GREY MARKET OR NOT? (Page 4): I buy all my Olympus stuff on the Olympus site... One of the few mfrs that does not ship you off to the universal marketplace of camera stores, internet...

Kuzano

I buy all my Olympus stuff on the Olympus site... One of the few mfrs that does not ship you off to the universal marketplace of camera stores, internet sites. etc.

If you sign in at Olympus, you get notifications of specials (right now they have a two lens special for the EM10 for $598 new, they offer a refurb page. The list goes on)

I don't understand why more people don't by from Oly direct???

My login page on Olympus...

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/?utm_content=logo&utm_campaign=em_supercontrolpanelUS&utm_source=email_etedu&utm_medium=email&emid=larsco2002@yahoo.com

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

ptcanon3ti wrote:

I'd try to contact the seller directly and ask them point blank..."Is this a gray market/import model?" I've done it many times on eBay...the answer is always "yes".

I've done that on Amazon and I think I've done it on eBay too.
I always seem to get an answer like, "You can purchase an extended warranty!"
Some are even more evasive. Now, once I get an answer like that I just don't bother anymore.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

FSATIN wrote:

I usually buy from Adorama, B and h and Amazon, bu... (show quote)

I wouldn't intentionally buy grey market, but as I mention in the post above this, you CAN purchase an extended warranty. After that warranty expires you'll have to send it to the country of origin to get service. At least that's what happens with Nikon, Canon, and I think Sigma.

ILFarmer

I will never buy a grey market camera again. I did not know it was an overseas outfit until I got a call from my credit card company. I bought an SX 60 for what I thought was a good price. I did not get the extra long lasting batteries I bought. I called customer service, but could die of old age before anyone answered.
Every time I read a post from someone giving glowing praise of that camera, I wonder if my camera is a camera made to sell in the U. S. A., or a cheaper version meant for another market. I will probably never know.
The salesman talked me into an extended world wide warranty. I suspect it is worthless. Cameras like this are expendable. By the time they go bad, there will be better cameras available and I will be glad to see it crash.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

ILFarmer wrote:

I will never buy a grey market camera again. I di... (show quote)

Sorry about your bad experience. With Canon and the other major brands the grey market cameras and lenses are identical to the US versions as far as quality. They come off the same assembly lines. That's not to say that there aren't knock-offs being sold, although I have never heard of any. Buying grey market from an honest dealer is not necessarily a bad idea. The problem is being sure that the dealer is honest. It would seem that your dealer was a little shy of the mark. When I bought my first DSLR I knew nothing about grey market. Bought a T3i that fortunately was legit, US warranty and all. Don't even remember where I bought it. Now, I rarely price shop. When I need (or want!) something I just click the B&H link on my browser. I know their prices are always fair.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

LFingar wrote:

Sorry about your bad experience. With Canon and th... (show quote)

Unfortunately, I have a different situation being retired and on a budget, I just don't have the funds available for photographic purchases I did when I was working. Now, I utilize ebay, Craigs List, KEH and various classified sections to make my purchases.

I have bought some superb, like new lenses and camera bodies on these venue's, and most recently a Tamron 90mm macro, that was in like new condition at half the retail price on ebay. Approximately two months ago I finally got my dream FF Canon 5D MKII from Craig's List that was like new with all accessories, the box and 1250 shutter actuation's, for $900.

To me, half the fun is the research and finding bargains. Ebay has a stellar Buyer Protection Plan, Amazon has a great return policy and on Craig's List you test drive the equipment prior to purchase.

Don't get me wrong, I do shop/buy from the NY big boys, but only when they have a very attractive deal.
Michael

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Jakebrake wrote:

research

That's the key to this whole thing. People who know how to research and take the time to do it rarely have problems. Unfortunately, many people don't recognize the need to research, or don't know how, or just don't have the time. Me? I'm lazy! It's B&H for me! :-D

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

FSATIN wrote:

I usually buy from Adorama, B and h and Amazon, bu... (show quote)

Amazon is reputable but many of the Market Partner Sellers are less than from time to time. Again, (like on eBay) check the seller if other than Amazon for 97-100% Satisfaction.

Walt C

As I found out, you pay for what you get. I bought a new D750 from 42nd st. photo with a 3 yr. warranty, only to find out later it was a grey market camera. It failed three weeks after I got it and it has not been worth the hassel. I haven't had the use of it for 4 months and still waiting for its return. Maybe a used product from a reputable store like Adorama might be worth a try. I have been very pleased with their service.

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

Walt C wrote:

As I found out, you pay for what you get. I bought a new D750 from 42nd st. photo with a 3 yr. warranty, only to find out later it was a grey market camera. It failed three weeks after I got it and it has not been worth the hassel. I haven't had the use of it for 4 months and still waiting for its return. Maybe a used product from a reputable store like Adorama might be worth a try. I have been very pleased with their service.

Someone has had your camera for four months?!??!:shock:

One month would be a stretch :| It almost sounds as if you won't ever see your camera again :-( 42nd St. seems to have a reputation on par with your experience.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Collie lover wrote:

When it comes to cameras and equipment, and the costs involved, I go to my local camera store. I prefer to be able to see the equipment, talk to those in the know and make my decisions on what to buy based upon that information.

I know I pay more to buy from a brick-and-mortar store, but I get help whenever I need it. It's worth the extra price.

:thumbup:

And you help ensure that the local store remains open, helped keep someone employed, and assisted your local economy. The dollar spent locally, has a much greater impact than just a dollar.

Kudos to you.

BebuLamar

The EM1 is only about $1000 new right? $400 off is a lot. If Olympus will repair gray market for a fee then my decision would base on the reputation of the dealer rather than because the camera is gray. Some dealer simply steal your money.

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

LFingar wrote:

That's the key to this whole thing. People who know how to research and take the time to do it rarely have problems. Unfortunately, many people don't recognize the need to research, or don't know how, or just don't have the time. Me? I'm lazy! It's B&H for me! :-D

I think this is true. Sometimes my research guides me to safe options but, B&H is my default ;)

MontanaTrace

Walt C wrote:

As I found out, you pay for what you get. I bought a new D750 from 42nd st. photo with a 3 yr. warranty, only to find out later it was a grey market camera. It failed three weeks after I got it and it has not been worth the hassel. I haven't had the use of it for 4 months and still waiting for its return. Maybe a used product from a reputable store like Adorama might be worth a try. I have been very pleased with their service.

Years ago, 42nd was first class. They sold. The new owners have a bad reputation.

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Go ahead and buy gray market. I belong to a network of camera techs that just love the stuff. What I can't fix, they can.

FSATIN wrote:

I usually buy from Adorama, B and h and Amazon, bu... (show quote)