Tamiya Showroom in Shizuoka

by sfsjkid on October 11, 2012 at 6:26 am
Posted In: 1/25th Scale Cars, 1/43rd Scale Cars, Radio Control

Two years ago and then again last year, I was in Japan and had the opportunity to visit Tamiya’s main office in Shizuoka along with their R/C car track. The latter looks a lot bigger on TV. Anyways, I’m not going to add a lot of text right now, but putting this online since it is worth the visit and little seems available on the web. BTW the last time I went, apparently one needs an appointment contrary to the info on Tamiya’s web site. The showroom is a must go especially if you do the model show.

Old shots here

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Nikon Tumbler

by sfsjkid on February 14, 2012 at 12:36 am
Posted In: Camera Stuff

You’d think getting an NC Nikon filter would be easy in Japan, but came up empty handed after visiting 3 stores. Guess 77mm is not generally needed, or the profit margin on third party filters? Suppose it is also a bother to stock every manufacturer’s version. In any case it was easy enough to order directly through Nikon. Pretty amazed that I could specify the time of day for delivery on standard shipping which was free! Ended up ordering the mug everyone is talking about(?), since I needed some kind of cup at work. I’ll keep it short for there seems to be plenty of info about this already. I’ll just add a few pics, say that it is really realistic though a bit shiny and that while the cap does work well enough to prevent spills! Can’t wait for to see the reaction at work.

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The Last Thing to Buy in Japan are Cameras!

by sfsjkid on February 3, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Posted In: Camera Stuff, Japan

And of course lenses, for the simple reason that prices are ridiculously high for some reason. I was once again in the mood for a wide angle lens for my DSLR and thought I’d make note of it here.

Currently the price for Nikon’s 10-24mm f/3.5/4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX is $849.95 (Click for price today). Now at Bic Camera, one of many reputable stores here in Japan, it’s 83,100 Yen (Current link). At today’s exchange rate of 76.6 Yen, the price comes out to be $1061.29. Adorama’s highest priced shipping option is FedEx International Priority at $88.80 to Japan, so one still comes out ahead. The differential is worse if you consider a gray market lens, and the fact that a 5 year warranty is extra cost here. As another example the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED is currently 182,200 Yen, or $2,378.43, which Adorama is offering for $1,886.95! These are all street prices of course.

This is nothing new as I hear custom officials in the US don’t even bother looking at camera equipment, and have noticed this personally on trips there previously. But it is a sad state of affairs!

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Misc shots at 18mm and 24mm

by sfsjkid on February 2, 2012 at 4:22 am
Posted In: Camera Stuff

Totally random shots. Just shot to make a point on DX.




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Tokyu Hands

by sfsjkid on December 20, 2011 at 3:29 am
Posted In: Japan

It’s hard to describe this store but definitely worth a visit if one is nearby. I’d describe it as a Home Depot, combined with a Micheals, REI, Sharper Image, Walmart, Sears, Halmark, and a half a dozen other specialty stores Japanese style. The last time I was there I noticed they had snake skins for use to make a wallet, etc.

Link to the company site…
http://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/en/index.html
Link to my photo site with some random pics…

http://public.fotki.com/sfsjkid/place-holder/tokyu-hands/

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