The Nikon Pilgrimage – Part 2

While I was at the Nikon Plaza of Ginza, I found out that there was another photo exhibition at the Nikon Plaza of Shinjuku. Furthermore, admission was free! I couldn't resist anything that is free. Something that is free is barely available nowadays.

Similar to the Nikon Plaza of Ginza, there was a whole line-up of Nikon cameras in production. I played with the D3 again!

The photos showcased in the gallery area were winning photos from the Nikon Photography Contest. I think the theme was landscape this time.

There was another section of exhibition with the theme 'Happy People.' I felt very happy after seeing all the photos on exhibit. I think they have put the theme very precisely. I'm inspired to capture the images of happy people as well. It makes me happy.

The Nikon Plaza at Shinjuju is located at the 28^th floor of a building called L-Tower. So, there is a spectacular view of Shinjuku at the lift lobby.

Having been to both Nikon Plazas in Tokyo, my Nikon pilgrimage in Tokyo is complete. By the time they have the third one open in Tokyo, I may be back again.

The Nikon Pilgrimage – Part 1

I sent my camera for image sensor cleaning at one of the Nikon Plazas in Tokyo and it was as excited as a pilgrimage for me for the brand of the cameras I use for over 20 years. I was first introduced to using the Nikon cameras when I played with my Dad's F3, and it has been the road of no return.

Never did I have the thought that I would make it to the showroom of Nikon in Tokyo one day when I first touched a Nikon camera, but there I was, after 20 years!

The showroom cum service centre is located in the heart of Tokyo Metropolis, where the best brands of fashion around the world can be found. It is located at non other than the Ginza area.

The whole second level is occupied by the service centre and the Nikon Professional Services Centre. I don't know what the Nikon Professional Services Centre is for because the admission is 'for members only.' Maybe it's for the certified Nikon photographers.

After handing in my camera body to the service centre for image sensor cleaning, I was told that it would be ready in one hour. So, I hung around the showroom to see the display.

This is one of the vantage Nikon cameras on display at the mini museum.

There are all the current models on display, and they are all open for testing, including the top-of-the-line D3! I got myself poisoned with it and I have decided to save up for one. However, D3 will be an obsolete model by the time I have saved up. So, I should aim for a D6 instead, should there be that model by then.

There is also the whole line-up of the Nikon lenses in production, including the latest AF-S VR 400mm f/2.8G with Nano-crystal coating. It is one of the most expensive lenses available.

The gallery area always has an exhibition of a featured Nikon photographer. The theme at the time of my visit was 'The Lung of Goats' by direct translation. All the photographs are black and white taken within the past 30 years by the photographer.

Wordless Wednesday – Babe Watching at Shibuya

Dusk and Night at Odaiba

Odaiba is a waterfront area of Tokyo which is very popular for weekend goers due to the abandon of museums and shopping centres. The waterfront park is an attraction to lovers and photographers alike, especially for the sunset and night scene of the Rainbow Bridge.

The sun setting beyond the skyscrapers at a distance.

The Rainbow Bridge at dusk.

The 'mini' Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty holding my can of Coke Zero.

The brightly-lit Rainbow Bridge.

Rainbow Bridge and the skyscrapers.

Rainbow Bridge against the dark sky.

Still holding up.

Shaking the Vroom Vroom!

Toyota is the largest car manufacturer in Japan. Therefore, there are two mega-size showrooms in Tokyo alone. The one at Amlux is a little bit smaller than its big brother at the Mega Web of Odaiba. I didn't see any Lexus at Amlux, but there was the whole range of the latest models showcased at Mega Web when I paid a visit.

This is the latest sports saloon, the IS F.

The top-of-the-range Lexus saloon car is non other than the LS600hL. The 'h' stands for the model with the hybrid engine.

The mid-range model is now the GS460, a more sporty model than the LS600hL.

The youngest brother is the IS250, which I think is the sleekest.

For the young at heart, the SC430 coupe should be very appealing.

One thing amazing about these showrooms is that all these super expensive machines are open to abuse admiration of everybody, including kids.