Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/03/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> joelct wrote: > >> Tina >> >> There are many "vulnerable" airports around the world via which one >> should never check in valuable equipment - unless the contents are >> specifically insured and the luggages are specially secured eg in Pelican >> cases.<<<<<<<<< Sorry mate when the Security Law says you "cannot lock your cases, luggage or whatever" you check in, you are going to loose things to thieves! This security situation has opened the door to anyone working baggage to help themselves to everything you own. Given I had my Pelican case opened, I had to leave it unlocked with several M lenses, RapidWinders, 3 M7's, new ones, smashed so badly and absolutely impossible to use on the assignment to the extent Leica had to remove the shutter release guts inside the body and start from scratch to re-build the innards due to TSA equipment handling, I've taken to hanging them on my neck or body anytime I fly into the USA. Even then at hand inspection check in I watch them like a hawk having seen one guy drop Sandy Carter's brand new M6 off the conveyor belt to the floor, pick-it up and return it to her bag........... without a word he had done it! :-( And yes it was broken and had to be replaced three days before she left on a major assignment in South Korea! Fortunately a camera was available and replaced under warrantee! But that's no excuse for the way cameras are handled by poorly trained inspectors. And as far as getting your stuff insured only means the thieves don't feel the least bit bad because they lifted your camera you need for your assignment immediately upon arrival at your destination! I'm sure their attitude, if they have any is, "it's insured he'll get a new one for free!" If the so called checked baggage scanners are so damn hot they'll destroy film, why do we have to leave everything unlocked for the easy theft entry? Surely there's an easier way. I suppose the simple answer is.. "screw it don't fly if you can drive!" It may take longer, obviously as long as it isn't a shoot on the other side of the pond, but drive and screw the airlines. And for sure the security thieves! If I sound a tad off my feed this morning I apologize, but I still have an absolutely bad taste from TSA smashing my new M7's! ted