I guess the question is, grey market or not, are they a reputable dealer? If grey market isn’t a problem for the buyer, it comes down to the reputation of the dealer. I haven’t heard anything about Tri-State Photo, so I don’t know if they’re just another “bait and switch” dealer like 42d Street or Abe’s of Maine. In any case, buying grey market doesn’t mean the camera is of lower quality, but it does bring up the question of repairs should it fail somehow. Personally, I’d just avoid any grey market dealer.
Thanks all! That is what I suspected.
Les Brown wrote:
Thanks all! That is what I suspected.
I think sometimes spending a little extra money, rather than going for the “bargain” provides for a lot of peace of mind.
billnikon wrote:
Not entirely correct, it could also come from China, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, or elsewhere. Nikon exports their camera's to these locations.(say, Nikon exports the camera to Asia, then Asia sends it to Tri-State Camera, then that Nikon camera's country of origin is Asia) Any camera not sent to a US Nikon authorized dealer (through Nikon USA as the importer) is considered a GREY MARKET camera and does not come with a US warranty. (some exceptions exist)
If the camera comes from Asia into the US, it is a grey market camera and the person buying this camera will have to send the camera in Asia Nikon for warranty work(the country of origin). And, Nikon US will not work on that camera ever.
Most camera bodies coming to be sold in the US by authorized nikon dealers have a unique serial number know to Nikon US warranty services.
Not entirely correct, it could also come from Chin... (
show quote)
US serial numbers start with the # 3.
traderjohn wrote:
It is still produced by Nikon.
But it depends on your aversion to risk. Do you want to be covered by a warranty, or are you confident that you would not ever need servicing by Nikon, either free during the warranty period or paying after the warranty period?
drrobins
Loc: San Francisco East Bay (Walnut Creek)
I realized the Nikon SB-700 flash from TriState has no warranty, after I bought it. Confirmed that NikonUSA won’t ever fix it. (Other Nikon items they sell do have a warranty card listed, but don’t know if it’s factory USA.)
I found a Nikon factory-trained repair facility which is not NikonUSA, who will fix it if needed. They don’t go my serial numbers. Since out-of-warranty repairs you’d pay for anyway, I think this place would be a good choice if I needed them.
So, for me, comes down to is: is the 1 year warranty worth $100 to me. I plan on not using the flash very often, so the odds of a breakdown in first year are probably small. I plan to keep the flash and take my chances with those small odds.
Not sure if I would do this with a gray market camera, however.
Jack47 wrote:
US serial numbers start with the # 3.
This is not entirely correct.
"..It appears that Nikon has adjusted many of their previous serial numbers to give them plenty of room for US, Asian/Pacific, and European bodies. For example, with the D7100, Nikon started using the 25xxxxx code for the first US bodies. Since the US D7100 number comes after the initial number for the much smaller Japanese market, it makes some sense to "steal" some of the Japan numbers. ...."
I've seen this on several website the past couple of years.
I knew someone with D2Xs that was bought graymarket...as luck would have it, a repair was needed& yes it went back to Japan...5 months later, she got it back
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Jack47 wrote:
US serial numbers start with the # 3.
Generally speaking this is correct but there are exceptions.
to me it all is just a way to not stand by what they mamufacture. if they were really a good manufacturer they would stand by any camera (Nikon or Canon)
I have some items I have purchased (not camera) that the company repaired free of charge even after 20 plus years for no charge that what I call a reputable company.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
p-pictures wrote:
to me it all is just a way to not stand by what they mamufacture. if they were really a good manufacturer they would stand by any camera (Nikon or Canon)
I have some items I have purchased (not camera) that the company repaired free of charge even after 20 plus years for no charge that what I call a reputable company.
So, according to our statement, every car manufacture is not reputable.
Les Brown wrote:
What is the reputation for Tri State Camera? As with bad Abes, Tri State is offering the D500 for $1,138.00. They claim "Brand New." Includes charger and EN-EL 15 battery, usb cable, strap, manual, body cap. And free shipping. What's wrong?
Why not ask Tri State Camera?
traderjohn wrote:
It is still produced by Nikon.
Yes, it is still made by Nikon, and more than likely, a good camera. However, should it ever need repairs, there will be no Manufacturer's warranty to cover costs, Plus, NikonUSA WILL NOT repair grey market items, even if you try and pay for the repairs. STAY AWAY FROM GREY MARKET!
sr71
Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land
billnikon wrote:
Not entirely correct, it could also come from China, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, or elsewhere. Nikon exports their camera's to these locations.(say, Nikon exports the camera to Asia, then Asia sends it to Tri-State Camera, then that Nikon camera's country of origin is Asia) Any camera not sent to a US Nikon authorized dealer (through Nikon USA as the importer) is considered a GREY MARKET camera and does not come with a US warranty. (some exceptions exist)
If the camera comes from Asia into the US, it is a grey market camera and the person buying this camera will have to send the camera in Asia Nikon for warranty work(the country of origin). And, Nikon US will not work on that camera ever.
Most camera bodies coming to be sold in the US by authorized nikon dealers have a unique serial number know to Nikon US warranty services.
Not entirely correct, it could also come from Chin... (
show quote)
The country of origin (THE MOTHER COMPANY IS LOCATED IN JAPAN) I don't care where the factory is located. With the exception of the SN they all are exactly alike.....the ONLY reason US models nikonusa needed a way to tell em apart.....it's all about $$$$$$
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