What would you buy if you went to Japan?

ornate_wrasse

ornate_wrasse

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My nephew is going back to Japan this summer to visit his wife's relatives who live in Tokyo. He has offered to buy something I would like in Japan. Of course, I will pay him for the item.

Naturally I thought it would be great if he could buy me a camera and/or lens that costs less in Japan than buying it here in the US.

I would be interested to hear from others, especially those living in Japan, which cameras and/or lenses are bargains in Japan. Or, put another way, what would you be interested in buying if you were going to Japan?

Thanks for your opinions and input!

Ellen
 
Canon rangefinder lenses?
Epson R-D1(s/xG)?
Fujica GX680 III?

Leica, Zeiss, Voigtlaender are rather expensive over there.
(They were atleast before the quake)
 
There are usually tons of old cameras at flea markets. Obviously the quality is variable, but in my experience the vendors were quite nice in letting me handle the cameras a bit.

I personally bought a Yashica rangefinder and, despite it only lasting a roll before breaking, I was quite happy I bought it.

I saw lots of Rollei's and medium format cameras as well that I certainly would've picked up had I the cash.
 
If they had any old rangefinders, I'd love another Minoltina-S or AL-S. The Rokkor-QF 40mm lens is incredible; I have a 40" x 30" print at home taken with my old (dead) one and it is as sharp as anything you can get from Leica. The selenium meters are usually dead but that's no worse than a Leica M2/3/4!
 
So far as I can make out there are a few Japan-only emulsions from Fuji which would be interesting. Do they still make the 'old fashioned' black-and-white 35mm ? Fifty rolls of something like that, if it fitted in hand luggage! Papers I'm not sure of, but could be interesting too - especially if there are any rarely seen fibre based varieties available.

I wouldn't ask for a camera search from your relative. I have enough to shoot with already 🙂
 
I don't think there's any deals to be had on cameras or hardware, from what I've heard. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on that.

I'd find film or papers that are unique to Japan. I did the same when I went to Beijing, and found I really liked the ERA brand B&W papers, and the Shanghai GP3 film was pretty good, too.
 
I've seen some B+W paper from Fuji that I haven't seen sold here in the US. Given the chance to try something not usually found in the US, darkroom wise, I'd try some of that Fuji paper.
 
What would you buy if you went to Japan? Sushi 😀

What would you ask someone to buy if they went to Japan?

Good question! Ironically probably something German. It seems a disproportionate number of Leicas and Rolleis end up there. I would also guess there are some great photo books there that you could not otherwise find without a browse in a decent bookstore. Otherwise if you're looking for ideas check out the following of my favourite websites:

http://tokyocamerastyle.com/

Cheers,
Rob
 
When I was in Japan I found that new cameras and lenses were no cheaper than here in the UK. Accessories on the other hand were about half the price so I bought a Nikon MC-30 and SC-28 and got another MC-30 for a friend. Didn't get a chance to look in second hand shops but I heard that used kit was much cheaper over there.

Ronnie
 
I'd buy a Konica L-Hexanon 60mm 1.2 lens.

Screw mount, rare and usually go for about USD 1600 or more if you can find them. This is all hear-say, on eBay these lenses go for much bigger money. Apparently some are still in shops in Japan!

Fellow member Yanidel has one on his M9 and I am hugely impressed with its characteristics.

And find it a big plus that it is smaller than a Noctilux and will mount on a Barnack like the IIIa with a 1:1 finder.

Or, have him bring a Konica L-Hexanon 35mm 2.0. I have one and it is fantastic. eBay prices on that one also are way over the top.

Come to think of it, any Konica lens either L or M would be a good buy!
 
If I were going myself, I'd spend most of my money on food. In a case like yours, I'd second the suggestions about film or paper that is specific to the Japanese market.
Cameras or lenses would be very fun to look for but not sure I'd ask another person to look for me.
You might look at this site to get a sense of what's available:
http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/
Rob
EDIT: OK, I forgot about the Pentax K-r:
http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/k-r/feature.html
I might have somebody pick up one of these after I'd decided the color(s) I wanted!
 
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