Finding the right camera gear in Pakistan, especially in Lahore, is not always simple. This note is a personal record of where I actually buy cameras and lenses in Lahore, which shops I trust, and what has worked for me over the years.
When I came back from England in 2002 I brought my first digital camera with me. I did not know where to buy photography equipment locally. I asked around and ended up on Nisbat Road, walked into Foto Crown, and met Mutahir sb. My first DSLR purchase in Pakistan was from him in 2004. It was a Nikon D70. Foto Crown has since moved away from Nisbat Road.
Nisbat Road Camera Market in 2018
First time I used a Leica Q and came very close to buying one but than sanity prevailed.
Where I go now
DigiMax: This is my usual stop. Over the years I have developed a friendship with the owners Mr Nawaz and Mr Waqas and that trust makes all the difference. One experience sealed it for me. I once bought a flash from a shop on Nisbat Road (actually chowk Nisbat Road so we all call it that but the correct name is Chamberlane Road) and tried to return it the next day. They refused flat out, which is common here .. there is very little concept of returns or money back. I mentioned it to Nawaz. He asked me to bring the flash to him and handed me cash without a hitch. That level of support got me hooked. Retailers spend so much on shops and inventory but real success follows those who build relationships.
DSLR Zone: Recently I have been able to get some good deals here thanks to its owner, Mr. Ahmad. I got my Nikon ZF, 14-30S and Sony 135mm GM from him at a very good price. Our camera market mostly caters to wedding photographers, so if you are after something like a Nikon 500mm PF, a used Fuji GFX or anything exotic, you will likely not find it in regular shops. This is where DSLR Zone helps. Stock changes often and the prices are fair for what you get.
Other places I have used
Billu Photos: Probably the widest range of equipment in town, including medium format and even Leicas. Mr Ishtiaq also known as Billu sb is a self made person and has travelled extensively which gives him access to gear that is not easily available in Lahore. Despite the large collection I never quite developed a working relationship there. I feel more at ease with DigiMax or DSLR Zone.
For resin coated photography paper, cells and other small accessories, UniColor (Ph: +923004379047) has the widest range. However premium finart inkjet paper (Canson or other branded paper) is not available in Lahore. You could order it via Anees Book Corner or you can get it directly from importers in Karachi.
Is it better to buy new or used in Lahore?
I buy old lenses often, but I try to avoid old camera bodies. With older lenses I have rarely lost money when selling later, though I still stick to slightly used copies in clean condition. Surpirsingly I have lost more money with Sony camera bodies (despite those beeing the hype these days) than any other brand. DSLR Zone can help you get used lenses even if not available locally.
Warranty and service centers in Lahore
Nikon has an advantage though Nikon inventory is always limited. Its distributor is Lahore based on Nisbat Road, so access is easy. I have not had to claim a warranty myself because I am careful with my gear, but knowing Nikon support is nearby helps. Sigma is also represented in Lahore through Hope Enterprises, and DJI recently launched company operated distribution from Lahore.
Sony’s distributor is in Karachi, yet Sony is the most popular brand in Lahore right now. Cheaper third party lenses and better local inventory have helped. Canon feels the weakest here. Stock is often patchy and I have heard warranty claims have not gone well for some users, though I have not had a bad personal experience.
What you will not easily get in Pakistan
Quality tripods and tripod heads are scarce. The local market largely follows the needs of wedding work. Apart from a few top names most wedding photographers are keeping costs down, so demand for premium accessories is low. As a result exotic lenses, premium filters, sturdy tripods and high end tripod heads are hard to find. Even lenses outside wedding staples can be hard to find. The usual favourites are in demand year round. 35mm is always popular, and the 24-105/120, 24-70 and 70-200 zooms move fast. The 85mm, once the go to for portraits, seems to be losing demand. 135mm (one of my personal favorite) is difficult to find or sell later on. Inventory for wider or longer focal lengths is uneven and often needs a special order. Branded camera bags are all gone. What you will now get is either copies or chinese bags (some of which may not be that bad like K&F).
This was not always the case. For example, a few years ago NISI filters were easy to buy. You will not find them now. Inflation has pushed prices up and most shops stock only what moves quickly. K&F are the only available filters worth buying.
If you need something specific the usual path is to place a special order or ask a friend to bring it from abroad or get it via AliExpress.
If you are finding it difficult to make a purchase decision here in Pakistan and feel I can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.