I have been on my computer all day today looking up various photographic issues, and it dawned on me......did I get a real USA warranty Nikon D7100 from BuyDig.com 2 years ago, or did I get sold a "bill of goods" grey market camera instead. The camera came in the usual gold box, has a serial number on the box, camera, and (1--year) warranty card. All the accessories that one should expect were in the box. Everything appears to be kosher. When I searched the internet for clues on how to tell if I have fake or real, there are only a few ambiguous articles that leave me to still wonder. I don't remember what kind of reputation BuyDig.com had 2 years ago, but I see now that their reputation is not that great. One article suggests that I refer to the first one or two digits of the serial number. But, there is no agreement on that issue either. It would be great, IMHO, if Nikon had a way for us to check the serial number to verify good or grey. If my fellow UHH's have any advice on how to make the determination, I would really appreciate your input.
Gray market doesn't mean it's a fake. Gray market means the camera was produced for sales overseas and the warranty will not be honored at Nikon repair facilities here. You camera is off warranty, so you have nothing to worry about. Had you needed warranty service, you would either have had to ship the camera to an overseas Nikon repair facility, or paid a US facility to do the work. If you need service in the future, US facilities will take care of it on your dime.
lowkick wrote:
Gray market doesn't mean it's a fake. Gray market means the camera was produced for sales overseas and the warranty will not be honored at Nikon repair facilities here. You camera is off warranty, so you have nothing to worry about. Had you needed warranty service, you would either have had to ship the camera to an overseas Nikon repair facility, or paid a US facility to do the work. If you need service in the future, US facilities will take care of it on your dime.
I understand that, Lowkick, however, I still want to know if it is gray market or not. I paid full price for it. I also thought that the USA warranty for Nikon cameras is 5 years????
Dziadzi wrote:
I understand that, Lowkick, however, I still want to know if it is gray market or not. I paid full price for it. I also thought that the USA warranty for Nikon cameras is 5 years????
USA warranty for Nikon cameras is for one year. Lenses are for 5 years.
The best way to find out if your camera is USA is to create an account at NikonUSA.com and register your camera. If it is grey market they will tell you then.
They are listed on this list as a part of Beach Camera.
jethro779 wrote:
They are listed on this list as a part of Beach Camera.
Yes, they are the same company.
I've dealt with Beach with good luck.
Look atvthe box the camera came. It will show "US" on the space where the serial number is, if it is a U.S. Model.
Dziadzi wrote:
I have been on my computer all day today looking up various photographic issues, and it dawned on me......did I get a real USA warranty Nikon D7100 from BuyDig.com 2 years ago, or did I get sold a "bill of goods" grey market camera instead. The camera came in the usual gold box, has a serial number on the box, camera, and (1--year) warranty card. All the accessories that one should expect were in the box. Everything appears to be kosher. When I searched the internet for clues on how to tell if I have fake or real, there are only a few ambiguous articles that leave me to still wonder. I don't remember what kind of reputation BuyDig.com had 2 years ago, but I see now that their reputation is not that great. One article suggests that I refer to the first one or two digits of the serial number. But, there is no agreement on that issue either. It would be great, IMHO, if Nikon had a way for us to check the serial number to verify good or grey. If my fellow UHH's have any advice on how to make the determination, I would really appreciate your input.
I have been on my computer all day today looking u... (
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If the first two digits of the SN are 25 thru 39 it's USA, anything else is grey market. Simple as that.
Dziadzi wrote:
I understand that, Lowkick, however, I still want to know if it is gray market or not. I paid full price for it. I also thought that the USA warranty for Nikon cameras is 5 years????
Quite frankly if you paid full price for it why did you select an outfit that you now seem to denounce?
There is one born every day. You were born long ago but that was for your not only ill considered choice of re-seller but also your willingness to make yourself appear as the victim of a fraud. Maybe you were, maybe you were not but honestly? It is your fault.
Next time select a reputable dealer.
There ends the non-controversy.
mcveed
Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)
Look at your Nikon Warranty card. There is a line for Distributor. If it has NIKON USA on that line you should be OK, but MT Shooter has an even simpler way to tell.
BHC
Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
Dziadzi wrote:
I have been on my computer all day today looking up various photographic issues, and it dawned on me......did I get a real USA warranty Nikon D7100 from BuyDig.com 2 years ago, or did I get sold a "bill of goods" grey market camera instead. The camera came in the usual gold box, has a serial number on the box, camera, and (1--year) warranty card. All the accessories that one should expect were in the box. Everything appears to be kosher. When I searched the internet for clues on how to tell if I have fake or real, there are only a few ambiguous articles that leave me to still wonder. I don't remember what kind of reputation BuyDig.com had 2 years ago, but I see now that their reputation is not that great. One article suggests that I refer to the first one or two digits of the serial number. But, there is no agreement on that issue either. It would be great, IMHO, if Nikon had a way for us to check the serial number to verify good or grey. If my fellow UHH's have any advice on how to make the determination, I would really appreciate your input.
I have been on my computer all day today looking u... (
show quote)
What is the first digit of your camera's serial number? Actually, for the 7100, the first two digits are required!
Dziadzi wrote:
I have been on my computer all day today looking up various photographic issues, and it dawned on me......did I get a real USA warranty Nikon D7100 from BuyDig.com 2 years ago, or did I get sold a "bill of goods" grey market camera instead. The camera came in the usual gold box, has a serial number on the box, camera, and (1--year) warranty card. All the accessories that one should expect were in the box. Everything appears to be kosher. When I searched the internet for clues on how to tell if I have fake or real, there are only a few ambiguous articles that leave me to still wonder. I don't remember what kind of reputation BuyDig.com had 2 years ago, but I see now that their reputation is not that great. One article suggests that I refer to the first one or two digits of the serial number. But, there is no agreement on that issue either. It would be great, IMHO, if Nikon had a way for us to check the serial number to verify good or grey. If my fellow UHH's have any advice on how to make the determination, I would really appreciate your input.
I have been on my computer all day today looking u... (
show quote)
DZ, if the warranty period is over it doesn't much matter, it's just any other camera now.
Though I keep hearing that Nikon won't even work on an import even for a fee!
That's getting pretty low!!! Good luck
SS
Why not just call Nikon and ask them, instead of wondering, or wandering around the internet?
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