Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nstick13]

I have had my DSLR for about a year now, and am (finally) looking to get filters for it. Don't know why I've waited so long--hope that not having something protective even hasn't damaged my camera/lens.

Anyways, does anyone have a recommendation for a good place to buy these? I was going to wander around Namdaemun this afternoon. Any particular shop that's helpful and speaks reasonable English? Any thoughts on which brand is offers the best value?

Thanks to all in advance.

[Hello]

I don't take pictures much anymore, but when I used to I would go to Technomart to get my filters. There was a little shop there selling eveything I wanted/needed, but it's been a few years since I went there, so I don't even recall on which floor it was much less the exact location.

Otherwise, I'd suggest to take a look at Gmarket.

[CasperTheFriendlyGhost]

You could probably go into one of the shops in Namdaemun. Hyosung Camera is pretty foreigner-friendly. 에스 디카 has good prices on lenses, so might be a better deal.

How important is a filter? I'm wary of putting another piece of glass between me and my photo.

[crossmr]

You can find them on gmarket, but UV filters really aren't that useful or necessary with DSLRs anyway. Most of them compensate. The extra glass really also isn't much of a benefit, as you're unlikely to scratch the lens.

[spicy]

I stumbled across a fairly upright kid/guy (goes by the English name of Josh) who works a little tiny stand in a basement in Namdaemun. I ran into one of the head guys from the Flickr Seoul Photography Club, who takes some great photos and seems to know his stuff, and he was pretty wholeheartedly recommending this guy.

His English is pretty good (considerably better than my Korean, though he's nice enough to oblige me with some practice, even though I suck), and he seems to have connections (probably similar to the shady dudes who work on in row of street-shops in Namdaemun who are always like YEAH I'VE GOT THAT and then whip out their cell phone).

Anyways, check out his (company's?) website -- www.hi-camera.com -- though I think it's exclusively in Korean.

He seems to mostly specialize in film camera bodies more than digital, but he's got lenses galore. Haven't seen him stock little miscellaneous accessories (like filters, flashes, batteries, etc), but I'm sure he'd have a way to get his hands on them.

Not sure if you're interested, but if you want details on how to get there, I can give them to you, just send me a PM.