How has your luck been with grey market cameras?

[Pumpkinguy]

Ebay has a lot of USA sellers, selling what I call grey market cameras. Then bring in from Japan brand new bypassing the local distribution network and sell at a discounted price. These are all brand new cameras in retail packaging. I guess the only problem is the lack of warranty.

How has your luck been?

 

[JoeBob]

Try KEH.com for used cameras. I've used them for 35 years for hundreds of items and never a complaint.

Sony NEX 7 Body - $449 https://www.keh.com/354426/sony-nex-7-black-digital-camera-body-24-3-m-p
Sony NEX 5 Body - $150 https://www.keh.com/355625/sony-nex-5-silver-digital-camera-body-14-2-m-p
Sony AS6000 Body - $487 https://www.keh.com/363880/sony-a6000-black-digital-camera-body-24-3-m-p

If you're going to fly it, who cares if the paint is pre-scratched?

I just happened to be searching NEX cameras today because I found a REMOTE ZOOM lens that works off the TX:
http://www.shop.flyamericafpv.com/SONY-REMOTE-ZOOM-LENS-for-NEX-5-7-SALE-PRICE-ZoomLens.htm

 

[Pumpkinguy]

Thank for the great tip Joe. It will come in handy. No deals on gh4's though.
View attachment 24138 View attachment 24139

 

[SamaraMedia]

I would stay away from Grey market cameras, good price to purchase but if you have any cause for repair many of the major manufactures will not back them up under warranty. At least that has been my experience talking with those who saved a few hundred bucks for Grey market. Used gear from reputable dealers, KEH is good, Lens and Repo, B&H and Adorama in the USA.

 

[Pumpkinguy]

I'm one of these guys that is a huge consumer of home electronics and never falls for the "extended warrenty" scam. I say scam because if all the stuff I've purchased over the years I've only had 1 failure. Most go in the trash because they are obsolete. Or I try to give away.
So not getting a warrenty is not a huge deterrent for me.
Getting a factory second, a demo or a knockoff.....that worries me. Lol

 

[SamaraMedia]

That said, I've bought a couple GoPro's from Best Buy and returned them after a little "mishap" and with the extended warranty paid about $50 instead of full retail for a
new replacement...

 

[Pumpkinguy]

If I could find a place that offered "drop" warranties on cameras I'd buy it but I don't think they mean "drop from the sky". Lol