Your Secret Base for Camera Lovers

Curated vintage gear in the heart of Akihabara

Discover mirrorless cameras, manual focus lenses, and film cameras — hand-selected for enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship and character. Just a 3-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station.

Hand-drawn ink illustration of a classic film camera surrounded by vintage manual focus lenses, warm sepia and navy tone

About 2nd BASE

Opened in December 2019 inside the SEEKBASE AKI-OKA MANUFACTURE building, 2nd BASE was launched by Sanpou Camera — a trusted name in photography since 1975. The concept is simple: a secret base where camera enthusiasts can find gear that excites them, from mirrorless bodies and old manual focus lenses to classic film cameras.

Our Collection

Mirrorless · MF Lenses · Film Cameras

We curate a focused lineup of mirrorless cameras, manual focus lenses, and film cameras — the kind of gear that rewards patience and a keen eye. Every piece is chosen for its character and optical quality, not just its specs.

Browse the collection →

Hand-drawn ink illustration of several manual focus lenses arranged in a row, metallic and glass surfaces catching light

What We Offer

A specialized camera shop focused on the gear that enthusiasts truly care about.

The shop carries a thoughtfully curated lineup of mirrorless cameras, manual focus lenses, and classic film bodies. Every piece is hand-selected by staff who understand that the right gear can transform the way you see and capture the world. Rather than chasing sheer volume, the collection emphasizes character, optical personality, and mechanical integrity — qualities that mass-market retail often overlooks. Whether you are hunting for a specific old lens with distinctive rendering or exploring your first step into analog photography, the inventory rewards curiosity and rewards those willing to look a little closer.

Nestled inside the SEEKBASE AKI-OKA MANUFACTURE building, the location feels deliberately tucked away — a quiet counterpoint to the electric energy of Akihabara just outside. The interior is calm and uncluttered, giving visitors room to handle equipment at their own pace without pressure. Generous spacing, soft lighting, and clean sightlines make it easy to compare bodies and glass side by side. This atmosphere reflects a belief that choosing a camera should be a thoughtful experience, not a rushed transaction, and that the environment itself should invite lingering and conversation about photography.

With roots tracing back to Sanpou Camera and decades of industry experience, the shop draws on a deep understanding of how photographic tools have evolved and where enduring value lies. That heritage informs everything from the condition standards applied to pre-owned items to the way staff talk about optical design and handling characteristics. Knowledgeable guidance is always available for those navigating the sometimes overwhelming world of interchangeable-lens systems, vintage mounts, and film formats. The result is a resource that serves both seasoned collectors and newcomers seeking a reliable entry point into serious image-making.

Why Visit 2nd BASE

Curated Selection

Every item is hand-picked for enthusiasts who value character over mass appeal.

Vintage Expertise

Backed by Sanpou Camera's legacy — serving photographers since 1975.

Buy & Sell

In-store buybacks with fair pricing — bring your ID and seal.

Akihabara Location

3 minutes from JR Akihabara Station, inside SEEKBASE AKI-OKA MANUFACTURE.

Visit the Shop

SEEKBASE AKI-OKA MANUFACTURE, Akihabara

Find us at 13-1 Soto-Kanda Neribicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. We're open daily from 11:00 to 20:00, closed every Wednesday and during the year-end and New Year holidays.

Phone: 03-6303-2388
Email: info@2ndbase-tokyo.com

Full access details →

Hand-drawn ink illustration of a Tokyo shopfront with warm glowing windows, camera-themed signage, evening blue and amber tones

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about buybacks, pricing, and how we work with Sanpou Camera.

Do you buy cameras and lenses?

Yes — we offer in-store buybacks. Bring the item you'd like to sell along with identification and a personal seal. For mail-in or on-site buyback services, contact Sanpou Camera's Meguro Main Store at the buyback free dial: 0120-02-2273.

What's the relationship with Sanpou Camera?

2nd BASE and Sanpou Camera are the same company. 2nd BASE focuses on niche, enthusiast-grade vintage gear, while Sanpou Camera serves everyone from beginners to professionals with a broader inventory.

Are prices the same across stores?

Selling prices may vary by location. Buyback prices are generally consistent unless a particular store is running a promotion on specific items.

Read all FAQs →

Our Story

Sanpou Camera, established in 1975 (Showa 50), opened 2nd BASE in December 2019 as a new kind of shop inside Akihabara's SEEKBASE AKI-OKA MANUFACTURE. The name reflects the vision: a second base — a secret hideout for camera lovers, filled with treasures that spark curiosity and creativity. From mirrorless systems and old lenses to film cameras, every item on the shelves is something the team themselves would want to shoot with.