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
🙂
