Tun
kiumjoon
hi guys,
i will be goin to taiwan, taipei in a few days time.
Are CV lens in taiwan cheaper? would like to visit some of the camera shops that sells CV stuff.
cheers!
i will be goin to taiwan, taipei in a few days time.
Are CV lens in taiwan cheaper? would like to visit some of the camera shops that sells CV stuff.
cheers!
Avotius
Some guy
last time I was in taipei (couple of years ago) everything seemed to be a little more then it should have been, even after bargaining for a while it didnt seem right, I ended up not getting anything
Michiel
Established
There's a "camera street" between the main station and Xiao Nanmen MTR stop. You can walk there from the main station.
Directions and street name here:
http://english.taipei.gov.tw/TCG/index.jsp?recordid=9564
Directions and street name here:
http://english.taipei.gov.tw/TCG/index.jsp?recordid=9564
alexz
Well-known
Yes, I used to travel teher for work up until few years ago. There is indeed the street in the city full of camera shops, and there are several large ones that usually get recommended for camera gear-eager visitors. Have no iead about CV gear over there, but ni general the pricing for high-end photo gear wasn't noticeably cheaper then used to be in US which was the bummer. I ended up acquiring few small things (such as Pentax high quality loupe and a ball-head), but no any heavy purchase as initially planned.
BrianPhotog
Well-known
You're referring to Poi Ai Rd and Han Kou Rd.
The simple answer is "no", most CV stuff is not cheaper. There is some sort of price-fixing arrangement going on between many of the shops that keeps some items above market value. There are a few exeptions, though.
1) For brick & mortar go to JS Photo. It's at the end of Poi Ai Rd right across from the old post office. If you start at the Mitsigoshi Building continue to walk down Chungsiao West Rd. You'll pass by a bunch of PC/electonics shops. After about 10 minutes of walking you'll see it. They are a family owned spot and are very friendly. You can deal down the price a little, but not much...but if you get something extra, like a B+W filter or something, they'll usually throw it in for a song. Unfortunately, they don't speak too much English (Mandarin and Taiwanese), but do know a few words.
2) For "mail order", try Mark. He's in a suburb of Taipei (err...San Chung, I think) but deals mostly via email. His prices are always at or below the market and will deal a few buck off anything you get. Whatever you buy will get to you the next day via local messenger. I've ordered a couple things from him and found him to be reliable. His email is sheujl@ms6.hinet.net and he does speak English.
One big plus for everything is that the tax is already in the price. Much better then the 8%+ they tack on to the tag of everything I buy back in LA.
I've lived in Taipei for 8+ years, so if you need any further help let me know. I'll even show you around if I'm free
The simple answer is "no", most CV stuff is not cheaper. There is some sort of price-fixing arrangement going on between many of the shops that keeps some items above market value. There are a few exeptions, though.
1) For brick & mortar go to JS Photo. It's at the end of Poi Ai Rd right across from the old post office. If you start at the Mitsigoshi Building continue to walk down Chungsiao West Rd. You'll pass by a bunch of PC/electonics shops. After about 10 minutes of walking you'll see it. They are a family owned spot and are very friendly. You can deal down the price a little, but not much...but if you get something extra, like a B+W filter or something, they'll usually throw it in for a song. Unfortunately, they don't speak too much English (Mandarin and Taiwanese), but do know a few words.
2) For "mail order", try Mark. He's in a suburb of Taipei (err...San Chung, I think) but deals mostly via email. His prices are always at or below the market and will deal a few buck off anything you get. Whatever you buy will get to you the next day via local messenger. I've ordered a couple things from him and found him to be reliable. His email is sheujl@ms6.hinet.net and he does speak English.
One big plus for everything is that the tax is already in the price. Much better then the 8%+ they tack on to the tag of everything I buy back in LA.
I've lived in Taipei for 8+ years, so if you need any further help let me know. I'll even show you around if I'm free
Last edited:
gcsk76
Established
Yes... We can organize a small get-together
R
rpinchbeck
Guest
Good to see some Taipei folks here. I frequently go to Taipei and in fact might be leaving Thursday for there. I've not seen any deals on CV lens in Taiwan. Mind you, I've not found any stores in Kaohsuing or Taichung yet. Still, all in all the best prices are from Camera Quest or if you are lucky from RFF folks in the Classified section.
Might have to ping you guys for a Taipei meet 'n greet if I get there for this weekend.
Cheers,
Russ Pinchbeck
Might have to ping you guys for a Taipei meet 'n greet if I get there for this weekend.
Cheers,
Russ Pinchbeck
BrianPhotog
Well-known
True CQ generally has better pricing, but once you figure in shipping it's not always the best. It's also nice to be able to try something out before you buy it. I did get my 28/1.9 Ultron from him at a better total price then locally, tho.rpinchbeck said:
PM me if you want to meet up somewhere. I'm in the Min Sheng community area (NE Taipei, right next to Neihu).
Tun
kiumjoon
hey thanks guys so much for all the info.
I wont be in taipei for too long, in fact too rush to meet up for gathering.
I wont be in taipei for too long, in fact too rush to meet up for gathering.
gcsk76
Established
There is a guy from Singapore who has a good range of CV products with good price (if send within Asia) ---> http://www.chiifcameras.com/
Tun
kiumjoon
yea, his prices are quite good in fact. But i hope to try my luck in taipei too..hahaa....