Sucks

[scorpius73]

I was on the escalator coming out of the metro when I saw an very older gentleman with a Leica III (it appeared to me) with a collapsible Elmar. He and his wife where on the escalator beside mine. When we both stepped off. I pointed to the camera and said nice camera with a smile. If looks could kill, I'd be dead. The wife gave me a look that all I could think was "Wow". Sad we live in a world where people are still afraid because of skin color. I like talking to older people. I kinda wondered how old the camera was etc. I could have learned a little something maybe. Oh well.

[zauhar]

Not to excuse them (age is no excuse for racism or just bad manners), but if you said "Is that a IIIf?" and revealed that you know something about the camera, I bet their attitude would have turned 180 degrees.

Or not. Some people are just beyond decency. And they may even go to church. ;-(

Randy

[dazedgonebye]

Typically, the older you get the more you (justifiably) worry about being victimized.
I think Randy is right. Mentioning the gear by name might have told them you are a camera fan, not a mugger.

[scorpius73]

but if you said "Is that a IIIf?" and revealed that you know something about the camera, I bet their attitude would have turned 180 degrees.



Randy

You are right? That would have been a better intro. Oh well. What really intrigued me was the Elmar. I have been wanting one for a while. Finally got it (black 50mm Elmar M). Had it in my bag on the M6. Would have been cool to compare advances on the Leica bodies and Elmars. God forbid that I reached for my bag. I have to laugh things off sometimes.

[scorpius73]

Typically, the older you get the more you (justifiably) worry about being victimized.
I think Randy is right. Mentioning the gear by name might have told them you are a camera fan, not a mugger.

LOL! I think I will stick to taking pictures and not asking questions like Piers Morgan or someone.

[Spleenrippa]

Not to excuse them (age is no excuse for racism or just bad manners), but if you said "Is that a IIIf?" and revealed that you know something about the camera, I bet their attitude would have turned 180 degrees.

Or not. Some people are just beyond decency. And they may even go to church. ;-(

Randy

Going to church automatically imbues one with superior morals?

[nikon_sam]

Next time try a British accent...people like British accents...

I'm of the darker brown group (Hispanic, I think...I'm adopted) and have been thrown into many different nationalities, lately I've been asked if I'm Middle Eastern and this is from Middle-Easterners...they are convinced that I am one of them...
So far I haven't had any real bad experiences or at least I haven't noticed any...
Most groups welcome me and I pretty much get along with everyone...

As far as the older couple goes...you really don't know their history when it comes to others...let it go...it's not your problem it's theirs...they were just trying to share it with you...

[zauhar]

Going to church automatically imbues one with superior morals?

Uhm - that was sort of my point. I was being sarcastic.

I am not sure if there is a "sarcasticon" I can attach to my messages.

Randy

[nikon_sam]

Uhm - that was sort of my point. I was being sarcastic.

I am not sure if there is a "sarcasticon" I can attach to my messages.

Randy

Use this one if being sarcastic...:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:...then add a few of these...:D:D:D

[Juan Valdenebro]

It's happened to me too... A couple times when I said "nice camera" or "nice Leica" in the street, tourists got a bit worried... Then I learned it's a better idea to talk about the lens, camera model, film, etc... But most other times Leica users are not that paranoid... By the way, those two times, they were young people... And sometimes I've felt worried too when someone comes close to my cameras asking things: once I was robbed (a Nikon 20 years ago) and I was robbed by two guys after we had talked for 20 minutes about history while I was shooting sculptures in a park...

For sure it's not about color skin: depending on their pasts, peoples' fears can be so different...

Cheers,

Juan

[spiderfrank]

"Non ti curar di lor, ma guarda e passa" (cit. Dante Alighieri: Inferno)
"don't care about them, but take a look and go straight away" :rolleyes:

[dovi]

You never know how people will react, but dont let a sour-puss make you one. It does curb the enthusiasm. lol

[ChrisP]

We need a font for sarcastic. You'd know someone was being sarcastic if they wrote their message in "sarcastica"

[scorpius73]

Next time try a British accent...people like British accents...

I'm of the darker brown group (Hispanic, I think...I'm adopted) and have been thrown into many different nationalities, lately I've been asked if I'm Middle Eastern and this is from Middle-Easterners...they are convinced that I am one of them...
So far I haven't had any real bad experiences or at least I haven't noticed any...
Most groups welcome me and I pretty much get along with everyone...

As far as the older couple goes...you really don't know their history when it comes to others...let it go...it's not your problem it's theirs...they were just trying to share it with you...

Outside the USA, it becomes a game. I was out to happy hour in London with a friend and was asked what part of Sri Lanka I was from. In Istanbul, I had an Arab ask if I was Arab. The guys that I befriended at the cafe said I was Pakistani or Moroccan. Refused to believe anything else.

Istanbul, now that is a place to take photos!

[daveleo]

Of course, I can't speak for these people you met, but I was on the other side of the fence once.

In a mall in Dallas, I had my Billingham bag on my shoulder while my wife shopped. Two kids ( 20 ? years old) stopped and said "Must be a nice camera in that bag."

Being an old cynical, feeling vulnerable guy, I held the strap and said "Yeh, it's nice." But I did not jump into "Would you like to see it. It's a Leica." which I probably would have if they had gray hair.

This wasn't racial prejudice on my part but definitely age prejudice.

[ashfaque]

Probably the wife is fed up with his husband running around with his old camera and suddenly another young bloke encourages him! You never know. Anyway, some people are just too rude.

Yes, the British accent does have some charm [heard similar things from many people and programmes]. But not sure if it works most of the time. Probably because I'm in UK. :)

[scorpius73]

[QUOTE=ashfaque;1673725]Probably the wife is fed up with his husband running around with his old camera and suddenly another young bloke encourages him! You never know.QUOTE]

Never thought of that. :bang: You maybe quite right. I'm sure my wife would like me to find a less expensive hobby.

[Monz]

Here is a slightly different story.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5934355557_7ffe3c7c42.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/monz/5934355557/)
Random Strangers [2] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/monz/5934355557/) by *monz* (http://www.flickr.com/people/monz/), on Flickr

I met William by chance whilst walking around in my home town (in UK). I had a camera around my neck (Leica M6). He came up to me and asked about the camera. His English wasn't too good but I got the impression that he wasn't a camera buff, just someone who was being curious. I asked if he wanted a picture taken.
"How much?" he replied.
"Free," I said.
"Okay!"

I then had to explain that I was using film not digital and that I would have to post the photos to him in a week or two. I took several shots of him. He took that cigarette out of his pocket and used it as a prop! I have sent him a couple of prints. I hope he liked them.

[Rayt]

I don't start conversations with strangers in the US. In Asia and many parts of Europe it is ok but we Yanks are too paranoid. Don't even look at the children.

[dave lackey]

Odd...never have that problem (talking to strangers) around Atlanta. And most people here are from up north!:p We must live in one of the friendlier areas of the U.S.:)

[Neare]

Next time be more persistent, they may just hand over the camera and run away. Wouldn't you be having a good day then? :D

[reagan]

But I gotta say, scorpius, if I'm carrying a camera and some stranger gives me a lead to talk about photography/leicas/film/whatever/etc., I'll more than likely stop to chat ... and my wife will more than likely roll her eyes, give both of us a dirty look and head for the next dress shop down the street...

Wait. Come to think of it, are ya sure that wasn't me and my wife you spoke to? There wasn't a Zorki on the old guy's other shoulder was there?

Yeah, show 'em some grace. Ya never know what's goin' on in someone else's world.

[Juan Valdenebro]

Next time be more persistent, they may just hand over the camera and run away. Wouldn't you be having a good day then? :D

And a few great shots too! :p

Cheers,

Juan

[Al Patterson]

Anyone who walks up to me and asks me about my "camera" is bothering me.

Spoken like a true New Yorker. :D

I've found folks can be friendlier in other parts of the country, but not anywhere between where you and I live....

[Trooper]

Here are the issues:

Your Leica was in a bag.

You don't have a photograph of her look.

[tjh]

It's happened to me too... A couple times when I said "nice camera" or "nice Leica" in the street, tourists got a bit worried... Then I learned it's a better idea to talk about the lens, camera model, film, etc... But most other times Leica users are not that paranoid... By the way, those two times, they were young people... And sometimes I've felt worried too when someone comes close to my cameras asking things: once I was robbed (a Nikon 20 years ago) and I was robbed by two guys after we had talked for 20 minutes about history while I was shooting sculptures in a park...

For sure it's not about color skin: depending on their pasts, peoples' fears can be so different...

Cheers,

Juan

I'm visiting Barcelona in early December. Maybe you'll see me on the street with a Leica M. Or, better yet, go out shooting together.

Tom

[Juan Valdenebro]

I'm visiting Barcelona in early December. Maybe you'll see me on the street with a Leica M. Or, better yet, go out shooting together.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Sure! If I'm in Barcelona in December, I'll be pleased to go out shooting around with you!

What I like the most about Barcelona (compared to Colombia, where I live too) is I know I can go out with any camera or cameras, and... I won't be robbed! It's not only about not losing cameras, but about shooting without worries all day long, anywhere...

Cheers,

Juan

[Brian Sweeney]

I'm in Northern Virginia.

Some local college students made a movie in the 70s called "Salesman from Saturn" in whick aliens planned on taking over the Earth. They made a mistake asking the local teenage boys about their cars and were bored to death by the non-stop chatter that ensued.

Bear that in mind if you ask me about the camera that I am carrying.

[jordanstarr]

...I'm pretty sick of talking about Leicas when people approach me on the street with the "nice camera...is that a Leica?" line...maybe I'll try their reaction next time to ward off unwanted conversations.

[Pherdinand]

Dear Scorpius,
1. What makes you think if you were white (,yellow, red, pink or green) would have brought a different reaction?? Sad we live in a world where people automatically associate a bad look with their own skin color!
2. Maybe they just had a fight a minute before like "Johnny why did you have to buy yet another old junky camera, don't you have seventeen at home already?? -Mary don't stick your nose into my hobby, i told you haven't i?" and then you commented "nice camera" of course you got a bad look from her!

[L David Tomei]

This reminds me that I was carrying my IIIf around my neck one day walking around the streets of Bologna not long ago. A well dressed older man who was approaching me poked his finger on my camera which was partially covered by my raincoat. My reflex was to grab my camera. I was embarrassed immediately for my response since the man had a smile and I'm sure only wanted to compliment the camera, whereas my response was perhaps hardwired by living in Rome too long. I wanted to go back and apologize but he disappeared in the crowded rainy street. I understand that I could have been the guy with the sour look on his face. Mi dispiace. Ciao.

David

[scorpius73]

It's a new day. I was griping because I got rejected. Oh well, I'm a big boy. Not the first nor the last time. But lesson learned from a few of you. I will just go about my own photo activities and not bother people. If someone wants to talk to me, cool.
I'll be out at lunch using that new to me Elmar. Hope everyone else has fun today.

[Brian Sweeney]

If I see you out with a Leica, or a Nikon RF- will be sure to ask you about it!

[scorpius73]

If I see you out with a Leica, or a Nikon RF- will be sure to ask you about it!

Absolutely Brian, you adjusted the Helios 103 for me to work on my Nikon RF. Thanks again.

[dazedgonebye]

Recently I was accosted by some guy from Belgium...
He, "Very nice, is that a Hassleblad?"
Me, "No, A** Hole, it's a Bronica. F'n foreigners...!"

Ok...actually it was quite a pleasant encounter.

[Beemermark]

Dear Scorpius,
1. What makes you think if you were white (,yellow, red, pink or green) would have brought a different reaction?? Sad we live in a world where people automatically associate a bad look with their own skin color!
Being an old white man it amazes me that today everyone assumes rude behavior is some sort of racial/age/sexes discrimination.

Me, I'm just an old grouch. I never understand why strangers want to discuss the weather with me or (for that matter) even talk to me. My response is usually a withering stare and no other response except to walk away. If they take that as discrimination that's there problem.

Recently I was riding my motorcycle to a BMW rally 600 miles away. I developed a mechanical problem that required repair so I found a hotel room in Virginia next to a very large, well know BMW repair shop. I got there about 30 minutes before they opened. As the owner and other workers arrived they walked around me, ignored my good mornings, unlocked the door and locked the door behind them. This is not typical BMW service. I never even though that they might be discriminating against me because I was an old white male (the group was composed of young white/black/Hispanic males and females).

Since they wouldn't repair my bike (too busy) maybe I should file an age discrimination suit against with the state of VA?

[anu L ogy]

For the people who have been robbed: was it at gunpoint? I am just curious. I've been in a situation a few times where I thought someone was going to try to pull a knife on me, but I've always thought that if I were in that situation I could escape while they recovered from being hit in the face with a Leica.

[klapka]

Ok, a liitle story on race tollarence..
I live in Russia not in the capital city and 99,99% of people you meet around have white skin. You can meet somewone black say.. in the university, but very seldom in other parts of the city.
So, a friend of mine (a Bulgarian) who's name is Plamen had a room neibour Steve who was a student from Kongo.
Steve was really black I'd ruther say blue, he also was very tall and sportive.
So once they where srolling in the city and saw their bus at the stop. The bus was about to leave so they both ran to catch it.
After some running Plamen realized that Steve ran much faster and he couldn't catch up with him. He saw Steve running towards the bus seeing and hearing nothing as if it were the last bus ever. He cried him to stop but Steve payed no attention. Then just laughting he cried into the air: "People, somebody, get the ****** (black guy)"
He coudn't believe his eyes but suddenly 4 or 5 young men not even being familiar with each other hit the running Steve down to the ground, twisted his arms and jumped onto him.
When Plamen came close he was so confused he didn't know wat to say..
- We got him man! - said one of the catchers. - What are we to do with him now?

That's the whole story. Plamen told them that Steve was his friend and they instantly let him go saying excuses and removing dust from his clothes but both friends were shocked.

[Chris101]

Recently I was accosted by some guy from Belgium...
He, "Very nice, is that a Hassleblad?"
Me, "No, A** Hole, it's a Bronica. F'n foreigners...!"

Ok...actually it was quite a pleasant encounter.

Actually, and I'm sure you know this, but in Arizona we wouldn't know they were from Belgium. We'd say, "F'n Frenchies...!"

[scorpius73]

Being an old white man it amazes me that today everyone assumes rude behavior is some sort of racial/age/sexes discrimination.

Me, I'm just an old grouch. I never understand why strangers want to discuss the weather with me or (for that matter) even talk to me. My response is usually a withering stare and no other response except to walk away. If they take that as discrimination that's there problem.

Recently I was riding my motorcycle to a BMW rally 600 miles away. I developed a mechanical problem that required repair so I found a hotel room in Virginia next to a very large, well know BMW repair shop. I got there about 30 minutes before they opened. As the owner and other workers arrived they walked around me, ignored my good mornings, unlocked the door and locked the door behind them. This is not typical BMW service. I never even though that they might be discriminating against me because I was an old white male (the group was composed of young white/black/Hispanic males and females).

Since they wouldn't repair my bike (too busy) maybe I should file an age discrimination suit against with the state of VA?

You could be right. Maybe it wasn't racism and I got my panties all in a bunch. But that look she gave, wow! I'm sure it keeps her gentelman in line. Doesn't matter now anyway. Today is a new day. I learned not to bother older people about things that don't concern me (his camera). All I can say is hope your day is going as well as mine. Now go make some photographs! :D

[zauhar]

For the people who have been robbed: was it at gunpoint? I am just curious. I've been in a situation a few times where I thought someone was going to try to pull a knife on me, but I've always thought that if I were in that situation I could escape while they recovered from being hit in the face with a Leica.

Great question! I have been robbed at gunpoint with a Tec-9 (that is sort of an Uzi knockoff). I did not have a camera with me, but would have hated to use my M3 to deflect bullets. The guy got my wallet, but I am happy to say I trailed him and eventually got it back, minus $15. (He pulled the cash out and ditched it.)

On another occasion a kid on a bike accosted me and my daughter after I met her at the school bus. He said he had a gun. We were at an intersection, I handed her my cell phone, told her to run cross the street and call 911, and I turned on the kid. (I really didn't believe he was armed.) He took off and the cops got him a block away. That's a first! No camera that time either.

Both those incidents were some years ago, my neighborhood has been pretty well-behaved recently.

Randy

[zauhar]

You could be right. Maybe it wasn't racism and I got my panties all in a bunch. But that look she gave, wow! I'm sure it keeps her gentelman in line. Doesn't matter now anyway. Today is a new day. I learned not to bother older people about things that don't concern me (his camera). All I can say is hope your day is going as well as mine. Now go make some photographs! :D

I don't think you were being paranoid, I suspect their was an element of fear and racism expressed on their part when you expressed interest in an expensive and unusual item. I say "racism" without hesitation, since I wager you do not in any way come across as a thug.

Speaking as a white person, I am amazed by the number of white people who pretend there is no such thing as racism and prejudice! It is after all an unfortunate part of human nature. If it makes white people feel any better, you don't need to look far to see examples of whites killing other whites or blacks killing other blacks on a grand scale, always because of some perceived difference. Think serb vs. croat or hutu vs. tutsi. But that only shows that race hatred is universal, part of our original sin.

So don't take it personally if someone points out the existence of racism - our makeup has not changed significantly in the last 100,000 years. But if you are aware of such negative tendencies in yourself, you do have some chance to counteract them.

I will also take my camera out today - I wish us all luck!

Randy

[HLing]

... If looks could kill, I'd be dead. The wife gave me a look that all I could think was "Wow". Sad we live in a world where people are still afraid because of skin color. I like talking to older people. I kinda wondered how old the camera was etc. I could have learned a little something maybe. Oh well.

How about this for a twist? There are countless couples in this world where one person dominates over the relationship. Whether it was racism or just habitual assumed ownership on her part, did you catch HIS response? Was he actually alive and participating or was he just holding his breath in her shadow, afraid to emote?

[Chris101]

How about this for a twist? There are countless couples in this world where one person dominates over the relationship. Whether it was racism or just habitual assumed ownership on her part, did you catch HIS response? Was he actually alive and participating or was he just holding his breath in her shadow, afraid to emote?

That's dark.

In this scenario, she probably beat him with the Leica once they were alone.