BigDJim Loc: Dallas TX

Aware of the pitfalls of gray market purchases, primarily Nikon's refusal to repair or even distribute Nikon parts to authorized dealers, prior to a purchase of a Nikon 750 from an individual, I contacted the source where the camera was purchased (B&H) with serial number of camera and was told that without an invoice number (not available), they could not confirm if the camera was from USA stock or from their limited Gray Market offerings. B&H's sales rep suggested I go direct to Nikon for a confirmation which I did, using Nikons toll free number. According to the Nikon Rep/Technincian I was told that to confirm a gray market camera, the only way Nikon could tell was to actually receive camera in question, open it up and then make a determination. He then reiterated, this is the ONLY way to find out if you have gray market vs USA Nikon product.

This goes against everything I've ever been told in the past as far as identifying gray market equipment. I was under the impression that serial numbers were the key, but now I've been told differently. Directly from Nikon.
Did I possibly end up with a "ditzy" Nikon representative???

Knowing the wisdom and experience of Hog members, just wanted to get a reaction on this. I just can't conceive of the idea that you have to ship your possible purchase to Nikon for them to take it apart to make this gray market determination.

Thanks, Guys.

By the way, I purchased the camera from a Professional Photographer who claimed the camera was NOT gray market. So if you can't trust a Professional Photographer, who can you trust??? Hmmmmmmm..........

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

A politician?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

On Nikon Bodies the first two Serial Number digits are from 25 to 39 inclusive for USA bodies. All other numbers will be gray market products.
With lenses, unless you have the original warranty slip, the only way to tell would be to send it to Nikon.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Your dog.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Maybe a Lawyer or a Politician?

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

One possible way to be sure is to ask if he registered it with Nikon when he bought the camera. If he did, it is a simple matter to have him go to the registration website and look under the "My Camera Bag" tab. Everything he registered will be there.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nonsense! Is there a little note inserted at the factory? All D750s are the same!

I bought a D90 years ago and tried to register it on the Nikon site. I got "Invalid Serial Number." I returned it and bought one elsewhere. Try registering that number on the Nikon site. I think they call it a "Camera Bag."

http://www.nikonusa.com/register/


EDIT: Note inside camera: "これは灰色の市場です, Kore wa haiiro no ichibadesu" ("This is gray market.")

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

Strange

On a couple of occasions while looking to purchase a used Nikon, I called Nikon, gave them the serial number and they were able to confirm that it came through them, and were also able to tell which retailer purchased it and the date purchased.

geneg12 Loc: Virginia

First, knock on wood but I decided to save $1000 and buy a gray market Nikon D5. I have 3 Nikon cameras before D300s, D700 and D810 all bought at B&H and over last 10 years have taken care of my equipment and never had to have them fixed. That is my plan with the D5 and hope in 2 to 5 years that authorized Nikon repair centers will accept a gray market D5. I think I made the right decision and after 3 months with the D5 it works as advertised and I love the fast auto focus and high speed shutter! If you save big money I think gray market is the way to go with the higher end cameras!

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

You mean they are like Lawyers and politicians??????? Oh, no.....say it isn't so.

Haydon

According to many a Pro is simply a photographer who makes a living at photographing. I guess I must have missed the part where a pro needs to be honest in that definition :)

Robert Bailey Loc: Canada

Perhaps you can trust a used car sales person.

geneg12 Loc: Virginia

Time will tell but I have the camera I need and I have saved $1000. I am not a professional photographer but I do take care of his gear, keeps it insured and loves to photograph!

GraveyDave

Nikon appears to be doing everything possible to get us to pay the extra 25% (and more) for their Nikon USA products. If you have a high shutter count on your D750 and want the shutter replaced, you can't get it done by Nikon. I was told they would not repair it unless it was broken. When I told the obviously flustered Nikon rep how pros work to prevent breakdowns in the middle of a season, he finally said to send it in with a note and maybe they would do what I wanted (I guess all Nikon people wait until their engine seizes before adding oil!). Authorized repair places are given the parts but not the software from Nikon. Repair places have always repaired gray market but Nikon seems determined to mess that up. Make sure that if Nikon won't repair it that you go to an authorized dealer or you wait months while they get the parts from Japan or Taiwan.

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

If I have gray market Nikon D750 and registered it and see it in Camera bag can I have it repaired in USA?