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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Is this D800 safe to buy?
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03/04/2014 11:22:02 AM · #1
A Nikon D800 is offered for sale on another site I frequent for a very good price. He has owned it for only a "few" months. He is selling it because he has just purchased a refurbished D3x. The D800 has less than 3000 shutter count, was used for family and travel photos, still has original packaging, is an American model, comes with battery grip, extra batteries for grip, 4 16 GB class 10 SanDisk SD cards all for $2125 agreed on price. He is sending me photos tonight including photo of box with UPC code REMOVED, because (he states) "the barcode label has been removed. I sent it to epson as part of a rebate for an R2880 printer. Both printer and d800 were purchased on 12/31 from B+H Photo. I can provide you with a copy of the invoice from B+H."

My biggest concern is the missing UPC label. Without it I cannot be sure it is an American model. According to Ken Rockwell "Gray-market cameras (in the USA) have no warranty, will get no firmware upgrades, and will not be serviced by Nikon"

Does this sound like a safe deal? How would you recommend proceeding. And please don't say "with caution," lol.
03/04/2014 11:30:46 AM · #2
It will state right on B&H's invoice if it's a USA or Imported model.
03/04/2014 11:36:49 AM · #3
I would proceed cautiously... used cameras on the internet can be a risk. It may have been wet, or dropped, etc. Also... in my opinion (as an owner of a D800), I am not sure I would trade it for a refurbished D3X, which begs the question why does he want to sell it.
(just my opinion)
03/04/2014 11:40:58 AM · #4
I may be wrong, the missing barcode does not set off any flags for me, as indeed, proof of purchase in the form of submitting the barcode is a common practice. I mean, what if it was a hand-me-down camera? Or a gift from a friend? The POP is not always available. You do need the serial number for the camera. You might be able to find out from the SN whether it's an American model.
03/04/2014 01:57:23 PM · #5
The lack of UPC is no problem, as long as it has an American S/N.

I would wonder why he's giving you a better than necessary deal on the D800 and accessories. Is it a site where there's any sort of user feedback? Does he have any?

As the 2nd buyer, you're not covered by the warranty, so you might want to figure that into your purchase decision. If it needs any work, you will likely spend the difference in price from new to get it serviced.
03/04/2014 02:13:51 PM · #6
Originally posted by Ann:

The lack of UPC is no problem, as long as it has an American S/N.

I would wonder why he's giving you a better than necessary deal on the D800 and accessories. Is it a site where there's any sort of user feedback? Does he have any?

As the 2nd buyer, you're not covered by the warranty, so you might want to figure that into your purchase decision. If it needs any work, you will likely spend the difference in price from new to get it serviced.


He does not have user feedback on that site, but he's only been a member for 3 months, and,yes, I'm aware that the warranty will not transfer.

How can I find out if it is an American S/N? Do I need to contact Nikon? or B&H? OK, I guess NikonJeb already answered this: "It will state right on B&H's invoice if it's a USA or Imported model"

Message edited by author 2014-03-04 14:15:49.
03/04/2014 09:54:11 PM · #7
Originally posted by NikonJeb:

It will state right on B&H's invoice if it's a USA or Imported model.


The invoice does not state whether the camera is a USA or imported model, so is there some other way to verify this? I do have the serial number.
03/04/2014 10:18:03 PM · #8
this may help:

//www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/nikon-camera-serial-numbers.html
03/05/2014 05:58:15 AM · #9
Originally posted by NikonJeb:

It will state right on B&H's invoice if it's a USA or Imported model.


Originally posted by cogerox:

The invoice does not state whether the camera is a USA or imported model, so is there some other way to verify this? I do have the serial number.

B&H is very up front about their imported/grey market products.

Read here:B&H Grey Market/Imported Policy

An excerpt:For film cameras, lenses and speedlights, a product with a US-warranty should be reciprocally warranted by the manufacturer's service centers worldwide. B&H Photo-Video does not sell any "grey market" still-digital cameras at this time. They do have two Nikon units listed, and one was out of stock.

B&H warrants their grey market stuff for a year, the only caveat being that if you need warranty service, you must send it to them instead of the manufacturer. You could always contact B&H and find out if their warranty on such an item is transferrable.......if so, then an imported version would actually be to your benefit.

I've bought a few imported lenses from them and in general, B&H is such a fine establishment I would never hesitate to buy anything they offer for sale. They're professionals. They're good at what they do. They have years of experience. They don't need grief by jerking customers around. Your issue is definitely NOT with the B&H involvement with this camera.
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