How to Buy Rare Camera Gear From Japan 🇯🇵

[@Riccardo_Mori]

I wanted to offer a little caveat when buying from Japan. Make sure (ask the seller if they speak English) that the camera interface (the menus) supports multiple languages. Many digital cameras made for the Japanese market often have the interface in Japanese only. A friend of mine had to return a Pentax MX-1 for this exact problem. And when I was looking for an Olympus XZ-1 I had to refrain from buying it from two separate Japanese eBay sellers after they told me that the menus were only in Japanese. Cheers! //Rick

[@IntriguedLioness]

So true! I haven’t had that issue with cameras, but when traveling through either Korea or Japan, and I often purchase other consumer electronics… The funny thing about EarPods, or portable photo printer I just have to look for the Bluetooth in a language I don’t speak!

[@ElectricDaruma]

I want to add onto this, that some cameras like many of the A6XXX series are stuck in Japanese until you can mod it to unlock to the language menu. Just had a heck of a time getting it unlocked on a JP A6400 but got it to work

[@daniilkiselev6523]

Or you could learn the language...

[@StephenStrangways]

Panasonic cameras sold in Japan are only in Japanese, unless you do a little firmware hack. Olympus cameras sold in Japan can be set to any language.

[@rephaelreyes8552]

I just hope flippers don’t find this video. Vintage lenses on eBay are already expensive for poor condition 😭

[@GrainOnTheGo]

This video is actually my nightmare scenario, because Buyee prices have always been competitive for conditions and what not.

[@artphototech]

Same, I appreciate videos like this, but it does have this effect sometimes where the item balloons in price out of the blue. Hope it doesn't get there. Sometimes these sites are better left known to people that find them by random chance.

[@GrainOnTheGo]

@@artphototech I found Buyee by pure accident and got all excited telling my GF, and she told me that it was well known in the clothing space, but in the camera space at least in the States it felt like a little gem. I've been able to buy lots of stuff at far more reasonable prices than some of the absolutely devastating eBay scalp prices.

[@artphototech]

@@GrainOnTheGo I am just now getting into it. So much stuff to buy, it's a gift and a curse. 🥲 Happy shopping!

[@stormfalconstudios]

Buy classic medium format lenses and an adapter. I have an 80mm f2.8 Bronica SQ I can adapt all the way to my EF-M cameras. Super sharp and punchy, I love it.

[@tben5379]

I buy about 90% of my gear from Japan. I was stationed there for 2 years. The Japanese people take very good care of their things and are honest and honorable. If something is not right with the gear they send you they are quick to fix. Love you videos by the way. :)

[@IntriguedLioness]

I love what you said about the Japanese people and their gear. As a traveler more than a photographer I have opted made a wish list before I would travel to Japan to pick up luggage or mountaineering equipment. They produced great quality stuff, they take care of their stuff, and they are honest about the deal! Cheers!

[@mawukopicsart5951]

please can i know japanese shops you buy staff from

[@AlbertSiegel]

Ahh the Olympus 300 f2.8... very nice lens. They don't go for much in Japan compared to other markets. I'm looking forward to a video on that.

[@slr7075]

Exc+++++++++++++ Condition No scratch No fog No moisture Little tiny fungus... *The actual fungus:* 🍄🍄🍄 "It does not affect the shooting."

[@vegasstripwalking]

I always buy my vintage, and even modern cameras and lenses from Japan off Ebay. The sellers are upfront about condition and their grading is spot on. US sellers always try to hide the flaws and usually sell garbage gear.

[@christopherdallenbach2524]

I went to Map camera when I was visiting Japan last week and traded in a lens to buy another one. If you are a photographer They are a a high end camera store with both used and new products, highly recommended you visit if you find yourself in country.

[@snappiness]

Very cool! I'd love to visit one day. Is that the same map camera as the ebay store or just coincidence? I've bought from that store before.

[@christopherdallenbach2524]

Yes it is! Right now the USD to Yen exchange rate is really good so the dollar has 40% more spending power than here in the States. Map camera has multiple floors each floor is committed to a different brand, for example the first floor is Fujifilm, the Second, Nikon, the Third Canon, etc. Google Lens was my best friend through most of the trip and the Japanese the majority of the time are pretty easy to deal business with even with the language barrier. Additionally Japan has a Tax Free law for Tourists which further reduces your cost, and culturally they in general take better care of their stuff meaning you can buy used with more confidence that you are not going to get stuck with something in poor condition.

[@carbonejack]

I've purchased many items from Buyee. I wasn't sure if I could trust it, but doing some research I found it very reliable and found some very good deals. My first purchase was a pretty rare medium format folding camera that was in the seller's family. The process takes a little longer, but I never had a bad experience. And the shipping is usually quick once Buyee gets the item from the seller. I use it all the time.

[@snappiness]

Yes, I've noticed that too. Once buyee ships the item to me it's only a week or less.

[@nicholasdavidsmith]

I’ve been fortunate to live in Japan for the past two years, and can confirm that generally speaking, Japanese people tend to take care of their things and you can easily find old equipment in incredible condition.

[@edc5338]

What unnerves me is that all the Japanese ads on eBay always say "Mint."

[@snappiness]

Or Exc++++++++++++ 🤣

[@JasperBunschoten]

I've ordered loads of camera's from Japan (Ebay). But I find the experience nowadays worse than what it used to be. In the past, mint or near mint described a camera in such a condition. Nowadays some seller in Japan use those terms innapropriately. I avoid seller with low resolution pictures, whereas I used to be able to just trust Japanese sellers. The skyrocketing prices of film and digicams have attracted a lot of bad apples in the Japanese used market. Check the pictures!! Or ask higher resolution ones through messages! On the whole, Japanese sellers are still trustworthy. But the market ain't what it used to be...

[@nero9978]

One note for those in the UK though. IMPORT TAXES, THE PEICE UR PAYING ISN'T THE TOTAL.

[@androoy.p]

And my suggestion to anyone just starting shopping on japanese auctions, especially with items starting from 1 or 1000 yen: just start with cheaper stuff before you learn what to look for in photos/descriptions.

[@SimonOShahan]

Since I live in Japan, I find this very interesting. I’m not familiar with Buyee but will surely check it out. Everyone must make sure that the item they order has multilingual interface. I’ve been disappointed and had to return a camera because I assumed English was an option. Copy and pasting Japanese text and using ChatGPT is a much better option than Google.

[@StephenStrangways]

Panasonic cameras sold in Japan are stuck in Japanese. Olympus cameras sold in Japan can be set to other languages. It just depends on each company's different practices.

[@maxwellwellmax878]

I have purchased just a handful of items from Japan, and so far great experiences!. I always look for 100% positive feedback, and look at the pictures to see how their grading compares to the amount of blemishes in the item.

[@jjfecik]

Yo! I was literally JUST talking to my friend who just went to Japan about looking for cameras for me while she is there 👀🙆‍♂😂 How did you read my MIND!?!? Can't wait to check out Buyee & thanks for being the absolute BEST!!!

[@MarcioK]

Good to know. Will take a look of the shipping options there - in my country the import taxes are very high (60%). If the seller uses EMS shipping (as most of the sellers in eBay Japan), is 100% sure that you will be taxed. If the shipping is regular mail with international tracking, good chances that it will not be taxed.

[@MarcioK]

@@VictorVonVulfgang yes, they always declare the correct value. But in the local customs, EMS mail is always inspected and taxed. Non EMS mail is inspected by sampling, which increases the chance of no taxes.

[@zm9419]

My only problem, being from EU, is ERNOMOUS tax and import duties. I've purchased a mint condition Nikon 28mm 2.8 AIS, it was 300 euros (in Europe it's around 700 euros if you manage to snage one, it's quite rare). But, import duties and taxes added another 300 euros. Insane. But, the seller was very, very polite.

[@roo1538]

Yeah I’m envious of the Americans who pay no duty up to $800 and no tax at all

[@timskinnercanada]

I’ve had some lens fungus problems with purchases from Japan so I kind of stopped considering Japanese sellers for old glass. Looks like you’ve found a great alternative for vintage cameras though.

[@snappiness]

It's gotta be their humidity there. I had one issue with a lens from Japan on eBay, but the seller refunded my money (was listed totally clean, but was totally not haha). So I cleaned it myself. Not as good as a professional clean, but I was happy for a free lens.

[@sirscorgie]

I have the FujiFilm! It was my dad's camera and he gave it to me last year, you could also use it as a webcam (not sure where he got it from). But the whole feel and robustness of it is amazing!

[@StephenStrangways]

You got an important detail wrong: once you win an auction or buy an item, you pay only for the item. You do not pay for domestic shipping within Japan. Once you pay for shipping to you in your country you are also paying for the domestic shipping within Japan at that time.

[@rust405]

I bought a Sigma DP2s from Japan through Ebay, loved it but recently sold it to a foreigner who turns out to be the founder of a university branch in my country for a pretty prestigious university I rather not disclose. I was somewhat lucky with my deal though, seller was a relatively slow on communication, very simple responses, suddenly closed up shop while the camera was yet to leave Japan (though it already arrived in the JP post office). Also when i bought it there was only one in stock, but before I got the camera the seller relisted another one, when I asked they said it was a restock. All sounded suspicious but I eventually got the camera in full working order and great condition, especially for one so obscure. Side note, I do speak some Japanese, but the seller kept replying in English anyway so I can't say much about the usefulness of translation recommendations, but that's just probably for my case.

[@drrrw]

So much value from this. Thank you. I recently bought two Nikkors from japan they are really honest with setting expectations with the product you're about to get aside from the pictures shown. Also, this buyee, lemma try it haha. Thank you.

[@PiersonMason]

That makes a lot of sense, I wanna try this now

[@Scyth3934]

I'm excited for a video on that huge lens!

[@1972myc]

Thank you for this video! It will be invaluable to so many photographers. I have been itching to purchase items directly from Japan, but am hesitant because I know nothing about Shipping, import fees, customs red tape, or what happens if the item is not working. We need more videos like this!

[@jocko_]

Thanks for the info on Buyee.. I will try it. I have brought several items from Japanese sellers on eBay with no problems. Recently almost pulled the trigger on a Panasonic GM1 at a great price but came to realize that Panasonic cameras sold in Japan the menus are in Japanese only, No English option.

[@snappiness]

Ohhh, that's good to know - I haven't run into that yet.

[@StephenStrangways]

You can hack the firmware to allow English. There is lots of info out there specifically on the GM1 and GM5 because buying them from Japan is popular. All the info you need is a quick Google search away...

[@aim54x]

@@snappiness Sony as well (unless you get an "international model")

[@RobShootPhotos]

I'm totally jealous of you having that lens. Awesome! I understand why they made the MFT an f/4 with how big that f/2.8 is but it is still way smaller than Canon 600mm f/4. Maybe they should make a MFT version? Next you'll get the 35-100mm f/2. I wonder how well it renders on the current 20mp sensor. You should so get a used E-M1 Mark II with the FourThirds adapter. My 14-54mm does pretty good. I like the color tones over the 12-40mm SOOC but the 12-40mm is sharper but the 14-54mm isn't horrible at all.

[@gunnerovergaard9646]

I was stationed in Okinawa Japan from 2020-2022, I found so many nice cameras for cheap!!!

[@snappiness]

Awesome! That would be sweet.

[@haraldlenz7263]

Very cool lens, the Zuiko! Can't wait for a video about it!

[@AVGFPS]

1:27 My family's first digicam about 20 years ago. Remember the design was original and modern but I never got used to the handling as a vertical form factor.

[@CalumetVideo]

I have bought a lot of good gear from Japan. However, recently, I ended up with a lens with element separation and a lens with a scratch. However, they did allow me to return it without issues. So just be careful to read the descriptions.

[@douglasstemke2444]

One thing I discovered in buyee Japanese auction that is very different from ebay is what happens near the end of the auction. In ebay many people post as close to the end as possible. However buyee resets the clock at 10 minutes once you are close to the end. A bit frustrating the first time you do it.

[@giklab]

Make sure to read the description, not because the translation might be wonky, but because the title will say EXC++++++++++++++++++++++++, but the description will list everything from fungus to biohazard.

[@Phantomloveliquid]

I’ve had nothing but great experiences using Buyee, the only hard part is being outbid in the middle of the night when auctions are closing on the other side of the world

[@StephenStrangways]

So make your initial bid, or the bid you place before you go to bed, higher. Easy. See something for $100 that you're willing to pay 200 for? Why bid $100 and wait for someone to outbid you? Just bid $200, and if nobody else bids, you get it for $100. If somebody else bids $150, you get it for $151, or whatever the automatic increment is.

[@zdphotos6960]

I only mess with MapCamera. They have good prices, great customer service, and they handle all of the customs stuff that I don't want to mess with. Other sellers are not worth it to me.

[@treharris1677]

I tried to use Japan Amazon while in Japan to have a Fuji X70 delivered to the local Family Mart near my layover hotel. However, it seemed they were "unable to deliver". I think it might've been a scam since the address used was correct? I had Japanese crew members on my trip check it and all of the Japanese had had luck getting deliveries while they're saving on taxes and shipping to the states. I'll likely try it one more time for a Fuji 60mm macro. But I've never had any other troubles with Japanese sellers.

[@dorfschmidt4833]

NoBuyee: You cannot bid on this auction because it contains a prohibited item. 😂

[@greysuit17]

I have always had excellent service buying from Japan on anything.

[@danigonzalez4299]

Oh man that looks like a lot of my money will get lost there. I love it and I hate you James for that 😂😂😂😂🎉

[@not_french]

i live in singapore so hopping over to japan to buy some gear is that bad (me or someone i know is there at least once a year). it's also great to buy modern(ish) used gear. especially if your a tourist there you can get most used stuff tax free

[@earvinquero2037]

Great stuff man! Will you be reviewing he Nikon Coolpix P7000?

[@karim2k]

Well you may share with us weekly insights on stuff to buy from Japan

[@somephotovideos]

Uh oh… I’m really in trouble now with my compulsion to collect 35mm point & shoots…

[@redston_1]

Sendico is great for camera gear from Japan too

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Olympus 300 f2.8, whoa, it was a holy grail lens back in the time when I was shooting FourThirds system. But back then I'd need to sell a kidney or two to get it...

[@EternalScary]

Do you have any reputable Japanese sellers you'd recommend on eBay?

[@sebastianbernestra9979]

Sounds like a good website for you. But for me (in Sweden) the shipping cost would be about 35000 yen plus the added 25% tax for imported goods. Its just not worth it.

[@snappiness]

Yeah that doesn't sound too great.

[@marvymagoo7011]

Holy crap... Thanks James... p.s. I think they'll be calling for that leans at the next Olympics at the power lifting event.

[@snappiness]

😂

[@kabaottoemulsion1869]

Ahhhh you are a funny guy! Just cannot let go that minolta! I love the shape but I had to stop myself! But E300 is still usable and want to get one if they are cheap enough! Thanks for making me poorer buying many cool looking junks! Definitely influenced!

[@ThBreadMan]

I hade enough money to buy a mamiya rb67 but taxes would have made it more so I bought a mamiya 645 1000s with a nice kit I love this camera but I don't get to use it alot because it's only film I wish I could get a mamiya rb 67

[@policeluber6720]

Bro seriously especially now what the best ccd sensor u have used ? Canon shooter here

[@Tekrel]

Never heard of them used similar middle men for goods back in the day

[@James_Distefano]

Thanks for the tips! 🔥

[@androoy.p]

Looking forward for an even more advanced video: how to stop buying from buyee 😂 Their policy of not needing to deposit any kind of funds before the bidding is not very conducive to my financial wellbeing

[@Freyainme]

Hi, i got a F31fd from Buyee..hmm won an auction, then paid shipping and then customs and alas! It doesn't turn on and I simply can't find a f31fd in Ireland or Europe or UK 😢 The seller mentioned the camera is excellent..working..Buyee wouldn't step in with defects etc.. Also I thought i hit a bargain With a Sigma Dp2 and well it happened so it was just a catalogue..also picture showed camera.. I did use the translation option. I didn'tbother paying the 2nd shipping. . It's just that you are gambling and taking a risk.

[@snappiness]

Hmm, that's not good. Usually those sellers are really quite good handling problems with listings. The translation and listing thing really is an important gotcha. Really hard to tell what they are saying sometimes.

[@Freyainme]

@@snappiness I know.. I to was unlucky. I searched for more f31fd.. they are just pricey.. I might get it here in Europe. I am now officially a hoarder.. I'm not even a reviewer. But I will in my time not just consume..but will contribute too. Thanks for all your videos.. Great reference and inspiration and most likely you are my age group or possibly younger... however 2000 s it is!

[@richardsimms251]

Great video

[@ka.4084]

do u guys know how to contact with the seller on buyee? I wanna ask some questions before buying but I couldn't find a way!

[@kodithebear]

How many cameras do you really need?

[@larsltj]

No shipping to several European countries.

[@dinosteiner]

Is that Buyee work in EU? I'm from Croatia and I love vintage Pentax stuff that is pretty rare in Europe. Like Auto Takumars or older M37 Takumars and Asahiflex bodys. Even if they appear here in Europe they are usually or untested or not working. So I would like to get from Japan some of that stuff

[@sebastianbernestra9979]

It works but they have a tool for calculating shipping cost. I would suggest looking at that first, and also if your country has any import taxes. Here in Sweden it's 25% for countries outside EU.

[@wiggyjones]

This is great information. I'm buying a stupid amount of vintage digital cameras (that sounds weird to my ear). Thank you!

[@tougedrifter123]

Oh great, just what I needed to burn more money! Thankfully I'll be in Japan soon!

[@snappiness]

For a visit or moving there? I really want to visit someday. For other reasons, but the camera scene would be cool too :)

[@tougedrifter123]

@@snappiness moving here, obviously for reasons different than photography, but may as well deep dive into what obscure cameras and lenses store may have 👀

[@utahnl]

Do they include EU VAT or can i expect to get shafted by import services with an additional 18 euro ransom fee on top of the product,shipping cost and taxes?

[@StephenStrangways]

They do not include taxes, so they will be charged by the shipping company once the package enters your country.

[@ronwhite8503]

You'll be shafted.

[@FalseDigital]

I live in Tokyo and buy and sell cameras and retro hardware. If you're ever looking for something in particular, let me know!

[@snappiness]

Thanks for the offer! Tokyo sounds like an incredible place.

[@petepictures]

The lens looks like Olympus 4/3 300mm f2,8

[@domtomazo]

Olympus Four Thirds... 300/2.8 or 90-250/2.8 :) Interesting!

[@TheUrbandilema]

Wow I need to try this yes .I always go on eBay and see awesome cameras especially digicams and micro four thirds gear...btw snappi any downsides in buying Japanese camera gear..ie language or even electrical differences

[@snappiness]

I just saw some comments saying someone bought a Sony and another a Panasonic that were region locked for language. I haven't run into that yet, but all mine had pictures of the camera menus running in English. So I would say make sure about that for sure.

[@Badgerheist]

Awesome. Just what I need: another avenue to g.a.s up my life ;)

[@jestonyaguilar9069]

Got my Sony A7R III from Amazon Japan and it came with no English Menu. 🙃

[@snappiness]

Interesting - like it's region locked so it can't ever be changed to English?

[@regalwalnut]

I bought a Panny Lumix FX150 from Japan. Same, no English menu to my surprise. But once you have it set up, it's like any other camera. I point my smartphone at the menu and using Google visual language translator. Works great!

[@slr7075]

Its JDM and cool

[@jestonyaguilar9069]

@@snappiness yes, and it can be tweaked though but I just can't seem to do it through some technical instructions in YT but I totally gave up. So just be aware or ask the seller should you buy a camera from Japan. This is true for Sony but other brands like Nikon and Canon have English menus. But ask just to be sure.

[@32BitLink]

Big Tuna!

[@amaniahnuar]

this has been the secret market but i guess the time is up hahaha the price will go up soon :')

[@jesusescudero9721]

Any aduanas taxes? Thanks for the channel. 😊

[@snappiness]

Not for me, but you'll want to check for sure with whatever country you're importing it to.

[@tomjanowski8584]

WHY???? Why did you to go and show me another option for buying photography equipment? WHY? Got to run now and shop for more stuff I don't really need....but boy do I want it.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

"Only ships to Japan",.... Sounds like the US ebay sellers that will "Only ship to 'americans' ",... Looks like I'll sign up, found a lens already that is what I've been chasing, but in better condition then the ones on ebay.

[@snappiness]

Awesome, good luck!! Excited to hear about what it is :)

[@greysuit17]

Sigh telling everyone the secret to great cameras 😢

[@VHSLemon-1]

I hate flippers

[@GeorgeStar]

I avoid buying from Japan when possible. They've created a virtual monopoly on ebay and jack up prices tremendously. MAP Camera is the only ebay Japanese seller I trust - good prices on goods & shipping and fair return policy. I prefer US dealers like Robert's (my fav), KEH, MPB. Lower shipping, less return hassle.

[@LaNoturna1115]

You LITERALLY showed the same pricing in the US and Japan, JFC......