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Posted by Doug Clifford on July 26, 2001 at 18:31:17:
In Reply to: Nikon FM-2n US version or import posted by JohnShaeffer on July 24, 2001 at 06:38:23:
: If I were to purchase this camera what is the difference between buying the import version and the US version, besides price? Warranty? Any difference in build? I was considering buying from B&H--anyplace better? I want to get a new one--one of the few fully manual SLRs still made.
Obviously you've heard the lies about plastic lenses and poor build quality on grey market / gray market cameras. Some New York camera stores are pathological liars when it comes to making a sale. For anyone who wants an education in who not to buy from, spend an hour or so reading the consumer reports on Philip Greenspun's photo.net (the link is http://www.photo.net/neighbor/opc?category_id=0 ) select "Camera Shops" and start reading. While there's no camera store which is 100% perfect (the same is true for consumers) it will become clear to you which camera stores screw a high percentage of their customers. None are listed in our mail order index (link below.)
Generally the differences between US warranty cameras and gray
market cameras are:
1. The warranty. Nikon, I'm told, has a longstanding policy of
refusing to provide any repair service (in or out-of-warranty) on
grey market cameras purchased from within the United States by
someone living in the United States. Canon has a similar policy.
Why? Because the higher US price includes the cost of warranty
repair, and US buyers who circumvent the higher price can't
expect Nikon USA to bail them out.
2. The model name. Camera manufacturers assign different model
names to the same camera, depending on which continent the camera
is intended for sale. This helps them identify what is grey
market merchandise and what is not.
3. Who you buy it from. Probably the most important
consideration. A grey market camera bought from B&H and some
other dealers comes with the store's own one year warranty. The
reputation of the seller is absolutely the most important factor.
The cheapest camera dealer is rarely the best choice.
end of archived message
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