Nikon USA or Gray Market ?
Dec 17, 2014 10:28:02 #
The Villages
Loc: The Villages, Florida
How can you tell if a used Nikon DSLR is a USA origination (thereby repairable by Nikon USA), or a Gray Market unit which Nikon USA will NOT repair?
If new you can tell when you go to register it, but if its used, how will you know its status?
If new you can tell when you go to register it, but if its used, how will you know its status?
Dec 17, 2014 10:30:49 #
I THINK the nikon bodies designated for USA have serial numbers beginning with the number "3". I THINK.
Dec 17, 2014 10:33:19 #
PCity wrote:
How can you tell if a used Nikon DSLR is a USA origination (thereby repairable by Nikon USA), or a Gray Market unit which Nikon USA will NOT repair?
If new you can tell when you go to register it, but if its used, how will you know its status?
If new you can tell when you go to register it, but if its used, how will you know its status?
By the serial number, but it depends on the model. Which one were you looking to buy?
Dec 17, 2014 10:38:57 #
I would think if you purchase from an authorized Nikon dealer, they would be selling made for USA bodies. B and H typically will say if an item is US or imported.
To me, the few dollars saved by buying grey market is just not worth it. Just my 2 cents.
To me, the few dollars saved by buying grey market is just not worth it. Just my 2 cents.
Dec 17, 2014 10:40:29 #
The Villages
Loc: The Villages, Florida
skiman wrote:
By the serial number, but it depends on the model. Which one were you looking to buy?
Not sure at this time. I thought there might be a common basis to determine origination.
Dec 17, 2014 10:49:49 #
The Villages
Loc: The Villages, Florida
wisner wrote:
I would think if you purchase from an authorized Nikon dealer, they would be selling made for USA bodies. B and H typically will say if an item is US or imported.
To me, the few dollars saved by buying grey market is just not worth it. Just my 2 cents.
To me, the few dollars saved by buying grey market is just not worth it. Just my 2 cents.
I think you are correct for NEW camera purchases, but not for Used. I guess once you receive it a call to Nikon with the serial number might do the trick...but not sure. If unable to determine, I guess it could be returned within X days.
Dec 17, 2014 10:54:09 #
PCity wrote:
I think you are correct for NEW camera purchases, but not for Used. I guess once you receive it a call to Nikon with the serial number might do the trick...but not sure. If unable to determine, I guess it could be returned within X days.
Thank you for pointing out the differences between new vs used. I bought a used lens from KEH earlier this year and never thought to ask whether it was US or imported!
Dec 17, 2014 11:05:08 #
The Villages
Loc: The Villages, Florida
wisner wrote:
Thank you for pointing out the differences between new vs used. I bought a used lens from KEH earlier this year and never thought to ask whether it was US or imported!
I spoke with KEH this morning, and they are unable to tell if their used items are USA or Gray Market.
Dec 17, 2014 11:08:59 #
Hi Pcity.
my sentiment exactly this is one of the reasons I don't buy Nikon products even if used and not a USA sold camera no SERVICE!!! With Canon never a problem even if it's a gray market camera they will repair for the going rate. I have been loyal to Canon for more than 50 years they stand behind what make and sell my opinion is of them that they are a superior company when it comes to customer satisfaction. My 2cents.
my sentiment exactly this is one of the reasons I don't buy Nikon products even if used and not a USA sold camera no SERVICE!!! With Canon never a problem even if it's a gray market camera they will repair for the going rate. I have been loyal to Canon for more than 50 years they stand behind what make and sell my opinion is of them that they are a superior company when it comes to customer satisfaction. My 2cents.
PCity wrote:
How can you tell if a used Nikon DSLR is a USA origination (thereby repairable by Nikon USA), or a Gray Market unit which Nikon USA will NOT repair?
If new you can tell when you go to register it, but if its used, how will you know its status?
If new you can tell when you go to register it, but if its used, how will you know its status?
Dec 17, 2014 11:28:13 #
PCity wrote:
How can you tell if a used Nikon DSLR is a USA origination (thereby repairable by Nikon USA), or a Gray Market unit which Nikon USA will NOT repair?
If new you can tell when you go to register it, but if its used, how will you know its status?
If new you can tell when you go to register it, but if its used, how will you know its status?
From Nikon USA:
Nikon Inc. USA cannot provide service, support or downloads for products that have not been imported by Nikon Inc. USA.
How do I know if my Nikon product is "Gray Market"?
If the deal was just too good to be true, it probably was. One of the first indicators that a piece of Nikon merchandise might be Gray Market is if the price is considerably less than most other resellers.
Additionally, a genuine Nikon Inc. USA product will include an Owners' Manual and Warranty Registration card in English. It will also include power cables (if applicable) designed for US style plugs. Any other language on the printed material or wrong cables indicates a Gray Market item.
Another indication of a Gray Market product would be photocopied manuals or manually created software CD's.Nikon Inc. USA always provides professionally printed or duplicated materials with genuine products.
What does owning a "Gray Market" Nikon product mean to you?
Nikon Inc. USA cannot provide any technical support or warranty service on Gray Market items. Additionally Nikon Inc. USA cannot perform any fee-based repair work on Gray Market items. Please do not contact Nikon Inc. USA for help with any Gray Market products. Please contact the reseller or importer of your Gray Market items for warranty and service information as well as software updates and downloads.
Does owning a "Gray Market" Nikon product mean I don't have a warranty?
No! All Nikon products come with a warranty by the manufacturer. The designated Nikon service center will always repair "in warranty" Nikon products and perform "out of warranty" repairs. If you own a Gray Market product it will need to be returned to the reseller or importer for service. Refer to your reseller or to the warranty cards included with the product for service contact information.
Dec 17, 2014 11:41:48 #
Shellback wrote:
From Nikon USA: br Nikon Inc. USA cannot provide s... (show quote)
It sounds like it's time for a class action suite to filed. What if you buy from a private party and need repair down the road. To me this is absolute crappie customer service support on the part of Nikon?
Dec 17, 2014 11:46:50 #
The Villages
Loc: The Villages, Florida
Shellback - Don't think you understood my question. It has to do with USED items, not New. I'm interested in whether one can know the status of a used camera itself.
Dec 17, 2014 11:51:49 #
The Villages
Loc: The Villages, Florida
RichardSM wrote:
Hi Pcity.
my sentiment exactly this is one of the reasons I don't buy Nikon products even if used and not a USA sold camera no SERVICE!!! With Canon never a problem even if it's a gray market camera they will repair for the going rate. I have been loyal to Canon for more than 50 years they stand behind what make and sell my opinion is of them that they are a superior company when it comes to customer satisfaction. My 2cents.
my sentiment exactly this is one of the reasons I don't buy Nikon products even if used and not a USA sold camera no SERVICE!!! With Canon never a problem even if it's a gray market camera they will repair for the going rate. I have been loyal to Canon for more than 50 years they stand behind what make and sell my opinion is of them that they are a superior company when it comes to customer satisfaction. My 2cents.
Hate to give you the bad news, but Thom Hogan just advised of the receipt of a canon letter that says they too will not be covering Gray Market items.
http://www.dslrbodies.com/newsviews/canon-issues-gray-market.html
Dec 17, 2014 12:44:52 #
PCity wrote:
Shellback - Don't think you understood my question. It has to do with USED items, not New. I'm interested in whether one can know the status of a used camera itself.
PC, check with Nikon to find out for sure but I am pretty sure I have read they can tell you if you can give them the serial number... ;)
Dec 17, 2014 14:01:41 #
PCity wrote:
Shellback - Don't think you understood my question. It has to do with USED items, not New. I'm interested in whether one can know the status of a used camera itself.
Two things - I just got off the phone with Nikon support to get the scoop - and according to them:
1 - For new stuff, the serial number for a USA model will start with US. For used stuff, you must call or email Nikon support with the serial number and they will let you know.
This was a tech talking so not 100% sure how accurate he is.
2 - Nikon Inc. USA cannot perform any fee-based repair work on Gray Market items. Please do not contact Nikon Inc. USA for help with any Gray Market products.
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