Should I buy a film camera in Japan?

[Autonerd]

I've got a business trip to Japan coming up in a couple of months and it looks like we'll have some time to spare in Tokyo. I've been thinking about buying a Pentax Spotmatic (and there are a couple other cams on my want list), so I wonder -- should I shop while I'm there?

Obviously I see plenty of cameras from Japan on eBay -- my concern is that fungus seems to be an issue, whereas if I get a camera from the western US, I probably won't have to worry about it.

Also, how are prices over there? Comparable to what I see on eBay (less shipping)?

Any recommendation on good stores? I understand there are lots.

Thanks!
Aaron

 

[TransPharaoh]

I've done it. The prices are a bit high, I must admit, but I found the quality was generally very high, and you can inspect things before you buy. I bought myself a gorgeous Canon F-1 1984 Los Angeles Olympics model with a 50mm 1.2 lens, and I think I paid around 120,000 yen, which is ~$850 USD. I believe this was in Shinjuku City, 2019. I cannot remember the store name, but it was in an entire district of camera stores, and on the 4th floor of a building. I found it a very fun experience.

 

[MediumFormatLover]

I picked up my second Nikon F5 body while I was in Shinjuku in 2015. Prices were a bit higher, but the bodies were in stellar shape.

 

[Jaime100]

I have never been into Japan to gauge prices, but do know that those on Ebay are more expensive and, you really can't see what you are buying. Many times I will see the camera being sold 'untested'.... etc etc.... I wouldn't touch it. I want something that works. If needed, I will just wait around in my own country and find one that will eventually pop up. Or , if in the states and you have KEH or other ma/pa camera stores that sell used equipment, look into those, jim

 

[AlphaMcDelta]

I have never been into Japan to gauge prices, but do know that those on Ebay are more expensive and, you really can't see what you are buying. Many times I will see the camera being sold 'untested'.... etc etc.... I wouldn't touch it. I want something that works. If needed, I will just wait around in my own country and find one that will eventually pop up. Or , if in the states and you have KEH or other ma/pa camera stores that sell used equipment, look into those, jim

Sellers everywhere are like sellers anywhere but the JP pro sellers are better value and as efficient as the Germans. The stock of minty cameras there is astonishing.

ant

 

[AlphaMcDelta]

I've got a business trip to Japan coming up in a couple of months and it looks like we'll have some time to spare in Tokyo. I've been thinking about buying a Pentax Spotmatic (and there are a couple other cams on my want list), so I wonder -- should I shop while I'm there?

Obviously I see plenty of cameras from Japan on eBay -- my concern is that fungus seems to be an issue, whereas if I get a camera from the western US, I probably won't have to worry about it.

Also, how are prices over there? Comparable to what I see on eBay (less shipping)?

Any recommendation on good stores? I understand there are lots.

Thanks!
Aaron

Not been into Spotmatics for a long time but I think they adapt the battery chamber (install diode or battery adapter) to use with non-mercury batteries so you might want to check.

ant

 

[Autonerd]

Not been into Spotmatics for a long time but I think they adapt the battery chamber (install diode or battery adapter) to use with non-mercury batteries so you might want to check.

Thx -- FYI, as I understand it, Spotmatics have some sort of a circuits that adjusts for voltage -- so a 1.5V battery with a gasket to fit the opening will apparently work

Aaron

 

[Overrank]

Not been into Spotmatics for a long time but I think they adapt the battery chamber (install diode or battery adapter) to use with non-mercury batteries so you might want to check.

Thx -- FYI, as I understand it, Spotmatics have some sort of a circuits that adjusts for voltage -- so a 1.5V battery with a gasket to fit the opening will apparently work

I think it depends on which Spotmatic how that works ( https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/to...nt-iso-compensation-for-accurate-meter--53552 ). I’ve got a Spotmatic F and have never had a problem with alkaline batteries. You can get the manual for the F’s meter through this link ( https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/spotmatic-f-service-manual-22321 ). I use silver oxide cells now on all my cameras just for the flat voltage profile but they’re not needed for the Spotmatic.

 

[AndersC]

I have bought a number of lenses and cameras from Japan and I find the quality of the near mint and mint classified items to be stellar. Yes it is a little bit more expensive than ordinary stock, but IMHO worth it.

I have only bought vintage watches in Tokyo but it is a fun experience to go shopping in these speciality shops in awkward places. Highly recommended.

Google and you will find recommendations to vintage camera shops in Tokyo

 

[Twombly]

I have never been into Japan to gauge prices, but do know that those on Ebay are more expensive and, you really can't see what you are buying. Many times I will see the camera being sold 'untested'.... etc etc.... I wouldn't touch it. I want something that works. If needed, I will just wait around in my own country and find one that will eventually pop up. Or , if in the states and you have KEH or other ma/pa camera stores that sell used equipment, look into those, jim

Sellers everywhere are like sellers anywhere but the JP pro sellers are better value and as efficient as the Germans. The stock of minty cameras there is astonishing.

ant

I can support this. Bought several lenses and film cameras from Japanese sellers. The descriptions are always very accurate, their ratings ("mint" or "excellent" or whatever) are also correct.

Just once I received a faulty Nikon EM body, which was replaced by the seller with no questions asked.

But checking out the camera stores in Tokyo is an experience you shouldn't miss, absolutely.

 

[Alan GT]

I used to live in Japan and visited regularly up to 2019. I've bought quite a bit of 2nd hand camera gear in Tokyo (mainly Nikon AI manual lenses and Canon EF digital lenses) from well-known reasonably-priced places like Fujiya camera in Nakano (west of Shinjuku), Map Camera in Shinjuku and Lemon Camera in Ginza. Fujiya and Map camera have very accurate gradings. However Lemon Camera only sell things for individuals who grade things themselves so it's buyer beware.

From my perspective, camera stuff I have bought in Japan has always been cheaper than in the UK even though the exchange rate is not as good as it once was, especially so if you take your passport and they are able to waive the tax. (If you do this note technically you have to have it in your hand luggage when you leave Japan, not in checked baggage, although they never seem to check.)

I have never had any obvious problem with fungus on returning to the UK. Lenses with fungus in them would usually be in junk bins. Sometimes I have bought something they graded as AB- because of issues like "light misting" but I have never noticed any issues with these in the final image. Some lenses are graded down a bit because the focussing ring is a bit rough so it's worth trying multiple copies if they have them. People in the above shops will usually explain the reason for the grading if they speak English and let you handle the items. They will not haggle though.

Alan

 

[Autonerd]

Thx, particularly for the shop recommendations!

Aaron

 

[OldDaddyBear]

The dollar is very strong vs the yen right now, so a great time to buy in Japan. I just picked up a camera and lens in Osaka today!

in addition to some small shops, there are online auctions as well e.g.: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/search/search?p=Film+camera&ei=UTF-8&exflg=1

Google Chrome does reasonable translations of the online auctions.

If you have a local contact, they may be able to help you…

Safe travels!

 

[Jaime100]

I have never been into Japan to gauge prices, but do know that those on Ebay are more expensive and, you really can't see what you are buying. Many times I will see the camera being sold 'untested'.... etc etc.... I wouldn't touch it. I want something that works. If needed, I will just wait around in my own country and find one that will eventually pop up. Or , if in the states and you have KEH or other ma/pa camera stores that sell used equipment, look into those, jim

Sellers everywhere are like sellers anywhere but the JP pro sellers are better value and as efficient as the Germans. The stock of minty cameras there is astonishing.

ant

I can support this. Bought several lenses and film cameras from Japanese sellers. The descriptions are always very accurate, their ratings ("mint" or "excellent" or whatever) are also correct.

Just once I received a faulty Nikon EM body, which was replaced by the seller with no questions asked.

But checking out the camera stores in Tokyo is an experience you shouldn't miss, absolutely.

I agree with all above....Just check up on seller etc but wow, yes...so many vintage cameras are in japan. It is amazing.

I did buy a Canon Canonete Q that was not good....Perhaps my fault for not checking up on dealer but it was only a hundred bucks so figured I wasn't out much, jim