Job Discussion Forums

[fallon77]

Can anyone tell me where I can find some good camera shops in Hong Kong? Any recommendations? What is a good place to pick up new and used gear?

Any help appreciated,
fallon

[bubblebubble]

there are many shops in Tsim Sha Tsui that are solely for the 'tourists', which has been known for scams and etc.

to play safe, i'd suggest the major electronic chain stores in hong kong:

1. broadway
2. fortress

you can find them almost in any major shopping malls in hong kong, like Times Square at Causeway Bay (MTR Exit A).

another place you can try is Mong Kok. Get out at exit E (i think) and there are lots of electronic stores, including the two which i've mentioned. you can try to bargain for some free gifts or upgrades.

good luck!

[dandan]

Fortress and Broadway are fine for basic cheap and cheerful stuff, if you're looking for more professional gear there are a number of specialist shops. There's also an arcade in TST with many good second-hand camera shops. Let me know if you need info.

[Charlesm_888]

Queen Victoria Street in Central has a number of small specialised shops.

[poof]

I'd second Fortress and Broadway for general electrical/electronic stuff. They have branches in large shopping centers across HK. They often have discount sales, or can throw in a bonus product if you buy goods from them. They also have a refund and exchange system - unless that's changed.

If you just buy from any individual vendor from elsewhere, you cannot always count on your product being in factory condition. It's quite common for you to point to a product you're interested in which is displayed in the shop window and for you then to be sold that exact item which can be dusty, may have a slightly melted casing from having been in the sun too long, or even have loose components and has no refund option. You don't even get any packaging. Prices are good, but product doesn't last long. There are also second hand phone and camera stores which claim to have products which were 'found in the back of a taxi' but were probably actually stolen.

[dandan]

Yes, Fortress and Broadway are probably the best bet for simple point and shoot cameras and general household electrical equipment, particularly if you don't know HK well, but the point is that if the OP wants a camera shop that sells proper photographic equipment like SLR cameras (digital or film), lenses etc. then they simply don't sell that kind of product in Fortress or Broadway.

If he wants that kind of equipment he'll need to go to a proper camera shop like Tin Cheung in Tsim Sha Tsui (yes, avoid most of the other camera shops in TST), Kowloon Photo in Yau Ma Tei, Wing Shing & Man Shing in Mongkok and Photo Scientific in Central. They're all kosher and provide much a much better range of products, knowledge and service than the chains, don't expect them to be much, if any, cheaper though. Its when people go to tourist rip-off shops thinking they're getting a great deal that they get in trouble.

The second-hand camera shops I was referring to don't sell dodgy gear found in the back of a taxi but second-hand film bodies, lenses, old Leicas and Hasselblads etc.

[poof]

Okay - perhaps the original poster should be more specific about what type of camera they are after...

[organix]

Stanley Street in Central is the best place to buy professional photography equipment. There are many small, reliable stores and you'll find any camera and lens you could desire there. I have helped 4 friends buy cameras there in the past and they are all satisfied.

Update: Photo Scientific, in particular, on Stanley Street, is highly recommended. The prices are not always the best, but the service is incredible and you can always bet on top-notch after sales service, should you have a problem. I know several pros who shop here exclusively. Mr Poon is the man to talk to; he is extremely friendly.

Stanley Street runs between Lan Kwai Fong (D'Aguilar Street?) and the Mid Levels escalators. Very easy to find.

There are also a few good shops scattered around Mongkok, Man Shing and Wing Shing being the most notable and reliable.