Hong Kong

[woodleica]

I will be in Hong Kong for a day later this month in transit. I know HK quite well from about 20 years ago when my parents lived there and I visited on summer vacation more than once. However, it's been a while. My wife will be with me who has never been there so plan to show her around. My plan is to at least go the Peak but would like to capture some iconic street photos if possible. However, I also wanted to know good stores for used and new Leica equipment. I have fond memories of photo shopping in HK and got my first ever camera - a nikon film SLR years ago there and am well aware that there are swindlers as well as great shops. Good lunch place recommendations for vegetarians also welcome.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[kdemas]

Hi there. I haven't been to Hong Kong in quite some time so I'm no help. That said, the subject has been touched before and I think there are some good answers waiting for you.

Here's a link that provides direction to some threads of interest. Enjoy your trip!!

Kent

 

[Drmarkf]

We lived in HK for a year in 1985 and have been back every 5-8 years since.

I don't think you'll find many Leica bargains at the moment - the information in the previous post will help, but I had a poke around a few stores when we were last there in October '10 and the reliable sources were quite expensive by UK standards. I suspect a lot of Japanese visitors buy classic gear in HK and that pushes the prices up.

I did have a great time walking the streets around Hollywood Road - there are still lots of traditional shops & vendors there for good classic street photography - and we had a fun visit to the massive new mall at Langham Place (allegedly this has the longest escalator in the world) with wonderful opportunities for shots of HK trendy youth at play among quirky shops!

We also had a good day getting an early ferry from Central to Lantau, then the bus to Tai O (still a very colourful village) for lunch, another bus to the Giant Buddha, then the cablecar down to near the airport as dusk was falling, and the MTR back to Central. Masses of fun subjects all day.

I can't help with vegetarian food, sorry.

 

[Drmarkf]

Almost forgot...

They've built a ghastly concrete monstrosity of a shopping mall at the top station of the Peak Tram. They make it hard to escape, but I strongly recommend finding your way out of this after you've arrived via the tram, and walk the 2 miles or so around Lugard Road. This circles the very top of the Peak and gives still fantastic views over Pok Fu Lam country park, Lamma, Lantau, and the whole of the harbour and Kowloon. You probably did this 20 years ago.

The amount of building and reclamation will stagger you if you haven't been there for a long time. The walk is still leafy and shaded, and its nice to finish it as dusk is gathering. Then you can have a meal at what used to be the Peak Cafe ( now a reasonable restaurant) and/ or a Haagen-Dasz. Don't forget the insect repellant.

Have fun.

 

[dyao]

I'm living in HK now - what kind of gear are you looking for? Leica prices are inflated over here compared to the US. CV stuff tends to be cheaper than the US.

 

[woodleica]

Thanks for all the input. Very helpful.

dvao - I didn't have a specific need, but am looking for a 50mm and 35mm and wanted to peruse and check the prices and buy if I find one. But, if it's more expensive I may skip it. However, I also thought I might pick up an olympus xz-1 for my wife. It's not yet available in the US but I have seen ebay sellers from HK selling it.

 

[flipo]

check the HK Photo Club Section here on RFF

 

[andrewch]

The prices for anything Leica have skyrocketed in the last couple of years, thanks to the nouveau riche in mainland China. You can have some idea of the current prices for new and second hand items by checking out the classified section of the Hong Kong Leica Fan Club (www.hklfc.com).