>What I foresee is that Nikon will have to either let a degree
>of grey-market from the EU (and probably split the warranty,
>not unlike what happens when one buys grey-market from
>B&H) or lower their prices to a degree.

Well one thing we agree on completely is that the consumer must always pay - one way or another. If Nikon is somehow prevented from protecting its territories from grey marketers, then retailers selling grey market goods will have to offer consumers extra-cost after-market warranties. problem is, none of the grey product warranty work will ever be done by regional Nikon service centres; it will all be done by privateers. In such situations, the chances of a sick camera ending up in the hands of a low quality service technician is rather higher.

>Oh, and next time you come round here in the Jura region, let
>me know! I'd be glad to "void our quarrel" around a
>bottle of local wine or a glass of (almost-)local beer from
>Saignelégier - I live in Neuchâtel and work in La
>Chaux-de-Fonds, where some watch-makers are making their
>famous expensive watches!

You're on. La Chaux-de-Fonds is on my target list.

My Nikonians Gallery

Howard Carson, Managing Editor
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