KenRC51 said:
What do you mean by you do not have to register the warranty? On the warranty card it says that you must register the product within 10 days of purchase.

In the UK you only have to register your purchase on-line within 30 days, there is no requirement for you to ever fill in the warranty card that comes in the box, although it would need to be sent with your proof of purchase, to the service centre when needed. The rules in other countries may well be different for the reason I gave above. I'm not sure if this is what Prolmages was referring to?

ProImages said:
No, you do not have to register the warranty.

What do you mean by you do not have to register the warranty? On the warranty card it says that you must register the product within 10 days of purchase.

No, you do not have to register the warranty.

SkintBrit said:
That's exactly right, remember an official US import is a grey import in any other country. Think about it this way, we've just had the royal wedding here in the UK, do you really think that Nikon UK is going to say to foreign journalists whose cameras experience a problem while over here on assignment, "sorry we can't help you, it's not a UK camera or lens"? Of course they're not. You will however need to pay for any repairs as the warranties are provided and administered by the importing country, so as I have never paid in to the US service kitty by buying any of my UK equipment, it's only fair that I can't use their service network and vice versa. I do think it would be great if the service centres around the world were paid for my Nikon Corp, so we would all have word wide access to a service agent, but that's not the case at the moment.

I totally understand the concept, just heard horror stories regarding Nikon USA not performing repairs on Grey Market imports. Supposedly, this is to curb people from buying their gear from anybody other than the official US distributor (Nikon USA). There are a lot of people that seem to confirm this.

That's exactly right, remember an official US import is a grey import in any other country. Think about it this way, we've just had the royal wedding here in the UK, do you really think that Nikon UK is going to say to foreign journalists whose cameras experience a problem while over here on assignment, "sorry we can't help you, it's not a UK camera or lens"? Of course they're not. You will however need to pay for any repairs as the warranties are provided and administered by the importing country, so as I have never paid in to the US service kitty by buying any of my UK equipment, it's only fair that I can't use their service network and vice versa. I do think it would be great if the service centres around the world were paid for my Nikon Corp, so we would all have word wide access to a service agent, but that's not the case at the moment.

TaoTeJared said:
Not true - I have had many things worked on. You just pay the standard repair fees.

There are very few repairs that are covered under the warranty. Mostly what is covered is the electronics. If you drop it, soak it, bang it, etc. you will have to pay to have it fixed.

You're saying that Nikon USA will repair non-US imports? Everything I've ever heard stated they will not touch a grey market import, no matter how much you pay them. I've never had a problem that required Nikon service, so I don't know anything, other than what I've heard from other sources.

jfh said:
Also, it is my understanding that in the U.S., Nikon won't even work on an import/non usa item during and after the warranty period, even for a fee.

Not true - I have had many things worked on. You just pay the standard repair fees.

There are very few repairs that are covered under the warranty. Mostly what is covered is the electronics. If you drop it, soak it, bang it, etc. you will have to pay to have it fixed.

Also, it is my understanding that in the U.S., Nikon won't even work on an import/non usa item during and after the warranty period, even for a fee.

KenRC51 said:
What if I bought a used lens from someone else but I have their reciept. The reciept shows that guy's address who I bought the lens from. Is the lens still cover?

Officialy (in the UK at least) the warranty is provided for the original purchaser only, and is not transferable. Unofficialy if you have the original warranty card and can prove the date of purchase, you should be O.K. Our warranty is only a year though (currently 2 years on a promotion) so check the T&C's of the scheme for the country that you live in.

Supposedly you have only so much time to register the product from the purchase date (I think 60 days). I always registered mine right away. So I never gambled with it.

I do purchase a lot of items used and any repairs and CLAs are all under $200.

^
Good question. It would be difficult for Nikon to know if you got it as a gift, or just bought it second hand and they gave you their receipt. I would like to know this too, as lots of ebay sellers say they will provide receipt with the lens you buy from them.

What if I bought a used lens from someone else but I have their reciept. The reciept shows that guy's address who I bought the lens from. Is the lens still cover?

Nikoner - savin $20 to $80 is maybe a not a big deal, but with exotic lenses it can reach much, much more and than it starts to make sense. anyway, both adorama and B&H are good companies, with good customer support, but You never know when You will need the warranty, even when Your lens is used only as a paper clip on Your desk.

Nikoner said:
I am looking to buy a lens and am wondering, what are the ramifications of buying a new imported lens from Adorama (or B&H) instead of a USA one?

So for an approximate $20 to $80 extra you get:

I just buy US lenses. If you have to get something repaired at a min it will be $150 and can be much much more. For me saving the $100 on a $1200 lens is not worth it.

Because of the wording on the Nikon Website, I sent an inquiry and this is their reply:

Thank you for contacting Nikon Technical Support. In regards to your inquiry, all your products were registered online successfully. Unfortunately you'll still have to send in the warranty card in order to obtain warranty coverage, the online registrations is for security purposes. Keep in mind you'll have to keep the receipt for the complete warranty time and send us a copy anytime the products need service.

I am looking to buy a lens and am wondering, what are the ramifications of buying a new imported lens from Adorama (or B&H) instead of a USA one?

So for an approximate $20 to $80 extra you get:

USA: 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension)
Imported: 1-Year B&H or Adorama Warranty

What are your experiences with lens repairs? Do you think if you take good care of them you hardly need the warranty?

Why would Nikon not support their own product? Even with 20 dollars less, it’s still an expensive product that they manufactured!

We've had no problems getting repairs under the 5 year warranty, with just a copy of the sales receipt. Nikon wants you to register your lenses & other gear. But, if you don't, they will still take care of their legitimate customers who have purchased through a Nikon USA authorized dealer. The receipt is necessary - but that seems to be all that is needed!

smarterchild, Go to http://nikonusa.com/. click on Service & Support tab, then product registration and the registration form will appear.
Hal

How can i find the online registration part? I wanna view my listed items

Yup, I did it on line and when I had to phone them on another matter, they had all my gear on the computer in front of them.

Thanks. Online registration makes a lot more sense!

I just registered my new 24-70 online. It showed right up in my list of owned Nikon products, so they have it in their system. That should be enough and the card says you can register online.

I don't mail anything in to Nikon, but I do register my stuff online. Usually, but not necessarily always (and can vary by state), you do not have to send any warranty form back to the manufacturer to have warranty coverage. The forms are generally just marketing surveys.

Yeah, I'm not so sure either. I sent in the warranty on my lens, but I thought it only applied to lenses only and not to bodies.

I didn't do it for my D40. It's been over a year now.