Toby

Amazon uses many suppliers even Abe's of Maine who has a bad name. I have never bought a camera thru Amazon but have purchased many other items. If I ever had a problem they were excellent about correcting it

flashgordonbrown Loc: Silverdale, WA

While 'grey market' is to some degree 'let the buyer beware', you are not getting an inferior product. What you are, to some degree, is taking a chance that you won't need warranty service, because the authorized US distributor will not service it under warranty, and in the case of Nikon, not service it at all. That being said, I must say that a large share of my photo equipment has been purchased 'grey' and I have not had any problems . Some dealers that sell 'grey-market' products offer a store warranty equal to the mfg's warranty. This can be as good or bad as the dealer's reputation. I have purchased a newly released camera from an overseas source, and actually had it in my hands before it was available from the authorized USA distributor! Also, when I had a problem of my own making, the US service center repaired it at no cost to me (I was up front with them- indicating that it was my error in creating the problem, and that I had purchased the camera from Japan)! As an aside, you have to take MtShooter's comments with a grain of salt. He's the owner of a camera shop, and has dealer arrangements with authorized supplier's of equipment. That's not a criticism of him in general, just a 'heads-up' when reading his statements about 'grey' and 'reputable'.

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

I think that if you know the risks of grey market and undertake those risks knowingly in the quest for economy, that it may be an intelligent risk. I have two grey market lenses, one was perfect, the other I had to send to Sigma for calibration. Both now function wonderfully.
The $ spent for purchase including the extra spent for lens calibration is still less than the cost of the same items if they had been bought non grey market
(Red. White. & Blue, market?).

flashgordonbrown Loc: Silverdale, WA

I will respectfully disagree with that blanket statement. I have many years of experience in photo - retail. I have worked in shops where it was me. The owner, and a retired guy working part time, to a shop in LA WITH 80+ employees doing 12+ million$ per year. While we didn't sell 'grey-market ' products we did buy close-out lots of mdse, and sit onthem until we were the only source and would provide a store warranty. We had an in-house repair service so we could support that.. Having also been a manufacturers rep, I also have an understanding of what is required to maintain an acceptable level of inventory and service provision. If the retailers can properly provide service, and is up-front regarding the import ststus, reputable can certainly apply. .