[Leica] Re:Europe Street/Museum Photography

["Paul T. Collura" <pcollura@epix.net>]

I have to agree with Bill.  Over the years I have spent quite a bit of
time in Europe. We recently spent three weeks in Italy, Bavaria and
Paris. I NEVER have had an untoward event occur to me or my wife.  Even
in the less affluent sections of town, I never felt the threat of
personal violence unlike the country we call home.  On my recent trip, I
nearly always had a M6 around my neck and an Alice bag with another M6
and lenses over my shoulder.  No one really took any notice. I never
heard a comment on the fact that I was carrying Leicas.  We Luggers may
just be a bit impressed with fact that we own Leica equipment.  Most of
the rest of the world doesn't take notice or know what it is.  As an
aside, I was amazed and somewhat shocked to see that flash photography
is permitted in the Lourve.  I can't imagine all that light energy
accumulated over years is really any good for the old masters. There
must have been twenty flashes a minute going off at the Mona Lisa!!

Regards, 
Paul T. Collura

> From: Bill Erfurth <m6rf@yahoo.com> 
> Sit down and get ready for European Photography lecutre #101.
> 
> First of all, my remarks are directed to the countries of Germany, UK,
> and Belgium.  France has some problems. There is more than you could
> ever hope to shoot in Germany, UK, and Belgium, so forget about France.
> 
> Generally, I walk around with an M6 on one shoulder and an R7 on the
> other.  I wear a photo jacket or vest and do not carry a bag.
> 
> I have NEVER been any European city where I have feared the safety of
> my equipment or for my body...and I have been in some very marginal
> areas of London.  Unfortunately, I can not say the same about some
> areas of the US...where I live.

> Regards,
> Bill