[ Up ] [ China ] [ United States ] [ Canada ] [ On the Fly ] [ Equipment & Buying ] [ Going Digital ] [ About... ]

My Gear

Buying in Shanghai

The Market

The Chinese market changes slowly and the prices do not reflect what is happening in the world market. When the Japanese Yan fell against most major currencies in the world, the prices of Japan-made photographic equipment in many countries fell as well, and vendors are providing rebates - but here in China, the prices just kept constant. Interesting enough, when the Yan rose, the local prices still kept constant. But rumor has been that RMB will fall and everything foreign-made will be dearer next year.

Prices of Photographic Equipment

Prices of those Japan-made stuff in Shanghai are generally higher than those in New York, where I found best prices for most equipment, but lower than those in some cities on the west coast of America. I paid RMB2500 (about US$300 - with China warranty, no rebate) for my Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D because shops had asked for more than $400 for it in Seattle. I would admit this is an exception because many other things are approximately $40~50 higher than in the States - Yashica T5 data back is at RMB1650 ($198) here, and Leica Mini 3 is about RMB2075 ($250).

Prices of Film & Processing

Vendors must be dumping their film in China. A roll of ASA 100, 36-exposure Kodak Gold (made in Australia) is only RMB20 ($2.4) in any shop - I can get it at RMB15 in some shops. Fuji Superia/Super HG is the same price. Fuji Velvia is RMB36 ($4.3), equivalent to any Kodak or Fuji ASA400 negative.

Getting a roll of 36-exposure color negative film developed and printed in 3"x5" takes about RMB22 ($2.65) in Shanghai.