If you've spent any time shopping for cameras or lenses, you've probably run into the terms "grey market" or "import model" and wondered what they actually mean. It sounds shadier than it is. Here's the straight version.

IT'S NOT A FAKE

Grey market gear, also called an "import model" by some retailers, is authentic manufacturer-made equipment. Same factory, same components, same camera. The difference is where it was sold first.

Brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony sell through regional subsidiaries. Canon USA handles the US market. Canon Japan handles Japan. Each subsidiary sets its own pricing and runs its own warranty and service infrastructure.

Grey market gear was originally sold in a different region, usually Japan or another Asian market, and then imported into the US outside the official channel. The importer buys cheaper overseas and passes some of that savings along. That's the whole model.

Real gear. Different origin story.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR NEW GEAR

Our honest take: skip it. When you buy new grey market gear, the main thing you give up is the US manufacturer warranty. If something goes wrong, Canon USA or Nikon USA will check the serial number and decline to help. Even if you're willing to pay for the repair.

Some grey market sellers offer a store-backed warranty to fill that gap, but it's only as good as the store standing behind it. Gear from Japan may also ship with a Japanese power adapter, and grey market status can hurt resale value down the road.

The price difference on new gear rarely justifies the tradeoffs. We sell new gear here at Focal Point and everything we carry is authorized through US channels. Full manufacturer warranty, no asterisks. If you're buying new, that's the way to go.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR USED GEAR

When used gear changes hands, the original manufacturer warranty is voided regardless of whether it's a US model or grey market. That part of the equation drops out entirely.

What's left is the question of future serviceability. If something breaks down the road and you want the manufacturer to fix it, will they? The answer depends on who made it.

NIKON — Will not service grey market gear. Not under warranty, not for a paid repair. Strict policy.

CANON — Generally accepts paid repairs on grey market bodies and lenses. Final call made when they have it in hand.

SONY — Similar to Canon. Typically willing to take on paid repairs.

Third-party repair shops are always an option regardless of market origin. Good independent technicians work on all brands and don't care about serial number origin.

HOW THIS APPLIES TO FOCAL POINT

We've been in Dallas, Oregon since 1983. All of our new gear comes through authorized US dealers. Full warranty, no surprises.

Used gear can occasionally be different story. The vast majority of what we sell was originally purchased in the US, and a good chunk of it was sold new by us to the same customer now trading it back in. We're lucky to have thousands of returning customers. People buy their first camera here, learn on it, and come back when they're ready for the next one. We know the gear because a lot of it started here.

Occasionally a grey market body or lens comes through that process. When we spot it, we say so in the listing and price it with that status in mind. You'll see it noted clearly. A lot of used gear sellers don't disclose this at all. We do, because we think you should have the right information before you buy.

If you're buying a used Canon or Sony and you're fine using a third-party shop for future service, grey market probably isn't a dealbreaker. If you're buying a used Nikon and want the option of factory service down the road, that's worth knowing upfront.

Either way, we test and grade it the same. Our 6-month Focal Point warranty covers it just like any US model we sell. The service question is yours to make. We just make sure you have what you need to make it.

THE SHORT VERSION

- Grey market = authentic gear, originally sold in a different region

- Not a fake, not a knockoff, not a lower grade of product

- For new gear: not recommended. You lose the US manufacturer warranty

- For used gear: warranty is voided on resale anyway. The real question is future serviceability

- Nikon USA will not service grey market gear, even for pay

- Canon and Sony are more flexible on paid repairs

- Third-party repair shops are always an option

- Our new gear is authorized US stock. Grey market only shows up occasionally in used inventory

- When we spot a grey market used item, we flag it in the listing and price it accordingly

Questions about a specific item? Just call the shop at 503-623-6300 or email info@focalpointphoto.com. Happy to talk it through before you buy.