Tokyo is not exactly short of good used camera stores but Cross Point in Omori, Shinagawa-ku, has some amazing bargains especially on film and especially medium-format cameras. We take a look to see what is on offer at this suburban alladin’s cave of cameras.Omori might not be the trendiest or glitziest of Tokyo’s suburbs or even the most well-known. But it’s easy to get to [just ten minutes from Shinagawa Station on the Keihin-Tohoku or Keiky Lines] and it has one of the best used camera shops in town.
Cross Point Cameras is about five minutes walk from Omori Station and about ten minutes from our office, which is pretty dangerous it must be said; the impulse-purchase dial reads ‘maximum’ at all times, and for good reason.
Japan and especially Tokyo has some superb used camera stores, feeding off the national obsession for the camera and – more particularly – the national obsession for all things new and shiny or, more specifically, the desire to turn in the old in preference for the new.
Some Japanese camera-buffs are utterly obsessive about having either the newest gear or having gear that is immaculate. The tiniest blemish on a piece of equipment can often tempt cameraphiles to trade in old for new as much as their desire to have the latest lens, body or accessory. This means that the place is literally awash with good quality used equipment. Great for those who relish quality over trends and for those seeking a more retro approach to their photography; i.e. film cameras rather than digital.
It’s in the film and particularly the medium-format film end of the film department that Cross Point offers its most stunning bargains. Currently in the window [see the photogallery below] is, for example, a Mamiya RZ67 that doesn’t look too long out of its box, complete with 120 film-back, 110mm lens and AE metering head. All this for just 37,000Yen. Alongside it are a bunch of RB67 cameras, all ready to shoot, ranging from just 10,000Yen.
Cross Point is not for the Hasselblad fan as, like other very sought-after items, Blads tend to get bought from the owner of the shop by many of the other used camera stores in Tokyo. But you can find them here occasionally and it is worth leaving the owner of the shop your details so he can keep an eye out for you and let you know if he finds what you are looking for.
This lack of Swedish camera gear is a minor shortcoming though and I would dare any serious camera fan to not find something at Cross Point to tempt their wallet out to play. Taking our visit there just last Saturday as an example – and bearing in mind that the owner is about to do one of his buying runs around Japan, picking up new stock – Cross Point had a good selection of mediumn format cameras, including the following:
- Mamiya RB67 – priced from 10,000Yen to 40,000Yen
- Mamiya RZ67 – priced from 28,000Yen to 60,000Yen
- Pentax 67
- Pentax 645
- Bronica EC
- Bronica GS1
- Bronica ETRS and ETRSi
- Fuji 6×9
- Graphlex 6×7
- Mamiya 645
- Fuji GSX680
On the 35mm side of life Cross Point also stocks an excellent selection of gear, from classic Nikon and Canon rangefinders, some excellent quality and reasonably priced Leica M3, M4, and M5 rangefinders. To more recent Canon AE and F1, Nikon F Series, Olympus OM series and various other SLR cameras.
The lens selection is not comprehensive but there are always plenty of Nikon Ai, AiS, AF D and both newer and older lenses. In the Canon section Cross Point carries a good range of older FD and the newer EF-mount lenses.
Like any good used camera shop there are also a number of eccentric oddities in stock at any one time. Current highlights would have to include….
- 1200mm lens with Bronica medium format mount [you can't miss it, it's the lens near the counter that looks like it could be a pillar supporting the shop's roof]
- Nikkor 600mm af ED
- Sinar P2 monorail camera
- Horsemann 6×9 and Polaroid rotating back
- Nikonos flash gear, wide angle lenses
- …and a few more besides.
Chief amongst reasons to visit Cross Point is the friendly owner, who speaks a little English and who can be very generous on the discounts and items he throws-in for free.
This weekend a friend of mine [a genuine vintage camera-holic] came down to the shop for the first time and left with a mint-condition Mamiya RZ67, complete with a 110mm lens that looked like it had just come out of the box, its 120 film-back, a Polaroid back, camera bag, fresh battery, authentic Mamiya RZ strap and a roll of film to test the whole lot out….. all for 22,000Yen.
I defy anyone to find a better bargain in Tokyo than that!
Photo gallery: a few shots of Cross Point Cameras in Omori
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Access details:
- Five-minutes walk from Omori Station [Keihin Tohoku Line]
- Ten minutes walk from Omori-kaigan Station [Keikyu Line]
- Co-ordinates, to put into Google Maps or similar: 35.59148,139.731315. Click this link to see these co-ordinates in Google Maps. StreetView is available and shows the shop quite clearly.
One last thing to remember; print this article out, take it into the shop and at least the guy will know you found about his place through Alfie and Japanorama. It can’t hurt and it might help you get an even better deal than the price tags already suggest.
Happy shopping and happy shooting!
January 20th, 2009 at 2:12 am
Well, that could have been mine if I didn’t decided to go with the Blad
January 20th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I just love going to used camera stores and just looking around. Kid in a candy store feeling. Right now I am trying to get my hands on the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8. I tried ordering it but it no where to be found!! haha
January 29th, 2009 at 9:43 am
dear sir,
I am looking for used NikonD3X.
please acknowledge.
regards
January 29th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Very unlikely you will find a used D3X anywhere in Tokyo at the moment. The camera only came out here in Japan a month or so ago. This shop does not have a lot of digital equipment; a few older Nikon bodies [D200, D2 etc] and some Canon.
Youre probably better off looking into the Nikon House in Ginza, Tokyo.
Nikon House (Sukiya Camera)
Crystal Bldg. 1F, Ginza 4-2-13, Tokyo 104-0061
Phone: (03) 3561-6000
Web Site: http://www.sukiya.co.jp
Hours:10:00-19:00
Other Info: Store is at a prominent street corner in Ginza. Used Nikon equipment only.
Near Ginza subway station Exit B5 and Yurakucho Station.
Map: http://www.sukiya.co.jp/map.html
January 30th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Thanks to this article!
I went to Cross Point and found a Ricoh GR 10. The owner is nice and a bit generous.
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 am
hello, thanks for the great post on this store. 22,000 yen for the package you described is incredible! i realize you may not have a photographic memory of the store’s entire stock (ha), but all the same, do you know what their selection of compact 35mm cameras is? i’m looking for something along the lines of a kyocera-make yashica, or perhaps a konica hexar, that sort of thing.
in any case, i’m glad to know about this store, if i ever decide to look for MF stuff, i will definitely come by – cheers.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:04 am
They do have some of that sort of thing in stock, yes.
February 28th, 2009 at 10:37 am
I’ll have to throw this into the pile of places to visit when I do my next semester in Tokyo
February 28th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Give me a shout before you do. It’s only round the corner from my house.
March 9th, 2009 at 7:41 am
hello.does it have some nikon f-mount lenses in good condition and affordable prices? best regards!
March 9th, 2009 at 11:51 am
He does. Lots.
March 10th, 2009 at 3:16 am
Hi. Thanks for sharing this. Do you happen to see some UWA lens for Nikon dslr there? I’m looking for a Tokina 11-16 f/2.8…but a 12-24 f/4 would also be good. Thanks!
March 11th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
He doesnt have that lens, sorry. I dont know of any second-hand store in Tokyo that does. It’s practically impossible to find second-hand.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:38 am
Sorry to bother you, but do you happen to know the price of the 1200mm Nikkor in Bronica mount?
Just found your site and am enjoying it very much.
Thanks!
April 2nd, 2009 at 1:27 am
I’m interested in a Pentax 645NII and a split image screen for same. Does this store do much in the way of the way the 645Ns and NIIs. Also how do I contact them? I have a friend from Japan that could speak with them for me.
Gregory Edwards/Toronto
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 am
AJ…. been back to you on the email now. So, hopefully this enquiry is nicely underway now. I feel sure he will be happy to give the 1200mm a good home, as it is taking up a large portion of his counter right now
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:06 am
Hi Gregory. I will email you this response as well, but:
The fella there doesnt speak much English. If you speak Japanese or have a friend that can, that will work.
Number there is +81 3 3766 7122
That’s phone and fax.
He has a collection of 645s in the window and inside. I feel sure, looking at them and trying to remember, that some are the model you are after.
May 28th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
A Guide to New and Used Camera Shops in Tokyo
http://www.asbcreative.com/tokyo_used_cameras.html
June 1st, 2009 at 5:29 am
Hi Alfie,
thank you for sharing this!
I will be in Japan early August and would love to shop for used gear.
Is there any place (apart from Omori) where I could look for a Mamiya 7 rangefinder camera?
I would really appreciate any other suggestion for a light, medium-format camera.
Thank you.
Enzo, Italy
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Hello Japan,
I’m at the moment traveling in Australia and going to Tokio next month. I want to buy a Olympus Tough 8000. My questions are: First do you think its cheaper to buy in Tokio or in OZ(duty free)? Second, what to you think about this Cam? I just want a good cam, and i like the tough factor.
Thanks in front.
Heri
June 25th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
aflak ashraf – Map Camera in Nishi Shinjuku have some in stock. JPY 658,000 – JPY 698,000
http://www.mapcamera.com/
July 16th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
This sounds like a fantastic shop. Do you happen to know of any similar type shops in Kyoto? Thanks for the tip.
July 16th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I dont know the used camera scene in Kyoto much at all, sorry.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Hi All,
To anyone who can drop by at the store, can you list what Tokina lenses for Nikon are available? Please email @ castiller@live.com. Tokina fan here hehehe.
Thanks a lot guys.
July 21st, 2009 at 11:26 am
Not sure they have many but will check.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:09 am
Thanks for sharing! I’ll probably head down there later today and see what they have in the form of a cheap MF camera.
On a side note, I love the photos on your flickr page. Some truly great stuff.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:47 am
Hi guys – wonder if you can help. I am based in London, UK and plan to come to Jaoan. Wonder what is the cheapest price of the below:
1. Canon 5D Mark II
2. CANON EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM LENS 70-200 mm f2.8
Many thanks
Jerome
August 27th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Awesome article, I’ll be there in September and looking to pick up a Mamiya 645 outfit, is it possible to find one (lens/back/AEprism) for around 30000yen?
Also, does he carry a lot of m-mount glass? Especially Cosina-Voigtlander stuff..
August 27th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Yes, it should be possible. He has some good deals there on Mamiya 645 gear. Not a lot of M-mount glass, but some. Drop me a line when you are here and I can meet you there. If that isnt possible, print the article out and take it with you…. it’ll get you some discount probably.
August 28th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Do you know Fujiya Camera in Nakano? How does Cross Point compare?
I have checked out your other sites… nice work mate! I will be visiting Tokyo again in late September… I’ll drop you a separate e-mail… perhaps I can buy you dinner and a coffee… just for a chat and maybe some pointers on making it as a working photographer.
August 28th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Cheers. Yes, coffee, dinner…. always good
Fujiya is good, bigger, more digital and analogue. CrossPoint is a gold-mine for medium format and good Nikon film cameras, plus others, at bargain prices. A lot of the other used shops buy his best stock from him before it ever hits the shelves at CrossPoint.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Another question, somewhat less related: How much would a user shape (a fair bit of external wear but mechanically fine) M4 body sell for in Tokyo? I’m hoping trade mine in for a cheaper RF body (with a meter) and a lens, and am not sure if I should sell it here in Canada or when I’m in Tokyo.
September 8th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Leica M4 in fair [A-] condition, assuming that is what it is [it might be B condition], would sell off the shelf for around 160,000Yen. B would be around 90,000Yen. This is a guess, but an educated one.
September 26th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
You can get the Tokina 11-16 mm lens in Fujiya camera in Nakano. They’re selling them for 55,000 yen and I’m seriously considering one myself.
October 1st, 2009 at 4:10 pm
This place is a treasure trove. It is on my ‘hit list’ whenever I go for a walkabout. There are a few little goldmines similar to this one, if you know where to go.
I like to take people on shopping walks when I ge the time. There are so many shops here that it takes all day just to hit half of them.
October 10th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Hi there , i am going to Japan later this month , am a new beginner and wants to purchase a used DSLR camera , maybe a D5000 or D80 or any one you can recommend .But i only have budget of around 45000 yen , do you think i can get something from this shop . Reallt appreciate if you can help and gives me more advices amd info .
Cheers
joey
October 14th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Hey Alfie, thanks for this unbelievably awesome post! I’m in Japan for a year and I’ve been scouring the internet for recommendations on used-camera stores and your post as been a god-send.
This is a long-shot but do you happen to know if Cross Point carries any Nikon FM2s at the moment?
Thanks so much for you time!
October 14th, 2009 at 10:22 am
45,000 will get you a good DSLR. Maybe not from this shop as he doesnt carry a huge selection of digi, but defon from one of the many used shops in Tokyo. Drop me a lline when you get here and we can hit the shops together if you like.
October 14th, 2009 at 10:22 am
You’re very welcome and, yes, he does have some FM2s. Let me know when you get here and we can go along together. You’ll get a discount if I come along and we can grab a coffee or something.
October 25th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Hi, I will be heading to Tokyo at the end of the Nov and I’m hoping to find a second hand camera shop where I can get a cheap working rangefinder (approv 10000yen). Would this shop be a good place to look for one? Does he carry models such as the canon canonet or yashica g series? Or maybe u can recommend me one which is good for beginners. Thanks!
October 26th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Yes, you may find one here: Canon 7, P or similar. I will have a look for you and drop you a line back on here.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hi there again, thank you for offering to help me take a look at the shop. This is the first time I’m visiting Japan and looking for a good used camera shop feels like such a daunting task given the number of camera shops in Tokyo. Really hoping that I can find a good used rangefinder at this shop so I can used the time saved to visit more places in Tokyo. Looking forward to your reply. Thank you so much.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Thanks for the tip on the store Alfie. Have you noticed whether he has much in the way of Contax gear, either C/Y mount 35mm or Contax 645?
Thanks
Steve
December 7th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Will check this week for you. I know he has a cabinet with a fair whack of Contax stuff but not sure what exactly.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:23 am
Hi,
I’m planning to be in Tokyo the first week of January. I have a few ideas in cameras to get: Leica M6, Olympus Om-1, Mamiya rangefinder 6…How are the prices for these jewels??
December 31st, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Hi,
Thanks for this wonderful article!
Will be visiting on end of January… looking for EOS 500D or even 50D if any special prices… any idea?
January 4th, 2010 at 10:43 am
You might find one there but digital is not his main stock item. Let me know when you get here and I will ask.
January 14th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Got there today, I bought only a sb-28 and some broken lenses to play with. Planing for a new visit soon. Thanks for directions Alfie ! All the Best!
January 14th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Cool. Sorry I missed you but glad you found the place and found something there as well.
January 14th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
?e ( me and Tim from the strobist group ) will return and i hope we will meet and give me an advice because i?am interested into an mamiya just like your buddy bought. i hope i will get the same deal. cheers
January 14th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Next time give me a little warning and I will make sure, if I can, that I meet you there. My being there helps with discount.
January 21st, 2010 at 12:42 am
Heelo, I would like to buy a used NIKON FM3A. Please tell me if in this store is this camera, and How much it will cost? If no,do You know other place from where to buy this caemra at a lower price than ebay? Thank YOu in advance
January 26th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
hi alfie,
you see ive been here in Japan for about 2 months and ive been thinking of what camera to buy. I want a weather resistant dslr… does crosspoint have an olympus E-3? or a Pentax K20D? and if they have how much would it cost me??
thanks, i really appreciate this thread!
-regie
January 28th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Hi – If anyone knows a good used camera shop with lenses for a MF Kowa Six camera, please let me know!! cnulec@gmail.com – thanks so much in advance!
Michael
February 1st, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Michael, I think your best bet is the shop I found in Shinjuku the other week, around the corner from MAP and above the ABC Mart shoe-shop. Pic of it here: http://twitpic.com/xwadd
I did have a pic of the outside of it but cant find it anywhere online. However, the GPS from my iphone says it’s at:
N 35 41 22.841
E 139 41 48.618
February 1st, 2010 at 11:41 pm
hey alfie.
do you know where i can find a mint 35-70mm f2.8D. thanks !
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:23 am
Probably best trying MAP in Shinjuku or the Nikon House [Sukiya] in Ginza.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:39 am
you`re the best ! thaaanks
February 8th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
I was searching for information on lenses for my canon 500D when I found your site. Great post. Thank You.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
The shop probably has a few lenses that would suit you, Minta.
March 10th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Hi Alfie,
Thanks for such a good article and being so helpful. I’ll be in Japan in 3 weeks and have a few things I’m looking for – Yashicamat 124, Nikon F3, Nikon FM2 – Do you know if Cross Point stocks these and the price range? I’m also looking for a digital Sigma 24-70mm HSM
March 11th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
They have the Nikons certainly. F3s run from about 25,000Yen to 40,000 depending on the model. Will check the FM2 for you. The Sigma lens you’d probably be better off trying MapCamera in Shinjuku.