Gray market - cameras versus watches

[snowbird]

It seems like there are quite a few photographers on TRF . . . anyone else ever wonder about the gray market for cameras/lenses compared to watches?

I don't believe any Rolex ADs also sell gray market (at least not directly to end buyers, I've heard some do through intermediaries), however in cameras many ADs are also gray dealers, e.g. will show the same lens in USA versus gray versions on their web sites. So it seems looser than watches as far as sales.

However it's the opposite for service, some camera manufacturers (at least the USA subsidiaries) will not service gray market product at all, even if you're willing to pay.

Personally I have stuck with USA channel camera equipment, except for one lens I bought gray because I liked the silver color and tha's not available in the USA model.

Any thoughts?

[Nick1959]

I would not buy a gray market camera. Watch may be

[vh_bu98]

I have purchased a gray market prime lens before, but I would never purchase a gray market DSLR or complex lens. If something goes wrong, I want to be able to send it to the manufacturer for repair. Not to mention a 5 year warranty isn't worth giving up on an expensive lens to save a little. You just don't really save enough going gray with cameras to make it worth it.

[snowbird]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

I have purchased a gray market prime lens before, but I would never purchase a gray market DSLR or complex lens. If something goes wrong, I want to be able to send it to the manufacturer for repair. Not to mention a 5 year warranty isn't worth giving up on an expensive lens to save a little. You just don't really save enough going gray with cameras to make it worth it.

I agree, it is puzzling to me how little the price difference is on some gray lenses compared to USA models, considering you give up the warranty and manufacturer service.