YouTuber Karl Rock Tours Karachi's Hashmi Electronic Center Camera Market
New Zealander Karl Rice, known as Karl Rock, explored the Hashmi Electronic Center in Karachi, Pakistan—a vast market selling vintage and modern cameras. The market features brands like Widelux, Rollei, and Zenit, and has operated since the film era. Rock noted it's likely one of the last great camera markets globally. Repairman Mahmood Hassan showed a handwritten repair manual he began in 2000. A merchant explained that the Yashica Electro 35 was once a status symbol, equivalent to gifting a Mercedes-Benz. Modern gear includes 100-megapixel sensors and action cameras, with one supplier providing tech to Lollywood DoPs. Prices are low: Sony a6400 at 66,000 PKR ($237), Canon 700D at 20,000 PKR ($70). Rock advises haggling and checking second-hand items for functionality, as many lack warranties.
Key facts
- Karl Rock toured Hashmi Electronic Center in Karachi, Pakistan.
- The market sells vintage cameras from Widelux, Rollei, and Zenit.
- It has been operating since the film era and is considered one of the last great camera markets.
- Repairman Mahmood Hassan has a handwritten repair manual started in 2000.
- A Yashica Electro 35 was once a status symbol, like gifting a Mercedes-Benz.
- Modern cameras with 100-megapixel sensors and action cameras are available.
- One supplier provides technology to Lollywood, Pakistan's film industry.
- Sony a6400 costs 66,000 PKR ($237); Canon 700D costs 20,000 PKR ($70).
Entities
Artists
- Karl Rice
Institutions
- Hashmi Electronic Center
- PetaPixel
- Lollywood
Locations
- Karachi
- Pakistan
- New Zealand