Beach Camera vs Adorama

Gear is gear right?  As long as you buy from retailer in U.S.  the warranty is the same correct?  Some photographer I ran into was trying to tell me that retailers other than B&H and Adorama sell international products, which is why you can sometimes find prices less.  

I thought if they store is in the U.S., you automatically get the U.S. warranty?

Be observant, US sellers also sell gray market gear...Adorama does, B&H does, etc...

Where are you seeing this?  For example with B&H.

I want to see if it's clear.   

No, not all gear purchased from a store in the US comes with a US warranty. Check the listing carefully for the words 'direct import' or 'grey market'. Also check that somewhere in the listing it actually states US Warranty.
Adorama sells direct import lenses, but not cameras, for example:  www.adorama.com/nk6004afvr.html

I wrote info for customers which is now on our website; I hope it's OK to post this here (and I hope it's helpful to you to understand what it means if you buy grey/direct import).What is the Grey Market?"Grey Market," also known as "direct import," are products imported directly into the U.S., and not through the manufacturer's authorized agent/distributor.Are "Grey Market" products legally imported?Yes, it is perfectly legal to directly import these products and sell them in the U.S.What are the advantages of "Grey Market" goods?There is no factory-authorized middleman involved in the import of these products, so the costs are lower. As a result, the customer pays less. In addition, many items that are in short supply or are not imported at all by the manufacturer's authorized distributors, are available in the "Grey Market."Are there any disadvantages of "Grey Market" goods?Because there is no factory-authorized middleman, there is no manufacturer's warranty. However, "Grey Market" products purchased from Adorama are warrantied by Adorama Camera and are returned to Adorama Camera for any warranty repair.Are there product differences in "Grey Market" goods?There is no difference in the actual products. In most cases, they are manufactured in the same place by the same people and with the same materials. Occasionally, manufacturers will give them a different name. For example, the Olympus USA Digital Stylus Cameras are called Olympus MJU Cameras in Europe.What type of warranty does Adorama offer on "Grey Market" goods?On "Grey Market" products purchased from Adorama, we offer the same warranty as the U.S. warrantied products carry, for a period of one year. The only difference is that the product would need to be shipped to Adorama for warranty service.Do I need a warranty certificate for repairs on "Grey Market" goods?No, your Adorama invoice is all you need to get warranty service on "Grey Market" products.What happens after the warranty expires?Just like products with an expired manufacturers' warranty, you can take the product to any convenient repair shop and pay for the repair.Is there "Grey Market" film?Yes, we carry Kodak film in three versions:

• U.S. - made in the U.S. for domestic distribution
• U.S. for export - made in the U.S. for worldwide distribution
• Grey Market - imported from other countries

Fuji, Ilford and Agfa films are made outside the U.S. In this case, Grey Market means how it came to be imported. The products are the same, but distribution and control determine the difference between U.S. and Grey Market. The main issue with film has always been assurance that it was handled and stored properly during transport to protect its emulsion. For this reason many professionals prefer U.S. film. However, in our experience, we've very rarely encountered any emulsion problems with Grey Market film.Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
[email protected]

WOW, ok that's well described.  Thank you Helen.  

I'm sorry; in the process of copying & pasting it came out very jumbled - but if you go to the link you'll able to read it clearly.


BTW, the definition above isn't peculiar to Adorama; and any retailer worth dealing with will offer you their own warranty on grey/direct import.

If they don't, then run, run away!

Helen

Ok, thanks again Helen

Doesn't Buydig own Beach camera? 

Good information, so if you buy something used, is there a way to tell if grey market?

Connie K Photos wrote: Doesn't Buydig own Beach camera? 

In any event, neither of these can compare to Adorama...Helen just proved a big reason why....

It really doesn't matter as warranties aren't transferable anyway... Plus the cameras are all manufactured at the same location,, no matter what market they are destined for.

Ben Vanderbilt wrote: Good information, so if you buy something used, is there a way to tell if grey market?

Yes, but the cameras sold overseas don't have U.S. warranty.  True, Adorama does have great service.

Not true, they have warranties in their respected countries.  

Call up Focus camera 

Another good option

Beach is good, however my favorites are B&H, Adorama, Samy's, Hunts and Focus Camera