What to Photograph (and Shops to Visit) in Hong Kong

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InTheMist

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Hi Everyone,

My son and I are taking a week to visit Hong Kong next week. We'll be on HK Island, but our no. 1 purpose is street (and general) photography. He's doing a school dissertation on Street Photography.

A couple of good shops to visit would also appreciated as I'll be looking for some accessories and film processing bits like film hangers which I can't find anywhere in Switzerland.

I'll be taking a M7 with Tri-x, HP5 and some colour consumer film (I like the cheap Fuji and Kodak color film, thank you very much). Actually, I wouldn't mind having my Leica M Monochrom serviced while I'm there but I don't know if it's enough time.

Thanks!
 
Most if not all of the island is great for street-photography. I can't recommend a specific place but my favorite parts are the Sheung Wan-HKU area. I also love the CUHK campus but it's a bit out of the way.

For film Japancamerahunter has a series of blogs on shops in Hong Kong. For equipment, the ones I've personally dealt with are Fotopia and 9days.hk. Both are excellent. If buying remember to get cash beforehand.

As for digital service, I would recommended against it. HK is not known for good local Leica support. I would mostly stick to new gear (prices are a steal because of the strong dollar) or good deals on used items.

Edit. I have a few from my last stint on 500px. https://500px.com/viktorphotography/galleries/hong_kong_memories
 
I was just in HK, end of March. Lots of haze/smog. We were told that warm air from China is bringing in the smog and that it's only in the summer months when the wind reverses that skies clear. No clear skies when I was there. Saw several Leica shops in the shopping malls selling new gear and some used, but I only bought stuff at 9 Days camera shop, which is near the hotel where I was staying in Kowloon. Nice shop. New gear is cheaper than B&H. Used gear is quite pricey.
 
Sheung Wan area is interesting, but more gentrified. Sham Shui Po is a very interesting area with a lot happening on the streets. The area is gritty but safe like everywhere else in Hong Kong, and you will see a lot of colorful characters on the streets. Sham Sui Po is accessible by MTR, and I would suggest you start at Ap Liu Street and then wander around.
 
For darkroom stuff, try Kowloon Photo Service in Yaumatei at 5 Woosung street. Take the MTR to Jordan, get out at exit A, and follow the map: www.mtr.com.hk/archive/en/services/maps/jor.pdf to Woosung Street, it is located just behind Wing On Department Store (label 30 on the map). They should have a good selection of color and b&w film, and should be much cheaper than those offered at Stanley Street in Central.)
 
Ditto to Andrewch's recommendation. Kowloon Photo has what you need. I live in HK and can give you very thorough suggestions for shooting locations and processing. PM me.
 
The thing about Hong Kong is the great range of photographic opportunities that it affords. But take a tip............. Comfortable shoes! As to what to shoot have a look at some of my humble efforts here - it may provide some ideas.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/life_in_shadows/albums/72157631879282028

and here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/life_in_shadows/albums/72157625302258709

Lots of places to shoot. BTW one really nice spot I discovered that is overlooked by many is Kowloon Park which is a patch of green serenity in the heart of the frantic Kowloon Peninsula. Another (that I missed but will get next time) are the various temples.

Better still check out these videos by Matt Granger (previously known as That Nikon Guy). Matt often goes to HK - I think his in-laws live there and he has some good videos on Youtube dealing with both shooting and buying in HK.

https://www.youtube.com/user/thatnikonguy/search?query=hong+kong

If you have not seen the work of Fan Ho you may enjoy these shots. (If you happen to own a time machine you may get some just like these)

https://au.pinterest.com/raymondgwh/fan-ho/

PS. The warnings about smog are true. HK has lots of smog for lots of the year. This can make big city shots difficult unless you get up early and hope for a clear morning. Even then some mornings are full of mist. But you can turn this to your advantage too by pulling some really moody shots. And if you want to get rid of it, you can reduce some smog in post by using the clarity slider (or not):

Hong Kong dawn and mist 5 by Life in Shadows, on Flickr

Hong Kong Mist by Life in Shadows, on Flickr

Hong Kong dawn and mist 2 by Life in Shadows, on Flickr

Hong Kong dawn and mist 4 by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
 
InTheMist said:
Hi Everyone,

My son and I are taking a week to visit Hong Kong next week. We'll be on HK Island, but our no. 1 purpose is street (and general) photography. He's doing a school dissertation on Street Photography.

A couple of good shops to visit would also appreciated as I'll be looking for some accessories and film processing bits like film hangers which I can't find anywhere in Switzerland.

I'll be taking a M7 with Tri-x, HP5 and some colour consumer film (I like the cheap Fuji and Kodak color film, thank you very much). Actually, I wouldn't mind having my Leica M Monochrom serviced while I'm there but I don't know if it's enough time.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

One spot I love checking out for photographic bits and pieces is Sim City in Mongkok (about 10 minutes by bus from Tsim Tsa Tsui). It is a building of several floors full of small independent stores selling photo and electronic gear. Its not big but there are quite enough places to check out and its lots of fun. I would be surprised if some stores did not film processing stuff - its that kind of place. Address:

https://www.google.com.au/maps/plac...13,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xe7a89ef1d1f21df0

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh_TjZ1JSd4
 
Thanks everyone for the excellent tips, links and examples! The articles on Japan Camera Hunter were golden!

Rayt, I'm leaving now. I'll PM you when I get a moment.
 
I was in HK last month so perhaps I can provide a fresh visitor's perspective on the gear shopping . I used the JCH articles as a starting point.

For film, the best opportunities are in Tsim Tsa Tsui : Champagne Court and Lock Road. Both areas within walking distance of each other. When at Champagne Court don't forget to visit Dot-Well Photo, located on the street, just outside the court. There's also a japanese bookstore nearby (Apollo Books), with a tiny photobook section. You'll find little shops stacked with old gear, a lot of Leica and Nikon. Caution: prices are very high and there is no warranty. In fact, the XA2 I bought for an insane price (I had no choice) at a reputable shop turned out to be a dud (the sliding cover contact needed repair) . Go after 1pm or you may find a lot of closed storefronts.

Sim City is mostly for digital. There's a film-only shop on the 3rd floor some goodies. But the film cameras in the other stores are mostly for show. If you inquire you will be told they are "not for sale" . This is frustrating - the reason is either that the cameras are not working (display only) or, as was explained to me, sometimes they are there on consignment and the person manning the shop at the moment doesn't know how to or doesn't want to get in touch with the owner.

Sham Sui Po is great for street photography but I didn't find any camera stores. Just one or two stalls selling a handful of beat up SLRs.

Chai Wan at the eastern end of the city (last stop on the MTR) is an up- and-coming (read: hipsterized) industrial area with good street shooting opportunities. There's a photobook publisher/store in the area called AO Photobook Center but it was closed when I visited (bummer - apparently you have to make an appointment ahead of time).

Hope this helps - have fun .

Philippe
 
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