Vintage Camera Shopping in Hong Kong: Champagne Court

This is an older video shot during my Film is Still Alive documentary back in the fall of 2017. It was my last full day in Hong Kong and I decided to spend it looking at some vintage cameras. Visiting Champagne Court in Tsim Sha Tsui never gets old. In fact, if I lived in Hong Kong, I would make it a point to drop by at least once a week to see what's new. On this particular trip, neither Mr.David Chan nor Billy were working, but I still had fun walking around and checking out what everyone had in stock.
Thanks for watching and for your patience as I roll out these older videos. It's been a long year and I'm still about 30 videos behind as I try to catch up. I don't have Patreon nor do I have channel sponsors so everything is funded through Ad Sense and for those who wish to support via PayPal (info down below). Sitting through the ads, and even your likes and comments are all supporting my channel so thanks for whatever you can do. Let's keep film alive and thriving. If I could afford it I would be in Hong Kong 3-4 times a year and shooting this type of content. Help me get there :-)
If you haven't already seen it, here is my documentary for StoryHive, the reason why I was in Hong Kong during this trip. If you've already seen it, watch it again. The more views on the video, the better for me and Ryan from Arcade Original as we try to finish Episode 2 and 3
• The Analogue Photograp...
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*This video was recorded using:
iPhone 8 with Bitplay HD ultrawide lens and Snap8! case. Edited using iMovie on MBP 13" 2015.
** Intro and Outro music 'Close My Mouth' by Silent Partner, a license free song provided by KZbin Creator Studio.
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[@stephaneg]

I hope you realize how priceless these camera shops visits are to us viewers. So educational and interesting to get these guys' advice on film cameras!!! Thank you for all you do!

Thanks for the tour bro. Felt like I was there

[@ubarhd1]

What a vintage camera store tour thanks 👏🏻👍🏻

[@bigheadtaco]

I always have fun doing these tour videos, thanks for watching :-)

[@ryans_life]

What a wonderful video Take. It is like the treasure cave in Aladdin. So many goodies, so affordable, and so many new bodies. If I ever go to HK I will definitely buy a stash from Mr D.C.

[@bigheadtaco]

ya it's great. Sim City in Mong Kok is another camera mall, although they focus more on newer cameras.

[@ryans_life]

@@bigheadtaco Great to know. Many thanks Take

[@Slightlyhungryartist]

I made sure to eat a full meal before watching this but still couldn't stop the mouthwatering at all those lenses!

[@bigheadtaco]

ha ha, I know right. I have nightmares of stuff I should have bought but didn't. Once Billy offered me a really good deal on a Minolta CLE with a mint 40mm f/2..... decided to pass on it. Went back a day later and he already sold it.... ugh.... Right now I'm looking for a pre-ASPH 35mm Summilux. I'm hoping Mr. Chan is willing to sell one to me at a reasonable price....

[@Slightlyhungryartist]

@@bigheadtaco Holy hell, I'm a digital shooter only but I love adapting film lenses, my budget is typically super eBay deal cheap so I've only been shooting with the Helios 44-2, some canon fd mount stuff, the Minolta 50mm f2 and f1.7, I have a Voigtlander Color Skopar that I love but I actually pulled that off a Vito CL leaf shutter camera and converted. These cameras aren't the kind you buy to disassemble that's for sure haha. I don't think I'd even know what to do with Summilux lenses. This looks like the kind of place where you just wander around jaw agape with wishful thoughts running through the mind.

[@philg6757]

I`m a big fan of your trips to HK Take,love Asia.

[@bigheadtaco]

Phil G ha ha. Me too. I can’t wait to go back. What a great city for photography and vintage camera gear.

[@ronitsingh85]

again a pleasure to watch Take! I own the XM, wish I had the AE-S finder for it, maybe will find one in the near future, Just a gorgeous camera to display or use

[@bigheadtaco]

You'll probably find it here in Hong Kong..... although you'll spend more on your flight tickets :-)

[@ronitsingh85]

HA HA HA, indeed but HK is a wonderful place to explore, I was there only once in 2010. gald I touched ground once!

[@petera1033]

Absolutely love your stuff bighead.

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks :-)

[@gregcromie9939]

Great content as always Take! Any plans to head back to Japan. I am going again in May. Tokyo with a night in Nikko getting to see a mountain village and heritage site. Stay well. G

[@bigheadtaco]

In terms of work, unless a project comes up, nothing in the near future. I will be in Hong Kong again in the spring. Mountain villages and heritage sites sounds like fun though...

[@ronstar7027]

Very nice trip back in time. I know all of those cameras, and now they are resting in these shops. Only problem is high price of film/processing abilities. I used to shoot tri-x, and bulk loaded it and developed an printed in in my home darkroom. AH. Memories....

[@chirag4]

@ 19:17 it's the Voigtlander 'Prominent' + Nokton 50mm f/1.5 my Late Father had the Prominent + 50mm f/2 Ultron in 1950s & 60s. he used to develop his film (in a home-made dark-room)

[@BautistaJude]

Thank you for posting, very helpful. More power!

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks :-)

[@gbaharlia]

A dream

[@bigheadtaco]

It feels that way every time I visit :-)

[@TomChamberlain]

This is so much fun to watch!

[@bigheadtaco]

Watch? Yes I love watches :-) ha ha. Thanks!!

[@TomChamberlain]

@@bigheadtaco I love wristwatches too! =)

[@bigheadtaco]

ha ha, if you're a vintage camera guy and you're not into watches, it's just a matter of time.... get it? Time......

[@TomChamberlain]

@@bigheadtaco 😄 yeah, it took me a second.

[@macuser1232]

Watches too! Wow I wanna see that.

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

Zeiss Contarex Electronic is the most sophisticated Zeiss 135 SLR Camera from the late 60s, with interchangeable backs and electronic controlled curtain shutter. This camera did not have commercial success, because it was way too expensive. Roleiflex Planar has a Zeiss lens, Rolleiflex Xenotar has a Schneider lens, some people argue that the Xenotar should be better ?

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks for extra info! Isn't that the case, some of the best stuff didn't sell well because either they were too ahead of their time, or too expensive (or both).

[@_lowcountry]

There’s a company on Kickstarter trying to bring peel apart film back actually. What a rad shop though.

[@bigheadtaco]

ha ha, yes it's an awesome shop, one of many in Hong Kong. As for peel apart Kickstarter, yes you're the 3rd person to mention in the comments, but more the merrier. Let's bring peel apart back!

[@_lowcountry]

bigheadtaco oops maybe i should look through the comments before I comment myself lol

[@bigheadtaco]

@@_lowcountry naw, repetition for emphasis.

[@bryanswisshelm941]

I picked up a Zeiss lens on my trip to Mr. Chan’s shop! Love using it on my Sony Ariii.

[@bigheadtaco]

Awesome, which lens did you pick up?

[@bigcat3342]

Do they sell 35mm film?

[@picnicsinspace198]

jeez I would love to go there and look at all the amazing cameras. Im trying to find a black G2 for a good price so that would be fun

[@EDHBlvd]

12:11 I feel like you missed the OMD next to that old Olympus. They must have done a good job with retro design to fool you.

[@bigheadtaco]

I've got many blind spots, but at the same time I had a thousand cameras starring back at me. It was hard not to be starstruck by them all!!

[@kevykev555]

So curiously how's the shopping culture in Hong Kong, can you negotiate and if so, how much approximately can you bend? Thank you for your insight.

[@bigheadtaco]

depending on the shop yes you can make an offer. it's part of the culture to barter, but if they've never seen you before, it would be hard to get the price to come down too far. Remember Hong Kong also has no sales tax or any duty, so all things being equal, pricing here even on new gear is pretty good.

[@igororin]

very good , more about this I thing about LEICA R9 .

[@bigheadtaco]

Lots of Leica R series cameras and lenses in Hong Kong too. Lens price has steadily been going up since many are adapting to Fujifilm GFX cameras. Leica made the imaging circle big enough to handle the sensor

[@mhsvz6735]

Thank you.

[@sistinga4321]

Great video! When are you back in HK?? I'll be gone for uni in late july ish :(

[@bigheadtaco]

DM me. We can talk :-)

[@jackwiegmann]

surprising lack of Contax SLR Stuff

[@bigheadtaco]

Each shop had some, but you have to remember that they never sold in the same volume as other cameras. They were very niche and didn't sell for a very long time. Mostly mid 80s to late 90s.

[@glenho1335]

For a moment I wanted to rush down right away to get the Minolta cle for 4600 HKD.. but.. i guess it will be costing much more now.. :(((

[@samuelevander9325]

i was wondering how much is for the Mamiya M645, is there any in there ? Thanks! Hehehe

[@bigheadtaco]

many different ones from different generations. Mostly in range of 300-1200 USD depending on lens and finder or if it comes with grip

[@AndrewPowerTower]

When something from the display case is sold, does he rearrange everything so that the presentation is the same (no empty space) or does he fill the "hole" with another camera from elsewhere?

[@bigheadtaco]

good question, I never asked.... but my guess is that it's packed in so tightly that just moving the surrounding cameras around a bit will fill in the gap easily

[@Gabez82]

Why do you brush off Minolta so much? They made great, consumer grade cameras and glass. Take some time and show and talk about your love and knowledge of Minoltas! Everyone dismisses the still popular SR-T series, and the XE-7, the high quality XD7/11. What about Minolta Rangefinders too! The awesome little 7sII, that has great reviews, and takes beautiful photos. More Minolta please! Ask Mr. Chan about Minolta’s and his thoughts about them. Like your videos though! Like a kid in a candy shop!

[@bigheadtaco]

Not really brushing off, I'm trying not to be overly bias since I love Minolta. I've done some videos where I explain why Minolta lenses and lens technology were superior to Nikon, Canon and Pentax. But I didn't want this to be an education lesson of why one brand is 'better' than the other. Just walking around and enjoying seeing all the gear. I'll do a thing one day when I can have a few lenses lined up and explain :-)

[@SupraWes]

He has covered Minolta a lot in the past so he doesn't want to rehash all of that.

[@Gabez82]

SupraWes But “rehashing” these obscure cameras are fine, right? I’m just pointing out my observation in his Champaign Court videos. Either way, I like his videos.

[@linkbox]

bigheadtaco love your videos! So well produced and very informative; many thanks for making them!!! Quick question: any idea of which video you talk about the Minolta stuff? I am curious about that topic but couldn’t find it. Again, thanks a bunch!!!

[@sloughboundrecordz]

#minoltagang

[@nastynate838]

could spend a week just in his shop !

[@MiladJPanah]

That ONE DISLIKE is from Mr. Chan, cause he is not amused that you show the world his treasures we might end up buying one day :D He want's to keep it all for himself.

[@bigheadtaco]

He woke up from his nap and wondered why Miss Jung said that entire section was for sale!!

[@samuelevander9325]

i was wondering how much is for the Mamiya M645 Hehehe

[@djbelly4968]

hi name ist not mr. chan ... his name ist > mr. not for sale :D

[@MaxPanic]

Will that golden Pentax ever be sold?

[@Gabez82]

Fit for a Saudi King, African Warlord, or a Drug Kingpin. Perhaps someday.

[@bigheadtaco]

Ya Hong Kong has a fascination with gold cameras. I've never seen one I've liked, unless it's more of a brassy looking gold. I love the Pentax LX but you couldn't give me the gold one. If you did, I'd black paint it over ASAP!!

[@barrycohen311]

@@Koji-888 And taken photos of his wild, gay parties. Ooooh yeah...

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Agreed the gold LX is pretty tacky. I found a black Pentax LX in great shape at an estate sale for $75 Cdn. I too love that camera - it is my go-to for shooting 135 film.

[@terencetsy]

Talk about stealth. Should get an interesting reaction shooting street.

[@rickvestuto]

I want that Black Pen-F how do I get a hold of billy to send to me in USA?

[@bigheadtaco]

link to his website in description 👆🏼

[@pierrebouchard4289]

I would love to shop there with a shoe box full of money ...

[@bigheadtaco]

You've got the right idea. In Hong Kong, cash is king!!

[@rolltrollroll]

Minolta CLE review please ;-)

[@matteovrizzi]

Sensory overload....

[@2handsomeforlaw]

And that Technorama 617 @ kzbin.info/www/bejne/h37On6yjq8ygeJY is actually cheap! A dream of a camera :)

[@bigheadtaco]

I love cheap cameras!! In the end if they can take a picture, I don't care about absolute resolution, perfect optics, etc....

[@2handsomeforlaw]

Hear hear!

[@Mc007Queen]

I could spend hours in there looking at cameras, I want a Nikon F3 new in a box, and I want the Nikon F5 and 6 ... if I was rich I could spend thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars in that store

[@stuartbaines2843]

Cinestill film in your cameras?

[@bigheadtaco]

In the outro the first and last photo was CineStill. As for that moment in time, I was actually waiting to pick up my last roll of CineStill from DotWell Photo downstairs. I never fly with CineStill unprocessed if I could help it. It doesn't do well with X-Ray scanners, especially if you've intentionally pushed the ISO.

[@MiladJPanah]

800T every day of the week during winter time with the glowing christmas markets.

[@8jdkkakskn]

Avoid Golden Time Watch and Camera in Champagne Court... they are super dishonest:( Was sold a broken camera and blamed for not checking it thoroughly enough.

[@RicardoPestana]

drool

[@bigheadtaco]

Me too... it's hard not to buy something when you're there, even if it's just a filter or a lens cap....

[@passcomcompass2623]

why was Nikon pronounced in a japanese fashion while Canon gets an american style lol

[@eldiabolico3750]

Man do you really need to put 5 adverts in your videos? It’s nerve racking...

[@bigheadtaco]

either that or no video.... up to you.....

[@eldiabolico3750]

I guess it is up to you, not to me. Didn’t watch till the end... Merry Christmas.