Camera Stores in Hong Kong (and Shenzhen)?
- Thread starter RicardoD
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nongfuspring
Well-known
To add one more, my favourite camera store in the world is Sunrisephoto in Sham Shui Po. Has a reasonable selection of film and the prices on most of the cameras are about the same as ebay+shipping except you get the added benefit of being able to film test the camera in store. They've got a good range, though in particular they seem to have an endless supply of Japanese fixed lens RFs often for cheaper than ebay (a mint black QL17 GIII is about $130). They'll also CLA lenses for under $50 and do one hour colour processing+scan/print for a decent price.
FilMe in Causeway bay has a big range of pretty obscure and discontinued film plus a few (usually overpriced but beautiful) cameras. They're nice guys and sometimes give bulk discounts. In the Guinness book of world records for largest collection of film.
FilMe in Causeway bay has a big range of pretty obscure and discontinued film plus a few (usually overpriced but beautiful) cameras. They're nice guys and sometimes give bulk discounts. In the Guinness book of world records for largest collection of film.
kepa
Newbie
For film, there really are no bad sellers as the only places selling them that still exist are used frequently by the large film community in HK. The dodgy places you are thinking of only sell camera gear, and they can be identified by the bright neon Canon/Nikon/Sony signs outside the shop.
I don't pay attention to the film price as it is not something that is all that significant for a roll of film. Maybe if buying 20+ rolls. I usually buy from wherever is closest when I am out, and only in very small quantities.
Some of the places I mentioned have Facebook pages, so you can contact them on prices.
Red Robin
It Is What It Is
Not being a well traveled person, would a camera in say Greece be had at a better price due to their recent monetary problems?
jwicaksana
Jakarta, Indonesia
Mint black Canonet sounds really tempting. I'll stop by Sunrisephoto. Thanks for the tip!
Yes that's what I mean, the dodgy 'tourist trap' places. Thanks!
froyd
Veteran
Thanks for the list, but it makes me wonder if my colleagues are correct, and there's no film to be found in Shenzhen... that seems hard to believe!
jwicaksana
Jakarta, Indonesia
Where is the best place to get a good used F100 body? 🙂
kepa
Newbie
Sim City in MongKok is a building full of used camera gear. Most shops sell digital bodies, but sometimes they have film bodies hidden at the back, and there is at one dedicated film camera shop in there. Google Sim City MongKok to find the place. Nearest MTR exit is E2. Come out, take a right, and then first right again, and it's on your right.
Other place is Champange Court in TST, opposite Mirimar Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui. But is likely to be more expensive in there. Round the corner is Dot-Well, that sells films and may also sell an F100.
Or you can try using dcfever.com. It is where normal people (not shops) sell their stuff, but it is in Chinese only (use google translate). I can see 5 bodies for sale currently, cheapest is HKD $1,600. You just register and then you can message the seller and arrange a meeting.
jwicaksana
Jakarta, Indonesia
Thanks kepa for the detailed info. During my stay, I went to Sim City, and the shops in Carnarvon Road - All Good Friend Camera, K&M Camera, etc, and DotWell next door. I got two rolls developed by DotWell and am very happy with the results.
Bisakok
Established
This is all probably way too late by now, but what its worth... Photo Scientific has moved to Sheung Wan, and in any event were never competitive on film prices with Chung Pui Photo at the top of Stanley Street. Gilman's Bazaar definitely worth a poke about...
peterm1
Veteran
I went into Tin Cheung which, as you say is in a small mall (upstairs on perhaps the 3rd level) near Nathan Road. It has a reputation for being reputable and looked very professional but I did not buy from there on my last trip.
As you have said many stores in Tim Sha Tsui (TST) are tourist traps. In fact they are traps of the worst kind where they regularly try to bait and switch customers. You ask the price. They will give you a price that sounds too good to be true, which of course it is. When you offer to buy they will take your money then say they have to get the item "from the warehouse" They make a big show of calling the "warehouse" only then to say very sorry but we are out of stock and instead try to force upon you, some piece of crud worth half what you paid and they refuse to refund your money. The police will not get involved regarding it as a civil matter. Even if there is one of what you bought on the display in the store they will not sell it, claiming its a display item only. This is very common or was when I was there about 2 years ago but I was spared problems as I ad researched it and was savvy enough to be careful. After making due inquiries I bought a lens from a small dealer on the corner of Hankow Road and Ichang Street in TST and was very satisfied with their service and no bullsh#t policy. ( A good test is the price quoted. If its in the ball park of what you expected to pay there is a chance they may be honest. If the price quoted is silly cheap you can be sure they are crooks. Many times I asked just for curiosity then just turned and walked out without a further word when this happened to me).
You will also find an interesting camera store loaded with older and collectible cameras in a little shopping mall (Mirror Tower) opposite the Shangrila Hotel on Mody Street in TST about a 10 minute walk from Nathan Road. If you are looking wider afield (as others say Mongkok is good including Sim City and various shops in Sham Shui Po). Check out the videos of Matt Granger on youtube (He was also known as That Nikon Guy so you may fiond that helps when searching) He has three or four good videos on shopping and photography in Hong Kong and his videos tell you about his favorite stores in Mongkok. Here is one (Google Matt Granger Hong Kong video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6jXyia-Pk
Be aware that shopping in HK is not as good as in pre internet days and with rising incomes Hong Kongers can be willing to pay big money for collectable camera gear..
As you have said many stores in Tim Sha Tsui (TST) are tourist traps. In fact they are traps of the worst kind where they regularly try to bait and switch customers. You ask the price. They will give you a price that sounds too good to be true, which of course it is. When you offer to buy they will take your money then say they have to get the item "from the warehouse" They make a big show of calling the "warehouse" only then to say very sorry but we are out of stock and instead try to force upon you, some piece of crud worth half what you paid and they refuse to refund your money. The police will not get involved regarding it as a civil matter. Even if there is one of what you bought on the display in the store they will not sell it, claiming its a display item only. This is very common or was when I was there about 2 years ago but I was spared problems as I ad researched it and was savvy enough to be careful. After making due inquiries I bought a lens from a small dealer on the corner of Hankow Road and Ichang Street in TST and was very satisfied with their service and no bullsh#t policy. ( A good test is the price quoted. If its in the ball park of what you expected to pay there is a chance they may be honest. If the price quoted is silly cheap you can be sure they are crooks. Many times I asked just for curiosity then just turned and walked out without a further word when this happened to me).
You will also find an interesting camera store loaded with older and collectible cameras in a little shopping mall (Mirror Tower) opposite the Shangrila Hotel on Mody Street in TST about a 10 minute walk from Nathan Road. If you are looking wider afield (as others say Mongkok is good including Sim City and various shops in Sham Shui Po). Check out the videos of Matt Granger on youtube (He was also known as That Nikon Guy so you may fiond that helps when searching) He has three or four good videos on shopping and photography in Hong Kong and his videos tell you about his favorite stores in Mongkok. Here is one (Google Matt Granger Hong Kong video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6jXyia-Pk
Be aware that shopping in HK is not as good as in pre internet days and with rising incomes Hong Kongers can be willing to pay big money for collectable camera gear..
froyd
Veteran
From what I was able to observe in the fancy stores, the Chinese are the ones throwing money at anything that glitters.
peterm1
Veteran
You mean mainland Chinese? That's probably correct. Try visiting Macau. The big casinos are full of them spending big. :^) In fancy stores in Tim Tsa Tsui these stores often limit the numbers coming in to stop them flooding the stores with people. You sometimes see big lineups of Mainland Chinese who have come over on buses lined up outside Loius Vitton stores etc in the stores near ocean terminal.
peterm1
Veteran
Another couple of Matt Granger link on shopping for cameras in Mongkok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II3iFgyG_I4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_dTz34xZEY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II3iFgyG_I4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_dTz34xZEY
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