"grey import" Nikon - why not?
Discussion
I heard some rumours about quality control standards/testing being different (i.e. higher in the EU), but not sure how much of that is non-sense.
Apart from that, not a lot really. Sometimes you need to be aware of cables etc (having the right cables for your use - like power cables).
If the saving is substantial, why not - you can spend what you save on a repair if it is needed in the future.
EDIT : Missed the question here, sorry. The correct answer is that you should buy a Canon...
Apart from that, not a lot really. Sometimes you need to be aware of cables etc (having the right cables for your use - like power cables).
If the saving is substantial, why not - you can spend what you save on a repair if it is needed in the future.
EDIT : Missed the question here, sorry. The correct answer is that you should buy a Canon...
Edited by 007singh on Thursday 31st March 15:53
Where are you buying from? There's a fair chance that if you're importing from abroad that you'll get stung with duties as the camera comes through customs.
I seem to recall not all that long ago that the price difference was too close to bother risking getting stung for the duty, although this may have changed.
I seem to recall not all that long ago that the price difference was too close to bother risking getting stung for the duty, although this may have changed.
itsnotarace said:
Import what
Grey import bodies they won't touch for warranty, you would have to send back to the retailer.
Ahh okay, it's a body I was looking at. Stupid question, but does that mean that my friend, who bought a body in Australia, because he lives there... when he moves to the UK in a couple of months time, will no longer be able to get warranty work done on it?!!Grey import bodies they won't touch for warranty, you would have to send back to the retailer.
Looks like its a moot point for me now, was made redundant half hour after posting the question LOL
Davi said:
Ahh okay, it's a body I was looking at. Stupid question, but does that mean that my friend, who bought a body in Australia, because he lives there... when he moves to the UK in a couple of months time, will no longer be able to get warranty work done on it?!!
Looks like its a moot point for me now, was made redundant half hour after posting the question LOL
You can get warranty work done. In the country of purchase.Looks like its a moot point for me now, was made redundant half hour after posting the question LOL
i.e. you buy camera from Massive Wang's Camera Shop in Hong Kong and fly to UK with it in your luggage. If it then goes wrong Nikon would make you post it back to Massive Wang for any warranty work to be carried out and then posted back to you.
Generally speaking, buy lenses on grey import but not bodies. Unless you can live without it during any warranty work.
ETA Sorry about your redundancy
okay, thanks for that.
The issue was actually slightly more confused than that in as much as one place I was looking at purchasing it from are in the UK, but when asked they said they were not Nikon UK supplied - I guess I'd have to send it back to them, then they would send it on... etc etc... which definitely isn't worth the hassle.
The issue was actually slightly more confused than that in as much as one place I was looking at purchasing it from are in the UK, but when asked they said they were not Nikon UK supplied - I guess I'd have to send it back to them, then they would send it on... etc etc... which definitely isn't worth the hassle.
Davi said:
Ahh okay, it's a body I was looking at. Stupid question, but does that mean that my friend, who bought a body in Australia, because he lives there... when he moves to the UK in a couple of months time, will no longer be able to get warranty work done on it?!!
Looks like its a moot point for me now, was made redundant half hour after posting the question LOL
sorry mate!Looks like its a moot point for me now, was made redundant half hour after posting the question LOL
Cheers Andy, Splat.
LOL post count isbeetle rive of why I've been made redundant but not a reason for it. Market has been dead for 2 years now so all credit to them for keeping me on that long despite knowing there was simply nothing constructive for me to do. Still leaves a rather big question mark over the future though!
LOL post count isbeetle rive of why I've been made redundant but not a reason for it. Market has been dead for 2 years now so all credit to them for keeping me on that long despite knowing there was simply nothing constructive for me to do. Still leaves a rather big question mark over the future though!
As has been said Nikon bodies come with a country specific warranty so if you buy an import from HK or the US you DO NOT have a manufacturers warranty. People like Digital Rev give you a warranty instead and guarantee you will not pay duty over and above their price when they send it by courier.
Lenses all come with an Intl Warranty and as long as you can provide a receipt from an established retailer in your name you have a manufacturer's warranty regardless of where it was bought. If you buy on eBay from someone that has bought some kit abroad whilst on holiday and is now flogging it you are NOT covered.
I looked into this quite closely as I bought a 70-200 VRII from a company that sells grey imports...I even spoke to a couple of the Nikon approved repair shops to make sure. You basically need a receipt in your name from a recognised camera retailer (does NOT need to be a Nikon dealer) to be covered.
You see a lot of kit in classifieds which is advertised as still having 6 months warranty left etc.....that's b
ks. The warranty is not transferable.
Lenses all come with an Intl Warranty and as long as you can provide a receipt from an established retailer in your name you have a manufacturer's warranty regardless of where it was bought. If you buy on eBay from someone that has bought some kit abroad whilst on holiday and is now flogging it you are NOT covered.
I looked into this quite closely as I bought a 70-200 VRII from a company that sells grey imports...I even spoke to a couple of the Nikon approved repair shops to make sure. You basically need a receipt in your name from a recognised camera retailer (does NOT need to be a Nikon dealer) to be covered.
You see a lot of kit in classifieds which is advertised as still having 6 months warranty left etc.....that's b
ks. The warranty is not transferable.Davi said:
well, would appear my redundancy may have been a bit of a kick in the balls, but the D700 that is forming part of my redundancy package... I can't exactly say I'm not chuffed with 
Sod grey imports I'm off to pick up my shiny new one at 4!
just handed my notice in! we are unemployed bum buddies! Sod grey imports I'm off to pick up my shiny new one at 4!
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