Hi all
I might get slammed for this as grey market cameras and lenses tend to get a bad rap.
I've got 3 older A7r cameras and only one was bought new.
But if I'm buying used, I'm likely only getting a 6 -12 month warranty from the retailer
Grey market will be cheaper than used and will be getting a 3 year warranty provided by the retailer.
Grey market prices offer massive discounter in the UK versus retail price.
A7rV for example new is £3499 ($4774), grey market is $2049 ($2795)
My first three Canon L lenses when I got into digital photography were all grey market. Fortunately, I never ran into a warranty problem with them because I don't think the retailer was offering their own warranty beyond a thirty-day return. I guess it would come down to how much you trust the retailer on holding up their end of the bargain should anything go wrong.
Once I found where I could trust the used market, I stopped looking at the greys. Part of it was that my interests turned more to manual lenses long out of production, and part of it was discovering manufacturers' refurb sales, which were generally as well-priced as the greys.
With the caveat that anything can break down at any time, I would go grey market given this price differential and the fact that the retailer is backing it up.
As an aside, this is where I give kudos to Leica: it does not matter where you buy it from, they will not only service it but also honor the warranty. Have first hand experience here.
I believe many other brands refuse to service the gear, if it is "grey" market equipment.
I've been buying grey market cameras for many years, even had occasion to test the 3 year warranty was a simple process of sending into local camera manufacture repair facility for estimate and repair. Once estimate is known you email supplier they pay the estimate and you get the repair done.
As you say you save 20% on item cost.
I have no problem with regards to resale either.
Same here, John. Several items now purchased grey market with good retailer warranty -- although no problems to test it so far. All lenses are used rather than new and have always been excellent too. This latter was important to me as I filtered through the choices to find the combination of lenses I like most. I am an amateur so the worst that can happen is I have to get out my iPhone while the camera is sorted. So I would say, go with it, unless you have critical use cases.
I have bought all my cameras grey (British seller E-Infinity who also ships to EU).
No problems so far. My simple rational calculation (many people struggle with that): It is rare that one needs to claim warranty on a camera or lens. If I buy all articles without warranty, even if once something happens to a device, the repair costs will still be less or much less than the costs if I had bought the articles for full price.
And at E-Infinity, there even is a limited warranty.
A Sony A7RV for 2699 Euros (now only a staggering 2399 Euros!!) is simply too good to not buy it there (normal cost in Germany is 4400 Euros now!)
I've bought a few grey market things with no issue, and maybe your credit card offers some extended protection. That said, the used market here is an absolute treasure trove and wouldn't hesitate to buy from a reputable member on the forum as I've done many times over.
