bjm@browngr.UUCP (Barb Meier) (10/19/84)
This is a summary of the responses that I got about buying
a medium-format camera in Japan. Many thanks to those who
replied. Perhaps I can offer my own experience when I return.
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Things are not cheaper in Japan. The distribution system in Japan
is so complex that it is impossible to buy anything with out a few middle
men in the way, so almost nothing is cheaper in japan vs. purchased here.
I highly recomend a book "The Japan Handbook," a guide book. It discusses
this and many other valuable facts.
Dried mushrooms and soy sauce aren't even cheaper. Some things are,
items you can't buy here, for example very complex calculators, and new
computer products... maybe a few cameras. Remember that some things will
not be covered by the american branch of the company's service departments
since the quality control on export goods is higher ( they don't want to
service something in kenya and you wouldn't either ).
In Tokyo there is an electonic distric, sort of like canal st in nyc was
15 years ago, call Akahabra ( heaven only knows how it is spelled ), it is
a fun place to vist for the day. It would be the cheapest place to buy
anything. Have a great time, its a very comfortable country to visit.
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I have bought items in Japan. Since I knew what I wanted, I took prices with
me and compared then with the prices in Japan. In most cases, you can do as
well in NYC (sorry). BUT, lenses and a few cameras might be cheaper. In some
cases, you might get a camera before it is available in the States. For
example I got a Niconos V at the same price as a Niconos IV in the States.
There are a number of stores in Tokyo, but, as in the States, you must shop.
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My family lives in Tokyo and I go back every 2-3 years to visit.
I always buy my cameras and accessories in Japan, never here.
In fact I've gotten into the habit of selling my camera before
leaving and always buying a new one there.
At the worst, you will pay the same price as the NY discount
houses, but you would get the case and filter free (there the
case is always standard with any (35mm SLR) camera you buy.
Considering how strong the dollar is now, I'll bet that you could
save quite a few dollars. Make sure you buy the camera tax free
which will give you the U.S. warantee. Also a camera that has
just come out will not immediately be available at a tax free
price in Japan. Also some cameras which are exported here are
not sold in Japan.
Two place where I have bought my cameras are:
1) SAKURA Camera
2) YODOBASHI Camera
They are both in the Shinjuku area (Tokyo) and practically beside each
other. They also sell watchs and other optical stuff. Don't
be afraid to haggle over the price, even on the tax free stuff.
Get the filter, film, camera bags, etc thrown in if they don't
cut the price enough.
One other thing ... even if you buy the camera with a US warantee,
the camera is covered in Japan until you leave the country. So
try the camera and if something is wrong, take it back to the
store and they will either take care of sending it back or just
give you a new one.
Other shopping suggestions. For anything electronic, go to
Akihabara (also in Tokyo) ... and again, haggling over prices
is the policy there.
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Don't know about cameras, but I found when I was looking for a casette tape
deck that they were no cheaper in japan, especially when you consider the
hassles of getting through customs, than in the US.
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The place to go is Yodobashi in Tokyo. This was recommended to me
by a professional photographer. The place is awesome-- floor after
floor of camera equipment.
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I lived in Tokyo for a year and I can tell you the following.
1. Japanese merchants are incredibly polite.
2. Japanese merchants are incredibly honest.
3. If you shop around you may find a variance on the price. Similar to our
discount stores versus department stores. There are certain areas of
Tokyo which specialize in cameras. I know there is a good store by the
Akasaka-Mitzki subway station but there are are probably several others.
Akihabara (electric city) is a good place to shop for all kinds of
electrical devices and may also have some camera stores.
4. Check out the tax rules. You may be entitled to a tax refund because you
are a visitor from a foreign country.
5. Bargaining is usually not done in Japan.
6. If in doubt write it down. The Japanese don't speak English very well
but they read and write it well.
7. Trust the Japanese. It is impolite to count your change. (But it is
never wrong anyway)