Japan's Camera Lens Market: Affordable Photography Superpower?

There is a common misconception that camera lenses are cheaper in Japan. This notion stems from a few decades ago when Japan manufactured most of the world's camera equipment and American military personnel stationed in the country would buy cheap, high-quality gear. However, today, camera lenses are not generally cheaper in Japan. Prices for certain models are equivalent to those in foreign markets, and some lenses bought in Japan may not be compatible with cameras purchased elsewhere. That being said, there are a few ways to get a good deal on camera lenses in Japan.

Second-hand camera gear in Japan

Japan has a very active second-hand camera gear market, and the used items are generally in excellent condition. The Japanese are known for being careful and gentle with high-tech equipment, and most stores only accept second-hand gear if it's in working condition and has its original packaging.

• Fujiya Camera: Located in Nakano, this store has an 80-year history and boasts about 4,000 used items and 5,000 new items. The condition of the items is rated on a scale from A (beautiful condition) to B (feels like it has been used a lot). They also have an annex shop nearby that sells used accessories like tripods.
• Map Camera: Located in Shinjuku, Map Camera is one of the largest vendors of good-quality used cameras in Japan, with an inventory of about 20,000 cameras. They carry over 30 different brands, both foreign and domestic, and their selection includes vintage film cameras and the latest digital single-lens reflex (dSLR) cameras. The store also has a department dedicated to buying cameras and another for repairs and maintenance.
• Lemon Inc.: With a history of around 40 years in Ginza, Lemon Inc. has an extensive collection of film cameras, including national brands like Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Pentax, as well as foreign cameras and lenses like Leica and Hasselblad. They also sell twin-lens reflex cameras, such as Rolleiflex and Ricohflex, and the condition of their cameras is indicated by letters of the alphabet, with A meaning almost new and B indicating damage and a cloudy lens.
• Sukiya Camera: Located on Ginza Renga-dori, Sukiya Camera has been in business for 80 years and is known for its rare and expensive compact film cameras made by Kyocera and Contax, as well as famous cameras like Leica. They have about 1,000 cameras and lenses on display, a third of which are Leica. They also carry domestic brands like Canon and Nikon, and foreign brands like Hasselblad and Minox.

In addition to these stores, there are several Japanese retail chains that specialize in selling pre-owned, returned, and refurbished photography equipment.

Camera lens prices in Japan vs. the US

There is a widespread belief that camera lenses are cheaper in Japan than in other countries, including the US. This notion has persisted for several decades and is especially prevalent among ex-military personnel who were stationed in Japan during the Cold War. However, it is largely a thing of the past.

Today, camera lenses in Japan are priced similarly to those in the US and Europe. This is due to factors such as import tariffs and the cost of transportation from China, where most camera equipment is now produced.

Factors that may contribute to cheaper lenses in Japan

Second-hand equipment

Japan has a very active second-hand camera lens market, and used lenses are generally in excellent condition. Tourists can benefit from regular discounts, and foreign shoppers can shop duty-free at certain stores. Additionally, the Japanese government imposes an 8% consumption tax on imported goods, which foreign tourists are exempt from when purchasing.

Currency exchange rates

The discrepancy in currency values between the Japanese Yen and the US Dollar can give the impression that one is spending less on camera equipment in Japan. However, stores may take advantage of this and sell their equipment at a premium, knowing that most people won't double-check exchange rates.

Examples of lens prices in Japan vs. the US

To provide a definitive answer on whether camera lenses are cheaper in Japan or the US, let's look at some specific examples of lens prices in both countries:

• Nikon D810: $2,796.00 in the US, $2,436.48 at Yodobashi in Japan, and $2,191.12 at Map Camera in Japan.
• Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II: $1,699.00 in the US, $1,702.54 at Yodobashi, and $1,530.49 at Map Camera.
• OM-D E-M5 Mark II: $879.99 in the US, $882.99 at Yodobashi, and $794.67 at Map Camera.
• Fuji 35mm 1.4: $599.00 in the US, $570.15 at Yodobashi, and $518.76 at Map Camera.

While there are exceptions, camera lenses are generally not cheaper in Japan than in the US. The notion that Japanese camera lenses are more affordable is mostly a relic of the past when Japan was a major producer of camera equipment. Today, prices are similar worldwide due to the globalized nature of the industry. However, tourists can still find deals in Japan, especially when purchasing second-hand equipment or taking advantage of duty-free shopping.

Camera lens prices in Japan vs. Australia

Camera lens prices in Japan are a mixed bag. While some sources claim that camera equipment is cheaper in Japan, others claim that it is more expensive. The reality seems to be that it depends on the specific lens and where you are buying from.

Some people have found that camera lenses are cheaper in Australia than in Japan, even with the current exchange rate. For example, one person found that the Tamron 28-75 lens was around $100 cheaper in Japan, while another person found that the same lens was $200 more expensive in Japan than in Australia.

It is worth noting that some stores in Japan offer discounts to foreigners, and second-hand gear can be found at considerable discounts. Additionally, foreign tourists are legally exempt from the 8% consumption tax on imported goods when purchasing in Japan, which can reduce the overall price of a camera lens.

On the other hand, some lenses may be more expensive in Japan due to import tariffs and the cost of transportation from China, where most camera gear is produced today.

Overall, it seems that camera lens prices in Japan can vary significantly, and it is important to compare prices and consider factors such as exchange rates, taxes, and discounts when making a purchase.

Camera lens prices in Japan vs. the UK

There is a common misconception that camera lenses are cheaper in Japan. This idea stems from a few decades ago when Japan manufactured a large proportion of the world's camera equipment and prices were relatively low. However, this is no longer the case.

Today, most camera gear sold under Japanese brands like Nikon and Canon is produced in China and subject to import tariffs. As a result, Japanese camera equipment is generally priced the same as in Western markets like the UK.

Price comparison

When comparing lens prices, it's important to consider exchange rates, taxes, and customs, which can affect the final price. Some sources suggest that camera lenses in Japan can be slightly cheaper, especially when taking advantage of duty-free shopping as a tourist or purchasing second-hand equipment.

For example, one source compared the prices of several camera models and lenses in the US and Japan, finding that some were indeed cheaper in Japan, even when including tax:

• Nikon D810 - $2,796.00 in America vs. $2,436.48 at Yodobashi in Japan
• Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II - $1,699.00 in America vs. $1,702.54 at Yodobashi in Japan ($1,530.49 at Map Camera)
• OM-D E-M5 Mark II - $879.99 in America vs. $882.99 at Yodobashi in Japan ($794.67 at Map Camera)
• Fuji 35mm 1.4 - $599.00 in America vs. $570.15 at Yodobashi in Japan ($518.76 at Map Camera)

However, other sources suggest that camera lenses in Japan can be more expensive, especially when compared to countries with lower tax rates. For instance, one source found that camera gear in Japan was 10-20% higher in price than in Australia, despite being the country where the gear is manufactured.

Second-hand market

Japan has a very active second-hand camera lens market, and the quality of used lenses is generally excellent due to the Japanese tendency to care for high-tech equipment. There are several Japanese retail chains, such as Map Camera and Fujiya Camera, that specialise in selling pre-owned, returned, and refurbished photography equipment.

Compatibility and warranty concerns

It's important to note that lenses purchased in Japan may not be compatible with cameras purchased elsewhere. Additionally, buying lenses in Japan may void your warranty in your home country, as some companies may not honour international warranties.

While there may be isolated cases where camera lenses are cheaper in Japan, the consensus is that prices are generally similar to those in Western markets like the UK. The idea that Japanese lenses are cheaper is a holdover from a few decades ago when Japan was the primary manufacturer of camera equipment worldwide. Today, most camera gear is produced in China, and import tariffs and shipping costs are reflected in the final price.

Camera lens prices in Japan vs. Hong Kong

Camera lenses and other gear are not necessarily cheaper in Japan. Prices for certain models are equivalent to those in foreign markets. However, there are a few factors that may contribute to cheaper lenses in Japan.

Firstly, tourists in Japan can benefit from an 8% consumption tax exemption on imported goods. By presenting their passport at the time of purchase, foreign tourists can save on the tax amount.

Secondly, Japan has a thriving second-hand market for camera equipment, and these items are often available at considerable discounts. The Japanese are known for taking good care of their high-tech gear, so buyers can expect second-hand items to be in good condition.

In Hong Kong, on the other hand, there is no sales or duty tax, which can result in extra savings for buyers. Additionally, Hong Kong is known for its wide range of new and second-hand camera retailers, making it a great place to shop for camera gear.

When comparing prices in Japan and Hong Kong, it is important to consider factors such as warranty coverage, import regulations, and payment methods. Some stores in both countries may offer better deals for cash payments. It is also worth noting that some camera brands provide warranty coverage only for the region where the product was purchased.

In terms of specific stores, Wing Shing Photo Supplies in Hong Kong is known for offering competitive prices and often includes extras like carry cases and memory cards with larger purchases. In Japan, stores like Map Camera and Kitamura offer a wide selection of new and used camera gear, but haggling over prices is generally not accepted.

Overall, both Japan and Hong Kong have their advantages when it comes to camera lens prices. Buyers should consider their specific needs, budget, and the factors mentioned above when making a purchase decision.

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