash dispenser or paying in a shop. If you notice that you're suddenly being jostled in a group or being spoken to out of the blue by strangers you should be immediately on your guard and your hands should go to anything or value that might be out in the open and vulnerable.

07-21-2013, 02:05 AM	#24
manntax Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Sorry for your loss Originally posted by Apapukas Hello, My problem is quite similar so I guess no need for a new thread. Today (21st of July) my just out of the box Pentax K-01 (under 200 shoots..) and my most precious Pentax 31mm Ltd was stolen during a wedding(or a few hours after it)... Sometime from 24 to 8am (at night). Location - conference hall of the museum of the centre of Europe. I am writing here (as well as on LT forums) because most of the guests were foreigners (France, Argentina, Puerto Rico), so maybe there is a little more chance writing on the international forums as well. I still can hardly accent what happen, because all the guests and staff were super awesome people, the place is deep in the forest... Serial numbers: K-01 (White) - 2695205 31 Ltd (black, AIV) - 0038510 Don't know what other info I should provide. On the way back I also met a friendly policeman who sadly said that cameras are not phones and finding them is very difficult.. Please share your experience, because I am really confused what to do (it is the first time something is stolen from me). Thank you! Is there any chance that you might recall any circumstances or events before that happen ? Try to calm down and recreate the events - perhaps there are clues waiting to be discovered. It is sad truth about our society that even behind a friendly face of Mr Jekyll can be hidden a Mr Hyde - this type will exploit others on opportunities that coming from someone's lack of attention and awareness - as you've probably experienced in this case. But there is this other nasty type , Mr Hyde alone which will create opportunities by arranging the situation and setting a trap for those who are less aware of the surroundings. And there is no recipe for avoiding the worse - often comes down to who we are - as my wife and my son both had stolen things from them - wallets, phones, etc. and in contrary I have never had anything stolen from me whole my life - does that make one better ? Of course not - this is the beauty of life and being human being - that we are different - the real problem are those unscrupulous faggots all over the world that makes this place so nasty. Anyway try to post these numbers on the thread that was designed for - search the forum - it one day might surface somewhere being sold and you never know what might that lead to. Let us know if you have any progress on tracking down the bastard! Kind regards!

07-21-2013, 09:53 AM	#26
G and T Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Langwarrin Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 382	Originally posted by Digitalis If it were me: I would have a bit more than a just camera waiting for them. Probably a shotgun loaded with rock salt and citric acid crystals. A long forgotten Pentax camera may be the answer, the C.I.A single-shot gun camera. Glenn Attached Images

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07-20-2013, 04:02 AM	#16
Heie Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 968	This, is...wow. As someone that champions personal integrity, seeing this in action is more than depressing. I don't have the proper words for it... But, in the interest of being objective, I must say that that photographer seems to be a rich guy that is aloof. He is walking around with what looks like a D700/D800 and 70-200 f/2.8. That is between $3500-5000. You don't do that, especially like a necklace. Second, you NEVER EVER NEVER take your hands off your camera. I sometimes have my camera on my strap, although I prefer Lauren's MO with holsters and in the bag when not directly in use, but when it is out, my hand is ALWAYS on the camera. Because I use an OP/Tech Sling Strap, it is also pointed down towards the ground at my right hip. Always. Last, but what blows my mind the most, is that he doesn't realize for at least TWO FULL SECONDS that his camera+lens, hanging on his NECK just dropped in weight by at LEAST 75%. And then that doesn't happen until he finds that his finger went into the lens mount as opposed to against the lens. Regardless, it makes me even more grateful in light of my most recent experience with "losing" gear. I Left My Camera Bag on a Train... -Heie

07-20-2013, 10:04 AM	#17
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Heie NEVER EVER NEVER take your hands off your camera. I agree - camera makers go through a great deal of effort to make their cameras comfortable for handheld use, it is a bit of an insult to hang it from your neck. Another thing that I will point out is when i'm using longer lenses like that I never handle the camera by the body alone - I always have a hand supporting the lens. The reason for this is that with most cameras these days the area behind the metal lens mount is the mirror box which is often made of plastic which can crack from the strain of having to hold something that has almost as much weight as the camera itself. When I'm using my Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG on my Pentax K5IIs I often just hold the lens near the lens mount to reduce any strain, since it is by far the heaviest lens I regularly use on the K5IIs - the camera can take care of itself.

07-20-2013, 10:11 AM	#18
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	But wasnt this guy trying to lure thieves and capture them on film? I thought he was playing a careless photographer on purpose.

07-20-2013, 05:15 PM	#19
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Na Horuk wasnt this guy trying to lure thieves and capture them on film? I thought he was playing a careless photographer on purpose. If it were me: I would have a bit more than a just camera waiting for them. Probably a shotgun loaded with rock salt and citric acid crystals. Last edited by Digitalis; 07-20-2013 at 10:18 PM.

07-20-2013, 10:16 PM	#20
OrangeKx Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Vancouver, WA Photos: Gallery Posts: 817	Thanks to the power of the Web, this technique of acquiring a lens will be coming to a city near you.

07-20-2013, 10:32 PM	#21
p38arover Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Western Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,084	From the shadow, I think it's been recorded on a camera fitted to a bus - check the shadow LHS, it looks like a coach mirror.

07-21-2013, 01:20 AM	#22
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627	Hello, My problem is quite similar so I guess no need for a new thread. Today (21st of July) my just out of the box Pentax K-01 (under 200 shoots..) and my most precious Pentax 31mm Ltd was stolen during a wedding(or a few hours after it)... Sometime from 24 to 8am (at night). Location - conference hall of the museum of the centre of Europe. I am writing here (as well as on LT forums) because most of the guests were foreigners (France, Argentina, Puerto Rico), so maybe there is a little more chance writing on the international forums as well. I still can hardly accent what happen, because all the guests and staff were super awesome people, the place is deep in the forest... Serial numbers: K-01 (White) - 2695205 31 Ltd (black, AIV) - 0038510 Don't know what other info I should provide. On the way back I also met a friendly policeman who sadly said that cameras are not phones and finding them is very difficult.. Please share your experience, because I am really confused what to do (it is the first time something is stolen from me). Thank you!

07-21-2013, 01:43 AM	#23
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Wrong place ... and definitely wrong time to have a big, obviously expensive zoom hanging around your neck (a universal signal that you are a visiting tourist and an easy mark) ... a bit of common sense and caution would seem to be in order. When I lived in Paris, I saw similar bands in the metro .... IMHO, these guys aren't too bright because they could have cut the camera strap and had it all ... J

07-21-2013, 02:19 AM	#25
p38arover Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Western Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,084	Originally posted by Apapukas Don't know what other info I should provide. On the way back I also met a friendly policeman who sadly said that cameras are not phones and finding them is very difficult.. Maybe Stolen Camera Finder - find your photos, find your camera could work?

07-21-2013, 03:15 PM	#27
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627	manntax, p38arover Thank you, I'll do what I can and post any news.

07-21-2013, 11:16 PM	#28
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	Originally posted by Digitalis camera makers go through a great deal of effort to make their cameras comfortable for handheld use, it is a bit of an insult to hang it from your neck. Another thing that I will point out is when i'm using longer lenses like that I never handle the camera by the body alone Did you notice they actually include a neck strap with the camera?... I often use it as a sling though. And a slimmer one, less cumbersome. I am considering using some kind of hand strap but hadn´t seen one that´s looks practical and unintrussive enough. Regarding lenses, my rule is: If the lens has a tripod mount, then you should hold the system by the lens. If it doesn´t, the camera can handle the weight. I think the camera lens mount weight limit must be arround 550 - 600grs Except for the K300/4 and similar lenses...

07-21-2013, 11:46 PM	#29
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by carrrlangas my rule is: If the lens has a tripod mount, then you should hold the system by the lens. If it doesn´t, the camera can handle the weight*. I think the camera lens mount weight limit must be arround 550 - 600grs sounds sensible enough, though sometimes with my long telephoto lenses I use a monopod which would have hampered the thieves considerably...especially if your monopod happens to have a lawn spike on the end of it.

07-22-2013, 12:36 AM	#30
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	These people have no shame. When I have a zoom lens fitted I usually have one hand on the camera at all times (especially when somewhere busy), but that hand is usually more on the lens than on the camera. This more to prevent damage in case I accidentally knock the lens into something and wrench the mount, but would also serve the purpose of protecting the lens from theft (at least to some degree). If I have a small prime fitted then my hand is usually just on the camera though. Mobbing people is an increasingly common tactic for thieves, whether it be to steal a camera or to distract when taking money from a cash dispenser or paying in a shop. If you notice that you're suddenly being jostled in a group or being spoken to out of the blue by strangers you should be immediately on your guard and your hands should go to anything or value that might be out in the open and vulnerable.