What is the difference between international version and USA version
Mar 16, 2020 09:33:58 #
Anyone purchased anything from Abe's of Maine?. I got an offered from them for cameras and lenses, but I noticed almost all of them have international version. What does this really mean and if it is worth buying?.
Mar 16, 2020 09:38:32 #
Mar 16, 2020 09:39:39 #
Gabyto wrote:
Anyone purchased anything from Abe's of Maine?. I got an offered from them for cameras and lenses, but I noticed almost all of them have international version. What does this really mean and if it is worth buying?.
Grey Market.
Mar 16, 2020 09:40:46 #
May be 'grey market' ie imports probably from far east, no doubt made in the same factory and of similar spec. The warranty may not be honoured by the manufacturer. Is the supplier offering a comparable warranty?
Mar 16, 2020 09:45:12 #
Use the search function and enter “Abe’s of Maine”. The hundreds of negative responses should let you know that you want to avoid them at all costs even if the cameras/lenses weren’t grey market.
There will be no US warranty, so they will typically try to sell you a 3rd party warranty, and after you pay for that, the price will be similar to that of an authorized dealer, but you have no idea what, if anything, the 3rd party warrant is worth. Plus you’re order won’t likely be filled unless you buy that warranty and some other 3rd party items such as a battery with an unknown name. You’ll find the same is true for 42nd St Camera and others of their ilk.
Camera manufacturers control the sales price of new cameras, so if you find something substantially cheaper, it should be a red flag. Do yourself a favor and buy from an authorized distributor. If you want to save $, buy a refurbished unit from the manufacturer or a used camera with a warranty from a reputable store like KEH.
There will be no US warranty, so they will typically try to sell you a 3rd party warranty, and after you pay for that, the price will be similar to that of an authorized dealer, but you have no idea what, if anything, the 3rd party warrant is worth. Plus you’re order won’t likely be filled unless you buy that warranty and some other 3rd party items such as a battery with an unknown name. You’ll find the same is true for 42nd St Camera and others of their ilk.
Camera manufacturers control the sales price of new cameras, so if you find something substantially cheaper, it should be a red flag. Do yourself a favor and buy from an authorized distributor. If you want to save $, buy a refurbished unit from the manufacturer or a used camera with a warranty from a reputable store like KEH.
Mar 16, 2020 09:46:15 #
As mentioned above, there's no manufacturer's warranty. The Abe's site references the following at https://www.abesofmaine.com/Support_Center.htm#q16
Mar 16, 2020 11:07:53 #
Mar 16, 2020 11:17:53 #
Mar 16, 2020 11:49:05 #
Even if you are willing to buy grey market (or "international market" as some may call it) to save money, Abe's of Maine is not where you want to buy a camera or any other equipment. They are known for their bait-and-switch tactics and other shenanigans, such as charging extra for including a battery or delaying shipment for several weeks because they don't have the item in stock.
Mar 16, 2020 11:53:52 #
Gabyto wrote:
Anyone purchased anything from Abe's of Maine?. I got an offered from them for cameras and lenses, but I noticed almost all of them have international version. What does this really mean and if it is worth buying?.
It has a warranty that is not honored in the US, and if Nikon, it won't be repairable at all, even if you are willing to pay. Grey market is gear that is imported using non-authorized channels, bypassing the authorized ones.
This is not the same as counterfeit product that may be made in the same factory and purchased off the black market.
Mar 16, 2020 14:25:11 #
Gene51 wrote:
It has a warranty that is not honored in the US, and if Nikon, it won't be repairable at all, even if you are willing to pay. Grey market is gear that is imported using non-authorized channels, bypassing the authorized ones.
This is not the same as counterfeit product that may be made in the same factory and purchased off the black market.
This is not the same as counterfeit product that may be made in the same factory and purchased off the black market.
You mean the genuine counterfeit? That is the products are made in the same factory, using the same parts with the same workers but they are stolen in case of cameras. In case of clothing and shoes the factory simply makes more than what were ordered by the manufacturers that don't have factory.
Mar 16, 2020 15:54:26 #
Gabyto wrote:
Anyone purchased anything from Abe's of Maine?. I got an offered from them for cameras and lenses, but I noticed almost all of them have international version. What does this really mean and if it is worth buying?.
The only difference between the USA version and the International version is the warranty and maybe the battery charger plug. Don't even think of buying an International Nikon. Default menu language may be different too.
Buying from Abe's? - That's a different story!!!
Mar 16, 2020 17:02:32 #
The USA version comes with the Nikon warranty. The difference in price supports the Nikon repair facilities (for whatever that's worth). The repair facilities will not touch a gray market product.
What is a third party warranty worth? Not much. If you need repair parts, Nikon will not sell them to third parties.
What is a third party warranty worth? Not much. If you need repair parts, Nikon will not sell them to third parties.
Mar 17, 2020 06:57:38 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Gabyto wrote:
Anyone purchased anything from Abe's of Maine?. I got an offered from them for cameras and lenses, but I noticed almost all of them have international version. What does this really mean and if it is worth buying?.
DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH ABE'S, THEY ARE THE FURTHEST FROM HONEST THAT YOU CAN GET.
Mar 17, 2020 08:13:35 #
Gabyto wrote:
Anyone purchased anything from Abe's of Maine?. I got an offered from them for cameras and lenses, but I noticed almost all of them have international version. What does this really mean and if it is worth buying?.
Gabyto, If you look in a dictionary you may find that the synonymous to Abe's is PLAGUE.... I would avoid it.
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