Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/09/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> ARTHURWG@aol.com wrote: > >Anyone have any experience using, or trying to use, a tripod in France? I've >heard that it's almost impossible, or at least very difficult, as someone is >bound to chase you away etc. I'm planning to take a trip there sometime this >year<<<<<< Hi Arthur, I see others have said there's no problem using a tripod in France and that maybe their experience in some locations. Just don't try and use a tripod within the confines of the Arch de Triomphe or you will be politely told... "Non tripod!" You will be asked/told nicely by the policemen. Don't argue, just do it! They don't do nicely the second time around. :-) Shooting from the street over 6-8 (?) lanes of traffic I didn't have any problems in the evening doing time exposures of traffic patterns and Arch. But when you go through the tunnel under the street to the Arch properly and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier there isn't any question, if you take a tripod over there, day or night, you will have the police stop you from setting up. period. No matter what brand or size. And please guys this is live experience from absolute been there, done it, had it happen! Other than the Arch and Plas de Concorde requiring time exposures in the evening, all other shooting in Paris was hand held stuff with a fair amount of evening material using the Noctilux without tripod. But then a Noctilux, why use a tripod? ;-) Soo Arthur old buddy take the tripod and use it and don't ask, just do it and if it's a non-non you'll find out quick enough.:-) By the same token use common sense, as you're aware there are many places, no matter what country you reside in tripods are not allowed. I've always found on assignment being polite about the situation you might "just be able to get a couple of frames off" with their cooperation by smiling and sweet talking and indicating, " Please can I just take one?" Even if the sweet talk has to be passed through an interpreter. Occasionally you can win one being polite! Then break down the gear quickly. If not, let it go, as arguing doesn't get you a thing other than ticking off the locals and illustrating you're just another "loud mouth pain in the ass tourist!" ted Ted Grant Photography Limited www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html