Buying (pentax) lenses in Japan

[larkis]

I'm going on a trip to do some photography in Japan for a month and wanted to use the new HD PENTAX-D FA 645 35mm which I did not have time to purchase locally in Canada. Does anyone know if the lenses in Japan are priced similarly if I factor out the sales tax ?

Does anyone have any recommendations ?

[aztwang]

I'm going on a trip to do some photography in Japan for a month and wanted to use the new HD PENTAX-D FA 645 35mm which I did not have time to purchase locally in Canada. Does anyone know if the lenses in Japan are priced similarly if I factor out the sales tax ?

Does anyone have any recommendations ?

I asked an associate friend of mine , fellow Pro, who lives in Okinawa and travels to the main island often. He commented the following;

"Tell him to go to Yodobashi camera, Kojima, or bic camera online. Then calculate the price listed divided buy 120 in U.S. Dollars or use a currency converter, but generally due to the yen rate, the prices are kinda lower for us, but these store mark up pretty heavy. I buy online from the non popular stores and save a bit. Most of what I saw, the pricing was similar."

Hope this helps.

[drmike]

Isn't it possible to save on tax if you are a tourist?

[larkis]

Isn't it possible to save on tax if you are a tourist?

I believe so, unless it has changed. Last time I was there I could show my passport at a store and get the tax deducted right at the point of sale. I'm not sure what the sales tax is right now in Japan. I read online they hiked it up at one point.

[Esben]

Bring your passport to Yodobashi (Akihabara station) and they will deduct the sales tax and most likely offer you an additional 5-6% off if you pay using a Visa credit card.
New Year is a big holiday in Japan, you might even be able to buy certain items on sale (I'm not sure if this applies for camera equipment at Yodobashi).

Have fun!
Esben

[Craig Magee]

Long time since I was last there but MAP camera in Shinjuku was a bit cheaper than Yodobashi and they are very helpful. Worth going there for a look around anyway.

[MattBurt]

I sure have been getting some good deals on used 645 lenses from Japan via eBay!

[neilwatson]

Try Fujiya camera in Tokyo Nakano area ( a few stops from shinjuku on local train )

Location

http://www.fujiya-camera.co.jp/2014shops_guide.shtml

Used Pentax lens - they usually have a cabinet full of Pentax lens for sale

http://www.fujiya-camera.jp/shopbrand/ct650/

[orc73]

are there any online shops? I found yodobashi with the new 35mm in stock, but they don't deliver abroad.