Yes or No: Gray Market Nikon D7200 - eBay Seller - Electronics Alley - $699: Purpose of the body: I want to upgrade the IQ of my D90. This would be my backup body to a D800 and go with...

SteveTog Loc: Philly

Purpose of the body:

I want to upgrade the IQ of my D90. This would be my backup body to a D800 and go with me on studio and event shoots, It will also be the core of my mid-size travel kit, along with a Tokina 11-16, Nikkor18-55, Nikkor 55-200 and Nikkor 35 1.8. (I could sub in an 18-200 if I'm feeling lazy.)

Problem:

My sense of risk aversion is in direct conflict with my core value of cheapness.

Questions:

Has anyone tried to repair a Gray Market Nikon with Nikon USA since their policy changed and how did it go?
Has anyone bought a Gray Market camera and how did that go?
Has anyone bought from Electronics Alley and how did that to?

(I've had good experience with two Nikon Refurbs so far: The D90 and a D5500.)

Thanks in advance!

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

SteveTog wrote:

Purpose of the body: br br I want to upgrade the ... (show quote)

My personal perspective is to avoid the grey market equipment, but refurbs are certainly a viable option. In the last year, I've purchased a D7100 refurb for the same reasons as yours. It works great.

I do advise folks to buy from only reputable sources. Electronics Alley may be A+, but I've never heard of them. If I were in your position, I'd watch B&H/Adorama/KEH/Best Buy/Amazon until the D7200 refurbs are on sale. But, that's just me.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=D7200&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&typedValue=&Top+Nav-Search=

For a few dollars more I would shop around!

SteveTog Loc: Philly

Good advice. It looks like an Adorama refurb is not out of the price range here. At least we know where they live. :)

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

When I was shooting with film cameras I always purchased gray market goods when I was traveling in the far east. In all the years I had those cameras (Nikon F1 and F4) I only had to have the F1 repaired once and it would have been way out of warranty any way. In those days I could get my Nikons repaired at local shops in the South Florida with no problems.

rcrogers6

ADORAMA: Nikon D7200 Refurb $759.95
Nikon D7100 Refurb $579.95

The D7200 has a bigger buffer if that's important to you for $180.00.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Stay away from non-reputable dealers. Stay away from gray market. Nikon clearly states they will not repair or sell parts for gray market cameras.
Cameta often has refurb cameras on sale. Excellent company, great reputation and outstanding customer service.

rcrogers6

camerapapi wrote:

Stay away from non-reputable dealers. Stay away from gray market. Nikon clearly states they will not repair or sell parts for gray market cameras.
Cameta often has refurb cameras on sale. Excellent company, great reputation and outstanding customer service.

Nikon's policy on certain gray market models has changed. They will now repair them at Authorized Repair Centers which they list on their website. These are chargeable repairs, not warranty repairs. Also, you can get Square Deal supplemental warranties, but the additional cost can destroy the advantage of buying gray market cameras from reputable dealers.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

rcrogers6 wrote:

Nikon's policy on certain gray market models has changed. They will now repair them at Authorized Repair Centers which they list on their website. These are chargeable repairs, not warranty repairs. Also, you can get Square Deal supplemental warranties, but the additional cost can destroy the advantage of buying gray market cameras from reputable dealers.

For $90 more I would buy the US model in a refurb!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

SteveTog wrote:

Purpose of the body: br br I want to upgrade the ... (show quote)

Ever hear of Ryther Camera? Electronics Alley is their new retail name. Same bunch, Google Ryther for reviews.
As for grey market, it's NEVER a "good" option, either for you or whoever you sell that gear to later on.

rcrogers6

DaveO wrote:

For $90 more I would buy the US model in a refurb!

I did! Both a D7100 and several Nikon USA refurbished lenses. With some new USA Nikon prices being lowered, I've noticed that refurbished price reductions have lagged way behind. That's why Adorama and some others are selling the same factory refurbished cameras cheaper than Nikon. The refurbished items and several used items from B&H, Roberts, and Adorama have all appeared to be new. Just pay attention to their grading. Some of the higher grades of used items have longer store warranties. If they are competitive, try and support local camera stores where human face-to-face assistance is available.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

rcrogers6 wrote:

I did! Both a D7100 and several Nikon USA refurbis... (show quote)

I watch the market frequently and see what you see. Note that Nikon has been having 10% sales on their refurbs on occasion. Unfortunately I don't have a local camera store. I bought a refurb d7100 a couple years ago and it has been a gem,but with some of the sales on new cameras,the refurbs are not quite as attractive.

Jim Bob

SteveTog wrote:

Purpose of the body: br br I want to upgrade the ... (show quote)

Check with Nikon. A few months ago they announced that certain grey market cameras would be repaired by Nikon authorized repair stations. I don't remember if the 7200 was one of them. Check here: http://nikonrumors.com/2016/05/16/great-news-you-can-now-repair-some-nikon-grey-market-cameras-at-third-party-us-repair-facilities.aspx/

Jim Bob

rcrogers6 wrote:

Nikon's policy on certain gray market models has changed. They will now repair them at Authorized Repair Centers which they list on their website. These are chargeable repairs, not warranty repairs. Also, you can get Square Deal supplemental warranties, but the additional cost can destroy the advantage of buying gray market cameras from reputable dealers.

I do not believe Nikon has agreed to repair all grey market models.

SteveTog Loc: Philly

Thanks for the input, all.

I've never had a problem with refurbs. For just a few dollars more, I think I'll forego the risk of gray market and get a refurb - It's for a second body and walk around/family stuff, so I can take SOME risk. Maybe I'll wait til after Xmas and see how much the first D500 refurbs are. They'll have been on the market for year by then.

Meanwhile, next time I buy FX I'll still go full warranty. My D800 seems to be fine for a few years yet.

Great input!