jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

Everyone should read dcampbell52’s posts. His first post is the definitive answer to the question. The 2nd post adds icing to his response. What other correct answer can there possibly be. (Please don’t reply to my rhetorical question!)
Thanks dc.

Minx Loc: Vermont

So another question about "gray market" items... If you buy a gray market item w/ supposedly a 1 yr. warranty from seller, do you think adding on a Square Trade insurance would work well? I know it may not be the full warranty of the US, but it could help extend some kind of warranty. Thoughts?

radiojohn

If Nikon USA will not repair gear sold (or supposed to be sold) outside the USA, what does a working pro visiting theUSA do if he needs a repair?

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

Go to the B&H website and type in "Grey Market". They have a good article on the subject. And yes, they do sell grey market, with their own, B&H warranty.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Nikon refurbs only come with a 90 day warranty. so NBD.

agillot

simply , somebody did not get a piece of the action [ money ], nikon usa .same on testing equipment used on cars .

jhigbie Loc: Ventura, CA

What kind of "market" would you call an Ebay seller who, when you order a used camera from a US buyer, overnights camera bodies (Fuji in my case) from a Tokyo camera store, marks it up, and sends it on to you sight unseen? Invoice was left in box.

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

In addition to all of the correct comments here, some gray market goods will have firmware or camera controls written in a different language. For Japanese goods, some cameras come with commands and messages in Kanji script, some in French, some in German. So beware what you buy. It is frustrating, but to be safe, support US dealers.

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

You are correct in your thinking. BUT. IF your camera needs work by a Nikon non-authorized repair shop (a shop that your insurance company will deal with) please be aware that if your D810 needs a Nikon part to repair it that non-authorized repair shop may not be able to obtain that Nikon part because Nikon will not sell that part to them. Some repair parts can be generic and will fit and work on many electronic camera's. Let's hope that, in your case, and if your camera needs repair, the Nikon non-authorized repair shop will have the correct part to fix it.

Cheese

The real reason is that the gray market camera was NOT sold by Nikon USA, through one of its authorized dealers. There is no reason why Nikon USA should honor the warranty.

The same applies to cars. If you buy a Ford in the US and take it over to Europe, the European dealer will not honor the US warranty.

Of course this does not rationalize why Nikon USA will not repair gray market cameras if the customer is willing to pay for it. One would think this is revenue their authorized dealers would be glad to have.

Flash Gordon

So far, after reading all of this about Nikon warranty/repair issues I’m happy I decided on Canon. A friend offered to sell me his Nikon D90 along with two lenses. He had purchased it from another friend of his. Now, not knowing the camera and lenses history, I’m happy I declined. Now suppose these were gray market items, obviously out of warranty, that needed repair. Nikon would not repair the item? That seems totally stupid of Nikon. Apparently Nikon is protecting the distributor of origin. Why would a Nikon from the USA be different from one distributed to China or Germany? Are they not all made by Nikon in Japan to the same specs? I certainly hope Canon does not have the same “out of warranty” repair issues that Nikon seems to have.

gmango85

I think your remarks are inaccurate. Grey market goods are the same product without US warranty, and marketing costs. US distributors are full of.... The old rule of thumb was that only one of eight eitther US market or gray market had problems. I sold so many camera's retail!

Flash Gordon

My point was, if I’m willing to pay for an out of warranty repair why would they refuse?

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Because THEY (NIKON) like any other business in the USA, has the RIGHT to refuse service to anyone that they choose. And the category of grey market or unauthorized import, is a category that they choose to refuse service on. Additionally, if you read the Nikon service agreement, it clearly states that they will fix or repair any item that is purchased legitimately from any Authorized Nikon dealer in the world assuming that the owner can prove that the item was purchased legitimately and either is under warranty or eligible for repair. Items purchased grey market are not purchased legitimately under Nikon's rules. In their opinion, if you didn't purchase your Nikon equipment from Nikon or if the person that you purchased it from didn't, then it isn't eligible for repair. Now, if you buy a Nikon camera from Joe Smith, who purchased the camera from John Doe who purchased it from an Authorized Nikon Dealer, they WILL repair the camera (or lens). If John Doe purchased it grey market.. it will NOT be repaired by Nikon for any reason... It's that simple.. just verify where the camera or lens originated. You can ask or input the serial number on Nikon's website or you can get it from any number of other places.. it isn't really a big deal.. AND YES Nikon USA will repair cameras and lenses purchased overseas under that warranty (1 year from date of purchase unless the overseas owner purchased an extended warranty then it will be for 5 years). In the USA, the warranty is for 5 years automatically and the price of the 4 year extended warranty could be considered to be included in the price in the US.

Flash Gordon

Thanks for the detailed response. So far I’m really happy with my Canon equipment.