[Leica] Trip to Paris

[Ken Lassiter <kenlass@gate.net>]

Robert, take everything you think you will use with you.  But carry out
only what you must have each day depending on where you are going, the
light expected etc.

When I go to Paris, I take 2 M6s, 21, 35, 50 and sometimes a 90.  I take
both the Summicron 50 and the Noctilux since one is for daytime and the
other for night.

When I photograph in cities, I prefer the M cameras.  But when I am
doing landscapes or wildlife out in the country, my R7 (and new R8) with
some zooms, my 100mm Macro Elmar and a long lens are all invaluable.
Yes I carry a lot of gear and use all of it over several weeks.

Christer Almqvist is right.  I did have a hotel room theft while my wife
was in the bathroom.  She heard the door open, thought it was me and
turned around to see the thief running off with her purse and my Domke
803.  But it was in France, not Italy.  This was the kind of theft that
there is almost no way to prevent:  one who walks in while people are in
the room.

I have never had a theft in a hotel room while I was out and I may leave
$20,000 in Leicas there.  Do I worry?  Yes. But I buy insurance so I can
get replacements if something happens.  I refuse to let the possibility
that someone may steal something rob me of the enjoyment of using my
Leicas.

I had insurance for the stuff stolen in France last year.  And my
insurance company gave me a hassle about paying but they did finally.
Then they refused to cover the new replacement equipment.  As a member
of NPPA, I switched to their group policy and have even better coverage
now.  If I drop a camera, it is covered.

I have had one bad incident in over 50 years of traveling with a Leica.
I have been all over Europe, Australia, Bulgaria, the Balkans and some
bad places where people get robbed often.  I am careful and do what I
can to avoid being robbed but I refuse to leave my equipment at home so
just it won't be stolen.  Besides, there is no guarantee that my house
will not be broken into while I am gone.

Take your Leica equipment, enjoy using it and make great pictures.  You
can have fun and make good photos with one camera and one lens or with a
whole kit.

One last piece of advice:  take a small flash.  Don't need it often and
can't use it some places you might like to but it will save the day for
you when the light is not good.

My father taught me there are two good things about advice:  It's free
and you don't have to take it!

Have a great trip.  Paris is one of the best places to photograph.  Make
great pictures.  Put those Leicas to the test.

Best Regards... Ken Lassiter, Boynton Beach, Florida



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