Frontman
Well-known
I enjoy exploring the many small neighborhoods around Tokyo. I put a camera or two in my bag, and take the train or subway to a new station, and then walk back home.
The other day walked through one of the old downtown shopping areas which had been renovated back in the "bubble era", but which has been in decline ever since. About half the shops were open, several were were closed, and some were "half-open", meaning the they had a few items on display, and the lights were on.
As I walked by one of these half-open shops, I saw what appeared to be cameras on the shelves. I walked over, and sure enough, the shop had a dozen or so cameras on display.
To my surprise, these cameras were all old Japanese cameras dating back to the 1970's and 1980's. They were all new, but had been sitting on the shelves for so long that they were covered with dust. Models on display were a silver Yashica GX, some Canon A1 and AE-1 cameras, and a black-paint Canonet QL17.
Another case carried a huge assortment of Fuji and Polaroid instant films. There were odds and ends everywhere, and quite a few things I was interested in. I went in the shop and called out "sumimasen" (excuse me), but no one ever came.
I'll take another walk in that neighborhood again soon, hopefully the shopkeeper will be awake by then.
The other day walked through one of the old downtown shopping areas which had been renovated back in the "bubble era", but which has been in decline ever since. About half the shops were open, several were were closed, and some were "half-open", meaning the they had a few items on display, and the lights were on.
As I walked by one of these half-open shops, I saw what appeared to be cameras on the shelves. I walked over, and sure enough, the shop had a dozen or so cameras on display.
To my surprise, these cameras were all old Japanese cameras dating back to the 1970's and 1980's. They were all new, but had been sitting on the shelves for so long that they were covered with dust. Models on display were a silver Yashica GX, some Canon A1 and AE-1 cameras, and a black-paint Canonet QL17.
Another case carried a huge assortment of Fuji and Polaroid instant films. There were odds and ends everywhere, and quite a few things I was interested in. I went in the shop and called out "sumimasen" (excuse me), but no one ever came.
I'll take another walk in that neighborhood again soon, hopefully the shopkeeper will be awake by then.
BNLee
Established
Some more to the ever growing collection?
I guess you will be taking the Canonet QL17 Black edition for sure huh! Really nice that you are able to see this sort of old cameras lying around and getting them for low prices...
In my area, there are hardly any camera stores which still sells old cameras... Most of them only sell digital stuff... One thing however is that most people here are more open minded, most times I can photograph them!
I guess you will be taking the Canonet QL17 Black edition for sure huh! Really nice that you are able to see this sort of old cameras lying around and getting them for low prices...
In my area, there are hardly any camera stores which still sells old cameras... Most of them only sell digital stuff... One thing however is that most people here are more open minded, most times I can photograph them!
Vincent.G
Well-known
Some say that Japan is camera heaven!
You're so fortunate to be there!
You're so fortunate to be there!
RBruceCR
Well-known
Frontman please find me a camera case for my Yashica Electro 35 GX!
*chris
Established
wow that sounds really awesome. i wish i was able to do something like that. i really want a black ql17 too but my oly 35 rc shall have to suffice for now
twopointeight
Well-known
Try going back with a Japanese friend. I lived there in the Great Bubble from '80-90.