You might want to re-consider buying from grey imports :(

[jonney_joop]

I dont know if anyone has seen the thread on POTN about a 5DMKIII brought from Digital Rev. Its got an issue and the guy has tried to get it fixed under DR's local repair warranty, only to find Canon UK wont touch it, as they say its not a legit serial number.
The outcome seems to be, based on that that users experience, is that if anything goes wrong with this camera, now or in the future, it has to go back to HK for repair.

Anyone like to comment on this? Has anyone gone through the same?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1242404

taken from another forum.

some of you may have read this. Doesnt sound good indeed.

Question is, why would DR stick a fake serial? what do they gain from doing so?

 

[jonney_joop]

Is it even remotely possible to create a fake 5dmk3 lol?? u can make fake branded clothes or simple electronics like a phone but even then, any fake electronic device can be spotted a mile away.

And how is it possible to create a fake DSLR ff camera?

Also, Why would DR provide a fake seriel number? what benefits could they possibly get from achieving that?

 

[jonney_joop]

I don't believe the serial was faked, I find it a bit odd, I'd be inclined to believe Canon scaremongering.

Likewise. Why fake it? what can u gain by doing so and also how is it even possible to even program the camera with a new serial and also print and create a official 5d3 box that looks legit it every shape and form?

 

[jonney_joop]

So why doesnt Canon come out clean and say it as it is ie sorry everyone but we cannot repair grey imports no matter the cost and situation.

simple.

but wait, if they do that, they may breach of there own terms and conditions and therefore get screwed over.

sounds like to me Canon is pulling a fast one as it makes a bit of sense to make up some BS saying the serial number is fake(come on we all know that is HIGHLY unlikely that the serial is fake) rather then telling people "sorry we do not accept repairs of all shape and form for u bargain hunters not bending over and coughing up double the price just to buy it in jessops"

 

[jonney_joop]

It seems to me D.P is so against grey imports. i do not know why but D.P could you keep your feelings away and try to come and discuss this in a more level head please?

 

[jonney_joop]

Why should you care? I don't giving 2 hoots about grey imports, if you want to take the risks then that is your prerogative.

Because for me its difficult to take you seriously along with your opinions. People are likely to read and digest posts from people who have a level head. who see the pros and cons of it all and do not appear on one side or the other

 

[jonney_joop]

Canon have absolutely no legal basis to offer warranty services of grey import goods. Quite the opposite in fact, Canon can legally take measures to prevent grey imports.

If you bothered reading this link to the thread you will come to the conclusion that it is nothing about honouring a warranty. its about asking canon to fix a 5d3. simple as that.

This is why it is ideal to have a level head instead of entering this forum already with hatred and anger and just throwing a lot of hot air into the subject matter.

 

[jonney_joop]

Yeah, I guess they could refuse to repair any grey 'importants' as you put it but lets hope they're not that stupid eh That kind of decision certainly wouldn't do the brand any favours.

Ultimately they make money wherever you buy the camera so as long as the repairs don't cost them money it doesn't matter. I'm pretty sure they don't lose money on repairs, that's for sure.

Exactly. Each canon camera sold worlwide gets pocketed to Canon. How did DR get the camera in the first place? for free? of course not, they bought the stock from guess who?

Canon.

Only Canon make a 5d3. no one else lol

 

[jonney_joop]

I really don't understand what your problem is, i really have absolutely zero care what so ever on the subject, no least because it is Canon and is about the UK (I shoot Nikon and live in the US). I have nothing to gain, no personal opinion or interest on the matter.

As i said earlier in the thread, Canon don't have to touch a grey market camera at all. They only have to repair or replace defective cameras to the extent of the UK LAW and their advertised warranty. The cameras linked to in the OP was not purchased within the UK so Canon UK have no duty to do anything, whether they will even when paid is entirely up to them.

Canon are loosing profits they may be trying crack down on grey imports, not servicing grep import gear would be one way of persuading people not to buy grey imports.

Did u read rays post?

i would like to see how you will respond to that especially when you yet again mention how canon do not have to touch a product that was sold within THE UK alone meaning ray's scenario about what happens if you buy fro switzerland because if canon says no to that. THEY ARE IN DEEP TROUBLE as they have to HONOUR any product from europe.

And again somoene mentioned to you and replied about u saying "canon looses profits" from where? Where did DR and every other retailer in the world get a 5dmk3? from the heavens of the sky? lol

Last note, if you do not care about the subject and have no interest in it, why did you make a post lol

 

[jonney_joop]

Is English your native language? I don't mean to offend, I only ask because you don't seem to be making any sense what so ever.

The camera linked to in the OP was not from Europe but from Hong Kong. EU regulations have nothing to do with grey import cameras.


A camera is no different to a games console, they are sold to particular regions and typically in modified forms (notable power plugs, manuals, warranties and guarantees, boxes, and also video codecs).

Hi D.P

i do not like you post as you are now coming across as naive, aggressive and rude.

It is fine to disagree with me and others but can you not do so in the right appropriate manner?

i will put you on ignore list(i hope there is a option to do so) as i feel you are being rude to me and i do not wish to get into any chidish bickering and argument. i am too mature and old to go through that in a public forum..

Have a nice day

 

[jonney_joop]

I thought people knew this? Camera Bodies have local warranties, whereas Lenses have worldwide warranties (therefore you CAN buy grey-import lenses)?

Always get the Body from within your country.

Hi.

this has nothing to do with warranty but to do with canon refusing to fix a camera brought abroad when a user wishes to pay for the repair

 

[jonney_joop]

But surely it covers the same sort of thing?

If a warranty is void, why would they be willing to fix it?


It's like opening an electronic product and breaking the void sticker - if you try and then return it for repairs - you won't get anywhere.

By your definition, once your year is up from your 5d3 bought from UK, the warranty is also voided so Canon wont fix it even if you pay for it.

 

[jonney_joop]

You're quite argumentative aren't you. The warranty is not voided after the year is up, it's just finished. There's a difference.

Regardless of this argument, it makes sense, and is commonly known so I can only assume you got stung by this process and are a little sore?

Sorry if i am being argumentative, i am not trying to be on purpose

A finished warranty vs voided warranty have the same outcome ie the warranty is no longer active anymore

I think the guy who started the thread in POTN wanted to get it repaired under warranty.

DR said fine, ship it to us in HK but you will have to pay the £120 shipping excess as they only cover £40.
The guy said, no way ! I want it fixed here in the UK as advertised on your website.
DR said fine, send it to Canon UK and DR will fit the repair bill.

Now, this is where I don't understand.

Did he send it to Canon UK and ask for it to be repaired under Warranty, or did he send it to Canon UK and asked for it to be repaired? (although since the camera was released world wide under 12 months ago it is under warranty anyway and no need for an invoice, may be that's why Canon asked where he bought it from.)

Did he send in the invoice from DR?

I understand Canon's stance in trying to control the market of their product distributed but in this day and age, people travel a lot and there is nothing illegal or even unethetical about buying something aboard. My excuse could easily be that my main camera died after the airline lost it and I was on my way to a location shoot and needed one right then so I bought one whilst out there.

I really don't buy the whole fake serial thing. What reason is there for a retailer or person to replace a legit serial sticker with a fake one? A new camera with a serial number is unregistered. If you are going to replace the serial sticker, you replace one that is stolen from a user because it is registered. To fake a serial number on the body and the box but the camera is real? Makes no sense. It sounds like the serial is just not registering on their system.

Then again, the moral of the story is that to buy it on credit card.

I think you have hit the nail on the head so to speak

 

[jonney_joop]

Yes I can understand that they wouldn't honour a warranty but a flat out refusal to repair for a fee is something very worrying.

It's not just about the VAT. You can buy a import 600RT for £360, it's £200 more expensive in this country. That's not VAT. That's Canon UK charging re-sellers an inflated price.

And i think its cheaper to buy it from Hong kong for 360 and if it develops a fault, can fix it for 100-200(not sure how much it costs ) leading to you paying nearly the same as the UK one if it develops a fault.

if it doesn't, you just saved £200.

Dont forget, you only get free repairs in the uk for 1 year ie 1 year warranty. You still have to cough up the repair costs after 1 year so if u compare the 600RT HK vs UK versions and if both failed after a year, the HK version you would have saved whilst the UK version u would need to pay on top of the inflated price you have already payed for the item

 

[jonney_joop]

it seems the exsif data and label dont match reading the op

yea apparently so. The plot thickens. thats naughty from DR!!!

check your ones as well to see if they match