Topic: Japanese Auction Sites

[sapata]

After seeing Sandeha's half-frame Fujica Drive going on the "Share the Love" thread, it made me a bit crazy about that camera... and since I don't own any half frame camera I guess it's time to get one of those! 

The problem is that I can't find any on ebay...  I remember someone here that mentioned once getting stuff from Japanese auction sites.  Has anyone had any experience buying from those sites? Any particular one recommended?

Many thanks...!

[moominsean]

Yahoo.co.jp is the best and most used. You can't do it yourself from overseas but there are third party bidders that will do it for a fee.

[jojonas~]

I've recently gotten into that whole thang.. just clothesshopping for my gal though. She does the searching and such, we've only looked in mbok.jp though.

for shopping service we've used japonica market. it came very much recommended through her community, she had been researching a bit before we dared to test. We've gotten one package so far (from three auction combined(!)) and I think it was very well handled for clothes. everything packaged and marked (in japanese) in their own plastic bag within the box. they even put in an extra bit of cardboard under the opening of the box so we wouldn't accidentally cut the items when we opened the box.

[Skorj]

More options here:

http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=2860.0

and, the Fujica Drives be pretty kakoii!

[sapata]

Nice one guys... I'll have a look on these.

What about the shipping prices? I have no idea how much it would costs shipping something around that size from Japan to UK...

and, the Fujica Drives be pretty kakoii!

So beautiful...

[moominsean]

usually in US bucks it comes out to $15-$35 for shipping depending on size and weight. but you would be paying for shipping twice (though the shipping within japan is minimal) and usually a banking fee, plus the bidders fee. worth it if it's something you really want that can't be found elsewhere easily.

[sapata]

usually in US bucks it comes out to $15-$35 for shipping depending on size and weight. but you would be paying for shipping twice (though the shipping within japan is minimal) and usually a banking fee, plus the bidders fee. worth it if it's something you really want that can't be found elsewhere easily.

Thanks Sean... I think is going to be a bit of hassle to get from Japan, the fees and postage will cost more than the camera itself. I guess I'll be sticking with the old evilbay 

[Phil Bebbington]

Also, if my experience of getting cameras from Japan is anything to go by - you have to add 20% VAT for the UK and you will also be charged a small customs handling fee - bless them!

[sapata]

Also, if my experience of getting cameras from Japan is anything to go by - you have to add 20% VAT for the UK and you will also be charged a small customs handling fee - bless them!

Oh dear...
Thanks Phil

[Steven.]

not sure if its relevant to you but you can always try japancamerahunter.com if you're looking for something special and willing to pay market value for it.

[jojonas~]

Also, if my experience of getting cameras from Japan is anything to go by - you have to add 20% VAT for the UK and you will also be charged a small customs handling fee - bless them!

if you use a service, you can ask them to mark the value down something ridiculous. but if it gets lost you won't be able to do much I guess. so no leicas with marked down values for your own sake!!

[Phil Bebbington]

Yes, people will mark down the value, but, like you say, if it gets lost you go the loser. Not a problem for a cheap purchase, unfortunately both my purchases from Japan were expensive and so to risk it was silly and the fees were HIGH!

Still, if I cabn only get what I want there I have to pay the price I guess. A lot of nice looking gear comes up in that part of the world. I am trying to downsize my camera collection!

[LT]

I'll echo what phil says here.  I got stung last year.  I'd budgeted for a £30-40 max charge, but it was actually £140. Made what I thought to be a real bargain, only a slight bargain.  Still, a bargain none-the-less.

Be careful with conspiring to misrepresent the value of goods, you could end up with a charge for tax evasion.

[sapata]

Thank you guys very much for sharing all these information... it's a bit more clear in my mind now, really appreciate