Re: The gray market - pros and cons & differences? [v04.n216/19]

[Henry Posner/B&H Photo-Video]

<1)  Often, the N70 is listed at a price of around $340-$350 
(non-dateback), and I'm guessing this is ACTUALLY the F70.  Is it the 
N70 or is it the F70?  Is there any difference?  Is the manual in 
english?>

        While you'd have to ask the specific retailer who advertised that price I
suspect it's a "grey" version. Forewarned -- I have heard anecdotes that
some retailers will say an item is "USA warranted" when it's really "grey"
and say they warrant it and they're in the USA. Specify "Manufacturer's USA
Warranty" to be sure.

<Often, they reference N70 USA in that price range as well.  Again, is this
an N70 or F70?>

        I've never seen a "grey" N70. The "grey" version should be labelled F70.

<2)  At least in the case of the N70, does the date back offer anything 
other than an orange (?) imprinted date?  We've had dateback on various 
P&S cameras and on my first SLR over the years, but have probably used 
it all of a dozen times if even that, so I'm considering foregoing it.>

        The date version offers date stamping on the image and a panorama switch.

<3)  Is there any disadvantage in buying the Nikon D lenses via gray 
market?  I'm really not concerned about the warranty, but do want it to 
be the same in terms of every other aspect.  Again, the price 
differences have been nothing short of very significant.>

        You SHOULD be concerned about the warranty for two reasons. One is that
Nikon USA AF glass is now covered by them for five (5) years. "Grey" stuff
is warranted (if at all) for one (1) year. Extended warranty coverage is
available (often from Mack -- see http://www.mackcam.com/ ) but the price
of the "grey" lens plus the extra coverage might (depending on which lens)
approach the "USA" price.
        The second reason is that a "Nikon USA" warranty is reciprocally valid at
authorized Nikon facilities worldwide, while the "grey" version is
warranted by the retailer and would have to be returned there. If you live
in Ohio, shipping to New York isn't too bad, but if you live overseas, it
may add up.

<4)  For buying Nikon equipment, what are people's opinions of the 
various mail order places?  I know B&H is unanimously ranked the 
highest, but are also the most pricey.  Has anyone had experiences, good 
or bad, with others such as Discovery, Samy's, CCI Camera City, Beach, 
21st Century, Coast to Coast, Worldwide, PhotoGraphic, Family Photo & 
Video, and Abe's of Maine?>

        It's not my place to say, but let me leave you with two links and a
thought or two.
See http://www.cmpsolv.com/los/pmos.shtml and http://db.photo.net/neighbor/
for what customers think about various shopping experiences.
You can shop price or you can shop value. I'm not saying you should pay the
highest price, but a reasonable legit price, might prove more
cost-effective in the long run than cutting every nickle and losing service
during or after the sale. When you DO compare, compare apples to apples and
learn your total out-the-door cost including shipping charges, restock
fees, credit card surcharges and the like.
        Enjoy your new toys.

regards,
Henry Posner/B&H Photo-Video
http://www.bhphotovideo.com