picpiper Loc: California

I may be going in a few weeks. Does anyone know offhand if there are any savings to be had there for lenses, good filters etc.? Or would searching for bargains be a waste of time?

Any websites where one can get a feel for photographic hardware Tokyo prices?

DavidT Loc: Maryland

Generally speaking, you will likely not find any bargains on Japanese camera equipment in Tokyo compared to prices in the United States. You might actually be surprised at the "bargain" prices we get them for in the U.S. Also, don't forget about the devaluation of your dollar compared to the yen and the currency exchange surcharges. The rent in Tokyo is outrageous, so the merchants also have to mark up for that as well.

picpiper Loc: California

Thanks for the info. I was afraid that may be the case. Not having to bother shopping will just give more shooting time, :thumbup:

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

In 1968, I bought my Nikon F in Tokyo. It was exactly half price of the USA price $222 vs. $444.

I'm guessing that the price differential has changed.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

It sure has changed. (Then again so has most everything else over the past 45 years).
You will see things in stores that you may not see here, at least not as readily, so you may be strongly tempted to do some impulse shopping, but total costs are more often than not higher than what we can pay here in the US. (not to mention other downsides, like warranty and return options)
Bottomline, generally there are no bargains in photographic equipment in Tokyo compared to US.
But searching for a bargain is never a waste of time if you enjoy the search as much as the find.

Hypno Loc: Miami

Don't forget that you will have to declare and pay tax when you return to the States. I think customs would check for electronics.

Bill gomberg

I bought mine with 50mm. Lens at Peerless Camera in N.Y. For $ 210.00 .

DavidT Loc: Maryland

CUSTOMS! Good point. If you take your Japanese camera gear to Japan, how do you ensure that you won't have to pay customs on it? You might want to fill out a Customs Form 4457 before you leave. Here a link about taking camera gear to other countries:

http://www.nicholsonprints.com/Articles/form4457.htm

Graeme Loc: El Cerrito, California

I have never had the experience of US Customs checking cameras in use, and I usually travel with two, always Made in Japan, up to ten times a year over almost half a century. Out and back to SFO. Yes, if you want a bargain, buy in the US.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Go directly to the source - US Customs:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/register_items.xml
and
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/certificate_of_registration.xml

Once you have this form completed, you can use it over and over for subsequent trips.
I carry several forms that I have updated over the years in my camera bags. If I get anything new and expensive that is not on a Form 4457, I carry a copy of the invoice from where I purchased (which usually also has the S/N on it.)

It very rarely comes up, and when it has, it is usually just a verbal inquiry. I travel frequently and U.S. customs seems to keep detailed records, so I'm sure that helps me just walk thru without question. Furthermore most of my gear is both comprehensive and obviously used, but with the potential hassle involved when entering any country, I keep copies of the 4457 forms with my equipment at all times just in case.

But entering other countries with a lot of expensive gear usually poses more risk of inquiries than returning to the U.S. does (based on my experience).
So far other countries have accepted my U.S. Form 4457s and receipts when asked for proof of previous ownership. Government officials like government official forms.

But in the grand scheme of traveling with lost of expensive gear, theft and damage are far greater threats than customs.
I have never lost anything but a few minutes with dozens of customs agencies around the world.
Wish I could say the same about damage, theft and lost luggage overseas.

I almost always FedEx anything valuable that I may not be able to carry on to the plane.

vinnya Loc: connecticut

if you want to be different dont know if you use nikon but in a recent Nphoto magazine where they have the apprentice and the pro he had a light gray lens which looked like canon but said the lens can be purchased in japan and made by nikon think it was a 70-200, dont know the cost either.

dont think you save money like you use to along time ago, plus get hit when you come through customs on the way back if your honest

cmge Loc: Arkansas

I found out the hard way that a camera bought overseas does not have a US warranty. If something goes wrong, and it did, there is no recourse here. The camera has to be returned to the place it was purchased. That said, it was put on AE and, since I had all paperwork and the purchase place never answered AE either, it was OK. I would never buy a camera overseas again. Oh yes, it was cheaper here.

picpiper Loc: California

Thanks DavidT, Graeme and Festina Lente for bringing up and discussing the Customs aspect. It never even occurred to me. Will certainly take care of the 4457.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Years ago my film nikon had a sticker on so when you went out of the country and returned they wouldn,t charge you the duty charge. Not sure how it works now. Never needed a pasport for Canada or the Caribean. I just had to show my drivers lic. Now since 9 11 you need a pasport to go to the john.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

in 1984 better deals were found in Hong Kong. I purchased a 1984 nikonos iV underwater camera with strobe for half price. I was in Tokyo,Kyoto,Osaka and hakonne in Japan. The price in Tokyo was slightly more than in the states. I would be curios what the price difference is as well.