Film Camera Shops in Hong Kong

There’s no shortage of film camera shops in Hong Kong. Film is well in truly alive here and if you look long enough, you can get some very good prices on some very good film cameras in Hong Kong.  There’s a few main places to go so let’s deal with those first.

Before proceeding, the first thing you need to understand is Hong Kong is not Thailand, and the service you will usually receive at almost all of the film camera shops in Hong Kong is at best, mediocre. Don’t expect someone to welcome you with open arms into their shop and be jumping for joy you have arrived to give them some business. Understand this and you’re off to a good start.

Film Camera Shops in Hong Kong – Kowloon Side

Champagne Court – Champagne Court is a bit like the Bic Camera of film cameras, only stuck in the 1970’s. Prices aren’t the best, in fact I’d say they’re actually quite expensive but if you’re into film cameras and are interested to buy film cameras in Hong Kong, it’s definitely worth a visit.  Champagne court is closing down in the next few years so make sure you get to it before it dies.

All Good Friend Camera Champagne Court – This is the first store you’ll come across if you’re entering from Carnavorn Road.  The younger guy in there is friendly but some of the shop minders would look better off guarding a maximum security prison.  I haven’t bought anything from All Good Friend Camera, was considering an Olympus OM4-Ti and Contax T3 but both I found on EBay cheaper and in better condition.  Ironically took my Olympus OM4-Ti in there to get fixed.

All Best Camera Champagne Court – I’ve only bought a Voigtlander 21mm Color Skopar from these guys but they have probably one of the best selections of film cameras and vintages anywhere in Hong Kong.  If you only have time to visit one film camera shop in Hong Kong, I’d say this should be it.  Address here: Shop 4-5 G/F Blk B, Champagne Court, 16 Kimberley Rd.

M&K Camera Champagne Court is one of the few film camera shops in Hong Kong that I’d even considering recommending. They only sell Leica (and stuff for Leica cameras) but their prices are lower than anybody else I’ve seen and they won’t try and sell you anything just to make a buck. I went in there one day looking to buy a Summicron ASPH and came away empty handed after listening to the guys advice or rather opinion. (Which you can read in this Summicron V3 Article). Sure they didn’t make a sale that day, but I came back and bought an $18,000 Summicron V4 Made in Germany. They have two stores, one in Champagne Court, and one just around the corner.

David Chan Company Champagne Court – BigHeadTaco has a bit of a bromance with David and his collection of film cameras.  The first time I went into David Chan I was quote $15,000 for a Leica M6 Body, which is about 50% more than almost every other film camera shop in Hong Kong. No Thanks.  The lady wasn’t very pleasant about it all either.  I did go in there another time and asked about a Voigtlander for my Leica MP and encountered David, who seemed much nice, but I wasn’t in the mood for chat and left when they didn’t have any.  I think he only arrives later on in the day so go later and have a chat with him.

Sim City Mongkok is the place to go for cameras, earphones and tech accessories. It’s four floors of mostly digital cameras, new and used, mixed in with some pretty awesome earphone and hifi shops. By awesome I mean they have an awesome selection. Sim City Mongkok is where I usually go to buy my Fujinon lenses and digital camera gear. Most of the shops sell new and used stuff and you can trade in your old gear at a lot of the shops. See more shops in Sim City here.

Classicalcamerashop.hk – Was going to buy an Olympus Stylus Epic from this guy but showed up during business hours and nobody there. Appears (could be wrong) like it’s one guy selling cameras out of his apartment. Make sure to call or email him before you visit.

RangefinderHK – A lot of Leica digital but also a few film cameras and loads of Leica Glass. Excellent service and highly recommended. Review here.

Matsuya Camera – If you venture in here, don’t bring your wallet or credit cards because there’s some absolutely awesome stuff in here. The prices seem to be really good, I’ve seen the cheapest Leica M6 Black Paint and the cheapest Nikon SP 2005 Black Paint, both like new.  I got out of there real quick before I bought something.

ShoGun Camera Company – Next to Matsuya Camera, good selection of film cameras and lenses but Matsuya is better. Never been in to actually buy something or check prices so can’t comment on that but if you go to this little lane most people will be in Matsuya and you’ll see people just window shopping outside Shogun. Address is 42 Lock Road, it’s inside a lane/mall/walkthrough from Lock Road to Nathan Road.

Sunrise Professional Photo Finishing – Lot of people rave about them but the couple of times I’ve been there I didn’t see much to write home about and think there’s better film camera shops in Hong Kong than this.

ProSource Digital Empire – I found name of shop reasonably recently while out taking some street photos in Sham Shui Po. I don’t know how long it’s been there but they seem to have no online presence, at least in English. ProSource Digital Empire has a lot of Fujifilm digital, prices seem ok, and in the back they have some hidden used film camera gems. I saw a mint condition (like new) Contax T3 Black for HKD$12,000 and a few other little goodies in there worth checking out.

Film Camera Shops in Hong Kong – HK Island

Chung Pui Photo Supplies Hong Kong – A very limited selection and not worth going if you’re only looking to buy film cameras. They do however have decent stock of digital and have a film processing lab including rush processing for C41. Full review here.

I-M-AGE Playground – Small but pretty good selection of film cameras in Hong Kong. Not the first place I’d go if I’m looking to buy film cameras in Hong Kong but if you’re in Central, probably worth a visit if you don’t mind the shit service.  Review here.

Meteor Causeway Bay – Meteor have a bunch of Leica’s including some rarer ones, they also sell film, lenses and other accessories. I’ve never actually bought something from them and only been in there shop a few times. The main cat (Joseph) wasn’t there but the other guy seemed ok. Being in Causeway Bay they’re most probably going to be more expensive than some film camera shops in Kowloon but definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Know of any other film camera shops in Hong Kong? Let us know via email or on twitter.

Here’s our map of all the Film Camera Shops in Hong Kong I know about.