Photo equipment in Hong Kong

Posted by panzerbjorne (1103 days ago)

Does anyone know of a good place (preferably online) for high end consumer / pro photography? I am shortly moving from New York to Hong Kong and wat to comparison shop (especially for Canon lenses) before I arrive.

Thanks!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Radiodoc (1103 days ago)

What you want to be sure of is : Avoid the "Let's rip 'em off" shops in Nathan Road Tsimshstsui, and in Causeway Bay.

Don't consider paying even a Cent till you have the item(s) you want right in your hands.

As for "other sources" of supply, all I can suggest is that you take a look around at NON-Tourist trap areas *&* look for the "Quality" sign allowed to be displayed at HK Tourist Assn approved shops.

As always, it is a case of "Caveat Emptor" if you don't want to be ripped off.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by panzerbjorne (1103 days ago)

Thanks for the tip Radiodoc. I was living in HK for a few months and visiting quite often over the last few years and had a few such experiences in Nathan Rd already. Wish I had read this before I went there!!!

Anyone else for suggestions on "online" stores?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Todge (1102 days ago)

Stanley St, Central has a good range of quality photographic stores - some specialise, others don't they are all within about 300 metres of each other.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by bobafett (1101 days ago)

TST, off nathan rd, kimberley rd. Place called champagne court.

rule of thumb on nathan rd, The more neon signs = more chance of rip off :)

reviews here

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00B88Q&unified_p=1

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by panzerbjorne (1100 days ago)

Thanks Todge and bobfett. Those are good suggestions. The photo.net board is pretty awesome.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by diamond (1100 days ago)

Try Tin Cheung Camera Company, I bought most of my EOS cameras and Canon lenses there. They are situated off Nathan Road and have a website: www.tincheugcamera.com.hk

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by TaLL|dUdE (1092 days ago)

I get my stuff usually in Mong Kok. Wing Shing or Wing Ming

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by panzerbjorne (1091 days ago)

Thanks for the site referral diamond. are the prices there representative of Hong Kong in general?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by diamond (1088 days ago)

I think the prices are fairly typical but I think I paid slightly less for most of my equipment in the shop. I compared prices quite a lot before I bought and found them slightly cheaper than the shops in Stanley Street,(HK Island).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by panzerbjorne (1087 days ago)

I just got some quotes from these guys and you're right the prices are lower in-shop - I was given the "cash only gray market prices". Very helpful lot!

That still does not change the fact that almost 50% of the equipment (across a broad cross-section) is cheaper here in New York from the grand-daddy of all stores - B&H. I guess I now know what to buy here vs there.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ozboy2227 (1068 days ago)

All the professional photographers buy their gear on Stanley St. Avoid anywhere on TST/kowloon side, famous for bait-and-switch tactics. Photography gear in Hong Kong is cheap.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Fuller (1067 days ago)

Completely agree with the last post, i have been everywhere and found Stanley st, the best and cheapest and you have like 6 shops within 200 yards. Look for Kwong Tai Photo Supplies, they are friendly and give me the best price on the street for a EOS-20D

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by panzerbjorne (1064 days ago)

Just came back from the Hong Kong trip. Thanks everyone for the tips and info! Thought I'd share my experience here.

I hadn't read the last post from Fuller but by a complete coincidence landed up at Kwong Tai after visting about 20 shops across Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. I agree the staff is pretty helpful and I got the best price on a 10-22 EF-S. Cost me HKD 4950 (about $635) with an international warranty which is just amazing - the NYC price is about $150 more. Even the lens and hood that I bought were cheaper than the NYC prices by about 20%.

However, I found that practically everything else was about 20-40% more expensive than NYC. I dont know why the abberation for the 10-22 but as it was top of my shopping list, I will not question my good luck!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mayita (124 days ago)

Any updates about some websites / places to buy pro/ semi-pro lenses & other camera stuff + CF cards Extreme IV ?
Thanks for sending me a pm for specifics.
Cheers
m.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by panzerbjorne (124 days ago)

Stanley Street is great. There are other options but it does depend on what you're looking for...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by snoopy88 (115 days ago)

Mayita

I would suggest the following :

a. Monk Kok for the camera needs. wing shing and a few others on the ground level, provides good choices.

b. For bargin prices of similar goods, I will go to Mong Kok computer centre's 3rd floor. They sell both with agent warranty & parallel imported stuff there.

3 months ago, I got my Canon PnS there for about HK500 less ($2050 vs $2680), minus the rubbish freebies of mugs, layard etc. Took the savings went to the next shop and get a Toshiba 4Gb SDHC Class 6 card for HK280.

For a "Made In Japan" PnS, I am will to take the risk of no agent warranty. Afterall, it has to work for 1 year then we are all the same - replace or face a heavy repair bill....

The prices are stated at the windows. If you are uncomfortable that you may pay tourist prices, get a local friend to tag along....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by tmk (115 days ago)

You may want to try http://www.ygdragon.net/ for an idea on prices.

(I am based in Hong Kong)