LS Loc: Montana

I found a good deal on a new Nikon on ebay. No warranty (it's an import) but it has a 30 day satisfaction guarantee and free returns. I'm sure lots of you have had experience with this, so advice would be valuable. The savings is significant, or I would not even consider it. The seller also offers their own warranty, but I haven't yet been informed of it's price. The seller has 5 star approval ratings.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Yes, there may be considerable savings but bear in mind that Nikon USA will not repair the camera even if it's out of warranty. You might be able to get an aftermarket warranty, but if the parts can't be sourced anywhere other than Nikon, you would be out of luck. The only Nikon sanctioned repairs would have to be done by the country it was intended to be sold in or else by Nikon Japan... That said, I have never needed any repair work done on any of my Nikons...

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

The 30 day satisfaction guarantee is good for right now. There will be no warranty coverage for any service or repair needed down the road. Only you can decide if the price difference is worth that for you. FWIW I wouldn't buy grey market, but that's me.

BebuLamar

How much is the saving?

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

The camera's serial number may help in determining what market it was meant for...

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

My stance on this has changed, since purchasing a new US D850 recently which suffered a significant (but non-fatal) problem soon after purchase. While I firmly believe that purchasers have the right to buy whatever they would like (if it is legally offered for sale), any savings would have been lost if I'd had to pay for the repair, which I estimate at probably $600-800. And...with their current policies, Nikon would not have done the repair even with me paying for it, if it had been a gray market camera. Since only their authorized service stations can get parts and training for D850s, my only choice would have been to live with the problem, if my camera had not been US model.

Jim750 Loc: Easton,Pa

Personally, I prefer to purchase slightly used or a refurbished camera ( by manufacturer) than purchasing gray market. I have never had any problems with either and the savings can be substantial. Good Luck whatever your choice. Beware who you purchase from,there is lots of information on this site.

LS Loc: Montana

I knew there was a reason to shy away from grey market . . . just didn't remember what it was. Thank you; this is all the info I need. Even though most of the problems I've had with cameras or lenses were self inflicted (dropping, water damage, etc.) I once had a problem with a Mamiya 645 AF telephoto lens. It was ridiculously expensive to ship, insure and repair, but at least I was able to get it done in this country.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

The probability of Nikon producing a defective camera is fairly low. Basing all future purchases on one unfortunate incident does not seem like a reasonable decision. It would be like refusing to travel by air because of a recent airplane collision.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

We have two casinos here in Ct.

Are you feeling lucky?

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Didn't say I'd never do it. Just that I'd be much more conscious of the risk. As cameras have gotten more complex, that risk has increased. Reading carefully on this site will reveal a number of D850s and other models (and makes) that have had to go back for repair to correct manufacturing defects. On the other hand, a number of years ago while in NYC, I bought a Zuiko 85mm f2 lens to use on my OM2n. Beautiful lens, and I still have it 25 years later. Never a problem. It was gray market at a very favorable price. The only problem was that it came with a bag instead of the more common (and much better) zipper-top leather case.

MDI Mainer

In my experience there are enough independent repair services, and internationally sourced parts, available so that a manufacturer's threat to withhold service on "gray market" items is just saber rattling to try and prop up the sale price of their products.

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

Save now, pay later. I would never pay as much for a camera or lens known to be grey market as I would for domestic products. And that's not even touching the issue of repair cost or inconvenience. Cameras are complicated enough that if it needs repair, and they do break on their own, get dropped, get wet, etc - I would have a problem trusting someone who wasn't trained by Nikon to fix it. Parts "may" be available internationally, but repair QC isn't.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Many people will tell you that Nikon USA will not repair a camera that was not bought from an authorized Nikon USA dealer, and this for the most part use to be true. Nikon recently realized they were loosing potential income because of this practice and now, because of the increase in internet sales, the availability of international parts and the relaxing of Canon's similar repair policies, are repairing "grey market" gear for a fee.
So, it's like gambling. You buy grey and gamble you won't need the warranty and in most cases you won't or, you buy authorized and Nikon USA is gambling you won't need to use the warranty, and in most cases you won't.
I asked the owner of the camera repair shop I use if Nikon parts are available from other than Nikon USE and he said yes. They may cost a little more but they are available.
All of my Nikon gear has been purchased from authorized Nikon USA dealers. About half my Canon gear is grey market. I've never had to have a repair done under warranty for either make. Last year I had a Canon lens I purchased from Canada several years ago repaired by Canon and not a question was asked about where it was purchased, they just told me how much it was going to cost and repaired it. I had it repaired by Canon because the repair shop guy, after diagnosing the problem, told me to send it to Canon, they will repair it faster and cheaper than he can. He was right. Canon repaired the lens in one week for over $130 less than the independent repair shop.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

It's a balancing act between what you save up front vs what you risk in the future. Only you can decide.