Should I bring my Manual SLR camera with me to The Dominican Republic?

I'm not sure if it can get confiscated or possibly stolen at the airport/customs. I'm bringing my digital camera but want to get some shots on B&W film. If I should bring it, should I bring it as a carry on?

If you have room in a carry-on, I would do that. Packing it away makes it susceptible to being lost or stolen from your luggage. The camera will have to be X-Rayed just like any other carry-on luggage. Also, be prepared to have to demonstrate that the camera functions properly. You might want to store the film separately in luggage and split it into two suitcases if you are bringing more than one. This will decrease the likelihood of you losing all your film. Good luck and have fun shooting!

the safest thing to do is LEAVE it a home.

The Dominican Republic is notorious for officials taking the belongings of tourists, and the police is in on it. You might want to contact someone in the US Ambassy there before you travel to get the inside scoop.