How to Buy Rare Camera Gear From Japan 🇯🇵

I'm sharing my recent camera pickups from Japan. Some cool old (kinda rare) digital stuff. I'm also talking about buying camera gear from Japan, the process and what to look for, along with the advantages. Because it is extra work, so there's gotta be some incentive there.

Buyee sponsored this video. They're the website I've used for a while now specifically because they allow you access to local Japanese listings. This means access to rare stuff that is often easier and cheaper to find than local or even internationally available listings elsewhere. It's a bit more advanced buying strategy, but with some great benefits. Especially with this old stuff. New stuff it doesn't really matter in my opinion.

This is where you should be buying used camera gear (to get great prices)

Use coupon code "snappiness" for 10% off

(The links above are from affiliate programs. Purchasing through these links will provide me compensation.)

Come connect with me!

I am part of the Amazon Associates program. The above link is an affiliate link, and purchases will provide me compensation.

Tools I use for Video:

[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

[rephaelreyes]

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

[tben]

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. :)

[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.

[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.

[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.

[christopherdallenbach]

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.

[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!

[maxwellwellmax]

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.

[myc]

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!

[Scyth]

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

[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.

[slr]

Condition
No scratch
No fog
No moisture
Little tiny fungus...

*The actual fungus:* 🍄🍄🍄

"It does not affect the shooting."

[PiersonMason]

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

[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.

[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!!!

[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.

[gunnerovergaard]

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

[haraldlenz]

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

[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.