Myself and the M6 going to Hong Kong

[Avotius]

So yeah I think i will go to Hong Kong sometime around the 13th of the month for about a week, I have never been and think it should be interesting for a few pictures. I will take the M6 or the Bessa plus the GRD. Lenses will be the 50 Planar and Leica 35 cron v3. I dont know which camera to take for sure yet though, I like the M6 but I think the Bessa's aperture priority shooting is so important....I should have bought an M7 or Zeiss Ikon I guess then sold the bessa.

Anyway, I am pretty familiar with traveling around mainland china but never have been to HK or its areas besides Guangzhou. I dont speak Cantonese only mandarin but people tell me in HK they speak better english then they do mandarin, I figure that wont be a big problem at least.

My gf will be having her birthday there while we are wandering around the city, and suggestions for good places to visit for two photographers seeking out more meaningful sights in the city? Also she wants to do a lot of shopping for girl stuff, anyone here who knows where is best, of course you would only know that because your other dragged you there but regardless. I on the other hand want to take a lot of street photos, also I would like to see some camera shops and hope that I dont get tempted to buy a Zeiss Ikon or M7 or maybe even an M8 while im there. Also I will be taking a look for a Zeiss 28 ZM lens, I am still not sold on this 35mm focal length yet, hope to at least check out a 28 while im there.

Anyway, anywhere that two poor students can go within the weeks time we will be there, that would be great.

Also I hold an American passport, as far as I can see I dont need a visa to go there and I will simply reenter the mainland with my residence permit when I leave so I should not have any problems, true? My gf thinks its funny she has to get a visa (she is a chinese national) like she is going to a different country to go to HK. I told her its a strange world we live in.

 

[Avotius]

no one here been to hk or lives there?

 

[Rayt]

I should be around that week. PM me.

 

[Tin]

Since no one from HK has given you a reply, I'd give you some general comments. I was a HK resident long time ago, but have only visited HK three times in the last 10 years. So my impression about prices , etc. may be out of date already.

First, I don't think you'd have problems with language. All street signs and subway signs are bilingual. There are also many people who can speak English or Mandarin. The younger generation all learn Mandarin in school, although they likely speak it with an accent. Furthermore, there are also many foreigners living in HK. They are a common sight on the streets.

I couldn't point yo to any camera stores or good shopping areas, although I can tell you where not to go for shopping. Tsim Sha Tsui (the southern tip on the Kowloon side) is the tourist area. So it is more expensive. The banking district on the HK Island side is also more expensive.

But in general, you'd find that prices everywhere are more expensive than in China. In many cases, it is much more expensive. But the good thing is that HK$ and RMB are fairly close in value, so you can easily compare prices.

As for street photography, there are lots of opportunities almost anywhere you go. One good way to get around and spot photo ops is to take the tram on the HK Island side. It is cheap (HK$2 per ride flat rate the last time I was there), so you can afford to get off anytime you want. Of course for longer distance or faster way to get to a destination, you'd have to take the subway.

 

[breathstealer]

There's a pretty active HK photo club here, so you may want to post there too. I've never joined them even though I'm a resident and have an RF (aaag exams)

Chances are you will always be able to find a decent English or Mandarin speaker, though they may not be excellent.

Camera shops: Old stuff is best found in Tsim Sha Tsui, at Champagne Court - it's a little mall full of classic camera gear. I doubt you'll see more Hassys lined up in a row on a shelf anywhere else but Japan. Nearby you'll also find Tin Cheung (www.tincheungcamera.com.hk), which carries lots of new CV gear. Apart from that, do not buy anything camera related in TST - as Tin has said, it's the tourist area.

The other famous photo equipment areas are in Mongkok (further up the Kowloon side), namely the stores Wing Shing and Man Shing, and in Central on the island, along Stanley Street.

As for "girl stuff", I don't quite know what you mean but Causeway Bay on HK Island is a really popular shopping district. Lots of big malls filled with brandname stuff (a zillion times cheaper than on the mainland), and smaller out of the way boutiques as well. Central is good too. Do not go to Stanley Market - that's another tourist trap.

Meaningful sights: Throughout HK's urban areas you'll be able to find a big contrast between old and new. Lots of crumbling old buildings patched up with shiny facades, with a huge mix of people around them - perfect for street. You may also want to visit some historical locations before they go under the wrecking ball (literally - our government is pretty good at choosing the most valuable historical spots and then selling the land for hotels). Wan Chai Market and the market on Staunton Street in Central come to mind quickly.

If you have time for a day trip, Tung Ping Chau out by the border with China is a wonderful scenic location, combining unique rock formations and decaying abandoned 60's era villages.

PM me for my number/email if you need more info

 

[AJ_W]

Hi Avotius,

I've been in HK for the past two weeks and have spent most of my time wandering the streets with camera in hand, visiting camera stores, and window shopping (I'm a poor student too).

Here are my thoughts:

In terms of shopping for/with your gf, one suggestion is taking her to Elements, which is HK's newest shopping complex which is located in Kowloon Bay. (http://www.elementshk.com/eng/services/sightseeing.htm) All the big fashion labels, cinemas, ice rink, semi-decent bookstore w/ some photography + art books, and a supermarket which sells decent bread.

In terms of camera gear, on Kowloon side you can check out the stores located in Champagne Court on Kimberley Road in Tsim Sa Tsui. There's also a new-ish store called Ninedays which I found on the net recently: http://www.9days.hk/. Also located in TST, somewhere.

Island-side there are a few stores on Stanley Street in Central that don't have much second-hand Leica gear.

Places to photograph, from your flickr I'm sure you'll find inspiration where ever you go, but for me I found the mid-levels a great place to get lost and spend an afternoon poking around. Start from Stanley Street, head up to Soho, through to Sheung Wan and Hollywood Road (filled w/ old antique stores, some with old camera gear), back to Central etc.

PM if you want to get in contact and meet up for an afternoon while you are in HK. I'm still finalising an internship and have lots of free time - it would be great to meet up with another poor student photographer!

 

[Windscale]

.

Anyway, anywhere that two poor students can go within the weeks time we will be there, that would be great.

Also I hold an American passport, as far as I can see I dont need a visa to go there and I will simply reenter the mainland with my residence permit when I leave so I should not have any problems, true? My gf thinks its funny she has to get a visa (she is a chinese national) like she is going to a different country to go to HK. I told her its a strange world we live in.

Judging by the gear you own, the passport you hold and your ability to write English in this manner, I cannot imagine you being anything that can be described as a poor student. Anyway, welcome to Hong Kong. A week is probably enough for you to do whatever you want, including your GF's shopping. Have you sorted out where to stay yet? On the point of shopping, you ought be be very careful as there are many con merchants who will try to cheat Mainlanders (those who speak Putonghua!). For the GF it would be best to stick to reputable places such as Sogo, Ocean Terminal, Ocean City, Pacific Place and so on. She will find all the famous brands in these places. When it comes to camera shops you have to be extra careful. Wing Shing in Mongkok is one of the more respected shops for new equipment. It may be a good idea to go to Macau for a day. It is a great place for photography (and gambling) as many historical structures have been preserved whereas in Hong Kong they have, sadly, knocked down most historical building in the name of progress! If you need any assistance you can always PM me. I speak very little Putonghua. But my English is OK. I am a very old fashioned person and I use only fully mechanical cameras with a handheld meter.

One last point is that you ought to consider bringing a little tripod with you as the city lights are quite good to shoot.

 

[Avotius]

This Tin Cheung place has some good prices on zeiss lenses. I have an unhealthy interest in the 28 biogon zm as 35mm is not sitting well with me yet, and the price is a full 1000 RMB cheaper in hk then here, but we will see what happen, I shouldnt be spending money, and if I am going to buy anything I have to sell what I wont use first.

Oh dear, I think I better leave my visa card at home

 

[maddoc]

I have absolutely no idea about HK but judging from your photos (and posts) here at RFF my advice would be to bring the M6 together with the 35 Summicron v3, a 50 mm (red-scale Elmar or Planar) and lots of film !!

Waiting or your photos !!

 

[Avotius]

Judging by the gear you own, the passport you hold and your ability to write English in this manner, I cannot imagine you being anything that can be described as a poor student. Anyway, welcome to Hong Kong. A week is probably enough for you to do whatever you want, including your GF's shopping. Have you sorted out where to stay yet? On the point of shopping, you ought be be very careful as there are many con merchants who will try to cheat Mainlanders (those who speak Putonghua!). For the GF it would be best to stick to reputable places such as Sogo, Ocean Terminal, Ocean City, Pacific Place and so on. She will find all the famous brands in these places. When it comes to camera shops you have to be extra careful. Wing Shing in Mongkok is one of the more respected shops for new equipment. It may be a good idea to go to Macau for a day. It is a great place for photography (and gambling) as many historical structures have been preserved whereas in Hong Kong they have, sadly, knocked down most historical building in the name of progress! If you need any assistance you can always PM me. I speak very little Putonghua. But my English is OK. I am a very old fashioned person and I use only fully mechanical cameras with a handheld meter.

One last point is that you ought to consider bringing a little tripod with you as the city lights are quite good to shoot.

You are right, I am only a little poor. I am actually and american living here in china right now, I dont have as much money as it might seem but I get by ok. Believe me, the leica m6, I am barely affording it right now and more then once it has crossed my mind that I cant really afford the damn thing.




Anyway, I can probably get around in HK just fine, I have been around before, will try the m6 out some more, but sigh....the bessa and its aperture priority shooting mode......what to do what to do.....

 

[sockeyed]

Hi Colin,

I lived in the New Territories of Hong Kong as a wee lad (1976, aged 5), and I manage to get to Hong Kong every year, at least in recent times. It's a great city and definitely one of my favourite places for street photography. My preferred urban places are the backstreets of Kowloon and Sheung Wan (east of Central). Just pound the pavement and you'll see a wealth of wonderful things.

Definitely take the Star Ferry across the harbour. They have been running unchanged for well over half a century and are very photogenic themselves (as are their crew).

Also, ride the tram on the island. It doesn't matter where you're going, just riding it is a great experience. Try and get to the front of the upper lever for the best views.

If you're feeling more adventurous, there is great hiking in Saikung: beaches, abandoned villages, forests.

Hong Kong has a phenomenal integrated transit system: MTR (subway), double-decker buses, mini-buses, tram and Star Ferry. All with work with an "Octopus" stored-value card which you can pick up at 7-11 or MTR stations. You can also use the card to buy groceries and other things.

Are you jonesing for a good coffee? I really recommend Crema Coffee in the Penninsula Centre, 67 Mody Road, in Tsim Sha Tsui East. It faces the street on the eastern side of the building. Great espresso, plus wi-fi. It's also about 100m from Joseph Yao's shop (New Cameron Photo), should you be tempted to pick up Leica, Voigtlander or Zeiss gear.

Have you figured out where to stay? I always crash with friends, but my friend swears by the hostels in the infamous Chungking Mansions, so long as you like 6x6' rooms!

Sorry I can't help out with girly shops. I think that you'll find them without even trying.

Have a great time, and drop me a line if you have any questions.

 

[Windscale]

You are right, I am only a little poor. I am actually and american living here in china right now, I dont have as much money as it might seem but I get by ok. Believe me, the leica m6, I am barely affording it right now and more then once it has crossed my mind that I cant really afford the damn thing.




Anyway, I can probably get around in HK just fine, I have been around before, will try the m6 out some more, but sigh....the bessa and its aperture priority shooting mode......what to do what to do.....

There is nothing better in photography than a Leica in hand. I still use an M3 which I bought in the 1970s. But I really don't think too much of the latest Leica fit lenses. They are sharp, and, indeed, very sharp and contrasty, typical of Japanese lenses. But I much prefer the older German lenses many of which can produce a more 3 dimensional (oil painting) feel. Shadow details also tend to be better. And the most important is that you can keep looking at the pictures and won't get eye fatigue. I am sure you will have a good time. If you are going to Macau, make sure you have checked out the visa requirements.

 

[Florian1234]

Great idea, Colin.
I want to do a city-trip myself this year, probably in late summer. Yet not sure where to go (due to budget limited to the inside of Germany, I guess, but on my own since I don't have a gf at the moment - but that's a different story).

I would keep the Leica M if possible. I love to use my M4.

 

[Sisyphus]

Avotius,

Should be fun. I was there in December, and I pretty good time. I would post something in HK forum, you might be able to hit one of their gatherings. One of the members was kind of enough to photograph with me a few times, and showed me a couple of good places to buy camera bags. However, Can only tell you the location not the actual place.

The place for the camera bag is in Mong Gok called Pierre & Paul their URL is
www.pierre-n-paul.com

Their website might have an address, and they keep odd hours about 4pm to 9pm or so.

A great little used camera store is on Hong Kong Island. Take the long moving esculator and keep looking back, you will eventually see this sign advertising a camera store. I know that is so vague, but this is how I found the first time in 2001, and again in this past year. The prices are current with the market, but the guy is cool, speaks very good english, and has a lot of used stuff.

In terms of photography, nothing new to what people have already mentioned, but here are favorites: Back Streets of Kowloon, and this time I went into the buildings with one of the HK photo club guys--it was very cool. Mong Gok is another favorite, especially at night, the Mong Gok Night Market, right as the sun is going down, from early twighlight into the night.

Some places in HK island. There are these well known steps in Central I think, at the bottom is this old man and his sewing machine--he is very gracious with allowing people to photograph him. I think I spent about an hour photographing him. He has photos of himself spanning the decades.

There are some buddhist temples there, I wond exploring one, which definitely had some smokey atmosphere, I photograph a lot indoor places until I was kicked some karoke bars for older men, and few other outside restaurants.

If you have time definitely spend some time in Maucau. You will not be disappointed, especially in the back streets, but be careful there is an element there.

I will see if I can find the actual name of that photo store some where--Have fun!

As far as camera gear, i would bring the m6 and your lenses to match. I was photographing with an m6, 24mm, 35mm, and 50 mm. This is all you really need, besides a few rolls of film.

 

[bennyng]

Camera shops: Old stuff is best found in Tsim Sha Tsui, at Champagne Court - it's a little mall full of classic camera gear. I doubt you'll see more Hassys lined up in a row on a shelf anywhere else but Japan. Nearby you'll also find Tin Cheung (www.tincheungcamera.com.hk), which carries lots of new CV gear. Apart from that, do not buy anything camera related in TST - as Tin has said, it's the tourist area.

The other famous photo equipment areas are in Mongkok (further up the Kowloon side), namely the stores Wing Shing and Man Shing, and in Central on the island, along Stanley Street.

I think breathstealer pretty much give you a list of all the must visit places for used and new camera gear. Chapmange court itself has about 4 to 5 shops that will easily take up a hour or 2 of your time.

Just about 3 mins walk from Champange court is Zhao Xiang Guan. Their detailed address is as follows:

Shop 501c, Level 5, The Kimberly Hotel Shopping Arcade, The Kimberly Hotel,
28-38 Kimberly Road and 24-36 Kimberly Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Or visit www.zxg.com.hk for more details.

I was at Tin Cheung and ended up with a ZI because their prices were pretty good. HK$8600!! And the limited edition came with a Presentation Box in edition to the leather pouch. Impulse purchase, but I don't regret it. If you do make it there, their used Leica gear is upstairs. Many will missed it as they don't know there is a second floor. By the way, their prices are not the lowest, but they do take credit for a 2 percent extra!

About 5 minutes walk is another small shop called Shogun Camera. It's beside the now defunct Hyatt Regency Hotel. You will have to cross Nathan Road. They are located at G/F. No. 42 Lock Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Small outfit, but again, full of interesting stuff. Go to www.shoguncamera.com for more details.

There are a few other shops along Mody Road, closer to the East part of Tsim Tsa Tsui. But unless you know specifically where, you probably won't be able to lcoated these shops as they are usually not on the ground level.

If you want to wander by yourself whilst your girlfriend shop, the safest bet will be to drop her off at Harbour City first. It's a stretch of about 3 connected mall and everything a girl ever needs ( or don't need) is there. I'm very sure that by the time you get back, she's still not done. I can leave my wife there for 3 days and she won't even know that I wasn't there!!

As for photo opportunities, there's plenty to shoot in Hong Kong. The Star Ferry terminal is a favorite place of mine to watch the ferry and the cityscape too. The tripod recommendation is good as the night lights are really pretty.

Cheers,

 

[edho]

Hi Avotius,

I live in HK and use to get most of my street shots done here. It might be hard for me to describe HK in a visitor's point of view as I have been here so long. Anyway, you are welcome to browse through my albumns (eg. City Snaps, Hong Kong) to have a general idea of the place. If you find anything interest you, I may be able to tell you where you can find it.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...useralbums.php

 

[edho]

One thing to remind you about your gears is that HK people is highly alert and sensitive to camera. That makes casual street shots very difficult as they always move away faster than you focus. So using lenses with focal length 50mm and more is extremely difficult. I suggest you should use wider lens like 28mm and 35mm to ensure you can catch the subjects before they disappear from the frame. RF with A mode will help.

 

[Rayt]

Hong Kong really isn't the shopping paradise for Leicas. If you are only looking for ZM then I concur with Bennyng's recommendations above. We locals know which shops to avoid and for whatever reason many posts on the net recommend those same questionable shops.

 

[noimmunity]

completely off topic, but if you and your girlfriend are going to causeway bay (銅鑼灣), treat her and yourself to a delightful rest stop at the Yee Shun Milk Company 義順牛奶公司 (either ay 506 Lockhart Rd 駱克道 or at 85 Percival St 波斯富街) where the specialty is a sweet custard-like "steamed milk" (馳名的雙皮燉奶). the retro styling might also make an intriguing background for some photos. unique and delicious.

 

[meven]

I will be happy to meet you (depending on my schedule). I can show you around Hong Kong Island if you want to. I can also see if we can organise something with the guys from the RFF club.

I will be back in HK on the 15th.

Cheers
Max