A quick flash of camera porn

I tried my best to keep she who must be obeyed away from shopping malls in Kyoto; using the reasonable argument that she had two days of shopping till dropping when we went to Osaka. But she used the counter-argument that she really needed some better shoes for all the walking around we were doing, and disappeared for an hour into Isetan.

This was my chance to pay a visit to Bic Camera, a massive electronics emporium bolted onto the side of Kyoto station. I was disappointed to find that there was only one floor given over to cameras; but they did seem to offer every camera and lens currently in production.

There was the full complement of Panasonic gear, including the new GX7:

Had a play with the GX7 and it seemed like a competent enough camera; but it felt a little less solid than the GX1 and failed to stir my soul (which is just as well).

The Olympus range was also fully covered:

And there was a separate stand announcing the E-M1, with brochures but no camera to examine:

Probably just as well, otherwise I might have had to offer up a new toy to match my wife’s shoe purchase. Instead I came away empty-handed and was able to practice my much used “resigned, but disappointed” expression as she flashed her latest shoe acquisition which looked little different to her existing footwear to the untrained eye (mine).

Comments 🔗

2013-10-07 | Kevin Moore says

Just one pair of shoes? I think you need to give me a few tips mate. Recent trips to Thailand and Hong Kong have seen me being shown 19 new pairs of shoes leading to check in luggage of 96kgs.

just 22 more days will see me back out there and the only item on the shopping list is an OM-D EM1. The reason being that I’ll be alone this trip and will be able to manage quite nicely with just one medium suitcase.

I think it was very cruel of the shop you visited to show you big images of something you’re lusting after. To show such images knowing they can’t satisfy your desires is just not on.

2013-10-07 | Kevin Moore says

I meant to add to my previous comment, I have to admit to surfing for porn on a daily basis but fortunately I have an understanding wife.

2013-10-07 | Andrew says

In the olden days ( ie. the days I used to live there ) the better camera shops were around the Shijo - Kawaramachi area - just north on Kawaramachi up to Kawaramachi Sanjo area.. - Yellow Camera etc. ,,,( don’t know if they are even still in business )…and they had 2nd hand stuff which nobody wanted ( cause everyone in Japan wants the latest…) great cameras which could be had for a tidy sum ( well…tidy then anyway…)so stop lusting after the OMD-1 and peek around for a Makina Plaubel 6x6 rangefinder which used to be about 1/4 of the cost….some Fuji Acros and that and you will be set..!

2013-10-07 | Andrew says

of course the new Sony full frames should hit the shops just as you arrive in November - then all bets are off…

2013-10-08 | Spike says

I think we need to rethink the idea of my wife meeting your wife…

2013-10-08 | Spike says

Thanks for sharing.

2013-10-08 | Spike says

On my list for my visit in November, thanks.

2013-10-08 | Spike says

Not going there; but I hope they shake up Canikon; and Leica.

2013-10-11 | Jock says

OK Xmas is coming up … need your latest recommendation for a point-and-click camera for a relative novice … you´re last recommendation 5 years ago was the Panasonic Leica GX1 ????? or something like that … anyways it worked a treat so what´s the latest ?

2013-10-12 | Spike says

I expect it was the GF1 because the GX1 had not been released. For your latest toy I recommend the Sony RX100, version 2.