Need suggestions for D780: My fault was to hold my camera without strapping on while walking. I stumbled without seeing there were 2 steps down while walking under bright sun between...

tenny52 Loc: San Francisco

My fault was to hold my camera without strapping on while walking. I stumbled without seeing there were 2 steps down while walking under bright sun between buildings and high contrast shadows with my sunglasses on.

It happened on my 71 birthday. I didn't get hurt

except my pride and my 8 years old D610 with my 1 month old 16-35 VR lens; the lens broke off and torn some parts from the camera body. I hope the lens seems ok but have no means to test it.

The bright side is time to upgrade to D780.
Any suggestions where to buy it. 42nd Street sells for $1369; is it a good deal?
I don't mind a used one if the price is right.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

tenny52 wrote:

My fault was to hold my camera without strapping o... (show quote)

First...my deepest sympathies on your fall. Glad you are OK.

This price is way out of line with the $2200 being asked by reputable dealers for a new D780. The fact that it is today only tells me that they don't want you to check them out. The ad as I can see it on my phone doesn't indicate why the price is so low, but I'm betting it is an import model with no NikonUSA warranty and no future factory service. The dealer is prominently selling warranty coverage at high prices.

Be aware, if you want a DSLR, that NikonUSA is selling refurbished D850s for $1999 through Tuesday.

I'd suggest passing on this.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

B&H and Adorama are very good choices. I have been using B&H for years and have been extremely satisfied. No experience with 42nd street. Use search function of google and UHH.

tramsey Loc: Texas

42St used to be a top vender but in the past five years they've really gone down hill. I wouldn't touch em.
I just took a look at KEH and they have a d780 for about the same price. I've bought all my equipment from them and never had anything wrong - they have a ninety day return policy that they stand by but I've never had to use it. But B&H and Adorama are both top notch

tenny52 Loc: San Francisco

tramsey wrote:

42St used to be a top vender but in the past five years they've really gone down hill. I wouldn't touch em.
I just took a look at KEH and they have a d780 for about the same price. I've bought all my equipment from them and never had anything wrong - they have a ninety day return policy that they stand by but I've never had to use it. But B&H and Adorama are both top notch

thank you, they have a used one for $1335 while 42nd Street claims "brand new" for $1369
42nd Street has been in business for a long, long time, does anybody have negative against it?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

tenny52 wrote:

thank you, they have a used one for $1335 while 42nd Street claims "brand new" for $1369
42nd Street has been in business for a long, long time, does anybody have negative against it?

The name has been around for a long, long time. Whoever owns that name today is not the same people. You made a mistake and ruined your old equipment. Do not make matters worse wasting time & money at a bait-n-switch operator. Others have said already, go with someone reputable for new (where all the prices are the same from authorized sellers) or reputable for used. If you don't believe us, just try for yourself and find out.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

tenny52 wrote:

thank you, they have a last one for $30 less.
but when I check on it again it could be "used" while 42nd Street claims "brand new"
42nd Street has been in business for a long, long time, does anybody have negative against it?

The issue is that minimum resale pricing is set by the importer, NikonUSA in this case, for all major camera brands. Compliance is required by the dealer agreement. A price offered by one dealer which is out of step with what other dealers are offering is a major red flag. This may be a camera without a full complement of accessories, a camera with documentation in another language, or with a battery charger not compatible with US standards. It is almost certainly a camera with a serial number which makes it ineligible for registration under US warranty protection. Nikon will also not even do paid service or repair on these cameras.

42nd Street is advertising warranty protection for this camera at prices up to $300 or more. That is further indication that this is likely an improperly impirted camera. If none of this is a problem for you, then go ahead. But do so knowing the risk you are assuming to get the low price. On the other hand, buying the warranty service or missing accessories is going to cut deeply into those expected savings. A Nikon charger for this camera (which would ordinarily be included) costs about $70. If a battery is what is missing, the cost for one like what should have been included is $60.

tenny52 Loc: San Francisco

larryepage wrote:

The issue is that minimum resale pricing is set by... (show quote)

Thanks for your advice, D780 uses the same battery as D610 and I bought a twin BM batteries with charger recently. So whether I will get an original battery is not that important. And warranty prices range from $200-$400.
Besides, it has an installment plan with no interest. Do I really have to worry about repair or getting an impaired product?
Even if I bought a used or refurbished one, there is no guarantee that it would not be an imported one.
https://www.42photo.com/Product/nikon-d780-24-5-megapixel-digital-camera---body/122096

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

tenny52 wrote:

Thanks for your advice, D780 uses the same battery... (show quote)

I am a firm believer that folks should make their own informed buying decisions. My job is not to decide for them. As to the possible need for repair, repair, no one can predict. But both the predecessor to your D610 (D600) and the predecessor to the D780 (D750) were recalled for correction of serious problems with shutter systems.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I've heard Abe's of Maine has great prices.

pendennis

tenny52 wrote:

Thanks for your advice, D780 uses the same battery... (show quote)

The issue is, that Nikon USA will not touch a gray market camera, which is likely what 42nd St is selling. They have an awfully bad reputation on this site, as others have mentioned.

The price they quote does not mention a Nikon USA warranty, only the "Worldwide" warranty. That means that if you have any problems at all, you'll have to return the camera to the export country for service.

Under the items included, is the following statement - "Brand New Factory Fresh Import Model" That's just another term for gray market.

V2volk Loc: St. Louis area

Have you considered just buying a used 750 or 780?

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I agree buy from B+H or a reputable dealer. I do like the used stuff from KEH or B+H. I wouldn’t hesitate buying from them.

Hal Masover Loc: Iowa and Florida

larryepage wrote:

First...my deepest sympathies on your fall. Glad y... (show quote)

I recently faced the decision of whether to buy the D780 or the D850 and chose the D850. Just got it about a week ago and used it to shoot a wedding this past weekend. Could not be happier. The reason for my choice was the D850 has the most advanced auto focus system ever put into a DSLR. 3 times the AF points as the D780. I agree with everything above. Avoid unusually low prices on new ones. The refurb deal from Nikon sounds good since Nikon will back it.

Hal Masover Loc: Iowa and Florida

CHG_CANON wrote:

I've heard Abe's of Maine has great prices.

Yes they do but read the reviews. I wouldn't go there under pretty much any circumstances. Everything said above regarding 42nd Street applies to Abe's of Maine. In particular Abe's is selling imported equipment not covered by US warranties and Nikon USA will refuse to service it. If it's subject to a recall you're SOL