Big (format) in Japan

I am going to be in Japan for a couple weeks next month - and I am looking to stock up on photography deals if the promised land still has any to offer.

I'll be shooting exclusively medium format this trip (nothing but a Rolleiflex - traveling light!), but it has been my plan to acquire a more serious large-format kit in the near future. From what I have heard, Japan has some great deals on used camera equipment, but most discussions around this subject matter largely center on smaller formats.

Does anyone have any recommendation for looking for some deals on large format (probably just 4x5) equipment in Japan? I'll be visiting Tokyo and Kyoto, along with some of the countryside in central Honshu.

General photography-and-camera-gear-in-Japan suggestions greatly appreciated as well!

You're right, most used camera shops focus on small and medium format gear, but many do have a few LF models (and lenses) - usually not in the front window, but in the shop itself (usually towards the back). You'll have the most variety (and luck) probably in Tokyo. Kyoto has a couple of shops (literally), your best bet is to go to Osaka (30 min from Kyoto on a rapid service train, faster if you use the Shinkansen) and see what they have there (I've put a link to map that lists shops below). In all honesty, I don't know if you'll find any good deals, even if you can find what you are looking for. While you are sure to get good quality, you'll probably pay for it too.

While you are in Tokyo go to Yodobashi Camera (Shinjuku) - it's split up among multiple buildings, but the film section is on the ground floor of one of them, and you can pick up some LF film you may not be able to pick up anywhere else (including quickloads). The other Yodobashis (and in some cases BIC Camera) in other parts of Japan do not have the same selection as the Tokyo one. I've been trying to keep track of the places I've been to, here's a link to my blog that talks about shopping for film in different places in Japan. I hope to do one on used camera gear shopping in the Kyoto/Osaka region sometime in the near future.

Here are a few links worth browsing. Most are in Japanese, you'll have to rely on Google Translate (or equivalent) to navigate through the pages. The JapanCameraHunter guide has multiple links you can follow also.

First of all, read all the three parts of this guide from Japan Camera Hunter: Camera Shopping in Tokyo
Map Camera (Tokyo) - I've linked a page to a map of the store. They do have a selection of Toyo cameras for sale ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 yen (with lenses) - the prices seem high to me but I can't tell if they are new or used. Could be both.
Lemon Camera (Tokyo) I could only find LF lenses here.
A map of camera shops in Osaka. I've used this map myself for camera shopping there.

I think you can get the best deal on Fuji film in Japan. It's about half price compared to what I have seen in Europe and US. Also, bring your passport, as a visitor, you would qualify for an 8% VAT refund paid immediately at the store. Compared to other countries, Japan has the most sensible VAT refund policy for visitors.


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howardpan said:

I Also, bring your passport, as a visitor, you would qualify for an 8% VAT refund paid immediately at the store. Compared to other countries, Japan has the most sensible VAT refund policy for visitors.

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Indeed. Alto, I was told to keep the receipt until I exit Japan where the picked up part of it from the passport. (at exit gates) is that system the same?

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When you enter Japan, you complete a form. This form is stapled to your passport. The receipts are stapled to that form. The form and the receipts are collected upon departure. Goods that qualify for VAT refund are sealed in a plastic bag. Keep it sealed in case the customs officer asks to see that the film has not been consumed inside Japan. You may also wish to contact Yodobashi ahead of time so that you can pick up and pay for the film on your visit. They may not have everything in the store.


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howardpan said:

I think you can get the best deal on Fuji film in Japan. It's about half price compared to what I have seen in Europe and US. Also, bring your passport, as a visitor, you would qualify for an 8% VAT refund paid immediately at the store. Compared to other countries, Japan has the most sensible VAT refund policy for visitors.


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Until the end of the September, as most Fuji films will have a Dead Link Removed in October across all formats.

Ah! That is terrible to hear about the film stock price increase. I am going to exhaust my film supply before I get to Japan (I am in Russia right now), and I was planning to buy a bunch of Fuji when I arrive. I don't get there until 10/15, so i am guessing the price hike will be in effect. It looks like Kodak and Ilford are both very overpriced in Japan, so I'll probably end up sticking with Fuji there anyway.

So if you purchase something and get the VAT refund, you can't use that item during your time in Japan?

I'll definitely explore the Osaka camera stores as well and see what I turn up! If there are no large-format deals to be found, maybe something else will stand out...

The VAT refund comes after you leave the country. Usually weeks later.

Here's another interesting place that was just featured on Tokyo Camera Style - Foto: Mutori. The guy is a specialist in vintage lenses, which may be of some interest to you. The facebook page has more details that his website. Whenever I make it back to Tokyo I think I'll try to pay a visit there.