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View Full Version : Help! Buying used Canon 10D, Grey Market?

Poon-Time
13th of July 2004 (Tue), 12:49
I am looking into a Canon 10D used. How can I tell if it is a grey market or not? What is the difference? Thanks for any help in advance! Mike
ejwebb
13th of July 2004 (Tue), 12:59
Not sure you care if you are buying it used without factory warranty anyway. I could be wrong but I think the only issue with grey market equipment is that the manufacturer's warranty is not valid in the US.

Grey market should not affect the operation of the camera.

Good luck!
scottbergerphoto
13th of July 2004 (Tue), 15:41
I am looking into a Canon 10D used. How can I tell if it is a grey market or not? What is the difference? Thanks for any help in advance! Mike
Unless you are getting the original bill of sale and the original unfilled out warranty card, it doesn't matter if it's grey or US. You won't have a USA warranty. Canon requires both.
Grey market goods are sold by the manufacturer for distribution outside the USA and then legally or illegally make it back to the USA for resale. They are usually the same product or may have minor fifferences. You may not get a manual or other items usually included in the USA package.They carry no USA Warranty. Some dealers sell a 3rd party warranty with it like MACK. Only buy a Grey Market item from a reputable dealer as that's the only person you can turn to if you have a problem.
Scott
bolling
13th of July 2004 (Tue), 18:07
If the manual comes with it you can tell if the manual is printed in English it is most likely a USA model but if the manual is a photocopy printed in English it is grey market. I bought a grey market flash brand new and it came with a photocopy of the original manual in english.
Belmondo
13th of July 2004 (Tue), 19:12
If the manual comes with it you can tell if the manual is printed in English it is most likely a USA model but if the manual is a photocopy printed in English it is grey market. I bought a grey market flash brand new and it came with a photocopy of the original manual in english.

Caution: You can buy original manuals directly from Canon---I bought one for the 10D and another one for the used 1D I just purchased. If the original owner still has the warranty card, it will tell you if it's from Canon USA or not.