G-20 summit in Toronto: Tear Gas effect on film/cameras

[Kristopher]

Hi all,

I am heading soon to Toronto to cover the G-20 rally. Let's face it: there is gonna be A LOT of tear gas outhere.

I am planning to bring two cameras (one Leica, and one K-1000 in case things get too hot to risk the expensive stuff) and a lot of Tri-X.

I was wondering if anybody has experience of the effect of CS gas on film/cameras.

Any other good advice is welcomed.

Thanks in advance!

K

[sevo]

Originally Posted by Kristopher

I was wondering if anybody has experience of the effect of CS gas on film/cameras.

I've worked as a PJ from the late seventies to mid eighties, when riots were en vogue all over Europe, and worse tear gas than today was administered in greater quantities. No tear gas damage ever to film - but a full hit of a water cannon will inundate any camera short of a Nikonos down to the film chamber. Damaged or destroyed gear is not rare, but film damage is only secondary to that.

Sevo

[kievman]

After being gassed and pepper sprayed a few times (only... Thank God!) As a former photojournalist. I recomend not worrying so much about the equipment. but yourself !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the equipment can take some bumps and hits and keep on working most of the time, but if you get gassed or pepper sprayed your are out of business for the day or maybe longer!!!! I would strongly suggest getting a gas mask and goggles if there is any serious risk of the above mentioned punishments BTW- Cops think nothing of pepper spraying media if they don't want the media to film thier abuses of free speech or protesters. Good Luck- Kievman

[Avotius]

I have also felt the pain of tear gas but I was not directly in the middle of it, caught the tail end of a lucky draft and woooooo your gear is the least of your worries. If you are that worried take a point and shoot waterproof camera or something similar (olympus epic I think they were called).

I did not have any gear damage and was using a sony f717 which was fine afterwards.

[payasam]

I did what Sevo did, though for rather longer: and my cameras and film did not experience any damage from tear gas. It might be sensible to carry a bottle of water and a large handkerchief.