Camera Shop Interview: David Chan Company in Hong Kong

[@mattdayphoto]

I also love how pleased he was every time he said a camera was not for sale. Haha. Love it!

[@takekayo423]

He's so awesome. Yes he was pleased :-)

[@mattmaber]

+Matt Day "Canonet? Pah No!" That was funny.

[@joez7770]

he said a camera was not for sale for a cheap price! LOL

[@naduncan100]

I similarly remember the ' nit for sale' line, usually the older Leicas in the shops opposite which he kept locked.

[@naduncan100]

I have known David since 1981 when I first went to Hong Kong from University in the UK. I bought my first of many cameras there A Nikon F2 that is pronounced Nikon not Ny-kon as americans mispronounce . After living there for over 20 years I still regularly go back from where I now live in Thailand and David always remembers me. Cheers David hope to see you soon.

[@fotologo2568]

Great guy, Mr David Chan. Truly a man whose work is his passion. He has so much to share. Thanks for this interview.

[@bigheadtaco]

Yes Mr.Chan is an amazing person and a great photography figure.

[@mhsvz6735]

24 hours after watching this video, I purchased a mint condition Nikon F Photomic FTN with 50mm f/1.4 lens on eBay from Japan. Thank you for rekindling my interest in this remarkable camera.

[@y2ktube]

With all due respect to Mr. Chan: If considering the early Leica M3 units, keep in mind that the serial numbers do indicate the latest factory internal revisions that can be VERY desirable. (Single stroke, larger eyepiece optic, improved braking, curtain anchoring, better adhesive & Silvering of RF elements etc.) But one has to pay for these #919,251 and above units. If the budget allows, get one of these (There's a reason that the early units are selling for so much cheaper...). The early units of Mr. Chan's recommendation (700,000's), are having serious RF aging issues: The early 2nd image split-beams are decaying and as a result becoming VERY dim (They aren't considered economical to replace when this occurs). The later revisions previously mentioned were ALL improvements. i.e. The soft brass "Buddah Ear" strap lugs that they couldn't remember in the video, had a short lifespan & were way too difficult to replace. So Leica basically improved serviceability; as a result, now during a service, you can install 'stainless steel' lugs !

[@eatenbyopium]

im not sure mr. chan cares.

[@mattdayphoto]

Such a cool interview! I love the way David thinks in terms of mechanical cameras.

[@kevykev555]

Best camera personality of all time. I watched and showed this video over 10 times.

[@neiljacobs762]

Great interview guys. IMO David Chan's the best camera shop in the world. I have spent many hours shopping in his store with David and always come from his shop happy and with exactly what I want.

[@bigheadtaco]

that's great. Mr.Chan is a great guy, especially when you can convince him to sell something rare.....

[@simonbarnes7124]

Always love your visits to David Chan and his famous camera store even though nothing is for sale. Well anything before 1980 that is!!

[@bigheadtaco]

He wouldn’t sell me new-in-box Minolta 9xi from 1992.... or Nikon 35ti new-in-box from same era.....

[@simonbarnes7124]

bigheadtaco I know. I’ve always wondered how he makes money especially with all those cars he has. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I bought 3 Nikon’s over lockdown and a few prime lenses. FM3A, FM and FE2. I’ve got GAS really bad, but I love old mechanical cameras. I almost bought the Dynax 9xi back in 1994, but I went for the Canon Eos 1. I laughed how Mr Chan dismissed the Canon Canonet. It was my first ever camera. It was such a great and fun video. No, nothing for sale. You can look,. You can even touch, but you CANNOT BUY. I must go there one day..

[@Inzesky1]

Thank you for this great interview Take. Listening to Mr. Chan talking with such passion and knowledge about cameras was a joy. And kudos to him for mentioning the French Foca 35mm rangerfinder cameras, such an underrated gem outside of France.

[@Broodjemetbeleg]

Amazing guy, lovely to hear that he will donate all his rare camera's to a museum

[@bigheadtaco]

yes he's a really cool dude

[@dushman888]

This video works sooooooo much better for me than the new Peta Pixel one. It feels like I'm listening in to a private conversation between 2 kids in a candy store. Long live David Chan. A sage.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

This guy knows his stuff. What a great store, it is more like a museum.

[@randymonster4105]

I don't know how I got here but this is the coolest video I have seen in years. Fckin amazing. The wealth of knowledge this guy has wow.

[@thomasmoje5926]

I ever go to Hong Kong..will make a point of visiting this shop. The camera junkie's ultimate candy store. And Mr. Chan certainly knows his stuff and more importantly, seems to have a genuine love of quality photographic equipment.

[@waltermayr339]

Photography in the scond half of last century, was something we could compare with the golden age of dutch painting! In this interview we got this spirit. Thank you.

[@Intensecure]

I absolutely must go there for a visit, even if he won't actually sell me anything; or indeed if I can't afford anything that he will sell, ha! What an old-school gentlemen, and what gorgeous mechanical works of engineering art. Thanks for sharing this.

[@willlee2522]

Such a wise man with great passion and knowledge to analogy cameras, respect!

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

I'm not really into old cameras, but after watching this, my interest is peaked.

[@philhasacamera]

Amazing man and an epic video. He is a dying breed of real enthusiasts and collectors. Love it

[@bigheadtaco]

I'm going to see him again in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.

[@perhauberg7385]

So charming ! To meet this very nice gentleman in his nest.

[@Merseysiderful]

I am not a camera enthusiast but this video was very interesting. Am amazed at the range of mechanical cameras that were available and the precision components that were needed to actually manufacture them. Mr. Chan’s knowledge is exceptional and I agree with him that film photos are better.

[@ianhand5006]

What a wonderful and knowledgable gentleman David is.

[@chrispenhol6323]

I have watched this video several times already and love it....Wonderful.

[@earlsweat9727]

I love how David goes ya ya ya ya but he’s actually listening extremely closely

[@whittiercheech5659]

that was awesome to see. Great great video. You can see Davids passion for cameras. He's very lucky.

[@somsaks2001]

Wow, I finally found the man who really knows the camera! I thought the film cameras have long gone and taken by computer cameras. I can see clearly now how the film camera can produce a photograph far more superior to any modern camera now a day.

[@alanjackson4067]

Great video Take, as always. What a wonderful guy...Mr Chan. And it would be so cheap shopping in his store, where nothing is for sale..

[@kiwipics]

Lovely to hear David Leung mentioned by Mr Chan at the start of the video. I bought my Canon 35-350mm L from David Leung, and he was such a gent ...

[@maxxsmaxx1901]

I am a proud owner of Nikon F which I repaired and brought to life from junk.I agree it's THE camera 😀 David you are amazing like the Nikon F !

[@JP1050x]

Nice line up of cameras. It's worth mentioning adding the Nikon F2as, which was a great bridge between the F and F3. Love the shrink wrap... they wrap up everything you can imagine in China/HK/Taiwan!

[@brentbrown51]

Amazing. Thank you, David Chan!

[@arndsan]

wow - such a wonderful and unique masterpiece. thank you for sharing this with us.

[@t-money561]

Great shop and memories. Love how he relays the don mccullin story at 19:00 and misappropriates it to an american photographer. Thank you mr. chan for your knowledge.

[@bendelandesful]

Thanks M. Chan for talking about the FOCA coupled range finder cameras with bayonet mount and easy film loading, all this making them far more advanced than Leica's in the 50's, before the M3 came out. I'm thinking about the superb Foca Universel, Universel R and the very rare and beautiful Universel RC that came later in the early 60's. It had a 1:1 magnification coupled range finder, whereas the M3's only 0.85.

[@k.m.alaminbaqee]

After long time I am seen David. I am just speech less. He is still Alive.. I had ever meet him 1996 in his Shop and buy a Nikon FM2 full manuals camera. He is absulate nice Man.

[@Noeman2009]

Awesome. Single stroke, double strokes, and shutter lock is the film advance lever itself. Push toward the camera body, the shutter is locked.

[@xjoexedge]

Seriously amazing. David is a fountain of knowledge

[@johntazbaz1121]

“Not for sale” always gets a laugh out of me, but the one that happens just after 12:46 is the best one.

[@aprilxcats]

Wow! Review of diff film cameras in a single interview! Thank you so much for this! Great to watch!

[@noonsound4894]

I'm late to the party but I love these store videos.

[@UNNAMEDHUMANXX]

the lovely thing in this video is that whenever anyone is not talking, they must be toying with the camera TRUE CAMERA LOVER

[@lucerne33]

Can’t wait to return to David Chan’s shop. What a great atmospheric experience. I understand that champagne court is going to be redeveloped in the next couple of years.

[@usadarylwilson]

Damn, this guy KNOWS HIS CAMERAS. Awesome interview. Thank you. Very much enjoyed this. I just purchased a near mint condition Nikon F5 with MB-28 data back from a store in Japan. I expect it to arrive in about 2 or 3 weeks. Still might get my hands on a 50th Anniversary Limited Edition F5, brand new in the never-opened original box, but the seller keeps backing out for various reasons.

[@bigheadtaco]

Mr.Chan is an interesting character for sure. He also collects cars :-)

[@andrewfrost8866]

Wow! So impressive. What a lovely gentleman, so knowledge too.

[@edykim]

You look like the kid in Disney Land! The interview is very fun and also very inspirational. Thanks for your interview.

[@dt2986]

Two boys in Uncle Dave's candy store. :)

[@takekayo423]

Tasty treats...

[@johnnyekristensen]

The black bag on the counter. which model it is? looks nice.

[@sandyyazier28]

Respect! Respect! Respect! To Mr. David Chan!

[@richardb.1414]

..."today...money for me not important" ..... unbelievable, can see the gentleman has so much fun

[@hofnaar]

Great nerd-talk. Thank you for that. I would watch it also if it went 2 hours or longer. Wakes up my G.A.S. :D Greetings from berlin germany to HK

[@anhhytrinh4791]

i likes the way David said digital like mascass

[@JimVR]

This video makes me want to jump on a plane and visit that shop

[@woodrowclose]

Fascinating interview. I think that David should write a book on the subject.

[@JanoUrda]

In case you want to know about Nikon F which got shot it is Don McCullin Nikon F.

[@ducanhvutran185]

Correct me if I am wrong, you can change the lens for Broadway not the full camera?

[@62smarty]

Will be in HK next week and visit Mr.Chang again! Got my Canon FTb from his store :-). He's a wonderful Person!

[@bigheadtaco]

Awesome, I'll be in HK from April 23-May 9th. I'm going to drop by and say hello to Mr.Chan as well :-)

[@manniarevalo1045]

I love his passion.

[@carlosecabezas]

Mr. David is an awesome guy!! great talk!!

[@villegas24]

He is a great man. Like the Einstein of photography. Would love to visit his shop when I have some money :p

[@mhsvz6735]

Amazing camera store! Please go back and review more of his cameras. Thank you.

[@PointandShooters]

This was probably my favorite interview thus far, he seemed very wise. He needs to sell those cameras tho haha.

[@goncalonorberto5593]

this is probably your best vdeo Take! such a good energy keep going

[@BeingWolfy]

Wasn't he referring to photographer Don McCullin at 19:15 in, not an actual soldier?

[@dt2986]

+wolfywho I think you're right, and thanks for the actual name. Googled the story, awesome read.

[@bobkids009]

Very well interviewed and presented but is a pity that most of the Best cameras in store were not for Sales.........! David Chan is just GREAT.........!

[@MikeWood]

He is quite a character, and that is some store. All those cameras :)

[@genxl86]

its like a museum. I wanna go to HK now!

[@kylemccourt663]

Nikon F2as Olympus OM1 Minox 35 GT Kodak Retina with Schneider glass rolleiflex sl35m is also a super underrated machine with some sweet glass

[@HajiTerikatKetat]

thank you DAVID

[@25258721]

What a great video interview! Really enjoyed it.

[@DrFearCo]

I have an m3 DS in 9.5/10 condition serial number 735476. super early... I love it

[@hayderassam]

Great video and I wish I can visit Mr Chan one day as he seems to be such a nice man and so knowledgable with cameras

[@jackhunter248]

That's just lovely!

[@teleaddict23]

Just ordered a canon new F1 from Japan :) Wish we had shops like this in the UK

[@GarethDanks]

Wow. I loved this video. That place looks like paradise! I’d cry leaving haha. Such a nice guy too. I’m with him on the mechanically built cameras. I’ve just got an FM2. Always wanted one. They truest don’t make em like they used to! I do think the will tho. I can see Leica bringing out a legacy camera! £1000000000 tho 😂❤️

[@illyaswan]

So cool to hear such knowledgeable guys chat about cameras. This is great! P.S. You reminded me again that I also need an M3 in addition to my 0.56x M6TTL. lol

[@cybermike-exe]

just wondering, but does he even sell camera or its a mall museum??

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

Awesome 😎 I definitely enjoy the history behind it.

[@bermut716]

May I know where is your first choice for second hand camera, Hongkong or Japan? Thanks

[@rydock]

Awesome video! Please do more like this

[@nikonman3971]

Beautiful show

[@randomness7053]

his predictions about film coming back again was right as we can all see now. Its been in my mind to sell all of my digital camera gears and buy myself a good film camera that will last that long... though its also scary but I am already considering it. at the moment I am using as Sony Alpha with a Minolta vintage lens, and last week I just bought my very first film camera, Canon AE1-P (cause that's what I can afford at the moment).

[@oaklandtobangkok]

I could have watched all day long. I would have asked him "What IS for sale?" Great video!

[@bigheadtaco]

majority of the things in his shop is for sale. Because I asked to show me his very best, obviously he's going to show me stuff he won't sell.... :-)

[@neiljacobs762]

Best camera shop in Hong Kong! I always get my gear there.

[@jeffreyaustin603]

I enjoy my Nikons, FA and F3. I had been somewhat concerned if Kodak would start making 35mm film again but those fears have been dispersed.

[@dennislam8102]

can't believe he donated the cameras. feel more admired of him as a film camera collector:)

[@0311ohrah]

HK government should build a camera museum, and David should donate all those "not for sale" for exhibition..., well he said it ! Bravo !

[@vbgbify]

how does it cost the Nikon f3 in 1:57 phrase

[@tratch9454]

What was the best lens from england for 35mm

[@bigheadtaco]

Cooke

[@tratch9454]

@@bigheadtaco which line or series?? Thanks

[@TheShanahg]

He is amazing, I wish to visit his store and chat with him in Hong Kong.

[@koi1957]

Really enjoyed that great great video

[@michaels8597]

amazing information...a must see,to listen and learn...

[@Zone41]

Great moment!

[@CamMead]

wow guys such an epic video, ive heard about this shop but so glad you interviewed him. Such a funny guy too i would definitely spend a lot of time there if i visit some day!! might be worth the plane ticket alone but i have a feeling he wont sell me a camera if i find one i really want haha

[@takekayo423]

Exactly!!

[@leesunlung]

10:00 He said Hasselblad 500C is the best but why? Most people get the 500C/M because you can change the screen

[@MarcS4R]

gotta love that guy. what is the name of the french company he mentioned ?

[@dt2986]

+MarcS4R Mr. Chan mentioned Alpa camera first then realized it's not a French company, he then remembered the actual French camera brand "Foca Camera". He also mentioned French made lens brand "Angenieux" and another brand which I can't hear the name correctly. The man is a living mechanical camera encyclopedia. :)

[@qpou122]

+MarcS4R It is angenieux. They make great zoom lens.

[@artistandcamera3245]

this makes me happy

[@bigheadtaco]

me too...

[@timheubeckphoto]

Just came across your channel, thanks for the videos and keep up the good work! :)

[@bigheadtaco]

+Tim Heubeck thanks!

[@adventureguy4119]

The owner seems so passionate about his career, so much knowledge i will never get =(

[@n506higo]

I was thinking of the idea of selling all of my film cameras (1980s - 1990s Nikon and Contax, etc.) to buy some digital, but I changed my mind. Thank you for uploading the interview.

[@mirrah08]

Wonderful story...love it...