Photo Life with Kitmaura Camera│ Vol.2 The Charm of Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store, as Told by Our Professional Staff.
Introduction
On June 21, 2024 (Friday), the Leica boutique, officially recognized by Leica Camera, opened on the 6th floor of Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store. Additionally, the “Basement Gallery” was established on the B1 floor, becoming a new hub for photography culture. The store continues to evolve as a place that supports all customers involved in a life with cameras, offering a rich photographic lifestyle.
This article is the second volume of a series introducing the charm of Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store. In Volume 2, we will share insights from our professional staff about “What makes Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store special.”
Specialists on each floor to meet customer “wants”
At Kitamura Camera, different categories of products are divided by floor, with specialists situated on each floor to help customers discover their “wants.” We asked these professionals about the beauty of Kitamura Camera.
An astonishing inventory of secondhand and Low Condition items
Kimiyasu Osawa / Store Manager ・ Secondhand Camera Floor Leader
“The absolute scale of our inventory means customers are able to find the camera of their dreams—whether it be a rare collector’s
item, a camera they’ve always wanted, or one that catches their eye on the sales floor. That’s the true beauty of this store,” says Osawa, leader of the secondhand floor. Secondhand products, even those of the same model, come in various different conditions, he says, and the process of examining the condition of these products is a very meticulous one.
The third floor of the store specializes in Low Condition cameras. “Low Condition” items refer to products that have defects or malfunctions that prevent them from being used normally. Many people, however, still purchase them for parts or for display
purposes. It can be fun to explore the various different options, as if you were treasure hunting.
The third floor, which specializes in Low Condition cameras. Low Condition items are arranged in neat rows.
A Photo Life promotional hub with colorful rows of films
Yurika Mori / Photo Printing Floor Leader (at the time of the interview)
The first floor, with its brightly colored films and photos, offers photo services such as printing and film developing. The store meets a wide variety of needs, with a full lineup of products that include color and monochromatic films popular mainly on social media, as well as disposable cameras. Mori, the floor leader, says, “We offer customers suggestions and arrange the sales area in a way that allows us to be more understanding of their circumstances, so that they can keep their memories forever,” about the new discoveries that they provide as a Photo Life promotional hub.
Combining new and secondhand for further possibilities
Tatsumi Fukushima / New Camera Floor Leader
The shelves on the second floor, which are white-toned, are lined with the latest cameras. Fukushima, the floor leader, says proudly, “I think there are very few places where there is such a selection of new cameras, and that let you pick them up and handle them.” Their greatest appeal, he says, lies in their ability to suggest combinations of new and secondhand items. If a customer does not need the latest specifications, for instance, they might suggest a secondhand body combined with a new lens. Another part of their appeal, he says, is the trade-in service for cameras and lenses, which allow customers to purchase the items they want at a discount.
Valuation professionals that offer buyback at higher prices than anywhere else
Yuto Tsushima / Re-pro Center Leader
The Re-pro Center on the fifth floor is dedicated to the purchase and maintenance of cameras. They offer buybacks for brands
such as Nikon, Canon, and Sony. “We want to offer people a comfortable and trustworthy place where they can let go of heir beloved equipment, and build a rapport with them so that they come to consult with us on an ongoing basis,” says Tsushima, the floor leader. Valuations are conducted by buyback specialists, in order to ensure that customers are satisfied with the process of letting go of their beloved equipment. They make a conscious effort, he says, to offer buyback prices that have an edge on other stores in the highly competitive Shinjuku area.
To conclude
This interview is included in the booklet ‘Photo Life with Kitamura Camera Store, Shinjuku,’ published to commemorate the store renovation. The booklet is available in both Japanese and English versions at the store. We invite you to pick one up and take a look!”