Will be in China soon where can I find...

[philm]

Greetings to you LF users. I'll be heading to China in another week. I own a Shen Hao 4X5 view camera. I would love to expand my lens selection. Anybody have any dealing in china with a photoo store? I will be traveling from Hong Kong to Shanghai and many parts in between. Please let me know. Also any suggestions on great picture taking opportunities. I love to wander around but am there on business so my time will be very limited. So if you know of any good spots, please share them with me. Thanks in advance!

 

[david b]

So why not buy a lens in NJ before you leave?

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

If you want Chinese camera stores, go look on the Shen-Hao website for a list of their dealers in China. It is my understanding, however, that with very few exceptions, the lenses you will find in China are all made by big-name makers in Japan and Germany. I would not go looking to find classic LF glass used in China- most of that has been bought here on Ebay in the last five years, at premium collector prices.

As far as places to go photograph, not too far (a maybe 2 hour or so bus ride) from Shanghai there is a famous town on the edge of a lake that is sometimes referred to as the Venice of China - it is a charming medieval town with many scenic canals. It is called ZhouZhuang, outside Suzhou. From a travel blog I just read, it sounds like it is becoming quite touristy, but still worth a visit. I have read elswhere because of the strange bus schedule they run from Shanghai that it is worth overnighting in ZhouZhuang.

 

[BWKate]

There is also another canal town in the same area called Tong-Li that is smaller and also very beautiful. That area is full of towns on the canal.
You have to pay admission to go and walk around inside but it's usually quite cheap. Also in Suzhou there are two gardens that are worth seeing. One called, "The Master of the Nets" and another garden called, "The Humble Administrators Garden".

 

[Roger Hicks]

The only camera stores I have visited in China are in Beijing, and as others have said, there is not much in the way of LF -- or indeed serious cameras generally. There is a big market for top-of-the-line new gear, but I've never seen (or heard of) half-decent second-hand gear at low prices.

 

[Robert Hall]

You will find an area on Hong Kong Island that has the best deals you will find in that region. Do some looking around before you go to inform yourself of what good prices are for the lens you want.

You will find that anything is negotiable... except on already reduced camera gear.

Many are reputable dealers and you will more or less know them when you walk in the store.

If you want to shop prices, you can, because they are all very close to one another.

The shop I liked was on Victoria blvd. If I remember the name, I will post it.

Keep in mind that the good gear comes from Japan and Germany. You won't get chinese prices on non chinese goods.

Best of luck.

 

[Robert Hall]

BTW, if you want suggestions of places to photograph, send me a pm.

 

[cblurton]

I have lived in Hong Kong for 12 years. I can tell you that, without exception, it has been my experience that all vintage or LF camera gear is more expensive here than in the U.S., U.K., Europe or most other places. I find it cheaper to buy stuff from Badger, Roger White, KEH, eBay, etc. and pay the shipping, than to buy locally.

That said, the two main areas for photographers are Stanley Street in Central on Hong Kong Island (not much LF equipment, but some film for 4x5) and the Kimberley Road area in Kowloon (lots of vintage cameras and lenses, but IMHO way overpriced).

On Stanley Street, Photo Scientific has a good reputation:

Address: G/F., No. 6, Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
Contact: Mr K K Poon
Phone No.: (852) 2525 0550 / 2522 1903
Fax No.: (852) 2810 6917
Homepage: www.yp.com.hk/photoscientific
Other homepage: www.photoscientific.biz.com.hk
Email: photopoon@netvigator.com
Business Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Sundays & P.H. Closed

In Kowloon, try:

David Chan Company
Tel (852) 2723 3886
Fax (852) 2311 2025
Email ToHang@netvigator.com
Address Shop 15, Champagne Court, 16 Kimberley Rd., (Next To Mirama Hotel) Kowloon, Hong Kong.

By the way, although I also own a Shen Hao bought directly from the factory in Shanghai, I know nothing about mainland photo shops other than I've heard there is a big camera shopping area in Guangzhou ( 2 hours by direct train from Kowloon). Pick up a photography magazine in Guangzhou and there would be address for the shopping area. You might also try the Ace Index for China (http://www.acecam.com/china.html). ...ou'll never run out. Best wishes, Craig

 

[Robert Hall]

Fabulous post Craig,

Thanks!

I shopped at CheerPower on Victoria and picked up my Mamiya from them, they are are on Victoia.

While in Kowloon I stoped at several and was able to buy film, but their prices were no better than others. Some of the used gear was sold under the heading of "You've got to be kidding!" kinda prices.

The street market there was a fabulous place for photography however!

R