eBay: Hi, I am looking at a used lens on EBay. The seller is in Japan. Are there any issues I should know about as far as warranty? Has anyone had experience purchasing from a foreign...

tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Hi, I am looking at a used lens on EBay. The seller is in Japan. Are there any issues I should know about as far as warranty? Has anyone had experience purchasing from a foreign country? Thanks for the help.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Unless it's s credible business that provides a warranty, I wouldn't expect one.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

tonyi wrote:

Hi, I am looking at a used lens on EBay. The seller is in Japan. Are there any issues I should know about as far as warranty? Has anyone had experience purchasing from a foreign country? Thanks for the help.

New or Used Lens? If used, there is no warranty. I've bought several used lenses on eBay with no problems. Though they have all been either vintage manual focus or if AF they have been older in-camera Screw Drive lenses. I would probably not buy a new lens or camera on eBay. The main issue I know about with any foreign purchase is Nikon's Grey Market / Non-US policy. Most of the other manufacturers that I am aware of either warrant any new purchase or will for a fee service it. Refurbs from manufacturers and B&H may be a different and third matter.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

tonyi wrote:

Hi, I am looking at a used lens on EBay. The seller is in Japan. Are there any issues I should know about as far as warranty? Has anyone had experience purchasing from a foreign country? Thanks for the help.

There is no US, eBay sites or other resellers in the US that come close to your requirements?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

tonyi wrote:

Hi, I am looking at a used lens on EBay. The seller is in Japan. Are there any issues I should know about as far as warranty? Has anyone had experience purchasing from a foreign country? Thanks for the help.

Tony, I have bought 3 lenses from Japan with no issues. I check their feedback. Must be 100 PerCent. Also carefully read their write up. They disclose any issues. No warranty from Nikon USA on those lenses. I only buy the lens if it has the original box and instructions. To me that tells me the person who traded it in cared about his lens. My 2 cents.

tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Thank you Pixelstan that makes me feel better.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Bought several used lenses from Japanese sellers with 100% positive feedback. Just purchased a used Pentax Q10 dslr from Japan. (Had to download the manual online as the one they sent was in Japanese). Arrived in 12 days in mint condition. Have had no issues with any Japanese purchases. If the article is not as described in the writeup Paypal will refund your money on any Paypal purchase.

tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Thanks Bob I decided to move forward.

mleuck

I have purchased several lenses from Japan without issue. I find Japanese businesses to be very ethical and honest about their selling practices. Further, the description of their items are very accurate and the grading spot on. In general, lenses coming from Japan have been well cared for and it perfect working order. Finally, shipping is very fast via Japan Post arriving within 4-6 days.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If I were you I would buy the lens here. In the first place, warranty issues is a real possibility because the lens could be considered a gray market. If there is something wrong with the lens you will have to go through the painful process of returning the lens to Japan.

If you buy new here there is a warranty, in many cases of 5 years. If you buy used you will save lots of money and even if it is gray market you will always find someone that will do repairs if needed. Buying used from reputable stores like B&H. Adorama, Hunt, Roberts and many others will sell you a lens with a warranty and although I do not know about the others Roberts will offer you a 6 months warranty. Returning the lens is no issue and they all will honor the warranty.

Be wise, buy it here.

larkahn

What about import duty? Is there any that must be paid when purchasing cameras from Japan?

Elsiss Loc: Bayside, NY, Boynton Beach, Fl.

larkahn wrote:

What about import duty? Is there any that must be paid when purchasing cameras from Japan?

It used to be many years ago, that the value of the goods declared by th exporter determined whether or not customs duty would apply to the purchase. Back in 1969, I imported a camera from Hong Kong and when it arrived, I had to cough up around 10 bucks. You should find out particulars from your purchase from Japan. Things may have changed after all these years.

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

camerapapi wrote:

If I were you I would buy the lens here. In the fi... (show quote)

Did you actually read the OPs post. "I am looking at a used lens on EBay" USED LENS!

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I am with the rest in expecting a very positive outcome with buying out of Japan. In both my experiences of buying a used lens from a dealer in Japan I found their detailed descriptions of the items to be exactly accurate. Do your research, of course.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

About 6 months ago, I purchased a lens from a gentleman in Russia. It arrived a couple of weeks sooner than the predicted delivery date. The lens is in excellent shape and works superbly. There was no warranty, but the seller offered a money back guarantee if I wasn't happy within 10 days of its arrival. I would assume the folks in Japan are just as honorable.
--Bob

tonyi wrote:

Hi, I am looking at a used lens on EBay. The seller is in Japan. Are there any issues I should know about as far as warranty? Has anyone had experience purchasing from a foreign country? Thanks for the help.