Buying used equipment: Many of us purchase Nikon lenses and camera bodies from B&H, Adorama, MPB etc. at used prices. Not sure if what you’re purchasing was intended for US consumption...

HRBIEL Loc: Rapid City, SD

Many of us purchase Nikon lenses and camera bodies from B&H, Adorama, MPB etc. at used prices. Not sure if what you’re purchasing was intended for US consumption so getting the item repaired may be a problem. Is there any on-line source to determine by serial # if the item (lens or body) was intended for US consumers?

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I can't answer about Nikon but Canon will service non use items but, charge you.

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

HRBIEL wrote:

Many of us purchase Nikon lenses and camera bodies from B&H, Adorama, MPB etc. at used prices. Not sure if what you’re purchasing was intended for US consumption so getting the item repaired may be a problem. Is there any on-line source to determine by serial # if the item (lens or body) was intended for US consumers?

Yes, I have used this one. http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

Yes, you do have to check when purchasing from these stores that they are US serial numbers.

I buy nearly all used gear from individuals and have found Hogs and people on FredMiranda honest. They will often post images with the serial number so you can check. Just read the feedback information on an individual you are wanting to buy from on FredMiranda and see how long they have been a member. I have also found that looking at what members here post a way to vet along with how long they have been a member. To date, I have never had an issue. Always use PayPal as they will stand in the purchasers corner should something be not as described and needs to be returned.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Kim speaks with wisdom here... Yes I use this database http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
Stellar synopsis of Nikon kit.

btw, many sellers on eBay list the product's serial numbers... B&H uses it in their used product "Code"
mpb lists Nikon serial numbers on it's products... And KEH will accept returns for 2 weeks no questions asked.
Roberts lists Nikon Serial Numbers also.

Like Kim I've had my best luck with UHH members... Honesty runs deep on this site with long time users.
That said I would advise to avoid UHH user's who's first post is to sell kit... Red Flag!

Worst quality of used kit? Amazon third party stuff... My only bad experiences have been with Amazon third party sellers. (KEH is now using Amazon...) Enough said.

What are you looking for H. R. Bielstein? Maybe others here (including myself) can make you an offer :)

HRBIEL Loc: Rapid City, SD

Thanks for the help. Turns out my D850 is a US model but my D500 is a Japanese model. The D500 works perfectly now but if it needs service, I’ll have to find a someone willing to do that. Also, I guess I’ll have to take a hit ($) if I plan to sell it.

BebuLamar

It's kind of tough because I heard that even if you have the serial number and call Nikon they wouldn't know. They often said to send in the camera or lens.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I'm not a Nikon owner but you might be cautious as I believe Nikon is not supporting repair shops any more with parts.

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

HRBIEL wrote:

Many of us purchase Nikon lenses and camera bodies from B&H, Adorama, MPB etc. at used prices. Not sure if what you’re purchasing was intended for US consumption so getting the item repaired may be a problem. Is there any on-line source to determine by serial # if the item (lens or body) was intended for US consumers?

The best way to avoid an issue is to ask the question. If the seller - regardless of whether it is a store or private individual - represents that the camera is a US model and it turns out that it isn't, then you have grounds to get your money back plus shipping due to product misrepresentation. Paying with Paypal is helpful. Even having the serial number of a Nikon product will not always help you determine whether it is domestic or foreign since Nikon is not set up to validate serial numbers until you plan to send it to them for repair. Being crowd-sourced - the serial number registry is not always accurate or complete, and it only reports the country of manufacture (China, Japan, Thailand) and not the intended market. The bottom line is that if Nikon USA says it is grey market, they won't fix it in most cases, regardless of how it is represented on the registry.

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

HRBIEL wrote:

Many of us purchase Nikon lenses and camera bodies from B&H, Adorama, MPB etc. at used prices. Not sure if what you’re purchasing was intended for US consumption so getting the item repaired may be a problem. Is there any on-line source to determine by serial # if the item (lens or body) was intended for US consumers?

I have purchased refurbished, not used, there is a difference. Never had a problem the B&H or other acceptable stores. All have low shutter counts, and are as good as new. They are not gray and have a limited warranty

applepie1951 Loc: Los Angeles,California

Picture Taker
What is non use items ?

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Non use is NEW

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

HRBIEL wrote:

Many of us purchase Nikon lenses and camera bodies from B&H, Adorama, MPB etc. at used prices. Not sure if what you’re purchasing was intended for US consumption so getting the item repaired may be a problem. Is there any on-line source to determine by serial # if the item (lens or body) was intended for US consumers?

I know yrs ago there was, If I recall it was to track stolen camera bodies. Or you could just call B&H and Adorama and ask, both are reputable, I don't think they'll BS you. If they know at all that is.

HRBIEL Loc: Rapid City, SD

Thanks for all the replies. Despite having asked before purchasing if the camera was a US model, I nevertheless ended up with a great camera but a gray mkt one. I’ve had it for over 3 years now so too late to do anything about it. But if it needs cleaning or servicing can anyone recommend a reputable source?

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

HRBIEL wrote:

Many of us purchase Nikon lenses and camera bodies from B&H, Adorama, MPB etc. at used prices. Not sure if what you’re purchasing was intended for US consumption so getting the item repaired may be a problem. Is there any on-line source to determine by serial # if the item (lens or body) was intended for US consumers?

I only buy made for USA Nikon bodies and lenses. And I only buy them when their serial number matches what serial number is on the box.
Ken Rockwell explains this very well when he reviews a new body on lens, you should look at his images of what to look for on the box to assure you it is a US product.
That is the only way I buy off ebay, I would never buy used from B&H and Adorama. Because they very very rarely include the box, and that is you insurance that it is a genuine US product.
Some older Nikon lenses have a US in front of the serial number, but not all.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

In-lightened wrote:

Yes, I have used this one. http://www.photosynthes... (show quote)

I’m a bit confused. If the serial number is listed on this chart does that mean it was made for US market?