Cameras from Japan
May 18, 2021 06:52:08 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
HLJimi wrote:
Does anyone have experience buying cameras from Japan? I often see cameras on Ebay that look good at a better price than are available from the US. Any help would be appreciated.
For Nikon, only US camera's carry a US warranty. If you buy a camera that was sold in Japan, it is probably a gray market Nikon. The difference is, if during the warranty period, if something should go wrong, you would have to send the camera to Japan Nikon for service. And after the warranty period is over, Nikon USA will still refuse to service it.
So, gray market camera's are generally cheaper, they are the same camera, but if you need work, oh well.
May 18, 2021 06:54:03 #
"what % of us have ever needed to call in the warranty. I for one zero"
You are right, it is very difficult although not impossible, to have issues with a newly bought camera. Nikon will not repair any camera that has not been imported by them, the so called gray market. If an independent repair station can do the job I do not really know since Nikon is not supplying parts to independent repair stations.
You are right, it is very difficult although not impossible, to have issues with a newly bought camera. Nikon will not repair any camera that has not been imported by them, the so called gray market. If an independent repair station can do the job I do not really know since Nikon is not supplying parts to independent repair stations.
May 18, 2021 06:54:09 #
HLJimi wrote:
Does anyone have experience buying cameras from Japan? I often see cameras on Ebay that look good at a better price than are available from the US. Any help would be appreciated.
I have found that the sellers are far more honest than most all other sellers, especially those in the USA.
And usually the equipment is as good or better than advertised.
They actually tell you what is wrong where the others generally hide what is wrong.
I have almost gone with Japanese sellers every time except for some totally unique piece I have been looking for.
Yes, I trust the Japanese sellers more than any other.
May 18, 2021 07:55:20 #
Although I am in the UK, I buy a lot of cameras and related equipment from Japan. I have never had any sort of problem but I suggest that you only buy what is described as 'Mint' or 'Near Mint'. Things described as 'Excellent' may not be what we consider excellent. I find the sellers very honest and prompt senders
May 18, 2021 08:22:57 #
I bought a used lens. No problem. If buying new, the warranty will be a concern. I don't see any advantage to buying from Japan. Just compare prices.
May 18, 2021 08:26:09 #
May 18, 2021 08:49:26 #
aphelps
Loc: Central Ohio
jerryc41 wrote:
I bought a used lens. No problem. If buying new, the warranty will be a concern. I don't see any advantage to buying from Japan. Just compare prices.
No problems with buying from Japan. The shutters do make a distinctive sound when released.
May 18, 2021 08:54:23 #
May 18, 2021 08:57:45 #
May 18, 2021 09:28:39 #
HLJimi wrote:
Does anyone have experience buying cameras from Japan? I often see cameras on Ebay that look good at a better price than are available from the US. Any help would be appreciated.
I am not sure if any of them came from Japan, likely not. But I have purchased a number of old used Pentax Digital and Film Cameras and Lenses from eBay, Amazon, and UHH, 1970-2018 vintage. With no real problems. The one time I had a problem with a new purchased lens, Pentax would not honor a replacement or free repair because the warranty had just run out and Ricoh would not recall the defective lens focus motors on the SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 Zoom lens even though the early 2009 ones like mine had known defect. I eventually fixed it my self by hacking the firmware and setting the lens to focus only using the in-camera focus motor like a non * Pentax lens. It works fine that way, just slower and noisier.
Though I find looking even though used items from Japan seem flawless, they actually cost more. Perhaps the US prices are higher on vintage or antique Leicas, other German cameras or View Cameras.
May 18, 2021 10:10:41 #
HLJimi wrote:
Does anyone have experience buying cameras from Japan? ...
I recently purchased a 1970's era TLR from a seller in Japan ...! The camera was listed as "Near Mint" and it came with a wide-angle lens attachment. The camera was nowhere "Near Mint"! While not used hard or anything like that it appeared that it had never been serviced, and the seller did not include the wide-angle lens attachment.
I contacted the seller and he agreed to refund part of the purchase price and the wide-angle attachment is on the way via UPS (I have checked the tracking number). I feel okay with the deal and would order from Japan again.
Bob S
May 18, 2021 10:13:53 #
I have bought used (and new) items from Japan and it always amaze me at the condition of the item. It seems that Japanese people are very neat and take extremely good care of their stuff.
Cameras, lenses, audio equipment they always look to me almost brand new. Plus, it's so easy and fast delivery through the Ebay portal for Japan.
To the OP: I wouldn't hesitate buying from Japan. Most likely you'll get an item in better condition than rated by the seller.
Cameras, lenses, audio equipment they always look to me almost brand new. Plus, it's so easy and fast delivery through the Ebay portal for Japan.
To the OP: I wouldn't hesitate buying from Japan. Most likely you'll get an item in better condition than rated by the seller.
May 18, 2021 10:39:21 #
Robert1 wrote:
I have bought used (and new) items from Japan and it always amaze me at the condition of the item. It seems that Japanese people are very neat and take extremely good care of their stuff.
Cameras, lenses, audio equipment they always look to me almost brand new. Plus, it's so easy and fast delivery through the Ebay portal for Japan.
To the OP: I wouldn't hesitate buying from Japan. Most likely you'll get an item in better condition than rated by the seller.
Cameras, lenses, audio equipment they always look to me almost brand new. Plus, it's so easy and fast delivery through the Ebay portal for Japan.
To the OP: I wouldn't hesitate buying from Japan. Most likely you'll get an item in better condition than rated by the seller.
Do you ever get customes or import taxes out of Japan?
May 18, 2021 10:40:26 #
May 18, 2021 11:05:03 #
BebuLamar wrote:
The OP was talking very old cameras.
Why do you say the OP was talking about very old cameras?
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