Lenses/cameras cheaper in Tokyo than in NY?

[selfdialogue]

I am off to tokyo in a few weeks and wondering if the price of used lenses and cameras are cheaper in Japan than here in the states. I am after some Leica M lenses and possibly a medium format camera.

 

[historicist]

I'm English so I'm not super familiar with US prices (which are probably better than UK prices) but my experience has been that European things like Leica will be the same price or more expensive than at home.

But some Japanese things are way cheaper - good quality 35mm compacts, some medium format (Japanese brands like Fuji, Bronica, Pentax), and third party l39 or M lenses

The cheapest camera shop in Tokyo is, I think, Fujiya Camera in Nakano - I'm sure a Tokyo resident will step in if I'm wrong.

 

[flip]

Japanese-made is cheaper in Japan. Konica is cheaper, for example. However, Leica is more. FLRF's are cheaper.

 

[shimokita]

there is an active second hand market, but the shoppers tend to have a lot of knowledge so in general you will not find any hidden gems. What you can find is good quality glass as a fair market price as well as some over prices stuff for the weekend shopper.

As I have recommended to others, pick up a copy of "Nihon Camera" or other big monthly camera magizine and search thru the back pages for what you are looking for. This also gives you an idea of pricing if you visit the standard list of shops (Nakano or Shinjuku for example).

I picked up a Mamiya RB67 for US 100 so it depends on what you are interested in. There has been a big decrease in the availability of (e.g.) Canon screw mount lenses these last few years and the M-mount lenses likewise seem to be less available.

On the other hand Pentax M42 (universal mount) are dirt cheap (e.g. 55mm 1.8 at USD 10.00) and Spotmatics for USD 10.00-15.00.

It general it's good shopping, but somewhat less sellection than in recent years.

Casey

 

[BillBingham2]

Can not speak to Tokyo but NYC prices are reasonable if you have a good supply of what you are looking for.

The big thing about Tokyo and Japan in general is that photography is practiced in a much wider spectrum of the population than it is here in the State. There are MANY more little shops around Japan that are still in business than you will find today in NYC.

Also you will find many more options for just about what ever you seek Photographically in Japan than you will in NYC. These days with the Internet prices are about equal for used stuff.

When I am buying used price is an issue but to me equal to that is condition. From what I can read there are many more places to touch, feel and test stuff over there than in NYC. I doubt you will find a shop these days with multiple shelves of Nikon Range Finders, you can there. Shops dedicated to MF exist in Japan. I haven't been in NYC for many years but as the title of this thread leads me to believe price is an issue I doubt you will find any that are not focused on just pros in NYC.

I do not think you will pay a lot more in Japan. There are lots of folks who live in Japan and NYC these days that can give you a more local opinion.

B2

 

[shiro_kuro]

Also consider the exchange rate .... And some of the big stores you can bring your passport and make your purchases "Duty Free" .... places like Bic camera etc. have point cards that also help toward discounted prices ...

 

[selfdialogue]

Thanks everyone. I guess I need to look around. I would love it if I can find a good deal on a Mamiya 6. I should do a bit more research before I fly out there.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Not sure if its a good deal, but Fujiya Camera in Nakano currently has a Mamiya 6 "new" with 75/3.5 for 65,100 yen.

 

[jonmanjiro]

They also have a Mamiya 7ii body (black) for 70,350 yen and a Mamiya 7 43/4.5 with finder for 71,400 yen. The reason for the low price on the 43/4.5 is because the level bubble in the finder has dried out.

I know the prices on the Mamiya 7 gear are pretty good, but I'm not up on Mamiya 6 prices.