davemar Loc: SW France

Spot on Trader George

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

Someone correct me here if I am wrong, but it has been my understanding that Nikon USA sets the prices for US version gear and that is why there is little/no difference in pricing from reputable dealers. If you find a price substantially lower than what you see from Adorama, B&H, etc, then you are probably dealing with an unauthorized dealer and you will not get the USA warranty.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

You are correct. Any "AUTHORIZED" dealer must adhere to the MAP pricing agreement (Minimum Advertised Price) for all their products. This pricing restriction is in place for a very specific reason, to assure all authorized dealers, regardless of how big or how small they are, is dealing the product on a level playing field. This keeps the big guys from seriously undercutting the little guy solely to drive them out of business.

tradergeorge Loc: Newport, Kentucky

Not necessarily an unauthorized dealer,but an unauthorized product, meant for another market. Nikon does not like it when these products get diverted, but they would probably not go as far as to de-authorize or sanction a dealer for selling such products....See my earlier post. It is a more complete explanation...You will not get the US warranty, but the discount may make it worth eschewing the warranty, especially when equivalent warranties are available.

JDVan Loc: Near Seattle

I just went through looking at the same difference in price on a Nikon D7100 Body only. After investigating those that are selling at the lower price, they are selling a Grey Market camera and then trying to mask that with their own proprietary warranty.

I didn't want to deal with those kinds of sellers and went with Adorama at the $1096 price for two reasons: 1.)They were selling with a Nikon USA warranty and 2.) They were offering about a $100 worth of accessories with the camera body included in that $1096 price. A camera bag big enough for the D7100 and a zoom lens, an extra aftermarket battery and a 32 GB Memory card. So I ordered it on-line.
Received an order confirmation for only the D7100 camera body not the rest that was supposed to be included. After much hassle and uncomfortable confrontation I finally was able to get Adorama to deliver what they had advertised, promised and what I had ordered.
I have finally received everything now in two different shipments, was supposed to be one, and am very happy with the D7100(USA warranty) and the three additional items were better than I expected. (My expectations were fairly low)
However, I sure did not like the hassle I went through to get what I actually ordered and paid for. Has really left a bad taste in my mouth about Adorama. Expected Adorama to admit the error of their ways but they did not other than finally ship what they had advertised and what I had ordered. Sum Ting Wong there. Buyer Beware.

RoyOsh50

It used to be mandatory for anything exported from Japan to the U.S., meeting a strict quality control guideline. What did not pass the strict quality control standard, was sold in other areas, such as HongKong, Singapore etc.

Merchants here in the U.S. would sell these substandard cameras at a lower price! The rude awakening comes when you try to register these inferior cameras.

pmackd Loc: Alameda CA

With a price around $700 for a D7100 gray market is not the issue. That amount is below the price Nikon charges dealers for the camera anywhere in the world. So there has to be a scam.

davemar Loc: SW France

At that price PM that would have to be a scam,

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I have purchased refurbs from Cameta and Adorama. They came with Nikon warranties but have all been great. The D7100s refurbs are about $1000 right now (D7000 refurbs about $600.

tradergeorge Loc: Newport, Kentucky

The key words there are "use to be". This has not been protocol since the 60's. No reputable MFR will allow defective or inferior products to leave the factory. This is not a pair of jeans with a missed stitch. Their reputation rides on ever product sent out, no matter what market it is sold to. Even in the old days, I suspected that this was a rumor that was unsupported by any firm evidence. In any case, that claim does not have any relevance to the current topic, since there is NO evidence that such things are done today in the grey market. The claim in your post solely serves to stir up FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt).

I was in the Navy way back when, and bought many tech items from Hong Kong, Singapore and other Asian markets. If anything, their products were superior to those sold for export. They were certainly backed better, with 5-10 year warranties not being uncommon. Many of those people took their photography more seriously than most in the USA...

GKarl Loc: Northern New Hampshire

I bought a D 7000 when it first came out at Hunts Photo in Manchester, NH for the same price as B&H and Adorama. I was able to check the camera out, ask questions and walk out the door with the camera in hand. I returned with questions and got great service. I believe this old-fashioned method is the best way to go. I suggested this method, and retailer, to friends and they received the same great face to face service. Give it a try.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Who?
I could only dream of going to a dealer, at least one that sells Nikon, without driving 280 miles, one way.
Please use Quote Reply, so we know who you are replying to. :D :D :D
And welcome to the Hog, GKarl.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

JDVan, contact Helen Oster at Adorama and advise her that you feel you were treated poorly. She is one of their top customer service people. She will surely look into the situation for you.

cetaft Loc: The Big Apple

My dad's favorite quote. Hung it in his office for 50 years. (He would have been 95 last week.)

cetaft Loc: The Big Apple

Definitely contact Helen. She's great.