bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

How would you answer this question that was posed to me?

A person I worked with in the past said that she can't afford a new D3200, even with the black Friday deals coming up (they are showing up online all the time)

She (oops, I mean...this person) asked if I would purchase a gray market "new" camera, or purchase a used camera from Ebay? She does know about the repair situation, but really, on Ebay, there are chances that the used cameras are imports too. Even if it is a US model, it is used, and the warranty is not transferrable.

I hate being put in these situations, I would send her to Cameta for refurbished, but the one she found at Abes of Maine is still considerably less for the import than the refurb.

If she were related, I'd give her the difference, and tell her to go with the refurb, but I haven't seen her since my 28 year old daughter graduated high school.

What are your thoughts?

wolfman

I she looking for the body only, or with a lens? What is her budget?

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

We see this all the time here. I'd like a Ferrari too. But I can't afford it, so I have a GMC.

Many reputable dealers offer PayPal Credit(formerly Bill Me Later.) I'd rather go that route with Cameta than take a chance on a probable Grey Market product. Furthermore, has she checked her local Craig's List. At least there you can physically try it and meet with the seller face to face before buying. Plus, she can ask for the serial # and call the mfr. to check the number. Nikon would be glad to help.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Pretty sure she wants the body only. No idea what her budget is, but I looked up the import at Abes, and it was $298. I've had good luck with Abes, but have never used an "import" (gray market)

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Thanks Don. Like I said, don't know her that well. Friend of my oldest daughter. She is on her own as far as buying, she just asked me the difference between buying used (no warranty) and import (no warranty)

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

It'd be best to set her straight so she doesn't get "burned" and end up with a bad taste in her mouth.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I would avoid gray market at all costs. It's money out the window, just to save a few pennies. I would suggest refurbed if new is too expensive. Better to spend $500 to get a repairable camera, than to spend $400 and end up with a $400 paperweight when it breaks.

But, I often buy used equipment from various sources. And you can always ask the ebay seller if the offering is domestic or gray market. If he/she lies, eBay's buyer protection kicks in and you get your money, including all shipping costs refunded. You can also ask about the condition and functions on the camera, and ask the seller to reveal why it is being sold. If it is represented as "like new" and it isn't, then you can get your money back.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

She needs to hold her horses and save a little more to either buy a referb or get a deal from B&H.

Jcmarino

Do you have any local camera clubs around? If so contact them, they may have a member who is willing to sell a camera that would fit her needs, slightly used.

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When someone is counting pennies so tightly, it's hard to offer good advice. For an economical purchase, I'd recommend a refurb from Cameta (or whoever). Second choice: ebay. With gray market, Nikon will not touch it, and they control the flow of parts. Maybe it will work for years and years, but if it breaks, it will probably stay broken.

If she can't afford a D3200, she should forget about getting one.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Ahhh, now those are 2 things I can use. I'm sure, just like my daughter, she'll do what she wants. I'm going to let her know about the ebay buyer's protection. I'm also in the "stay away from import/gray market" club. I just wasn't able to come up with a concrete reason why not.

My only concern (not really concerned, it may be another 10 years before I talk to her again) is that she'll still be a "kid" (almost 30 year old kid) My kids both believe in just replacing anything that breaks, they never send things in. I'm all the time finding myself beating my head against the wall, with them throwing away something that could have been easily fixed.

With a $300 camera, I can (almost) see the point, but I'm still old school (and old). I try to get whatever I have fixed, or fix it myself.

I will take the info and give her a call. From here on out, it is completely up to her. I don't believe she's wanting to use it professionally, she and my daughter were on yearbook together, and they always enjoyed going out as a "team" and getting great photos.

Thanks again. It was exactly what I needed for my argument.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Before I bid on ebay, I get a shutter count.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Abe's of Maine is having financial difficulties and is no longer the company it once was. They are fast talking, upsell artists. Cameta Camera is her best option for the money she wants to spend. Refurbished cameras are great and Cameta offers a one year warranty. She may want to consider the D3100 if she can settle for a 14.2 MP body.