Would you buy a gray market camera?

Thinking about buying a gray market 1DX. Saved almost a $1,000, but I want some opinions and thoughts please.

I recently bought a gray market 6d from an eBay seller. With a 24-105L it was hundreds less than us market units. The price was great, the camera arrived and works fine, and while it didn't come with a warranty I saw no indication it wasn't brand new. It was even set to English out of the box - not sure what the intended market was. It also comes up as a valid serial for CPS.

I don't think it's anything to be afraid of as long as you're willing to take a tiny bit of risk on it.

For an item of that price level, I would be worried about not having a warranty. I think I would spend a little more and buy a factory refurb or buy through CanonPriceWatch street price program, or see what one could buy it for on Greentoe. JMHO.

It's all about the savings being big enough to justify the risk. Also consider the seller's rep and willingness to accept returns on DOA or malfunctioning item.

In general I'd rather buy used. Figure the savings will be greater and the camera has been tested through use. If the seller is reputable I don't worry too much.

I haven't yet bought a gray market camera nor lens.

However, I've been contemplating getting a 1Dx gray market as well just because of the price difference.

The risk is that if you get a "faulty" body, Canon might not provide you with warranty. However, after a year, it really wouldn't matter too much.

If the gray market price drops a couple hundred dollars more from a reputable gray market seller, I'd consider it.

It is fairly substantial risk when it comes to a D1X....even a 5d MkIII. I agree, I'd rather buy a used one with low shutter count, and good condition. As for Canon refurb....I've had bad experiences with their repair department, so I don't have confidence in their refurbs.

For the price difference, can you pay to have it fixed if there is something wrong? If so, then yea.

For the right price, I don't see an issue. How is it different than buying used? No warranty either way.

GeoKras1989 wrote in post #17598903
For the right price, I don't see an issue. How is it different than buying used? No warranty either way.

well, that's not quite the right comparison. Some gray market dealers offer their own in-house or "other" warranty service which may or may not be on par with what you could get from Canon. If there's nothing wrong with the camera within what would be the standard warranty period then you've realized a purchase savings.

sapearl wrote in post #17598912
well, that's not quite the right comparison. Some gray market dealers offer their own in-house or "other" warranty service which may or may not be on par with what you could get from Canon. If there's nothing wrong with the camera within what would be the standard warranty period then you've realized a purchase savings.

That seems to make grey-market better than buying used, doesn't it. If I can get something refurbished (by Canon), for the same price as used, I'll go refurb. If used is cheaper, I go that way. I've never been exposed to grey-market.

GeoKras1989 wrote in post #17598924
That seems to make grey-market better than buying used, doesn't it. If I can get something refurbished (by Canon), for the same price as used, I'll go refurb. If used is cheaper, I go that way. I've never been exposed to grey-market.

It depends. If something goes wrong with your grey market camera under warranty and your seller has efficient and competent repair facilities then it's a good deal. But if his repair warranty is weak or non-existent then you can really be screwed if the camera is defective.

Sure, I may pay a little more by purchasing from a place like B&H, etc. but I keep my cameras for a number of years. I just prorate out the added cost over that period of time and view it as a sort of insurance policy, or peace of mind. That's how I tend to feel about big ticket items. That being said I may consider buying a far less expensive piece of gear on the grey market. You throw the dice.

yes no problem.

nope. I mostly say that because I like to buy from trustworthy sellers and the trustworthy sellers who offer "imported" cameras generally don't offer huge price breaks. Buying from some schmuck on ebay is not for me.

but i have had the luxury of waiting until rebates are awesome before buying. Speaking of which, it was around July two years ago that I picked up my 6D with a huge rebate.

here's a recent thread with some info https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1411778

it's only a guess, but i would think they are more likely to not supply a rebate than not supply a repair, but both are possibilities.

Just make sure you have CPS. They'll cover it!

I wonder whether you can insure a grey market camera. I wouldn't buy one anyway, especially if the price difference versus the 'white' market one were considerable. When something looks too good to be true it usually is.