Gray Market: I'M SURE THAT THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED BEFORE. Has anyone had any experience with so-called gray market cameras? There could be as much as a $500 savings or more on a...

stan weisleder

I'M SURE THAT THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED BEFORE. Has anyone had any experience with so-called gray market cameras? There could be as much as a $500 savings or more on a quality camera but is it as good as the "US" version? Are there any specific disadvantages of buying a gray market camera even though they are all made by the same company, or are they?

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Yes, it is the US version, or the version sold in the US, but without a factory warranty. Now, I live in Los Angeles, and area that has multiple Nikon factory certified repair faculties, so it isn't a big deal.
If Sammy's Cameras can't fix it, well then, it's well and truly broken. That being said, I do not know if you have the same avenues open to you.

Caveat Emptor.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Stan, use the search feature at the top of the page. Enter

gray market

You'll be provided with a wealth of information regarding that topic, as it's been discussed here numerous times.
--Bob

stan weisleder wrote:

I'M SURE THAT THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED BEFORE. Has anyone had any experience with so-called gray market cameras? There could be as much as a $500 savings or more on a quality camera but is it as good as the "US" version? Are there any specific disadvantages of buying a gray market camera even though they are all made by the same company, or are they?

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Read this. Memorize it. There will be an exam on Tuesday.
Grey market = BAD
US version = GOOD
Please, never ask this again.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

<sarcasm> and here we have, folks, another incredibly insightful, beneficial, and contributory comment by our esteemed colleague, JB. </sarcasm>
--Bob

Jim Bob wrote:

Oh, this is like the literacy test that white folks imposed on African Americans to "allow" them to exercise their Constitutional right to vote. Both are dumb.

Jim Bob

rmalarz wrote:

<sarcasm> and here we have, folks, another incredibly insightful, beneficial, and contributory comment by our esteemed colleague, JB. </sarcasm>
--Bob

Like Elvis used to say, "Thank you, thank you very much".

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

stan weisleder wrote:

I'M SURE THAT THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED BEFORE. Has anyone had any experience with so-called gray market cameras? There could be as much as a $500 savings or more on a quality camera but is it as good as the "US" version? Are there any specific disadvantages of buying a gray market camera even though they are all made by the same company, or are they?

There are many "Alternative Facts" about "Gray Market"on this forum. In fact there is no difference other than the available warrantee and repair processes.

It is a marketing scheme to control prices. The camera manufactures/distributors knowing allow their big dealers to buy all the "Gray Market" they want.

tramsey Loc: Texas

Jim Bob wrote:

Like Elvis used to say, "Thank you, thank you very much".

That is the only thing you have in common with Elvis. You don't have the looks, temperament, vocabulary, or anything else he has displayed so just, for a change, do something intelligent and keep your mouth shut, and give your brain a chance to work out the cobwebs.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

I hope you guys are all buddies.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

As a John Deere parts man for 10 years, I ran across this topic a few times in construction equipment. Sometimes they are the same parts and computer wise, and sometimes they are not. When not, it causes the owner problems when getting repairs.
As far as cameras, I have no experience, so I can't comment. Personally, I will spend the money go the warranty.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

lmTrying wrote:

I hope you guys are all buddies.

I was hoping Tramsey would set an example.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

rjaywallace wrote:

Read this. Memorize it. There will be an exam on Tuesday.
Grey market = BAD
US version = GOOD
Please, never ask this again.

You have some sense of humor.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

joer wrote:

There are many "Alternative Facts" about "Gray Market"on this forum. In fact there is no difference other than the available warrantee and repair processes.

It is a marketing scheme to control prices. The camera manufactures/distributors knowing allow their big dealers to buy all the "Gray Market" they want.

The source used for grey market is important. There are reputable firms that sell grey market and what you will get is identical to a camera bought from an authorized dealer, minus the manufacturers warranty. On the other hand there are disreputable grey market dealers who will send out cameras which have been returned and repacked, cameras with issues, and cameras with missing accessories like the batteries, chargers, or cables. Sometimes deciding who is reputable and who isn't can be difficult.

BlackRipleyDog

stan weisleder wrote:

I'M SURE THAT THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED BEFORE. Has anyone had any experience with so-called gray market cameras? There could be as much as a $500 savings or more on a quality camera but is it as good as the "US" version? Are there any specific disadvantages of buying a gray market camera even though they are all made by the same company, or are they?

Go here for Nikon's stand on Gray Market gear - http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/gray-market.page?icid=img_en_us:hp:grid:5:mkt:na:110816:grayMarketBanner
Go here for Canon's stand on Gray Market gear - https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/groups/gray-market

If you still think it is a good idea to go Gray, may God have mercy on your soul.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

BlackRipleyDog wrote:

Go here for Nikon's stand on Gray Market gear - http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/gray-market.page?icid=img_en_us:hp:grid:5:mkt:na:110816:grayMarketBanner
Go here for Canon's stand on Gray Market gear - https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/groups/gray-market

If you still think it is a good idea to go Gray, may God have mercy on your soul.

There was a long recent thread regarding a recent change to Nikon's policy. Apparently, according to various posts in that thread, Nikon will now repair grey market products for a fee. Additionally, Canon always has provided, and continues to provide, support for grey market products for a fee. The link doesn't indicate they won't provide that support.