robbiedoug Loc: Cuero, Texas

I have been scanning the various advertisements for a certain Nikon camera and have found numerous ones with inviting prices. One problem that has got me wondering is how can I discern whether or not a camera has a USA warranty or is it a gray market item. It would be greatly appreciated if someone out there could educate me as to how to identify gray market BEFORE purchase. Thanks.

smussler Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY

Check out Nikon's site. They cover that pretty well. If the price seems too good to be true it's probably Gray Market. Cameras sold by all authorized Nikon dealers don't vary much in price (New Cameras)
Even refurbished are all pretty much priced the same. Abe's of Maine - Pretty much all gray market.
Ask again if you decide on a particular dealer . . . Someone here is sure to respond.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/gray-market.page

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Repliable sellers will clearly identify Grey Market products.
If the seller doesn't not clearly identify it, you might want to rethink who you are buying from.

If the price seems too good to be true.. it is probably grey market.

Does the product come with a US warranty? If not then that is likely a grey market product.

If it says "Imported" in the advertisement, it is probably grey market.

You can always contact the seller and ask them.

Photography Life had a good article on Grey Market Products. It is a good read. You can find it here:
https://photographylife.com/gray-market-camera-gear

Pistnbroke Loc: UK

Never had any problem with grey market ….D810x3 D850 lenses Nikon and Tamron
www.e-infinity.com is the best

jcboy3

For the most part, authorized dealers are restricted to the same sales price. You can get deals during special sales, and you can get deals on refurbished items. But, if the price looks good, it's either grey market or a scam. If you can't afford it, then shop used and be sure they have the USA warranty cards. Usually, warranties aren't transferable, but at least you can still get them repaired.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Most times price will give you the answer. Authorized Canon & Nikon dealers (and probably other manufacturers) cannot sell an item below the manufacturer's list price. If the price is lower then you are most likely looking at a grey item. Individual dealers do not have sales on authorized items. If a sale or 'deal' is authorized by the manufacturer then all authorized dealers will have it. Dealers can throw in 'incentive' items if they wish (often pretty useless junk, IMO) but the price will still be what the manufacturer sets. You can easily check current factory prices by going to the manufacturer website, such as canonusa.com and nikonusa.com.
Many people will buy grey market for the savings. Quality is the same but the warranty will not be honored by authorized USA dealers. Even non-warranty service and repair can be a problem with Nikon.

Edit: If you have concerns about which dealers are authorized then check the manufacturer's website. They all have lists of their current dealers.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Nikon authorized dealers can only sell the camera for what Nikon dictates. If one price is lower than all the rest, it is probably gray market.
If you want to make sure, buy from B&H or Adorama, both are Nikon authorized dealers. Generally speaking, but not in all cases, serial numbers that start with 3 are US Nikon bodies.

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

When your grey market stuff breaks or you go to sell it - you will come to appreciate the true value of avoiding grey market stuff. I have returned perfectly good gear because I discovered it was grey despite asking and being told it wasn't. Typically, if you can sell it, you will take a 25% or higher hit. And with Nikon really tightening up on the repair network, you won't be able to get it serviced. The clock is ticking on your grey goods - I'd sell all of it ASAP while it still has some value.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If they say, "USA Warranty," that could be a sign of gray market - the same goes for "Imported." A sure sign is probably a low price. Nikon controls the pricing through its authorized dealers, so they will all be selling for the same price, although dealers can add extras to the package.

Play it safe and buy from the reliable dealers, for example - Adorama, Amazon, B&H, Cameta, Costco, Crutchfield, Hunt’s, Robert’s.

jeffhacker Loc: Dallas, Texas

I agree with everybody. It's not worth the relatively small savings to buy gray market cameras. It's a "Just in case" thing. You'll save maybe 10% of the price, and have the potential of losing the support of the manufacturer. Not worth it.

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

U S model Nikon cameras have a serial # that starts with a 3. In Canada where I am they start with a 5.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

This is a topic that has been beaten to death. So, once more into the Frey!

Gray market means for the most part you think you purchased a good product but when it needs repair or servicing you are out of luck. The money you thought you saved will now come gracefully out of your wallet for an appropriate repair. There are some caveats to follow. First purchase from reputable retailers. It doesn't matter the make or model, a good store is not going to bait and switch or any other sales tactic. If you are not sure of a store, use the search button for info. You will be surprised to learn which stores endeavor to sell grey market items or bait and switch. Prices for an item will be pretty much the same across the board. You may see some slight differences in a few dollars. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't! You will never find a Nikon D7500 or a Canon 5D for $3000 off the ticket price and in only one store.
Ask your friends and colleagues where they shop on a regular basis. As for me, I live and work in NYC. There are two stores that are highly recommended. However I have been doing business with a store on the corner near the Empire State Building. I am never disappointed where it be another body, lens, roll of film or a lens hood. Spend a few dollars more for the piece of mind that you get with a warranty. You'll be glad you did.

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

! You will never find a Nikon D7500 or a Canon 5D for $3000 off the ticket price and in only one store.

Yikes!!! A Nikon d7500 for $3000 off? I just got a gently used one with 3300 clicks for $750 (Canadian). I must have got a steal

FTn

Here is a list of Nikon's Authorized Dealers:

https://cdn-6.nikon-cdn.com/where-to-buy/nikon_img_auth_dealers.pdf

And Nikon's Gray Market Warning:

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/gray-market.page

Never buy from any dealer that wants to charge you for items that Nikon includes in the box such as straps, lens caps or pouches, instruction manuals, or warranty cards. Never buy from a dealer who tells you that the store warranties the Nikon product so there is nothing to worry about.

I'm sure that the tier 2 lens manufacturers have similar lists on their websites also.

- FTn

hammond

I've also had great experiences with e-infin.com.
But it's definitely 'grey market' gear.

Pretty sure all non-grey market gear for major brands will sell for the same MSRP price.