Grey Market D3X?

[SurfaceIntervalMusings]

I have an opportunity to buy a NIB D3X at a great price, but it's grey market. Anyone here have any high-end grey market bodies, lenses, horror stories.

Before it starts, yes I could get a US version, but I'm che..., I mean frugal, and the normal selling price seems a bit ridiculous for a non-pro. At the GM price I am very tempted so I figured i would get some feedback from some folks who may have experience with GM equipment. Thanks.

[Wes]

First of all, I have never bought Grey Market. However, I might consider it if the deal were good enough. I wouldn't do it to just save a few pennies.

[SurfaceIntervalMusings]

I agree about saving a few pennies, but the thing that has me interested is saving about 300,000 pennies. Now the seller tells me that the cameras he is selling are Malaysian made. Does it matter?

[Wes]

Hmmmm.... I'd probably stay away. "Malaysian made"? Do they use Nikon parts? What's their quality control like? How can you be sure that it's NIB? Too many imponderables. Even if they're willing to save you $3k, you're still out a bunch of money. If you truly have the cash to pay for a legitimate D3X, and if you have a need for that body, just buy it and be done with it. You'll be safe in the knowledge that you have a quality piece of gear backed by one of the best camera companies in the world.

[KenJulio]

Grey market would be items which will not have a US warranty. It's not a refurb, it's not an open box item. For instance, the D3s my father just bought in China when his D700 was stolen from their apt there is considered 'Grey Market' as it will not be covered for warranty work in the US. You'll pay for any issues if sent to Nikon.

With that said, $3000 is a big difference and seems too good to be true in my opinion even for a grey market body.

[SurfaceIntervalMusings]

Originally Posted by Wes

Hmmmm.... I'd probably stay away. "Malaysian made"? Do they use Nikon parts? What's their quality control like? How can you be sure that it's NIB? Too many imponderables. Even if they're willing to save you $3k, you're still out a bunch of money. If you truly have the cash to pay for a legitimate D3X, and if you have a need for that body, just buy it and be done with it. You'll be safe in the knowledge that you have a quality piece of gear backed by one of the best camera companies in the world.

Nikon has a factory in Malaysia. It is rumored that they may be moving the manufacturing of the D700 and a few other bodies to the Malaysian facility, following the tsunami. Not sure if there is a perceived quality difference from Malaysia, or not.

As for the "need" I don't need a D3x, very few people do. I tend to get carried away with my hobbies though, and it's easier for me to justify the purchase if I thinks it's a good deal.

I know that Nikon will not warranty the camera, but I have read that Nikon USA won't work on it all, which is my major concern.

The company offering the camera is local and appears to be legitimate.

Thanks for your opinions.

[billbunton]

Officially, if it is not a USA version, Nikon USA won't touch it for any price. I've heard people say they haven't had any problem getting gray market items serviced. You'll have to decide if it's worth the risk. My D3x spent about a month at Nikon; I would hate to have had to find out if they really would or would not not work on it.

[pbyd]

Originally Posted by billbunton

Officially, if it is not a USA version, Nikon USA won't touch it for any price. I've heard people say they haven't had any problem getting gray market items serviced. You'll have to decide if it's worth the risk. My D3x spent about a month at Nikon; I would hate to have had to find out if they really would or would not not work on it.

Bill has it correct, if not USA it will have to go to an outside repair shop. I know that I have never used Gray Market items because I must know my repairs are as much quality as my equipment.
Wayne
Photography by Design

[Siv]

With items like DSLRs, a grey markey camera will be identical to one bought in the USA. The only difference is the warranty. If Nikon make the D3X in Malaysia, they most likely make all their D3Xs in Malaysia. Malaysia has a reasonable high-tech industry with lots of big players having manufacturing facilities there (e.g. Dell, Intel, Western Digital).

Now having said that, Canon and Nikon make their high end gear in Japan. Canon make practically all their DSLR bodies in Japan. The Nikon D300 is made in Thailand. The D3x photos I have seen show it being made in Japan. If this seller is slightly dubious, I would run away.

[SCone]

Check with Precision Camera, they'll work on just about anything.