Sense Whether a Nikon Camera Is Grey Marketplace
The United States-based arm of Nikon, Nikon United States, handles all home distribution of Nikon cameras in the U.S. Non-native Nikon arms, such as Nikon Japan, and arm international importation of Nikon cameras in the USA. A gray-market camera is any camera that is purchased away of these accustomed distribution channels. Gray-market cameras are not lawless to sell, pay for or grab, and are typically cheaper that those sold concluded habitual channels. Nevertheless, Nikon United States does not bring any warranty ease for gray-market cameras, so consumers should be wary of production such a invest in.
Instructions
1. Inspect the imitation amount of the camera. Everyone distribution channel uses a particular product numbering system, even if it is the same camera. For example, the Nikon N65 is the official product name of a Nikon camera in the USA, but that same camera is called the F65 overseas. Any purchase of an F65 in the U.S. would be a gray-market camera.
2. Stare at the camera's serial number. If the camera you are purchasing is significantly (more than $100) cheaper than the same model from other retailers, it is possible that the camera is gray market. Because unauthorized imports are less expensive than domestic and authorized import cameras, gray-market cameras tend to be less expensive.5. Note the accessories and manuals included with the camera.
Open the camera's battery compartment and look for any defining mark, such as a sticker that says "USA," inside.
4. Consider the price. Cameras, even used ones, tend not to differ in price from retailer to retailer. Nikon USA cameras will typically feature the letters "US" in the serial number. However, the absence of these letters does not necessarily mean the camera is gray market. Contact Nikon USA to look up the serial number to see if the camera is authorized for sale in the USA.3.
Nikon USA cameras will always include original English versions of the owners manual and warranty card, and power cables that fit U.S. plugs (two equally-sized parallel prongs). If the power cables do not fit traditional U.S. outlets, or if the manuals are photocopied or in a language other than English, the camera is likely gray market.
