Gray market D30 (used and faulty)?

[lars158]

Hi forum,

I just bought a supposedly new D30, a so called "gray market" camera. I was a little bit worried when I saw the box I received was not sealed, and that there were a few scratches on the camera. Moreover, the 1 GIG microdrive gives me an Error code 22. The flash card works however, so I suspect the microdrive is faulty (and also not new). The camera indicates that the microdrive is 85% full, but it can not read it not format it...

When I check the sequence number on the file numbering set on "continuous" I get the next shot to be 898-8900. Can I get any information whether this camera has been used before by looking at this information? The clock was also set to the correct time, which I thought was strange, unless someone before me actually used the camera.

Can anyone at this forum confirm that the continuous sequence numbering actually should starts at 100-0000 when the camera is new and that the clock is not set at the factory ??

Given that I have these indications that the camera is in fact not a new camera and that the microdrive is faulty, I am considering returning the whole package and ask for a refound rather than an exchange. I will probably wait for the D60 and this time go fo a new "non-gray" market version...

What do you think ??

[Cal Maier]

I work in sales at a Pro Camera Shop, and I have yet to see the date and time set on any new camera. I have not had any dealings with so called Gray market merchandise, but I can't imagine that it would differ from authorized Canon or Nikon gear.

Also, you should not find anything that resembles scratches, fingerprints, etc. on any part of a new camera, and all manuals and software should be in shrinkwrap or sealed plastic bags.

My guess is that you've got a used or heavily demo'd camera, return it while you have the option and wait for the D60 (it looks to be a better unit all the way round.

Cal

[TBoyd]

You didn't get a "gray market" D30 - but from the info you gave it is definitely a used camera. Return it & demand that they send you one in a factory sealed box.

I purchased a gray market D30 in St. Maarten last year. I got a great deal on it. It was manufactured in Asia & had no USA warranty card, but it was factory sealed. All I had to do was change the plug on the battery charger, as it had a European plug. I have had no problem with my D30 at all.

TBoyd

[lars158]

Thanks for your tips... I send back the camera and asked for the money back. I do not trust the dealer at this time, so an exchange was not an option. I have placed a preorder on the D60 instead with a different dealer - this time I will go for a new US version with warranty, just in case and peace of mind...

[UK_Terry]

Yes i agree i think you were sold a used/demo model.
as for grey market......we here in the UK are often warned NOT to buy from grey market or in the US
No warrenty manuals not in english etc etc.

Remember Canon Nikon etc are all world players the equipment is manufactured to the highest standard - grey market,,bought abroad while on holiday just try and get the best deal you can, a Brand New Factory sealed D30 bought in UK - US or Outer Mongolia coud probably be manufactured in the same factory and shipped to different countries.
Do Not believe all the Hype about Grey markets, your market to us is Grey...our market to you is Gray !!!!

[soumya63]

UK_Terry wrote:
Do Not believe all the Hype about Grey markets, your market to us is Grey...our market to you is Gray !!!!

I can not agree more :D

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