From Japan - Have Questions

[DPhotoR]

Currently in Japan. Visited the Shinjuku area camera stores. An amazing collection of new and used gear.
With respect to savings, the U.S. dollar has been very strong relative to the Yen for months. You can save up to 20% on new products (currency conversion plus no tax). The only downside is product availability of newly released items. For example, I cannot find a RF 100-300mm 2.8 Canon lens. All of the stores say there is a 3 month minimum wait.
I'm more than happy to answer any questions.

 

[Del Paso]

Currently in Japan. Visited the Shinjuku area camera stores. An amazing collection of new and used gear.
With respect to savings, the U.S. dollar has been very strong relative to the Yen for months. You can save up to 20% on new products (currency conversion plus no tax). The only downside is product availability of newly released items. For example, I cannot find a RF 100-300mm 2.8 Canon lens. All of the stores say there is a 3 month minimum wait.
I'm more than happy to answer any questions.

Hi!
Since I'll be in Japan for 3 weeks in 2025, could you please tell me if there are stores you'd particularly recommend for Canon and Leica gear (new and used)?

 

[DPhotoR]

Here are my recommendations:
1. Lemon Inc, located in Shinjuku (Tokyo); https://lemonsha.com/
2. Kitamura Camera; https://www.kitamuracamera.jp/en/
3. Fujiya Camera, located in Nakano (Tokyo); https://www.fujiya-camera.co.jp/shop/default.aspx
4. Map Camera, located in Shinjuku (Tokyo); https://www.mapcamera.com/
5. Yodobashi Camera, located in Shinjuku (Tokyo); https://www.yodobashi.com/ec/store/0011/

#1, #3, #4 cary a lot of Leica new/used cameras. All the others have new/used Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.

As a kindly reminder from a U.S. perspective, please do not talk on your mobile device(s) when using public transportation. If you're speaking to someone you're traveling with on public transportation, speak as quietly as possible. If you're in an airport lounge, look for enclosed rooms to speak on your mobile phone. They are closet-sized phone booths.

Enjoy.

 

[DPhotoR]

Some more info.
When you visit Japanese camera stores or websites, pay attention to the listed prices. Listings usually include two prices - one with tax and one without tax (in parenthesis). Prices will vary from store to store. Like all businesses trying to get your attention, some may only list the pre-tax prices. Keep this in mind as tax is 10%.

Here are some lens prices increase following the New Year:
(1) Canon RF 28-70mm F2 Price increased from $2,159.99 to $2,425.03
(2) Canon RF 70-200 F2.8 Price increased from $2,342.19 to $2,632.42

The price increase may be a reflection of the strong EURO and US dollar vs the Yen. In order to get the tax free benefit, you must visit the store in person and have your passport. Depending on the business, you may be able to reserve the gear you want in advanced. I did this in the past to avoid price fluctuations. For example, I purchased the lenses above, but did not pay until after the New Year. However, the store agreed to hold the items for me and honor the original pre-New Year price.

I asked for a lead time on the Canon RF 100-300mm 2.8. The store opened the Japan Canon website and it stated, "six month waiting period."

 

[Del Paso]

Here are my recommendations:
1. Lemon Inc, located in Shinjuku (Tokyo); https://lemonsha.com/
2. Kitamura Camera; https://www.kitamuracamera.jp/en/
3. Fujiya Camera, located in Nakano (Tokyo); https://www.fujiya-camera.co.jp/shop/default.aspx
4. Map Camera, located in Shinjuku (Tokyo); https://www.mapcamera.com/
5. Yodobashi Camera, located in Shinjuku (Tokyo); https://www.yodobashi.com/ec/store/0011/

#1, #3, #4 cary a lot of Leica new/used cameras. All the others have new/used Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.

As a kindly reminder from a U.S. perspective, please do not talk on your mobile device(s) when using public transportation. If you're speaking to someone you're traveling with on public transportation, speak as quietly as possible. If you're in an airport lounge, look for enclosed rooms to speak on your mobile phone. They are closet-sized phone booths.

Enjoy.

Sorry for the late answer.
I couldn't find the post...
Thank you very much for your detailed answer, I guess I'll have to spend one more day in Tokio!
I'll be mostly looking for used Leica M gear and Canon bodies and lenses - easier to import (discreetly ).
As to cellphones, no risk. I never use them in public areas anyway.

 

[Del Paso]

Some more info.
When you visit Japanese camera stores or websites, pay attention to the listed prices. Listings usually include two prices - one with tax and one without tax (in parenthesis). Prices will vary from store to store. Like all businesses trying to get your attention, some may only list the pre-tax prices. Keep this in mind as tax is 10%.

Here are some lens prices increase following the New Year:
(1) Canon RF 28-70mm F2 Price increased from $2,159.99 to $2,425.03
(2) Canon RF 70-200 F2.8 Price increased from $2,342.19 to $2,632.42

The price increase may be a reflection of the strong EURO and US dollar vs the Yen. In order to get the tax free benefit, you must visit the store in person and have your passport. Depending on the business, you may be able to reserve the gear you want in advanced. I did this in the past to avoid price fluctuations. For example, I purchased the lenses above, but did not pay until after the New Year. However, the store agreed to hold the items for me and honor the original pre-New Year price.

I asked for a lead time on the Canon RF 100-300mm 2.8. The store opened the Japan Canon website and it stated, "six month waiting period."

Compared to prices in France, still cheap despite the increase.
And thanks for the tax info, I'll have to pay attention to it, and always have my passport ready.
Since I will be travelling individually, hating organized travel, I will have enough time to check the retailers you named me.
If only we were already in October...
PS: Main reason for the trip are the Japanese Alps, the maples, the gardens, temples and FOOD!

 

[koenkooi]

Thanks for the recommendations! I’ve just been informed that there will be a company trip to Tokyo in June

 

[P-visie]

A bit off topic: Petapixel has a post about locations for landscape photograpy:

The Landscape Photographer’s Guide to Japan

Photographer Phil Davies offers a landscape photographer's guide to capturing gorgeous photos in Japan's outdoor areas.

petapixel.com

 

[Del Paso]

A bit off topic: Petapixel has a post about locations for landscape photograpy:

The Landscape Photographer’s Guide to Japan

Photographer Phil Davies offers a landscape photographer's guide to capturing gorgeous photos in Japan's outdoor areas.

petapixel.com

Off topic?
Not for me...
2025, 4 weeks in Nippon!
Fully individual travel (suffered enough from the officially idealized holy teamwork in my company).