Film and equipment stolen from our apartment

So after choosing to live in downtown San Francisco (SOMA, near 7th / mission), a burglar broke into our house last weekend. So the 2 macbook pros were backed up, and the cameras and lenses were replaceable and well-insured. But in the kitchen was my backpack, and in the backpack was new ilford paper and a gray laptop case. And in the gray laptop case was most of the film I've taken -- at least the best stuff -- in the last 20 years. 50 rolls of 35mm, 20 rolls 120, 40 sheets of 4x5 of our family weddings, most important life events. Paris in 1999 on that old Mamiya. The twin towers on velvia 50. Even a few rolls of flowers and landscapes on kodachrome 25.

Not much that is worth money but tremendous sentimental value.

Edit: The backpack just happened to be a convenient way to make off with my stuff, there's no way the thief really intended to steal it.

Any creative ideas on recovering the film? We've already canvassed the area in search for the film. Most likely it was discarded as junk. Other viewpoints welcome.

We had our wedding pictures and a tape of the wedding besides a full suitcase of my wife's pictures and clothing stolen during our honeymoon. Everything was gone. We were never able to recover things and since they were stolen from the car, the insurance company fought us every step of the way. They insisted that we show signs of a break in.

My condolences and best wishes for the recovery of your items.

PE

Extremely sorry and sad to hear that.

I would put up posters on telephone poles, market bulletin boards, on-line forums, spread the word describing that you lost irreplaceable photos that have value only to you and that you will offer a reward for their return, no questions asked.

It may be a long shot, but you can't do nothing.

Also, check dumpsters and trash bins in your neighborhood - they may have tossed it since they can't turn it into quick cash.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

The burglar is probably local. I would suggest that you post "lost-and-found" notices around the block and in front of your apartment asking and perhaps even offering to pay for return of the negatives.

I would suggest you do this quickly.

Sorry for your loss. I don't know what to suggest you do. I'd cry a little then move on. Unfortunately pictures Etc aren't really something a thief can monetize, so recovery isn't likely. Let's hope and pray that the thief has a conscionce, realizes that the stolen goods are valuable to you and nobody else, and returns them.

peoplemerge,

Man...my heart goes out to you. As photographers, negatives are like our children in a way...you invest in them, nurture them, make sure they are in a protected environment...gosh...I'd rather have my gear stolen than my negs. I'm so sorry mate.

I have been robbed in the past, and it's a complete sense of violation...I have no pitty or feelings for the robber whatsoever, and tonight I will pray that a nasty and painful end becomes of them sooner than later.

I suggest you put all of your energies into creating new memories
and masterpieces and look forward to seeing them here one day soon.

BTW, Paris is nice this time of year.
Best,
J

Thanks guys. I've put up posters and asked around. Sigh. Thank you guys for all of your thoughts.

Another thing, post an ad on the SF Bay CL, and maybe talk to the guys at Samy's Camera, as well as other camera shops in the area... Longshot with respect to the backpack, but at least your gear might get recovered, especially if you've receipts for purchases, etc. Think there's also a Stolen Photography Gear group on Farcebook. Post there...

Anyway, wish you luck.
-J

I tell you how it works in Italy.
Go to your local police station and denonciate the theft and the missing documents.
It is entirely possible that in a few days the pictures will be returned because the thief recognizes they have value for you, and none for him.
The traditional way to do this in Italy is to ask a person to bring the to the Police. The Police will phone you saying somebody brought to the station some material which is of interest of you.
It is customary not to bother the person coming to give in the stuff.
This happened to me personally, I was given back an identity card that was pick-pocketed (no money, but the nice leather case was not given back).
Passports, documents, personal pictures are often given back by the thief, or at least that happens here.

It is also possible that somebody might come to your house and give it back to you personally, probably a child (that you will tip).

Sorry to hear this. It really sucks when something like this occurs. I was pickpocketed last year and left a sour taste.

Anyway, try to see if your neighbouring buildings have any cc cameras installed near their entrances overlooking the road in around your house.

Best wishes,
Ashfaque

Really starting to hate San Francisco.

Sorry to hear about your problems.

Welcome to APUG though.

If someone loses or steps on a stick drive no big deal, but losing negatives is a big deal. The time and effort that goes into processing and printing film is frequently intended to have long-lasting value beyond our own lifetimes. At least in my case, that is why I do it.

howardpan said:

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

The burglar is probably local. I would suggest that you post "lost-and-found" notices around the block and in front of your apartment asking and perhaps even offering to pay for return of the negatives.

I would suggest you do this quickly.

Click to expand...

YES! do this...the profit motive would certainly help, so that someone finding stuff tossed aside could come offer it, or maybe even the original thief looking to increase the value of their take!

Sad, that specific area of SF (6th/7th, Mission/Howard) has been the habitue of undesirable denizens in SF for over 60 years (I'm 65, and I remember it then!)...the redevelopment known as SOMA (over past 25 years) has never seemed to take hold there, and the seediness has spread to Market and the Civic Center surroundings, which is considerably trashier and undesireable compared to when I went to the university in SF 45 years ago.
I was born across the Bay Bridge, but I consider myself a native of SF (Oakland is even less desireable) and apologize for what SF has brought for you.

In a weird way you must be a bit gratified that there are other film users out there...

I'll keep my eye out. Was just down there today and will be again tomorrow.

Thanks, everyone. Going through and looking for receipts. SF is not bad and we're basically over the loss emotionally. Losing the film is the worst part, but feeling bad isn't going to bring it back. No leads from the posters we put up in spite of the cash reward. We decided not to put it right on the door because that would be too much of an advertisement to rob us again!