Grey market clarification, please?

[Freida]

Hello guys,

once in a while I see post on Nikon Rumors about a camera being available on grey market but for some reason I don't know what that means. Is that a camera made by Nikon or is it a copycat? Is it official or is it stolen device?

What does grey market really mean when it comes to these cameras, please?
Is it safe to purchase and what are the limitations?

Any personal experience?

 

[MCH-1138]

Gray market cameras are imported and sold outside of the manufacture's normal distribution channels. In the US, for example, it would include a Nikon camera that was imported by someone other than Nikon USA.

My understanding is that Nikon generally will not service products outside of their official region. So if I purchase a gray market D750, Nikon USA generally won't service it. There are exceptions -- under the recent service advisories for the D750, for example, Nikon USA will fix all recall issues, regardless of whether you have a US or gray market body.

Here is Nikon USA's take: https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/331/~/what-is-gray-market?

 

[Freida]

Gray market cameras are imported and sold outside of the manufacture's normal distribution channels. In the US, for example, it would include a Nikon camera that was imported by someone other than Nikon USA.

My understanding is that Nikon generally will not service products outside of their official region. So if I purchase a gray market D750, Nikon USA generally won't service it. There are exceptions -- under the recent service advisories for the D750, for example, Nikon USA will fix all recall issues, regardless of whether you have a US or gray market body.

Here is Nikon USA's take: https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/331/~/what-is-gray-market?

Oh I see, thank you.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Oh I see, thank you.

I would look at it like this. Will the money you save by going grey be enough for a repair if you had to get it fixed?
Personally I prefer the piece of mind that comes from knowing its covered if there is an issue.

 

[Freida]

I would look at it like this. Will the money you save by going grey be enough for a repair if you had to get it fixed?
Personally I prefer the piece of mind that comes from knowing its covered if there is an issue.

But Nikon did state that it has warranty. The only issue is that the warranty might be in another state.
So little trip to thailand or something won't hurt - there goes your holiday planning

 

[Fishrrman]

MCH-1138 wrote above:
"My understanding is that Nikon generally will not service products outside of their official region. So if I purchase a gray market D750, Nikon USA generally won't service it."

When you say they "won't service it", do you mean for warranty repairs, or for ANY repairs at all (i.e., repairs that are "paid for" by the customer)?

It's understandable why a manufacturer would decline warranty service for a grey market import.

But will they refuse ALL repairs, including out-of-warranty repairs that are paid for?

 

[MCH-1138]

When you say they "won't service it", do you mean for warranty repairs, or for ANY repairs at all (i.e., repairs that are "paid for" by the customer)?

It's understandable why a manufacturer would decline warranty service for a grey market import.

But will they refuse ALL repairs, including out-of-warranty repairs that are paid for?

I can't speak from direct experience, but my understanding is that Nikon (USA at least) generally will not do any repair work (warranty or paid services) on gray market gear.

From the link I provided:

Nikon Inc. USA cannot provide any technical support or warranty service on Gray Market items. Additionally Nikon Inc. USA cannot perform any fee-based repair work on Gray Market items. Please do not contact Nikon Inc. USA for help with any Gray Market products. Please contact the reseller or importer of your Gray Market items for warranty and service information as well as software updates and downloads.​