Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/09/04
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I'm going to break down and share my travel security system with the LUG. My wife is embarrased by my "paranoid" security practices. (so they must be effective). I believe the best security can deter or discourage the casual thief. If they come with power tools, nothing will help. I try to limit my baggage to two carry-on size bags. A small backpack for incidentals and a few clothes, and an aluminum suitcase with combination lock. (French Marine Corps issue surplus from the Paris flea mkt) for camera gear paddeed with clothes. Inside the aluminum case is a Fuji 645, lots of film, and a small Pellican airtight box for Leica body and a few lenses. The Pellican box is locked with a combination lock attached to a five-foot welded steel chain. On arriving at a hotel, I thread the free end of the chain out a hole drilled in the aluminum case and secure it with another combination lock to a steam radiator, or around a toilet or other immovable fixture. I have found the combination locks tampered with in my absence, but never lost anything. This system has survived a five-month trip around the world, trips to central america, and recently a trip to Bali. I always stay in spartan backpacker accomodations where I guess the biggest risk is fellow-travelers. So far, It works. Bill Lawlor