[mgvh]

Ritz Camera apparently still exists as a web store selling both on $bay and on their own website.
They sell "new" lenses, but when I asked about warranty, it only comes with a 30-day, free-return to Ritz warranty.
So is this what is meant by gray market lens?
The prices are significantly less than the other big stores, and I could probably get a SquareTrade warranty if I want and still pay a good deal less.
Any reason not to buy a new lens from Ritz?
I've regularly used B&H with good results, but I'm looking to save some money.

[RobA_Oz]

Their website says the products they sell are "international", but they also offer a 1 year warranty.

[boriscleto]

They seem to be 100% gray market...

[Adam]

Ritz isn't listed as an authorized dealer, so I'd assume everything to be grey market. Depending on which lens you're buying, it may indeed be a great candidate for a third-party warranty.

http://us.ricoh-imaging.com/images/Ricoh%20Imaging_Authorized%20Dealer%20List_030217.pdf

Adam
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[mgvh]

What does gray market actually mean?
Is it just the included warranty? Or are these factory seconds which didn't pass authorized dealer standards?

[stevebrot]

What does gray market actually mean?

It means that the item was not acquired through the authorized distribution channels and will not be warrantied except (possibly) through the manufacturer.

White = acquired through authorized distributors
Gray = acquired from other than authorized distributors*
Black = acquired through illegal means


Steve

* It is not unusual for gray market accessories and even lenses to be packaged as generic "white box" goods with little or no labeling to indicate brand.

[mgvh]

Thanks for the clarification. The one I'm considering says "original packaging," so maybe it's simply acquired through an international channel and sold in US.
I guess one takes some chances and has to decide whether it's worth it.
Thanks again.

[abruzzi]

Apparently Nikon is notoriously fussy and won't even repair (for a fee) grey market items. How particular is Pentax? I'm assuming they won't honor the grey market items warranty, but will the do for-cost repairs?

[JohnX]

Haven't had to invoke it, but I understand the Pentax warranty is international.

There might be some fine print regarding proof of purchase from an authorized dealer, although more likely any proof of purchase would be to prove the purchase date against the warranty length.