Optics f Japan

I’ve bought two spotting scopes from Japanese vendors on eBay and both showed up quickly and were in great shape. I also bought a Nikon camera from a camera store in Japan sold through eBay with zero complaints. I’ve even picked up about $1k worth of spray painting guns that were sold as new and they were in perfect condition and saved me some money.

I did start to notice it’s a selling point in Japan to not have lens fungus on optics. In humid areas that’s a bigger problem than anything I’m used to. If there is any haziness or if they say minor fungus damage, I’d pass. As the fungus grows across the lens, acids etch into the glass leaving the fungus pattern permanently visible.
 
Thanks a bunch for the response. I lived in Japan for a few years back in the 80’s and can see how it can happen. Would never have thought of that. I am looking at a new product so hoping that wouldnt be a problem.
 
They are likely grey market products, which means in many cases you’d have to send to Japan if/when needing service. Part of the cost of buying something sold through US distributors is access to the US service.
 
They are likely grey market products, which means in many cases you’d have to send to Japan if/when needing service. Part of the cost of buying something sold through US distributors is access to the US service.
That’s a good point - it should definitely be factored into the price. That should be factored into the price of any used optics bought in the US since they very well might be gray market imported.
 
Back
Top