Gray market Canon gear -- where to buy?

[thedellis]

Since there seems to be a massive saving on the 5D...just asking -- where's the best place for me to get my hands on one of these babies and save myself a bundle?

[bangkuangz]

Originally Posted by thedellis Since there seems to be a massive saving on the 5D...just asking -- where's the best place for me to get my hands on one of these babies and save myself a bundle?

You can try
1. TCW,
2. order from one of the MOs (I believe Oracle do a lot of Canon gear),
3. go HK or get someone to get it from you in HK, or
4. order online from US (best is to get your friend in US order for you so that you can get a rebate). Right now the rebate for 5D is up to 600 USD if you buy the body with another lens ... (go check BHPhoto.com).

Note that body don't have international warranty, but hey that is what gray item all about right

[honda]

Is it worthwhile to get grey canon lens? If it spoils how to repair it?

[adamadam]

If it spoils bring it to the service centre.

[muvouser]

A story to tell:

My friend bought a grey set of L lens. It was $150 cheaper than one with warranty. On first use, it was found to be miscalibrated so he had to send in to canon for calibration. That calibration job cost him $60 (no warranty must pay) so he actually did not enjoy a great saving after all.

4 months later, he sold the lens. But he had to sell it slightly lower as it was a grey set without valid warranty.

I think for simple lens and devices, grey imports are ok. For camera and high-end lenses like those with Image Stabiliser, it is best to buy with warranty. I have seen 4 months old camera broke down. My personal 2 months old lens had a faulty focusing mechanism before.

Think carefully ....

Originally Posted by honda Is it worthwhile to get grey canon lens? If it spoils how to repair it?

[Hacker]

Never had an issue both with gray or otherwise. Found TCW to be reliable as they give their own 1-year guarantee.

[Venom81]

I only know TCW sells them, I don't know any other shops liao.

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by Venom81 I only know TCW sells them, I don't know any other shops liao.

AP sells gray, you have to ask.

[Venom81]

Originally Posted by Hacker AP sells gray, you have to ask.

AP grey sets got in house warranty like TCW?

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by Venom81 AP grey sets got in house warranty like TCW?

Don't know.

[rickygck]

Hi guys, just went to CP, AP and TCW to check is there any grey set available. Sad to say all not stocks. Even check with Oracle, next shipment will due next year january.

[Venom81]

Originally Posted by rickygck Hi guys, just went to CP, AP and TCW to check is there any grey set available. Sad to say all not stocks. Even check with Oracle, next shipment will due next year january.

What lens u getting? Looks like u have to wait.

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by Venom81 What lens u getting? Looks like u have to wait.

I think he is looking for 5D body.

[rickygck]

Originally Posted by Venom81 What lens u getting? Looks like u have to wait.

5D

[vernonleow]

Originally Posted by thedellis Since there seems to be a massive saving on the 5D...just asking -- where's the best place for me to get my hands on one of these babies and save myself a bundle?

If you decide fast, I am in HK right now and leaving tmrw evening. HK price is HKD21420 (incl the 2% for credit card payment) which works out to be about SGD4246.

I believe Zion is offering the same deal but you have to leave him a SGD500 cash deposit.

[thedellis]

Originally Posted by vernonleow If you decide fast, I am in HK right now and leaving tmrw evening. HK price is HKD21420 (incl the 2% for credit card payment) which works out to be about SGD4246. I believe Zion is offering the same deal but you have to leave him a SGD500 cash deposit.

Damn, too late. Anyway, I'm waiting on a Christmas bonus that may or may not appear...

Might just upgrade some lenses first, then the camera later.