Grey Market Camera Gear Again! (Page 5): I have had two OM-D bodies failures since about 2017. First was repaired under warranty. The 2nd time out of warranty, paid for the repair.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

ronpier wrote:

very few fail because of manufacturing defects. usually caused by a user

I have had two OM-D bodies failures since about 2017. First was repaired under warranty. The 2nd time out of warranty, paid for the repair. Then the problem re-appeared, I returned it and the Covid-19 shutdown hit right about that time. Long delay during which Olympus changed hands. I pinged them a couple times, finally they said "Is it ok if we send you a another camera?", I said "Sure". I assumed they meant another repaired unit but they sent me a brand new camera, everything new in the box inducing a new charger new battery, software and warranty.

Since then it has been working great with no issues.

Bayou

Longshadow wrote:

"Imported"... Aren't they all????????

Trying to use a nice fancy word to replace "gray market]"....

Indeed. I find the common misuse of the word "Imported" to imply "grey market" to be deliberately deceptive, causing me to lose a bit of respect for said dealer. Every camera is imported, whether grey market or full US version.

Words mean things.

BebuLamar

Bayou wrote:

Indeed. I find the common misuse of the word "Imported" to imply "grey market" to be deliberately deceptive, causing me to lose a bit of respect for said dealer. Every camera is imported, whether grey market or full US version.

Words mean things.

They should use the words "Gray Market". Many people may not understand it but nobody will misunderstand it.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

IDguy wrote:

There are several pieces of good news for some grey-market equipment. First, the grey market hardware is the same as the US labeled. Second cameras and lenses rarely fail. Third sometimes grey-market is less than half the price Nikon wants for US labeled products. So if one ever failed you can chuck it and replace.

I suspect if one did a financial risk analysis looking at the failure experience data grey market might win out.

First, grey market often contains manuals in the wrong language AND the wrong cords for the USA. Second, the failure rate increases when you use your gear everyday. Doesn't necessarily fail, just wears out. I send my cameras to Nikon AT LEAST once a year for service, even if it is only a CLA. Third, please show me where I can buy a new, grey market D6 for under $ 3,250.00 that didn't fall of the truck somewhere. You need to be more realistic. Happy Thanksgiving my friend.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

therwol wrote:

I do recall that they announced they would repair certain models of grey market cameras. This was a few years ago. Well, it seems that they have changed their minds.

This is from the horse's mouth.

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

By providing an actual link to the "Horses Mouth" it looks like you are taking all of the fun from the "Chest Thumpers" here on UHH, grin
Have a great Thanksgiving all, and . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

pego101

Zeke4351 wrote:

I find it very interesting that none of the stores... (show quote)

False information. I see this information frequently.

Zeke4351 Loc: Kentucky

Happy Thanksgiving

fotojeff

I just bought a new Nikon 16-35 from Nikon USA. It arrived in a box that didn’t have the 5 year emblem, did not have the 5 year warranty card that you usually see and no “us” designation in the serial number. I has to call Nikon USA to verify it was a us model with the 5 year warranty. Verified, however my issue is they are making it more difficult to be able to identify a us version from an import.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

fotojeff wrote:

I just bought a new Nikon 16-35 from Nikon USA. It arrived in a box that didn’t have the 5 year emblem, did not have the 5 year warranty card that you usually see and no “us” designation in the serial number. I has to call Nikon USA to verify it was a us model with the 5 year warranty. Verified, however my issue is they are making it more difficult to be able to identify a us version from an import.

AFAIK, Nikon no longer offers a 5 year warranty. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

Zeke4351 wrote:

I had a grey market D750 at the time and Nikon repaired mine at no charge. Might not work next time but did on the D750.

Will Nikon not touch a grey market camera, even if you are willing to pay for all parts & service?

Thanks

fotojeff

What about older older lenses or cameras that are out of warranty anyway. Will they repair them if they are us or grey market. I was always under the impression they won’t do any repairs regardless of payment unless it’s us. If I’m buying a used lens I go out of my way to ensure it’s a us version. Which brings up my point in my previous post it’s getting hard to easily tell the difference without looking up the serial number.

BebuLamar

fotojeff wrote:

What about older older lenses or cameras that are out of warranty anyway. Will they repair them if they are us or grey market. I was always under the impression they won’t do any repairs regardless of payment unless it’s us. If I’m buying a used lens I go out of my way to ensure it’s a us version. Which brings up my point in my previous post it’s getting hard to easily tell the difference without looking up the serial number.

It's hard to tell the difference even if you look up the serial number.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Repair, if needed, is the question. That depends on the brand. Canon will fix but charge, and I believe Nikon will not fix even if you pay.

therwol Loc: USA

To me, the greatest risk in buying a grey market camera is that it would not be eligible for free repair in case of a recall, and there have been some serious recalls over the years. This link doesn't even mention the oil leaking all over the Nikon D610 shutter because the window for getting it fixed is closed. Nikon USA will still fix the D750 shutter issues and the "bright spots" in pictures with the D810. If you buy grey market and get one of these defective cameras, what are you doing to do? Can the seller help you without Nikon parts? Nikon USA won't touch it.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/service-and-support/service-advisories/index.page

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/service-and-support/service-advisories/index.page

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

It helps determine what the value of a used piece of gear is to know how much the purchase price was. I have seen used gear for sale for the same price as a new grey market equivalent item.