Japanees Yen

5-6 months or so to see any meaningful impact.

It's not just the manufacturers here...there are lots of factors at play.

I think the moral of the story is that if you want a camera now, buy one now - if prices fall, it's going to be gradual, and that's all time that you could have been using your new toy.

Cheers,
James
 
I was in Japan for the last two weeks and spent a fair bit of time hunting for bargains. There are a few in the second hand shops!

However, the issue is not with weak Yen as you put it but rather with a weak pound. The Yen itself is actually weakening against the pound at the moment as the rest of the world is no longer buying all those 'big ticket' items that they so efficiently produce.

There has been a large slip in the balance of trade in Japan that should do us all a favour. Having said that the rate has only changed 25 points in the last 3 months, it'll be a while before it reaches the 200 mark again, if ever.

Given that the manufacturers undoubtedly lost out after the initial crash there will be a lag before any 'recovery' is passed on to Euro consumers.

IF the pound/yen rate changes a lot then it might make it worthwhile ordering from Japan and having it shipped. Some of the stores will even do this "duty free" and on products with a UK manual and warranty. However you'll either have to ring up to sort it out or navigate a Japanese website to place the order.

I'd stick with buying locally as the returns policy is better :)
 
Aside from second hand, has it ever been cheaper for camera gear in Japan ? I was there when it was 200 yen to the pound and TBH the prices were similar to here. I was also back there last May when it was ~150 yen to the pound, and obviously new photography and computer parts were cheaper in the UK.
 
still don't think they'll come back down - sadly :( theres too many other factors, the exchange rate is only one of them. They'll get eroded by inflation but thats it.

Hugh
 
Actually going back to the original post, my understanding (from my local independent camera shop) is that camera prices are tied to the dollar, not the yen. As we're slowly climbing back up again (now back up to $1.614), we might be lucky in the future, though I suspect we'll see no reductions until it hits ~$1.80
 
they'll keep them high for as long as they are selling like all good businesses you only cut prices if stuff isn't shifting or you competitors slash there prices.
 
dapprman said:
Actually going back to the original post, my understanding (from my local independent camera shop) is that camera prices are tied to the dollar, not the yen. As we're slowly climbing back up again (now back up to $1.614), we might be lucky in the future, though I suspect we'll see no reductions until it hits ~$1.80
Click to expand...

you won't see reductions - think of the impact that'll have on retailers and suppliers. They'll erode, but thats it

Hugh
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top