Updates (2 June 2019): The film prices listed in this blog post are outdated because Fujifilm increased their film prices!
Hello fellow film shooters! I haven’t been blogging because I am very busy with my work. Thank goodness, I had a little vacation last week to Tokyo, Japan!
We all know, Japan (particularly Tokyo) is somewhat a film heaven because that’s where Japan Camera Hunter hunts for all the beautiful pristine condition film cameras. Furthermore, the price of Fujifilm’s films is cheaper regardless of the hassle-free tax-free policy for tourists.
The film stock in Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo (2018)
Unfortunately, I only managed to buy my films from the big shopping company such as Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku and Akihabara. Of the two branches, I prefer the one in Akihabara.
If you are going to Tokyo, be sure to buy:
- Fujifilm Acros 100 (35mm 1760 Yen for 3 rolls before tax-free)
- Fujifilm Superia Premium 400
- Fujifilm Superia Xtra 400 (1640 Yen for 3 rolls before tax-free)
Generally, Fujifilm is cheaper in Japan. Forget about Kodak, it’s more expensive. Oh, the disposable camera (734 Yen) and Instax are cheaper too!
By the way, Fujifilm is going to stop the production of Acros in the next few months so stock up if you like the film!
Besides films, I also bought D-76 developer for 1Litre (630 Yen before tax-free) and the rarely seen Fujifilm developer (319 Yen before tax-free).
My loots from Tokyo (2018)
When you pay, go to the tax-free counter. The staff will ask for your passport, staple the receipt(s) inside your passport and tell you not to use the tax-free items in Japan. You are supposed to show the receipt at the tax-free counter before immigration but from my experience (and many encounters from others), they don’t care.
So, you can use the items in Japan.
Ahhh…. I miss Tokyo now while I am writing this blog post. I will probably write my travelogue and photologue when my films shot in Tokyo are developed.
Stay tuned!
can’t wait to see the photos! I’d love to go to Tokyo someday ahh
Hi! How have you been? I can’t wait to see your photo from the Tokyo trip you mentioned above! Take care!
Hi there! Awesome blog you have here. Did you face any issues bringing the D-76 powders through customs?
No problem. I don’t think it’s a controlled item.
Yes, the photos!
Japan is great for those interested in photography, especially film photography. I found every city seems to have a “camera district” area with several different small camera repair shops. There were three or four shops within a block of each other in Hiroshima, and one had a (now) expensive grip for the Olympus OM-3 and OM-4 cameras at a very reasonable price. I also found excellent used lenses and bought a few bodies too. I visited other shops in Osaka and Kyoto, and every Yodabashi seems to have an incredible selection of film.
BTW, I found you through your Taipei video. That was great. I think you should do more videos in that style — very inspiring. Also, come back to Thailand, there’s so much more than Bangkok! Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai for temples and ruins; Khao Yai and Doi Ithanon for wild jungles and nature; Krabi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phi Phi for great beaches and picturesque islands.
Within ~2 hours and for under US$200 round trip, you have incredible opportunities to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Corregidor in the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, and Sarawak in Malaysia to take some amazing pictures.
I suspect you face the same challenge I do: work. It always seems to get in the way of travel.
Thanks for the videos and the blog.
Hi where did you buy those disposable film in Tokyo? Are they present in any store?
I got mine from Yodobashi store. And disposable cameras are quite easy to find around Tokyo but more expensive than if you buy from the Yodobashi.
How much were the Instax films??
If I am not wrong, one box of 10 is about SGD7+
Hi filmbasedtraveler, Thanks for your awesome sharing. I’m interested in develop film myself, however it is hard to get chemical in Singapore and quite pricey if I ship from oversea. I’ve a coming trip to Japan and planning to buy some chemical back from there. In Yodobashi camera, do they carry C-41 color developer starter kit or it has to buy in different items (like developer + blix + fixer…etc). I’m worry language barrier over there. Hope you may also able to recommend any chemicals/ items to get from there as well? Much appreciated. 🙂