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Lads and ladies,

Thanks to the recent Jetstar deals, I now have the opportunity to visit Japan later this year. What are people's experiences with buying photographic gear in Japan? I've heard it's fairly cheap there, but HK is still cheaper (which doesn't really make sense to me given the good stuff are all made in Japan). True?

Thinking about splashing out on some decent lenses, but not sure if I should (or can) hold off until later in the year.

Ben

These days a lot of what purports to be Japanese is actually made in China and as HK is part of China it stands to reason that HK can be cheaper.

Even the Nikon f/2.8 stuff? Actually, I'm not fussed about where it's made as long as the quality is there.

Is there a website somewhere listing approx prices in Japan similar to ygdragon for HK?

Ben

There are several similar sites, I'll need to go back to you on that one.

For now, perhaps try http://www.yodobashi.com, which is kind of their version of adorama or (god forbid) our Ted's.

The 2nd button on the top beside 'HOME' is the one you want (デジカメ) is the one you want. All the brand name will be in japanese, so do a search with numbers. For example you should be able to find the tokina 16-50 with typing 16-50. Best of luck.

let us know how you go -- i am seriously considering japan as an end of year trip (finish my degree end of the year)... I wouldnt mind a break, 35 hour weeks plus full time uni commitments are wearing me out!

i'd like to go to japan because i find the whole country interesting, although if prices are good on nikon gear... well thats a bonus!

Thanks asaroha! My wife can read a little bit of Japanese, so no problems there. And like u said, 70-200, 17-55, etc etc is a universal language.

Prices aren't that great for Nikkor stuff though.

Ben

I went to Yadobashi in Akihabara early this year, just a warning, you will go CRAZY and INSANE inside that shop!!

Something like a 3,000 sqm level full of camera stuff... with even the most expensive toys out in the open for you to play with, mount on your camera and fire test shots.

Their prices are not too bad either, so watch your wallet

Japan is a good place to buy cameras and lenses provided you know where you are going. All I can say is that I would avoid going to Akihabara. Depending where you go, you probably will be paying a bit more. Foreigners get ripped off, personal experience hence I avoid the hype of Akihabara cheap prices.

My recommendation would be to try this store Sanpou purely because this is considered as one of the cheapest places near Tokyo. http://www.sanpou.ne.jp/ Prices are more competitive than Yadobashi or Bic Camera. That was my experience when I was living in Japan a few years ago.

Further there is another place in Osaka that is very cheap. But you need to find this out when you go there or from a japanese photo club or magazines.

Hope this helps and enjoy your time in Japan.

For Pentax owners (alright... stop laughing, everyone!) Japan is a reminder that the company does, in fact, have a range of SLR lenses. There's a place called the Pentax Forum, which is more or less opposite the large main government building in Shinjuku.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61147501@N00/485872771/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/485872771_85d0a1423c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="zIMGP0200" /></a>
The Pentax istDS attached to a massive PENTAX lens
- too bad I can't remember what lens... but anyway!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61147501@N00/485872769/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/485872769_bb77697f4c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="zIMGP0197" /></a>
I've never really wanted a crocodile-skin camera. But a crocodile-skin lens? if the price is right...

Overall, the prices of cameras didn't seem that much cheaper than elsewhere. But I love that you can walk into camera shops and simply play with the cameras, which are open on display and attached to cords/chains but otherwise available for you to play with the menu systems, everything. I got to handle a D2X without a salesperson even standing near me! I only had a day there last time, so I didn't get a chance to check out Akihabara...