V2 a Professional Camera LOL

A few weeks ago we went to a local park for a picnic to serve the elderly in my church.

I was using my V2 with FT-1 and 85 mm DX Macro taking pictures of some flowers (I was dressed in a shorts, T-shirt and a blue fanny pack (no camera bag).

The security came and stopped me for using a professional camera without permit. LOL.

I never expected being stopped as pro using a Nikon 1 (I tried to argue this was my smallest camera and paid $250 for it and never sold any pictures). BTW they did not stop my wife with a J1 and 10-100 (maybe because her J1 was red). Also tons of people were using Rebels, D3xxx and D5xxx without being stopped...




Yes, taking this picture got me in trouble (heavily photoshopped)



--
Daniel Oh
ps. I truly believe photography as a hobby is defined by the pleasure you get from the activity. It does not matter what equipment or results. I am a hobbyist and a very awful photographer (snapshooter is a better name) but a very happy one.

Well Daniel looks like you have to paint that Pro V2 in some armature red paint. Nice picture by the way.

What is this place that you need a permit to use a "pro" camera? Sounds ridiculous.

I'm guessing this is a public park? If so then I would go to the city and find out what the deal is about having a permit.

My suspicion is that this security guard overstepped their authority and it's likely a permit may be required if you were shooting a wedding in the park or something along those lines where it was a commercial endeavour.

In any event I would find out what the heck that is about as it sounds rather suspect. Might even want to get this fellow fired....

When they talk to me they pointed out the signs that says photography with pro equipment requires permit. The problem is that it does not define pro equipment.

Yes, it was a city park. Anyway, it was not pretty enough for me to care (reason I was using macro lens) and I was there for different reason. I just went on with my smartphone. No big deal. Just funny. Thankfully no permit is needed in prettier places like amazon...

I just finished seeing the article about the Canon Rebel vs pro shootout. Just hours to show that "pro" and "pro camera" are two completely different things.

I know I've been questioned a few times about my big camera, so a little V1 or removing the EVF from my V3 will usually suffice. Of course, this whole idea about permits is ludicrous, especially if you consider the privacy issues around cell phone use. Are we going to see the advent of a total photography ban like the "Swiss Town" marketing prank?

Glad you at least got the great shot while you could.
For my way of seeing things it's more of a beautifully constructed 'abstract' than a flower photo. Nice. ( :

I agree with you.

I went on a PP madness. This was the only way to salvage a mediocre picture with poor composition but good colours.

Next week I am heading to DC (last time I was there 15 + years ago I was still shooting film). I hope they still allow "Pro" cameras like my V2...

Daniel, until pretty recently I'd spent my entire adult life living in D.C. and surrounding areas. I doubt you'll have a problem with the camera unless they've come up with a way to 'fine' you for it. The only thing the D.C. government is interested in is taking your money any way they can. Don't jaywalk, don't drop a gum wrapper even by accident, and whatever you do, don't drive a car under any circumstances while you're there.
But please bring us back some photos if you make it out alive. ( :

Thanks for the tips.

I don't chew gums and not renting a car (parking in hotel was overpriced...). Just have to remember not to jaywalk...

Going for work. I hope I get some pictures on free time...