Nikon FM or F100 to take to Peru

I will travel cheaply through Peru for about a month this summer. I

plan to always have my camera with me at all times to avoid theft.

Now my dilema what to take. I have an Old MF Nikon FM with 28mm and

35-105 lens (no ttl flash) or my Nikon F100 with 24-50 and 70-210.

I'll also bring a fast 85mm prime. I'm particualarly interested in

photographing people and cultral centers. For people the F100 is

definately a nice way to go. However, I do not want to attract to

much attention. Other than a camera, I travel with little of value

except my passport and some travelers checks. Has anyone traveled

(not on an organized tour)through Peru lately or South America?

Wish I had traveled through Peru or South America. I have, however, traveled elsewhere (south and southeast Asia) quite a bit. Simple solution: take both. I know your trip is relativly short; but if your camera goes on strike when you step off the plane, you'll kick yourself for not bringing a backup. And bringing both will also allow you to decide on the spot which one you prefer using there as your primary camera.

I would second the suggestion by Doug. Even though it had been serviced just prior to my travel, I had a camera's shutter fail on the "trip of a lifetime" in Kenya. Fortunately, I had a second body with me that saved the day/week/month. I have spent a fair amount of time in So. America, though not in Peru. I had met some people that had trekked the "Inca Trail" there with no problems. I think that if you keep a low profile, and are always with someone else you should have little to be overly concerned about. Most muggings and thefts take place in the major cities. If it doesn't look safe, don't go there! You will find that it is sometimes difficult to cash traveller's checks except in the big cities. Additionally I would recommend a couple credit cards and an ATM card. Carry a money belt. Make color copies of the first two pages (and the Peruvian visa) of your passport. Write down the serial numbers of your cameras and lenses.

I was in Peru, last April. Lot of people told me to be careful in Lima and Cuzco (don't go in remote places at dawn, dusk, night...), but I never had trouble. Always keep an eye on your belongings, never follow cops in plain clothes (not real ones...), avoid crossing the Bolivian border alone or you may end paying more than necessary. I was also in north of Chili and Bolivia (1 month).

 

For my 6 months trip (South East Asia included), I went with my Canon EOS 300v (+19-35mm and 85mm) and my all-carry-around Olympus Mju2 (epic). I was ready to buy a new entry level body (or get it repared) in case of problem. You should be able to find something in Lima, Arequipa... just in case.

 

I always avoid carrying too much, so I can't recommend you taking 2 full systems. But it depends on your own needs (flexibility, spare vs weight...)

Hi there Hugh, I was in South America for 4 months, a couple of years ago so I don't know how current this info will be.

I found Ecuador and Bolivia to be fine locations. Never felt under threat, though you should still be careful in busy area like markets, where you can become de-sensitised to touch and not feel someone cutting the strap of your bag/camera. This isn't confined to south america unfortunately.

 

Peru however is a different matter. Here the criminals were organised, and quite efficient. I was only in Peru for 2 hours before having my bag stolen (border town). wide open area, sitting on a park bench waiting for my bus, writing a postcard, no-one in sight. Several people gathered in front of me (maybe 10 ft away) talking loudly and gererally getting my attention, while a small child crept up behind the bench and slid my bag away. By the time I noticed the bag was gone (less than a minute!), the child is off and running, passes it off to someone on a moped and your possessions are off to a market in Lima. My bag was non-descript, and no clue as to what was inside.I was lucky that there was no physical danger to me, which I can't say the same for friends of mine in Lima and Cuzco.

 

 

I don't want to be alarmist, but it's better for people to know, and then these incidents can be avoided fairly easily. The biggest scam going during my time, was STRANGLE-MUGGING in Cuzco. This is when, you flag down a taxi, get in, they drive you the wrong way, and by the time you realise something's up, the taxi stops. Several men then jump in, a one chokes you until you pass out. This allows them to take their time going through your stuff (and for girls there's an added danger). A friend of mine had this happen to her and was very lucky to only have her stuff stolen, due to her own bravery and some ineptitude on the behalf of her assailants. She was still quite traumatised.

 

So a few basic tips. Don't be too obvious with expensive equipment. Try to travel with someone else. When getting a taxi, get a business to order it for you (that way it's on their head), or get a tourist police officer to flag one down for you. If you are leaving a group of friends to get in a taxi, make a show of them taking the details of the car(just in case). A bit paranoid but better than the alternative.

 

The Bolivian border warning is a good one (that goes for all border crossings). Here thieves can congregate since they know people will funnel through a small area, and have to wait for buses. Also people are tired, distracted and often disoriented, so thieves can mingle with them at ease. Stick with people you recognise (maybe from your bus), and keep your possessions in sight at all times. If sitting down, you should put the strap of your bag, under the leg of your chair or table, or tie several bags together. Our bus driver warned us in particular of the tactics on the Bolivian border crossing and we saw two guys try to steal a bag, and heard of it happening to others.

 

That said, I felt very safe overall in my time there. Just be aware of the possibilities, and don't take unnecessary risks.

 

I'm sure you'll have a great time. The Inca trail is cool, Cuzco, for all that I said was a lovely place to stay for a few weeks as a base. I didn't like Lima, so I pretty much avoided it.

 

Hope this is of any help to you. Enjoy it. In terms of camera, i'd say take the one you are most comfortable with, and just be careful.

OKay, so Georiod is scaring me!!! Check out www.lonelyplanet.com and get on thorn tree - that is the best place to get current advice, not here unfortunately, on safety. As for cameras if I was lucky enough to own an f100 I'd take it with - are you insured? Good, so its only material goods that are easily replaced. I think every traveller has a self-responsibility to be vigilant, well informed, sensible about where they go and with who and not overly flashy about their kit. Some people stick a black label over the Nikon sign adn beat up their camera bag before they go. But whatever, if you're insured, who cares? 9/10 times they don't want to risk confrontation with you so they'll send in a kid to half inch the bag when your back's turned. Be more concerned about your passport and tickets and cards - they are FAR MORE IMPORTANT than any amount of camera gear! Go enjoy, have fun, be safe and show us some great pics!!!!! Neil

Don't be overly alarmed about stories of crime. The actual odds of having trouble are no worse than any major US city. Just use common sense and exercise awareness of your surroundings.

 

Check the earlier thread in the South American folder for information on Peru. Regarding which of your cameras to bring, I would opt for the F100 for the TTL fill-flash ability. You will want some fill when shooting portraits during the day as altitude in Cusco makes for a very high contrast light situation when the sun is out. You can mitigate this obviously by shooting early and later in the day.

O.K., so my previous post was a bit extreme, but unfortunately all true.

 

As Neil pointed out, the thorn tree on Lonely Planet is a good idea for current info, as is an organisation called the South American Explorers Club (SAEC), who have clubhouses in Lima, Cuzco and Quito (Ecuador). The SAEC will have latest advice on good travel agencies, guides, and security advisories, which is provided by travellers who pass through filling out travel reports, so it's relatively unbiased.

 

Again, only a very few spots in Peru felt unsafe, while I found Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile to be more relaxed. Bus terminals and borders crossings (anywhere) are the places to be really aware, while the rest of the time it's common sense.

 

There are some great people shots in Cuzco itself, as well as the market towns like Pisac, and even Aguas Calientes below Machu Pichu. These are easily reached by any of the tours organised from Cuzco, or independantly.

 

Sorry if the last post seemed a bit over the top. I loved my time there, and had a great time talking to the locals, and travelling off the beaten track (where the people were so friendly to me). I just felt it better to hear the stories and be able to ignore them, rather than get a major surprise if the same things are still happening.

 

Either camera will be fine, though the combinations you mention, the F100 looks the more versatile. Fill in flash is definitely a bonus in the harsh light.

Just remembered, there are some great pictures to be had by Lake Titicaca (ignoring the floating islands which are too touristy). Isla Taquile, and Isla del Sol, are both inhabited, and the locals don't seem to feel like they have to play up to the tourists, so there are some natural shots to be had. Keep an eye out for the mens multicoloured wool hats on Taquile, which are a tradition.

 

You'll have a great time I'm sure.

 

Hope all runs smoothly for you. Don't forget to post some of your shots here so we can all be jealous ;-)

 

All the best, G

Thorn Tree and SAEC are good ideas to contact, Hugh.

 

I was planning a trip to Peru with some friends this September to travel around and hike the Inca Trail. We've put our planning on hold after the recent strikes, government and police reaction, and general political and economic uncertainty. One of my friends who was to travel with me has family in Lima. They told her crime in Lima has gotten worse recently and the overall atmosphere is not as nice as it was a year ago.

 

We're going to wait until the last possible minute to decide whether to go or not (assuming airplane tickets are still cheap enough then). Personally, I'm more concerned about my trip being messed up by strikes (bus and/or train) or interruptions then about being a victim of violence.

 

Please let us know when you get back how it was.

True, I wouldn't hang out in Lima, but Lima is nowhere near the Inca Trail/Cusco/Machu Picchu areas. The only thing you have to do in Lima is go through the airport and connect to your flight to Cusco. SAE is a good source for up-to-the-minute information.

Thanks for all of your responses. Last night I had dinner with a friend who

was born in Arequipa (sp??). I've desided to at least take the f100 but keep it

in a plain looking day pack. I agree that more important is my passport etc.. I

have renters insurance that should cover silly material things. We have

already booked our accomadations in Lima - don't plan to spend more time

there then we have to. Then off to Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco where we will

meet others. I was advised by my perurvian friend not to cut my hair so that I

look like a student with little money.

First of all a comment to Keith - I think it is ridiculous to say that Peru is no more dangerous than any major US city. Bottom line is that it is. That said, there are many things you can do to keep yourself safe.

 

I lived in Peru for six months and spent time in Arequipa, Puno, Cuzco, and Lima among other spots. Obviously, Lima will be the spot in which you will have to be most cautious. It is all the simple stuff that was mentioned like using gaffer tape to cover "nikon", using inconspicuous bags, traveling in groups, and using the many tourist and regular police. My biggest suggestion is to always be observant in high target areas such as main plazas, border crossings, etc. There were a few times in which I got a strange feeling I was being watched and followed, only to have the person I was with concur. We simply moved out of those potentially dangerous situations.

 

I don't want to scare you because in all my time there, I only encountered one instance of petty theft. I loved my time there and the people were enchanting. Keep it simple and only bring what you need. Leave the jewelery and gadgets (less the camera equip.) at home. Have fun.

 

I am jealous.

 

PS: While in Arequipa, be sure to take the overnight trip to Colca Canyon to see the condors...I hope you like altitude...you must if you're heading to Puno. Check lonely planet for the good tour companies. I can't recall the name of ours right now.

Timothy,

 

I don't mind criticism of my comments, providing that you quote me accurately. I actually said was, "odds of having trouble are no worse . . . ". That's very different that comparing crime levels of different cities. I obviously realize that actual crime levels in third world countries are very high. I travel extensively I do my homework. Take the same person and drop them in New York City, Detroit, Los Angeles, or Lima and I think the chances of getting robbed are roughly equal. Taking into account several variables (flashing cash, wearing flashy jewelery, ignoring common sense safety practices), I think that's a fair comment.

 

Also, I am always amazed at people that think if they use a black body, or tape over a Leica red dot, or tape over the name Nikon, that they suddenly become invisible to criminals. Talk about silly! Imagine two photographers standing side-by-side with a Nikon FM3a body, one with tape over the Nikon name, and one without. Is the first guy really less conspicuous? Of course not.

Take a Leica M rangefinder. I have a F5 and it reminds me of a WMD.

Whatever you take, take a lot of photos. Have a safe trip.