Grey Market Nikon D750 repair - Ritz Cameras says they sold me USA model but did not!!

Hi All,

I have a Nikon D750 I need to get repaired. Anyone know where I can send a grey market Nikon d750 for a shutter replacement?

Three years ago I bought my first camera, I knew well enough to look into if a company sold USA or black market models. I have IN WRITING from Ritz Camera that they "only sell authorized USA Nikon models" well in 2020 my shutter gave out, Nikon was closed due to Covid so I had to wait until 2021 to send it in.

Nikon sent it back and said it was black market and they would not work on it. After much back and forth with Ritz and sending them their own words that they only sell USA models, they refuse to replace or repair it. After first they said "a grey market must have slipped in" then they said they never guaranteed to sell USA models only - even my contact at Ritz was surprised, he said he always tells everyone they only sell USA Nikon Authorized models - This guy fought on my side, supposedly going up the chain as high as possible and Ritz Camera will still not do anything about it. Now I am out the $1500 for the camera and all the shipping and estimate fees from Nikon.

tjamison said:

Hi All,

I have a Nikon D750 I need to get repaired. Anyone know where I can send a grey market Nikon d750 for a shutter replacement?
Three years ago I bought my first camera, I knew well enough to look into if a company sold USA or black market models. I have IN WRITING from Ritz Camera that they "only sell authorized USA Nikon models" well in 2020 my shutter gave out, Nikon was closed due to Covid so I had to wait until 2021 to send it in.
Nikon sent it back and said it was black market and they would not work on it. After much back and forth with Ritz and sending them their own words that they only sell USA models, they refuse to replace or repair it. After first they said "a grey market must have slipped in" then they said they never guaranteed to sell USA models only - even my contact at Ritz was surprised, he said he always tells everyone they only sell USA Nikon Authorized models - This guy fought on my side, supposedly going up the chain as high as possible and Ritz Camera will still not do anything about it. Now I am out the $1500 for the camera and all the shipping and estimate fees from Nikon.

Click to expand...

Well, since you're out of pocket for the repair anyway (out of warranty), i would just send it to Midwest Camera repair. They perform great service, and are roughly 80% the cost of Nikon USA anyway. I have sent cameras to them 3 times, and 1 time for a lens repair and everything came back 100% like new.

I would still call them to make sure they will repair it though, to be on the safe side. (i only own USA models)

And chalk up a lesson to never shop at Ritz ever again. "A grey market unit must have slipped in" is utter hogwash.

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Ritz is still in business?

I checked and it appears that Ritz is not an authorized Nikon retailer. Despite the (non- manufacturer specific) language on their website:

"Shop with confidence at RitzCamera.com because we are a Manufacturer Authorized Online Reseller for all products offered on our sites..."

Bummer, because you might have been able to have Nikon apply a little leverage.

If I were one of those social media connected types, I'd be inclined to spread the story across the many platforms... Twatter, Farcebook, etc.

teejaywhy said:

I checked and it appears that Ritz is not an authorized Nikon retailer. Despite the (non- manufacturer specific) language on their website:

"Shop with confidence at RitzCamera.com because we are a Manufacturer Authorized Online Reseller for all products offered on our sites..."

Bummer, because you might have been able to have Nikon apply a little leverage.

If I were one of those social media connected types, I'd be inclined to spread the story across the many platforms... Twatter, Farcebook, etc.

Click to expand...

Yep, RitzCamera is not an authorized retailer for Nikon equipment (I think they were at one point). If the OP paid full USA price, he should be upset. If he bought at the price grey market stuff typically goes for, well his repair is probably already paid for with said savings.

List of authorized sellers

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yes - and here is a link to more information on serial numbers for other countries by camera model.


This is the list for the D750:

2000001 < 2000296 - 2120590 > Japan
3000001 < 3003566 - 3215592 > USA
5000001 < 5000480 - 5014430 > Canada
6000001 < 6009748 - 6169884 > Europe
8000001 < 8005700 - 8026834 > Hong Kong?
8500001 < 8503950 - 8518056 > Singapore?
8700001 < 8707261 > Australia
8800001 < 8804462 > ?
8900001 < 8904119 - 8905376 > Middle East
9000001 < 9111170 > China

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Strange... I recall reading that even though there are trends in serial numbers, there isn't a rhyme or reason and you can get any serial number sold by a USA retailer depending on stock and other things at Nikon.

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, not true. For example, my USA Nikon D4 purchased from BH has a serial number starting with 2048...

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, not true. For example, my USA Nikon D4 purchased from BH has a serial number starting with 2048...

Click to expand...

As I had pointed out earlier, there are some rare exceptions, when the demands are different in different regions, Nikon USA may import some camera bodies intended for another market into the US. Hence you may get a Nikon USA model with a non-3 serial number. However, I have gone through perhaps 20 different new Nikon USA bodies since 2007, and I have not come across even one exception myself, but the D2X I bought way back in 2005 has a serial number starting with a 2.

Please read Eric Bowles' reply earlier on this thread: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65220965

You can also read Thom Hogan's explanation from December 2020, which is quite recent. Again, please keep in mind that there are always exceptions: https://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/nikon-dslr-notes/nikon-camera-serial-numbers.html

shuncheung said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, not true. For example, my USA Nikon D4 purchased from BH has a serial number starting with 2048...

Click to expand...

As I had pointed out earlier, there are some rare exceptions, when the demands are different in different regions, Nikon USA may import some camera bodies intended for another market into the US. Hence you may get a Nikon USA model with a non-3 serial number. However, I have gone through perhaps 20 different new Nikon USA bodies since 2007, and I have not come across even one exception myself, but the D2X I bought way back in 2005 has a serial number starting with a 2.

Please read Eric Bowles' reply earlier on this thread: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65220965

You can also read Thom Hogan's explanation from December 2020, which is quite recent. Again, please keep in mind that there are always exceptions: https://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/nikon-dslr-notes/nikon-camera-serial-numbers.html

Click to expand...

yeah, I'm just not sure any of that is actually true, and i have read articles talking about it. I don't think my Nikon USA D850, about 1.5 years old, has a serial number starting with 3 either. I think it starts with a 5... I can check tonight.

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

This is mostly true, although the Nikon flagship bodies such as the D3, D3s, D3x, D4 and D4s all start with 20xxxxx serial numbers and instead have a Nikon USA sticker inside of the battery chamber area. Of course they also come with Nikon USA warranty cards and on the box near the serial number and UPC code, there is an (US) written. Here is an example below. If your camera is 2012 or newer and NOT a flagship camera it usually does have a 30xxxxx serial number, but like others have said it should also match the box and warranty card. Nikon fortunately has gotten better lately and ALL Nikon USA cameras DO start with 30xxxxx. Even the D5/D6 and Z-mount cameras all have serial numbers with a 3!

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, not true. For example, my USA Nikon D4 purchased from BH has a serial number starting with 2048...

Click to expand...

As I had pointed out earlier, there are some rare exceptions, when the demands are different in different regions, Nikon USA may import some camera bodies intended for another market into the US. Hence you may get a Nikon USA model with a non-3 serial number. However, I have gone through perhaps 20 different new Nikon USA bodies since 2007, and I have not come across even one exception myself, but the D2X I bought way back in 2005 has a serial number starting with a 2.

Please read Eric Bowles' reply earlier on this thread: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65220965

You can also read Thom Hogan's explanation from December 2020, which is quite recent. Again, please keep in mind that there are always exceptions: https://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/nikon-dslr-notes/nikon-camera-serial-numbers.html

Click to expand...

yeah, I'm just not sure any of that is actually true, and i have read articles talking about it. I don't think my Nikon USA D850, about 1.5 years old, has a serial number starting with 3 either. I think it starts with a 5... I can check tonight.

Click to expand...

If your D850 starts with anything except a 30xxxxx you got a gray market, sorry, simple as that. The only exception to the 30xxxxx serial number for USA is the older flagship bodies such as the D2, D3, D4, D4s. However starting with the D800/D800E Nikon did move to a 30xxxxx serial number system for most cameras. I’m not 100% sure on the cheaper D3500 or D5500 type bodies, but I’m 100% positive on the D850, D500, D5, D6 and others. You’ll also see a (US) on the side of your box above the UPC code. Like here on one of my D5 boxes. I used to own multiple D850, D500’s and D800 series, and I currently own multiple bodies, ALL start with 30xxxxx serial numbers and have the (US) on the side of their boxes. Also you can match these numbers and the warranty card should have it as well. With modern cameras it’s easy to tell, lenses it’s more difficult but still possible. All Nikon USA lenses have either a “US” engraved before the digits of the serial number, a “5 Years” sticker on the side of the box and include a Nikon USA Limited Warranty card.

patricksmith32 said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, not true. For example, my USA Nikon D4 purchased from BH has a serial number starting with 2048...

Click to expand...

As I had pointed out earlier, there are some rare exceptions, when the demands are different in different regions, Nikon USA may import some camera bodies intended for another market into the US. Hence you may get a Nikon USA model with a non-3 serial number. However, I have gone through perhaps 20 different new Nikon USA bodies since 2007, and I have not come across even one exception myself, but the D2X I bought way back in 2005 has a serial number starting with a 2.

Please read Eric Bowles' reply earlier on this thread: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65220965

You can also read Thom Hogan's explanation from December 2020, which is quite recent. Again, please keep in mind that there are always exceptions: https://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/nikon-dslr-notes/nikon-camera-serial-numbers.html

Click to expand...

yeah, I'm just not sure any of that is actually true, and i have read articles talking about it. I don't think my Nikon USA D850, about 1.5 years old, has a serial number starting with 3 either. I think it starts with a 5... I can check tonight.

Click to expand...

If your D850 starts with anything except a 30xxxxx you got a gray market, sorry, simple as that. The only exception to the 30xxxxx serial number for USA is the older flagship bodies such as the D2, D3, D4, D4s. However starting with the D800/D800E Nikon did move to a 30xxxxx serial number system for most cameras. I’m not 100% sure on the cheaper D3500 or D5500 type bodies, but I’m 100% positive on the D850, D500, D5, D6 and others. You’ll also see a (US) on the side of your box above the UPC code. Like here on one of my D5 boxes. I used to own multiple D850, D500’s and D800 series, and I currently own multiple bodies, ALL start with 30xxxxx serial numbers and have the (US) on the side of their boxes. Also you can match these numbers and the warranty card should have it as well. With modern cameras it’s easy to tell, lenses it’s more difficult but still possible. All Nikon USA lenses have either a “US” engraved before the digits of the serial number, a “5 Years” sticker on the side of the box and include a Nikon USA Limited Warranty card.

Click to expand...

With a nikon USA warranty card? I assume I am wrong, and my memory is just failing me. I'll check my SN tonight. It's 100% certainly a USA camera.

CptAmerica said:

patricksmith32 said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, not true. For example, my USA Nikon D4 purchased from BH has a serial number starting with 2048...

Click to expand...

As I had pointed out earlier, there are some rare exceptions, when the demands are different in different regions, Nikon USA may import some camera bodies intended for another market into the US. Hence you may get a Nikon USA model with a non-3 serial number. However, I have gone through perhaps 20 different new Nikon USA bodies since 2007, and I have not come across even one exception myself, but the D2X I bought way back in 2005 has a serial number starting with a 2.

Please read Eric Bowles' reply earlier on this thread: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65220965

You can also read Thom Hogan's explanation from December 2020, which is quite recent. Again, please keep in mind that there are always exceptions: https://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/nikon-dslr-notes/nikon-camera-serial-numbers.html

Click to expand...

yeah, I'm just not sure any of that is actually true, and i have read articles talking about it. I don't think my Nikon USA D850, about 1.5 years old, has a serial number starting with 3 either. I think it starts with a 5... I can check tonight.

Click to expand...

If your D850 starts with anything except a 30xxxxx you got a gray market, sorry, simple as that. The only exception to the 30xxxxx serial number for USA is the older flagship bodies such as the D2, D3, D4, D4s. However starting with the D800/D800E Nikon did move to a 30xxxxx serial number system for most cameras. I’m not 100% sure on the cheaper D3500 or D5500 type bodies, but I’m 100% positive on the D850, D500, D5, D6 and others. You’ll also see a (US) on the side of your box above the UPC code. Like here on one of my D5 boxes. I used to own multiple D850, D500’s and D800 series, and I currently own multiple bodies, ALL start with 30xxxxx serial numbers and have the (US) on the side of their boxes. Also you can match these numbers and the warranty card should have it as well. With modern cameras it’s easy to tell, lenses it’s more difficult but still possible. All Nikon USA lenses have either a “US” engraved before the digits of the serial number, a “5 Years” sticker on the side of the box and include a Nikon USA Limited Warranty card.

Click to expand...

With a nikon USA warranty card? I assume I am wrong, and my memory is just failing me. I'll check my SN tonight. It's 100% certainly a USA camera.

Click to expand...

While a US Nikon body serial number starting with a 3 rule of thumb is mostly true, after checking Roland Vink's web site:


I have learned that there are more exceptions than I realized before. For example, the D700, D7100, and D7200 do not follow that rule, nor the D3, D3S, D3X and D4S. However, the D4, D5, and D6 do. My D5's serial number also starts with 300....

In any case, if the OP's D750 is a US model, its serial number should start with a 3, so do our D850. My D750 and D850 certainly follow that rule. Unless you happen to have a camera that was redirected ....

I buy and sell used cameras and I’ve been an Nikon NPS member since 2005. I used to be the buyer for a major retailer in Southern California. I did all of the buying and trade shows, etc. I have had to be an expert on this subject. Honestly though it didn’t make a huge impact on buying used gear, but it could, just depends. Nikon unfortunately makes things difficult, some lenses have a 30xxxxx serial number and are NOT USA lenses. I bought a light gray Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4D once and it had a 30xxxxx serial number, as did another light gray color AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D ED-IF, both were from the Japanese market. So if a lens does not have a US engraved before the digits, has a matching serial number on the warranty card or lacks the “5 Years” sticker in terms box, it’s most likely a gray market.

However ALL super-tele lenses, both primes and zooms start with a 200xxxx serial number. So Nikon used to put a little Nikon USA sticker off to the right of the name badge on the lens. Same with older flagship bodies, Nikon would stick a tiny Nikon USA sticker inside of the battery compartment area. Again though, all modern prosumer and professional cameras like the D850, D500, D5, D6 or Z6, Z7, etc., ALL should start with 30xxxxx serial numbers. If they don’t, they are NOT Nikon USA cameras and therefor Nikon will not repair them. There are some weird exceptions when it comes to lenses like the AF-S 16-35mm f/4, where Nikon moved production to Thailand from Japan. Early copies of that lens from Japan had a US engraved before the digits of the serial numbers, but later lenses don’t and start with 40xxxxx. Same with the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G lens. Most have a US engraved before the 20xxxxx serial numbers. Yet Nikon made so many that they ended up with 100xxxx serial numbers lacking the”US” engraving. Nikon literally had to move to a 7 digit serial number on the 24-70mm G.

I’ve heard of something similar happening with popular cameras like the D750, but I’ve yet to see any proof. Someone who is extremely knowledgeable told me they did make/ship some D750’s to the US market with other than 30xxxxx serial numbers. However that does not prove anything and he could have just been wrong or got gray market cameras. Nikon however does know and they have databases for serial numbers. If your D850 starts with a 50xxxxx or anything other than 30xxxxx, I’m 100% sure it’s gray market. So hopefully you’re just mistaken.

shuncheung said:

CptAmerica said:

patricksmith32 said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, not true. For example, my USA Nikon D4 purchased from BH has a serial number starting with 2048...

Click to expand...

As I had pointed out earlier, there are some rare exceptions, when the demands are different in different regions, Nikon USA may import some camera bodies intended for another market into the US. Hence you may get a Nikon USA model with a non-3 serial number. However, I have gone through perhaps 20 different new Nikon USA bodies since 2007, and I have not come across even one exception myself, but the D2X I bought way back in 2005 has a serial number starting with a 2.

Please read Eric Bowles' reply earlier on this thread: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65220965

You can also read Thom Hogan's explanation from December 2020, which is quite recent. Again, please keep in mind that there are always exceptions: https://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/nikon-dslr-notes/nikon-camera-serial-numbers.html

Click to expand...

yeah, I'm just not sure any of that is actually true, and i have read articles talking about it. I don't think my Nikon USA D850, about 1.5 years old, has a serial number starting with 3 either. I think it starts with a 5... I can check tonight.

Click to expand...

If your D850 starts with anything except a 30xxxxx you got a gray market, sorry, simple as that. The only exception to the 30xxxxx serial number for USA is the older flagship bodies such as the D2, D3, D4, D4s. However starting with the D800/D800E Nikon did move to a 30xxxxx serial number system for most cameras. I’m not 100% sure on the cheaper D3500 or D5500 type bodies, but I’m 100% positive on the D850, D500, D5, D6 and others. You’ll also see a (US) on the side of your box above the UPC code. Like here on one of my D5 boxes. I used to own multiple D850, D500’s and D800 series, and I currently own multiple bodies, ALL start with 30xxxxx serial numbers and have the (US) on the side of their boxes. Also you can match these numbers and the warranty card should have it as well. With modern cameras it’s easy to tell, lenses it’s more difficult but still possible. All Nikon USA lenses have either a “US” engraved before the digits of the serial number, a “5 Years” sticker on the side of the box and include a Nikon USA Limited Warranty card.

Click to expand...

With a nikon USA warranty card? I assume I am wrong, and my memory is just failing me. I'll check my SN tonight. It's 100% certainly a USA camera.

Click to expand...

While a US Nikon body serial number starting with a 3 rule of thumb is mostly true, after checking Roland Vink's web site:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html

I have learned that there are more exceptions than I realized before. For example, the D700, D7100, and D7200 do not follow that rule, nor the D3, D3S, D3X and D4S. However, the D4, D5, and D6 do. My D5's serial number also starts with 300....

In any case, if the OP's D750 is a US model, its serial number should start with a 3, so do our D850. My D750 and D850 certainly follow that rule. Unless you happen to have a camera that was redirected ....

Click to expand...

Yep, my d850 is 304...

Patrick, if you purchased a Nikon lens recently you will find that the box no longer has the 5 year label as the warranty is now only a year, the serial number does not include an engraved US, and there is a generic limited warranty card that in fine print includes US, US territories, Canada, and Mexico.

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

CptAmerica said:

shuncheung said:

ericbowles said:

If you still have the box, see if the serial number matches on your box, paperwork, and camera. My guess is someone bought a camera from Ritz, stuck a gray market in the box, and returned it. I've seen that happen with batteries but it could happen with a camera. It still could be tough to prove unless you have images from Day one. The serial number is recorded in the EXIF.

Click to expand...

Since 2007 or so, Nikon USA camera bodies have a serial number that starts with 3. Otherwise, it is quite certain that it is not imported through Nikon USA, although there are rare exceptions, e.g. when Nikon redirects a batch for another market to the US.

Click to expand...

Yeah, not true. For example, my USA Nikon D4 purchased from BH has a serial number starting with 2048...

Click to expand...

As I had pointed out earlier, there are some rare exceptions, when the demands are different in different regions, Nikon USA may import some camera bodies intended for another market into the US. Hence you may get a Nikon USA model with a non-3 serial number. However, I have gone through perhaps 20 different new Nikon USA bodies since 2007, and I have not come across even one exception myself, but the D2X I bought way back in 2005 has a serial number starting with a 2.

Please read Eric Bowles' reply earlier on this thread: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65220965

You can also read Thom Hogan's explanation from December 2020, which is quite recent. Again, please keep in mind that there are always exceptions: https://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/nikon-dslr-notes/nikon-camera-serial-numbers.html

Click to expand...

yeah, I'm just not sure any of that is actually true, and i have read articles talking about it. I don't think my Nikon USA D850, about 1.5 years old, has a serial number starting with 3 either. I think it starts with a 5... I can check tonight.

Click to expand...

I believe there are general serial number ranges as referenced above. But NikonUSA appears to have a database of serial numbers - along with the possibility that an error is made. So any serial number could be sold in the US, but if it is outside the normal range, it needs to be in the USA database or the customer needs a receipt showing the serial number and purchase price. USA items can be identified by purchase price because Gray market products are priced lower.