What's this? Book review of Camera Annual.

Impressions: In Japanese, this is the best and most complete product guide for photo equipment sold in Japan. It lists all the current products on the market including 35mm, medium-format, and large-format camera equipment. Both domestic and imported products are covered. New cameras which appeared in the preceding year have extensive reviews accompanied by color photos. The most popular cameras are also reviewed. Photos, retail prices, and specs are provided for all the cameras.

A glossary of photo terminology and a directory of manufacturers are provided at the end of the book. Since this book is issued annually at the beginning of the year, it becomes slightly dated by summer. Numerous new products are introduced in spring and before June when company workers receive their summer bonuses. (Reviewed by Philbert Ono)

2000-4

What's this? Book review of Asahi Camera's Camera Guide.

Impressions: This is a useful Japanese book (magazine) to have. Up to the year 2000, it was called "Camera Book." From 2001, it's called "Camera Guide." Some of the great information which was included up to 2000 has been eliminated from 2001. They left out the addresses and phone numbers of Japan's photo schools, stock photo agencies, camera clubs, and a photographers directory. The photographers directory was one of my main references to contact photographers. I didn't care about the camera equipment information that occupied most of the book.

The 2001 edition still included the great guide to photo museums, galleries, and salons in Japan (with maps). An extremely useful reference if you like to see photo exhibitions. You can also find a list of recipients of major Japanese photo awards and a directory of film and camera equipment makers.

Unfortunately, the publisher has discontinued publication of this useful book. There is no 2002 edition. We now lack a printed guide to Japan's photo museums, galleries, and salons. Much of this info can be found on the Web, but it's still nice to have a paper version. I will sorely miss this book. (Reviewed by Philbert Ono)

600-3