Traveling to Japan-- film advice?

[shanenoir]

So there is a possibility I may be spending the summer in Tokyo. I'm thinking of selling some of my less-used lenses and picking up a Fuji x20 or some other high-end point and shoot rather than bringing my bulky DSLR, and/or bringing one of my film rangefinders.

I figure a good digital camera will let me get shots and have a stead flow of high quality photos for my facebook and flickr streams, while a light rangefinder would be useful for shooting film as well while I'm out there. I would do all film, but I am kind of afraid to commit to analog for the duration of my stay.

Also, I wonder about the price differences in film and processing between the US and Japan-- specifically, would it make more sense to buy a lot of 135mm in the States to bring along, or should I just buy it there as I need it? Additionally, here in CA the real cost of development is in having the photos scanned (I ponied up and bought my own scanner for home), and I wonder if scanning would be more/less expensive over there.


Geez, so much to think about... and I get the feeling I am over-thinking it.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Spicy]

By no means am I particularly qualified to give my opinion, but I just got back last week from 6 days there. No idea about the cost of developing, but the film was about the same prices as in the US, with the added bonus of having some pretty interesting film choices (not exported outside of Japan).

I'd totally bring a film camera or two. Between a big bulky dSLR and a high-end P&S, I'm sure you couldn't go far wrong with something like an X20, but the only thing I'm pretty certain I would miss would be the shallow depth of field either FF or 35mm affords with not insanely big/expensive lenses.

 

[Griffin]

+1 on buying film in japan. I went to Yodobashi Camera in Osaka and got properly aroused by all the films on display in the refridgerators.

I got great results from Ektar and bog standard Superia during my times there.

 

[jdriffill]

Just buy the film and have it processed in Japan. Tokyo is fantastic for places to buy film. The processing is not expensive -- and they make a good job of it. They seem careful; turnaround times are good; the scanning is good and not expensive. The big camera stores in Tokyo have huge stocks of film and a wide variety. Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera have many branches. Japan is surely much better for photography with film than the US or Europe or anywhere else for that matter. I should say that the last time I was there was two years ago. The situation may have changed but I doubt it. All the best, John

 

[Rayt]

If you are from the US then film will be cheaper from a mail order place like B&H. Prices are high in Japan because the Yen is very strong and the dollar is weak. Last time I had processing/contact sheet done by a pro lab in the US it cost me $15 per roll. Expect a little more again due to the weak dollar. The good news is you should buy your film camera in Japan as the selection is great and prices very reasonable.

 

[paradoxbox]

While Ray's advice was true about a year ago the yen is currently near par with the dollar so you may be better off buying your main film in the US. As others have mentioned though Tokyo is film heaven so you'll be able to find all kinds of rare films or awesome films that are not easily available in other cities around the world.

I think rangefinders are fantastic for Tokyo, super wide lenses really work well here as the whole place is just covered in buildings upon buildings. Having a lightweight wide rf kit is very handy.