Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

kyricom · 03-02-2010, 05:24 PM

Hello all,

This is my first post, and I'm hoping all you more experienced photographers can help me. I have been shooting for many years, but just as a hobby. I presently have a Pentax ist DS and several lenses. My birthday is tomorrow, and my wife has succumbed to my whining and is getting me a Pentax k-7. I've been shopping around for the best price, as I'm nowhere close to being a millionaire. But, I do want as Pentax because I can't afford to buy all new lenses etc.

Here's my question: I have found a k-7 (body only) on-line at Camera King for $835. But it is what they call an "import model." I spoke with their salesman on the phone and he said that virtually the only difference is that the domestic model has a 1 year warranty through Pentax, while the import model has a 1 year warranty through Camera King. Call me a cynic, but something seems fishy. Why would Pentax (or any company) let someone else import their product for such a lower price to undercut their own sales? Plus, can anyone tell me anything (positive or negative) about Camera King? Does this sound like an ok deal, or am I right to be suspicious?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-02-2010, 05:37 PM

The bottom line is this is what is called a grey market camera.

the cameras are not imported with pentax corp permission and pentax will not warrant the camera.

there are several good articles on grey market resellers and warranties that have been written in photo magazines over the past couple of years.

the bottom line is buyer beware.

SOldBear · 03-02-2010, 05:46 PM

Let's do the math....

A "proper-imported" K-7 body is $970 (check Amazon).

So you're looking at $135 "saving."

Is Pentax official warranty worth $135 more than Camera King store warranty? Only you can answer this question.

For me, the answer is yes. I'd rather pay $135 more to get Pentax warranty. Note that the "standard" warranty from Pentax is 1 year, but if you call Pentax and nicely ask for the addition 2 year warranty, they'll send you a card, not only good for 2 more years (for a total of 3 years), but also good for one time CLA during the warranty period.

It's the exact same extended warranty as this one. The only difference is that Pentax doesn't charge you.

Note: this extended warranty does not apply to the K-x.

tarsus · 03-02-2010, 05:46 PM

Always check Reseller Ratings at Store Ratings & Reviews - ResellerRatings.com - Shop Safe & Avoid Scams. Camera Kings has many less than favorable reviews. Adorama and B&H have excellent reputations. I pay more for service and reliability.

Jodokast96 · 03-02-2010, 05:49 PM

Get it from a reputable seller and pay the going rate. Camera Kings (bwayphoto.com, preferredphoto.com, digitalliquidators.com, regalcamera.com, more..) - camerakings.com - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings It's not worth the hassle.

Nomad · 03-02-2010, 08:11 PM

I read a lot of bad ratings when looking into Camera King and one other cut rate shop while spooling up my kit and feeding my (now satisfied) LBA.

Wheatfield · 03-02-2010, 08:33 PM

Things you know:

*The first market camera will have a warranty that, as long as you've taken reasonable care of the camera, will repair or replace it if it breaks during the warranty period.
Because warranty work falls on the wrong side of the ledger, the importer will go to some expense to ensure that the camera is taken care of during the delivery process.

*The gray market camera will have no official warranty, and quite likely will have a store warranty with enough weasel words to bollux a Philadelphia lawyer if something goes wrong.
For all you know, your camera was delivered by Yak cart over the Steppes and then by ox cart until the courier found a road and managed to hitch a ride.

Pay a reasonable price for an officially imported camera.

kyricom · 03-03-2010, 08:19 AM

Thanks for everyone's input and advice. It all made very good sense and kind of verified what I was afraid of. I am going to pay a bit more and get it from a reputable dealer (B&H Photo).

Thanks again. A LOT!

Ira · 03-03-2010, 09:03 AM

How come none of my B&H stuff came with any warranty cards?

I was able to register the kx kit online, but I didn't do anything for the Tamron lens or ring flash.

Is the receipt enough for warranty purposes?

03-02-2010, 05:24 PM	#1
kyricom Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 569	Need answer/advice Hello all, This is my first post, and I'm hoping all you more experienced photographers can help me. I have been shooting for many years, but just as a hobby. I presently have a Pentax ist DS and several lenses. My birthday is tomorrow, and my wife has succumbed to my whining and is getting me a Pentax k-7. I've been shopping around for the best price, as I'm nowhere close to being a millionaire. But, I do want as Pentax because I can't afford to buy all new lenses etc. Here's my question: I have found a k-7 (body only) on-line at Camera King for $835. But it is what they call an "import model." I spoke with their salesman on the phone and he said that virtually the only difference is that the domestic model has a 1 year warranty through Pentax, while the import model has a 1 year warranty through Camera King. Call me a cynic, but something seems fishy. Why would Pentax (or any company) let someone else import their product for such a lower price to undercut their own sales? Plus, can anyone tell me anything (positive or negative) about Camera King? Does this sound like an ok deal, or am I right to be suspicious? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

03-03-2010, 08:19 AM	#8
kyricom Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 569 Original Poster	Thanks Thanks for everyone's input and advice. It all made very good sense and kind of verified what I was afraid of. I am going to pay a bit more and get it from a reputable dealer (B&H Photo). Thanks again. A LOT!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
In answer to 'Greetings'	justinr	General Talk	0	07-12-2010 07:51 AM
D300S an answer to the K-7?	Eigengrau	Pentax DSLR Discussion	78	08-05-2009 05:59 AM
So... Here we go... Serious Pentaxians answer me this	scotfree_photo	Pentax DSLR Discussion	18	09-17-2008 11:22 AM
What's the answer to this...??	Mallee Boy	Pentax DSLR Discussion	13	05-22-2008 11:38 PM
Answer This Question, Please.	NLAlston	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	23	03-03-2007 05:54 AM

03-02-2010, 05:37 PM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	The bottom line is this is what is called a grey market camera. the cameras are not imported with pentax corp permission and pentax will not warrant the camera. there are several good articles on grey market resellers and warranties that have been written in photo magazines over the past couple of years. the bottom line is buyer beware.

03-02-2010, 05:46 PM	#3
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Let's do the math.... A "proper-imported" K-7 body is $970 (check Amazon). So you're looking at $135 "saving." Is Pentax official warranty worth $135 more than Camera King store warranty? Only you can answer this question. For me, the answer is yes. I'd rather pay $135 more to get Pentax warranty. Note that the "standard" warranty from Pentax is 1 year, but if you call Pentax and nicely ask for the addition 2 year warranty, they'll send you a card, not only good for 2 more years (for a total of 3 years), but also good for one time CLA during the warranty period. It's the exact same extended warranty as this one. The only difference is that Pentax doesn't charge you. Note: this extended warranty does not apply to the K-x.

03-02-2010, 05:46 PM	#4
tarsus Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mount Shasta Posts: 185	Always check Reseller Ratings at Store Ratings & Reviews - ResellerRatings.com - Shop Safe & Avoid Scams. Camera Kings has many less than favorable reviews. Adorama and B&H have excellent reputations. I pay more for service and reliability.

03-02-2010, 05:49 PM	#5
Jodokast96 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Erial, NJ USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,134	Get it from a reputable seller and pay the going rate. Camera Kings (bwayphoto.com, preferredphoto.com, digitalliquidators.com, regalcamera.com, more..) - camerakings.com - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings It's not worth the hassle.

03-02-2010, 08:11 PM	#6
Nomad Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 408	I read a lot of bad ratings when looking into Camera King and one other cut rate shop while spooling up my kit and feeding my (now satisfied) LBA.

03-02-2010, 08:33 PM	#7
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,991	Things you know: The first market camera will have a warranty that, as long as you've taken reasonable care of the camera, will repair or replace it if it breaks during the warranty period. Because warranty work falls on the wrong side of the ledger, the importer will go to some expense to ensure that the camera is taken care of during the delivery process. The gray market camera will have no official warranty, and quite likely will have a store warranty with enough weasel words to bollux a Philadelphia lawyer if something goes wrong. For all you know, your camera was delivered by Yak cart over the Steppes and then by ox cart until the courier found a road and managed to hitch a ride. Pay a reasonable price for an officially imported camera.

03-03-2010, 09:03 AM	#9
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	How come none of my B&H stuff came with any warranty cards? I was able to register the kx kit online, but I didn't do anything for the Tamron lens or ring flash. Is the receipt enough for warranty purposes?

Need answer/advice

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!