USA or Gray Market?

[EricKlees]

I think I've read most of this thread and always appreciate hearing diverse views. My question is, is there a camera service center who does Nikon repairs as an option to their service? I understand it wouldn't be free but do they exist? (The actual product should be the same initial build whether it's USA or Gray)
Thanks,
Vinny

No, Nikon pulled all there Nikon authorized repair center suspension from all camera repair shops, at least in the USA about 2-3 years ago. They pulled at Nikon calibration equipment and do not sell any of them parts for repair. So in case that a shop will repair Nikon, they are using parts they've had since before this change, or maybe buying used cameras for parts.

The only place to get Nikon repair service is Nikon USA in Melville NY or in LA

 

[bleirer]

Hey Nikon! Increase your market share and make people love your products more! Repair them, no matter where purchased or what country they were originally meant to be in . Support and stand behind your brand and photographers will be loyal instead of skeptical of the brand and afraid to invest in it.

I believe that is how Canon does it. But they have some caveats also when it comes to altered serial numbers.

https://www.usa.canon.com/support/gray-market#hazards

 

[Annette]

I think I've read most of this thread and always appreciate hearing diverse views. My question is, is there a camera service center who does Nikon repairs as an option to their service? I understand it wouldn't be free but do they exist? (The actual product should be the same initial build whether it's USA or Gray)
Thanks,
Vinny

https://www.nikoncamerarepair.com/ I used these guys when the helicoid was broken on my Nikon Afs 70-200mm G version and Nikon no longer supported repairs or parts for this lens. Evidently they purchased parts stock when Nikon let go of the independent repair relationship and now only service their own in LA and/ or NY. I was lucky that they (independent shop) had the part for the lens, which was preferable to having it as a paper weight. I’m also lucky that I’m only an hour from the LA Nikon repair center…nothing but a wonderful experience from them. AND no they won’t repair grey market Nikon goods…as they say “from the horses mouth“. Hope that‘s helpfu!

 

[wotan1]

Having reviewed everything here I will summarize my conclusions.

Buying a gray market camera or lens is not without risk. basically the risk is that you will either have to find a non Nikon repair shop or ship it overseas for repair.

It Is relatively easy to identify gray market buying new. But it is much harder buying used. About the only way for sure is to buy private and get proof of us origin.

In buying used it is important to work with a reputable dealer. They should be able to tell you where you can go to get repair and maintenance if you need it. Do your homework before buying. Dealers of used equipment should be able to give answers to these questions.

For me I will not buy gray market new. I will also prefer to buy used equipment privately and verify origin.

 

[Jack McEwan]

I don’t think that information is available. From what I have seen you need proof such as an original sales receipt or the us warranty card. Even b h photo says they can’t verify origin on their used equipment.

I don’t know this for a fact but I suspect Amazon sells refurbished lenses that are actually gray market. They currently have 400mm tc vr lenses for about $2500 below new price. I have thought about getting one but is it a safe choice?

I was confronted with the same problem several years ago. I obtained the lens S/N and called Nikon USA. They were able to confirm that the lens was not gray market.

 

[Doug]

Interesting, I checked Amazon they also sell renewed /refurbish. Nikon lens, (Z & other mounts) See the attached landing page. This has an option at the bottom to save decent coin and says it has a warranty. Going to that page renewed page, the warranty if from Amazon and is “Eligible for Return, Refund, or Replacement within 90 days of receipt.”

This is the Amazon warranty. “This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 90 days of receipt.” Also on this page is a note that telling a buyer that import duty into Canada is extra.

This is still a 25% discount off the new price $1,099.00cnd before taxes, which is applicable to either new or used. The idea mentioned above regarding camera insurance doesn't sound like bad advice.

Item: $732.56
Import Fees Deposit*: $87.91
Shipping charges: FREE

---

Total: $820.47**

* We will collect the Import Fees Deposit at the time of your purchase and manage the customs process from there. Learn more.

** The total may change depending on the chosen shipping option and items in cart during checkout.

 

[Woody Meristem]

If Nikon won't repair a gray market item and won't provide parts to independent shops, it makes me wonder how much some resellers' warranties are worth. From that it can be inferred that the reseller would either have to replace the gear or send it overseas for repair. An argument could be made that any gear of undetermined origin is only worth purchasing if its price is less than the cost to repair.

 

[MikeInMI]

I have also read many accounts over the years of people who had a gray market Nikon and couldn't get it repaired in the US regardless of whether or not they were willing to pay for it. I used to shoot Nikon, and it is the primary reason I didn't buy my gear gray market.

 

[Len Shepherd]

If Nikon won't repair a gray market item and won't provide parts to independent shops, it makes me wonder how much some resellers' warranties are worth.

On the first part things are not too bad in the UK with at least 3 Nikon authorised repairers able to get parts, do repairs, and at least one (Fixation) able to do warranty work on Nikon Pro gear.
To get Nikon to pay the cost of warranty work there has to be a Nikon Europe Warranty document supplied with the item (the Europe warranty includes UK) and a valid purchase receipt.

On your second point of resellers (grey importers) warranties I understand this might be done by Nikon repairers Jonsons in Glasgow. Whether they have the equipment to carry out a complex repair on perhaps a Z8 or a Zf is something I do not know.

 

[O]

Fortunately here in OZ we have a couple of long standing Grey Market dealers, delivery and service repairs are fast and first class.

I mean if your on a small island and caught flirting with the chiefs daughter, you better know how to swim as the whole island will know about it very quickly form the drum beat.

Good grey market operators often have a local stock dispatch room and have twice weekly air shuttles to Asia.

They sell any brand cameras hair dryers phones or what ever is popular and can get anything at any price.

I have had 4 or 5 pro grade bodies and lenses that are Grey, even a couple used i bought locally, Nikon has always attended to their service no question a good move from Nikon.

Does this apply to other countries or locations i don't know, that said i have only in the last few years bought local as there is 2 years warranty and prices are on par.

With Mirror less the level of issues to date seem to be greater than DSLRS were,

and incredibly expensive for any major issues out of warranty such as mother board issues, unlike DSLRS.

Identifying used if its grey is simply a question or proof of purchase.

Choosing the right long standing Grey dealer is paramount, the newbies with no local foot print or history are a little riskier.

Only an opinion

 

[Roy]

Does anyone know how to tell whether or not a Nikon camera is a USA model or gray market based on the serial number. Is there a website that shows the serial number range for various Nikon USA models.
Thanks Al

Try http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html ...

 

[O]

Try http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html ...

excellent thank you

 

[wotan1]

Interesting, I checked Amazon they also sell renewed /refurbish. Nikon lens, (Z & other mounts) See the attached landing page. This has an option at the bottom to save decent coin and says it has a warranty. Going to that page renewed page, the warranty if from Amazon and is “Eligible for Return, Refund, or Replacement within 90 days of receipt.”

This is the Amazon warranty. “This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 90 days of receipt.” Also on this page is a note that telling a buyer that import duty into Canada is extra.

This is still a 25% discount off the new price $1,099.00cnd before taxes, which is applicable to either new or used. The idea mentioned above regarding camera insurance doesn't sound like bad advice.

Item: $732.56
Import Fees Deposit*: $87.91
Shipping charges: FREE

---

Total: $820.47**

* We will collect the Import Fees Deposit at the time of your purchase and manage the customs process from there. Learn more.

** The total may change depending on the chosen shipping option and items in cart during checkout.

Amazon offers a reconditioned super prime z 400mm f2.8 for about $2500 less than the standard price for a US model, There is one review that states the lens is gray market and “Nikon says it will not service my lens if it ever needs it” . Don’t know if they were actually told that or they are extrapolating from what they have read.

Some used photo dealers add an extended warranty on their stuff but Amazon makes no such offer for this lens.

I was getting interested but not any more. If I am going to pay that much on a lens I am going to want to know I can get it serviced.

 

[fotabug]

Seems to me that we got a clear message from Nikon on their website. It states that Nikon will not do 'warranty' work on a grey market lens. But notice that it doesn't say they won't do 'work' on such a lens. I take it for what it says. Saves one from paying attention to a lot of needless chatter than is only one's opinion.

 

[EricKlees]

Seems to me that we got a clear message from Nikon on their website. It states that Nikon will not do 'warranty' work on a grey market lens. But notice that it doesn't say they won't do 'work' on such a lens. I take it for what it says. Saves one from paying attention to a lot of needless chatter than is only one's opinion.

It does, you didn't dig deep enough on the site. It's in the FAQ section about Grey Market items

 

[wotan1]

I have no axe to grind here, my only interest is in making sure I don't get cheated by buying an expensive piece of equipment and not being able to get it repaired.

I am not involved in any way shape or form in the photo equipment industry except as a customer who occasionally suffers from GAS.

I have read through everything in here because I want to make sure I am not cheated.

I have seen proof that Nikon USA has refused to perform service on a piece of equipment identified as "gray market". I see an instance where that happened as recently as last year.

In return I have seen suggestions that the policy has since changed and now Nikon USA only refuses to perform warranty service. The suggestion is based on a recent notice.

At the same time someone looked deeper and found a more detailed statement in the FAQ section that states they will not repair gray market items even for a fee.

Bottom line, for me I am NOT reassured it is safe to buy a gray market item.

I was specifically thinking I might want to buy a reconditioned 400mm f2.8 tc vr s from Amazon for a savings of over $2500 on the new price. I posed a question to Amazon asking if this was a gray market item. They did not answer my question. Shortly after a review was posted indicating the lenses sold by Amazon were in fact gray market and there might be an issue getting service if something went wrong.

I want someone to prove to me it is safe to buy a reconditioned super prime lens from Amazon. I have not seen that proof.

I don't think it is safe to make this purchase. If I pay over ten grand for a lens I want to make sure I can get it repaired if something goes wrong.

 

[Whiskeyman]

One issue I have with Nikon over the refusal to repair "Gray Market" products is international mobility of the users of their equipment. I personally know someone who worked in Japan for over ten years, and had quite an extensive amount of gear he purchased while there. Now that he's moved back to the US, where does he get any needed repair work done?

 

[EricKlees]

I have said many many many times. You need to understand the meaning and definition of GREY MARKET/IMPORTED/INTERNATIONAL gear. You can still have a Japan intended item repaired at Nikon USA.

I will try to be as clear as I can as it seems some are still misunderstanding the distinction.

Grey Market Nikon gear, lenses and bodies are items made by Nikon for sale in a country other then the USA. It can be for Japan and sold in the UK, that is Grey Market but we're talking about Nikon USA. I do not know how strict Nikon UK or other locations will or will not be in offering to repair Grey Market items. For ONLY Nikon can import and sell the item to retailers in the USA.

So, let's say Nikon makes an item for the Japan market. A USA retailer imports it into the USA and sells it with a USA invoice/receipt. This receipt does not match the items Japanese origin. Nikon USA will not honor the warranty nor will they repair it for any cost. BUT if you were traveling to Japan and bought a Lens or body meant for Japan and from a Japanese retailer so you can present Nikon USA with a Japanese item with a legit receipt from a Japanese retailer. That is not a Grey Market item, but a legitimately purchased item, Nikon USA would repair it or honor any remaining warranty. The same as if someone traveled to or moved to the USA from Japan, they could get it repaired here in the USA with a legit Japanese receipt.

So you have to understand what makes an item truly Grey Market. Once you do you will understand Nikons position. That is Only they can sell to US retailers for resale.

 

[EricKlees]

One issue I have with Nikon over the refusal to repair "Gray Market" products is international mobility of the users of their equipment. I personally know someone who worked in Japan for over ten years, and had quite an extensive amount of gear he purchased while there. Now that he's moved back to the US, where does he get any needed repair work done?

He would have no issue with that as he should have legitimate local retail receipts that he bought the Japanese origin items from a Japanese retailer. Read my explanation above

 

[Charles Loy]

Simple is to buy directly from Nikon USA. I liked the PayBoo from B-H, pay in full and no sales tax. Nikon did the same for me the last two lenses I bought, pay full on order and no sales tax. And they know when/where I bought it for warranty concern.

 

[Whiskeyman]

He would have no issue with that as he should have legitimate local retail receipts that he bought the Japanese origin items from a Japanese retailer. Read my explanation above

I read your explination above, thank you.

But what happens if one doesn't have all of their receipts? I'm quite sure that not everyone is as vigilant in keeping their camera and lens receipts as some seem to be. That may be where it pays to have registered ownership of the item with Nikon. However, is registration accomplished per region, such as Nikon USA or Nikon Australia, or is it held at the mother ship? And would that suffice to get Nikon USA to service/repair the gear?

 

[EricKlees]

I read your explination above, thank you.

But what happens if one doesn't have all of their receipts? I'm quite sure that not everyone is as vigilant in keeping their camera and lens receipts as some seem to be. That may be where it pays to have registered ownership of the item with Nikon. However, is registration accomplished per region, such as Nikon USA or Nikon Australia, or is it held at the mother ship? And would that suffice to get Nikon USA to service/repair the gear?

If it's a lens or body meant for another country, without a receipt matching the country of origin of the item, Nikon will assume it's get market and won't touch it they will just return it to you

 

[Whiskeyman]

If it's a lens or body meant for another country, without a receipt matching the country of origin of the item, Nikon will assume it's get market and won't touch it they will just return it to you

Do you have a source, or frsthand experience, for this? Or is it an interpretation of what is posted upon their website?

 

[EricKlees]

Do you have a source, or frsthand experience, for this? Or is it an interpretation of what is posted upon their website?

I know this as a fact. I have a Japanese friend that goes back to Japan often. He buys his gear there and brings it back to the US. He's never had issues with having warranty or repair work done as long as he supplies the receipt/invoice from the items country of origin. Nikon USA explained this to him years ago before he bought his first piece of gear in Japan.

 

[bleirer]

One issue I have with Nikon over the refusal to repair "Gray Market" products is international mobility of the users of their equipment. I personally know someone who worked in Japan for over ten years, and had quite an extensive amount of gear he purchased while there. Now that he's moved back to the US, where does he get any needed repair work done?

That would not be gray market, since the original purchase was legit for the country it was purchased in.