If you love cameras but can't quite stretch to a brand-new one, and you're planning a trip to Japan, this is for you, because we're taking you to some great-value second-hand camera shops in Japan. As you probably know, used goods in Japan tend to be in very good condition, thanks to the shops' professional grading standards, and cameras are no exception. Second-hand cameras are sorted into several grades and price points to match your budget and specs. Don't worry about telling the grades apart, since each one is clearly marked on the price tag. Some Grade A cameras look practically untouched and are seriously tempting. That said, because it's second-hand, you should check things over a little more carefully than usual, since making a claim after you've already flown home would be difficult. So before you buy, always check everything and test it thoroughly to avoid mistakes as much as possible. In this article, we've rounded up 5 great second-hand camera shops in Tokyo, each with good quality and a wide selection. Here they are.
1. Map Camera
Photo from Official Facebook Page
Map Camera is a hugely popular shop in the Shinjuku area, with a selection of over 20,000 cameras and accessories. This shop is arguably the number one favorite among camera lovers, and it's also one of the largest camera retailers in Japan. If you're looking for a wide variety of cameras, head straight here; you're sure to find something to take home. They carry more than 30 domestic and international brands, including Nikon, Pentax, Fujifilm, Canon, Olympus, Sony, and Contax. Quality standards are reliable and after-sales service is excellent. Stock ranges from classic film cameras to the latest DSLRs, and items are organized by brand so they're easy to browse. If you're into Leica, they have a great selection of those too. Both its products and its service live up to its reputation as a top name in second-hand cameras.
Address : 1-12-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023
Hours : 10:30 - 20:30
Closed : Open every day
Phone : 03-3342-3381
Access : Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station, exit at the Central West Exit, then walk 5 minutes.
2. Kitamura Camera
Photo from http://blog.kitamura.jp
Located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the same building as Mini Mini, Kitamura Camera is another well-known Shinjuku shop for anyone on a budget who wants a good camera at a good price. They stock everything from very affordable options to pricier ones that still won't break the bank. Although it has only two floors, it is packed with choices, and they only carry well-known, popular brands. Film cameras, digital cameras, and a dazzling range of lenses, both new and old models, are all here.
Address : 1F Yutaka Building, 1-15-13 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Hours : Monday-Friday 8:00-21:00, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 9:30 - 20:00
Closed : Open every day
Phone : +81-3-3343-181
Access : Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station, exit at the Central West Exit, then walk 3 minutes.
3. Fujiya Camera
Photo from flickr.com/photos/ami_harikoshi/3374744069
Fujiya Camera is a popular second-hand camera shop in the Nakano area, not far from Shinjuku. It has been open for 80 years. They stock both new and used cameras: around 5,000 new items and around 4,000 used items, plus a range of camera-related accessories. Brands include Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Contax, Pentax, Fujifilm, and Panasonic, and even top-tier names like Leica and Zeiss. They also carry plenty of premium brands such as Mamiya and Hasselblad. The shop's grading is simply split into two types: Grade A, which looks like new, and Grade B, which is in good condition but with some flaws.
Address : Tatsumi building, 5-61-1, Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, 164-0001
Hours : 10:00 - 20:30
Closed : Open every day
Phone : 03-5318-2241
Access : Take the JR Chuo Main Line to Nakano Station, then walk 2 minutes, or take the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line to Nakano Station, then walk 2 minutes.
4. Sukiya Camera
Photo by MIKI Yoshihito Follow from flickr.com/photos/mujitra/4618856670 CC2.0
Sukiya Camera is said to be Tokyo's oldest second-hand camera shop, in business for over 80 years. The shop isn't large, but it's packed with hard-to-find items. Inside, there are over 1,000 cameras and lenses to choose from, including domestic brands like Canon and Nikon as well as well-known international brands like Hasselblad and Minox. For fans of small but pricey vintage gems like Kyocera and Contax, they have those too, and even the king of cameras itself, Leica, is on hand.
Address : 1F, 4-3-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
Hours : 10:00 - 19:00
Closed : Every Monday
Phone : 03-3571-5555
Access : Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Ginza Station, exit at Exit B4, then walk 1 minute.
5. Lemon Inc
A long-standing second-hand camera shop in Ginza, open for over 40 years, located east of Yurakucho Station. It does have other branches, but this one is the main and largest of them. If you're into vintage cameras, this is the place, since it's especially famous for its wide selection of vintage cameras at various price points. Common brands like Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Pentax are available, as are higher-end names like Leica and Hasselblad. For anyone hunting for top-tier cameras, this is a must-visit, with a full lineup including Rolleiflex, Ricohflex, Yashicaflex, and many more. Products are graded as A for like-new condition, AB+ for nearly new, and B for items with some visible flaws, which are the most affordable. It's a legendary shop that any classic camera lover has to visit.
Address : 8F, 4-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
Hours : Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 20:00. Sunday and public holidays 11:00 - 19:00
Closed : Open every day
Phone : 03-3567-3131
Access : Take the JR line to Yurakucho Station, exit at the Central Exit, then walk 2 minutes, or take the subway to Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, exit at Exit B10, then walk 1 minute.