ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

Ebay drives me crazy!!! There is so much gray market (Nikon) stuff being sold on there. Less vigilant buyers must get taken in by the droves. If they ever need a repair I guess they're S.O.L.

end rant.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

You're right. Hope you feel better now that you had your rant. :)

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

:)

a little :lol:

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Hey, no need to go crazy. If you don't want to see gray market stuff, simply stay off eBay.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Agree and many don't know. At least B&H tells you and so does Adorama and they give you their warranty. I am a non gray market purchasing guy.

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

yah.

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

As a Nikon shooter, you're right not to be. :)

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

I'll agree that purchasing US rather then Gray Market is the way to go. However, when I was thinking about a Gray Market purchase, I contacted a number of well established/known repair shops around the country and most were positive as to their ability to handle a repair when and if needed (getting parts did not seem to be a problem)....and they would handle gray market items. Several would not.

Of course it you were looking for "in warranty" repiars, that's where the catch is. But getting repairs if needed is available.

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

Do you remember who the willing repair shops were?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

That's why I buy from B&H. B&H is up front with what is Grey Market and what is not. No sneaky trickery involved.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

ebay is good only to find used bargain. Purchased a 200mm for $80.00, shipped from Japan (+10.00) so at $90.00 I received a pristine lens.

It all depends what you are looking for and be willing to gamble on the seller's honesty.

Anything new, ebay is not the place.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

I had searched the Internet and based on review of their websites and comments on forums, I sent e-mails explaining that I was thinking about a Nikon Gray Market purchase, but was concerned about any future repair needs....given the fact that NikonUSA will not touch even if willing to pay for. Following are those that gave positive responses:

Camlabusa.com In the Fort Lauderdale, FL area. (954) 526-9383. Have spoken and e-mailed several times with Diego. Have a good feeling, and would use if needed.

The Camera Cure, Mark Kitch. ST. Petersburg, FL (727) 804-1920

Photo Tech in NY. (212) 673-8400 B&H doesn't repair, but gave me this contact. If parts are available, they will repair Gray Market. May be a problem with older models.

Authorized Photo Service (APS) in Morton Grove, ILL (800) 406-2026. nikoncamerarepair.com. Appears they were a part of the Nikon Servce Network at one time. Response from David. Some good comment on the dpReview forum.

Camera Service Co. Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 432-4257

If you should make use of any of these, I would suggest that you make direct contact so that you have a comfort level. No doubt there are others around that may also be able to provide any needed service.

Bobbee

Not true, Square Trade fixes them and the warrantee cost are not bad.

bcmink Loc: Monona, WI

Eyes wide open. I'm elated that eBay sellers provide a robust marketplace for gray market goods. I purchase gray market photography, computer and electronics components from Taiwan and China all the time. All comes out of the same factories as the OEM branded stuff at a fraction of the cost. Over the last 10 years I've had a couple failures; about the same number as the OEM branded and warrantied products. I try to use the same eBay stores and sellers for eBay gray market goods and most of the time they have replaced defective products without question.

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

Square trade "fixes" Nikon equipment?!? :-o