Hello from HK

Hi all, my name is Kevin and have been a lurker for awhile but decided to finally voice myself here.

I live in Hong Kong and have been shooting for about 9 years now, strictly digital. I shot analog film for the first time in a long time (using my mom's point a shoot some odd years ago) about 6 months ago when I impulse bought a Nikon F3. I shoot digital Nikon and have plenty of lenses so it was the logical choice. However, being the impatient man that I am, I also impulse bought a Pentax 67 system and two lenses (a third maybe on its way). I do find the Medium Format shooting much more enjoyable and I am liking the look a whole lot more so I have been doing more of that.

I've been trying out different color films but I found the Fuji 400h to be a winner thus far. Haven't had much luck with Kodak film, either the lab messed up during developing or scanning I'm not sure. Not new to photography, but a complete noob in analog film photography. Looking to once again make stupid photography mistakes.

Gear used:

35mm:
Nikon F3HP
Nikon 35mm 1.4 AIS, 50mm 1.2 AIS, and 20mm 2.8 AF-D

Medium Format:
Pentax 67 with metered prism
Pentax SMC 55mm f4 and 105mm 2.4.

A link to some of my pix (all digital for now) https://500px.com/kevindharmawan

Hello Kevin, I'm glad you introduced yourself here. I hope you will also soon discover the joys of printing in a darkroom. There are some community darkrooms in HK, if I remember correctly. I live in Taiwan; if you come, I would be happy to share with you my favorite photo walks. By the way, the Hong Kong International Photo Festival kicks off this Saturday at Artistree at Taikoo Place.

Welcome to APUG from Washington DC! I really enjoyed your 500px page. Keep up the good work.

I agree - great photos. And welcome to APUG!

Thanks all.

Howard, I don't expect to print any of my photos, though I've been meaning to create a photobook one day. Last year I was adamant that I will never touch touch film. And yet here I am, so I won't say never.

HK has a strong photo culture, digital and analog, and there's a healthy number of stores specializing in camera sales, printing, developing. I think i'll do just fine here.

Welcome to APUG

Hello Kevin! I have plan to visit HK next year, it will be a short office trip and I have free time about less than one day. Do you have any recommendation place where I can bought cheap camera or films? preferably the place is not so far from train station or it's accessible.
thank you

Welcome! HK is one of those places I've always longed to go and your 500px page makes me want to go even more. Keep up the good work and welcome to APUG!

Hi Shufih,

You'll come to the right place for film photography. There are tons of camera and film stores here. Depends on your budget really. But here are some of my picks

For Cameras:

Most are in Tsim Sha Tsui and are walking distance to one another.

There are three stores in Champagne Court in Tsim Sha Tsui called David Chan Co., All Good Friend Camera, and All Best Camera that have some serious stock. The prices may be on the high side, depending on what you aim to get, but quality is usually guaranteed. But they ahve some affordable stuff as well.

Just off Nathan Road also in Tsim Sha Tsui, there is a building called tsim Sha Tsui mansion where Shogun and Matsuya cameras are located. Matsuya may look like a small shop, but I've bought most of my vintage cameras from them. Their stock may not be as large as some of the stores in Champagne Court, but they seem to always have the right stuff. Shogun specializes in rarer cameras, so they may be our of your price range, even mine.

Another cool store in Tsim Sha Tsui is Zhao Xiang Guan located in Kimberly House in Tsim Sha Tsui. These guys cater to professionals, so they have some serious stock as well. A couple of affordable stuff here too.

Last I would recommend is HKCamera, also in Tsim Sha Tsui. They just moved to this new location and I love coming here because the cameras are all free for you to play with. Some expensive one, but most are affordable cameras for the enthusiast looking to dip their feet into film photography. I would go here if you want to pick up something on the cheap. Some film selection here as well.

For Film:

Places I go to are:

Chung Pui Photo Supplies on Stanley Street in Central. I like to buy from them to support the little guys. They are also quite easily accessible from the MTR.

Image Playground also in Central. Some selection here and fairly central location.

Dot Well Photo in Champagne Court, TST: Where I get my film developed, so sometimes I pick up a couple of rolls from here. More selection that the previous two I find.

Of course, there are many photo-related stores that sell cameras and film, but given your time limit, I think these are good given that that they're clustered in certain areas.

Hope that helps. Happy shooting.

Hi, thanks for answering! I have a half free day in Tsim tsa shui, is there any good place to buy film in bulk or utensils for dark room?

Hello Kevin. Glad to see you've found the APUG site, and welcome to the analog on line world here.

I haven't seen that many bulk items, but maybe that's because I never look for it. I think you might want to try Image Playground. They might be your best bet.