Help with EOS 90D serial number registration.

[Kphoto]

I have a cannon 90d that is needing repair but the serial number is not accepted. Can someone verify how the serial numbers work? I purchased this on eBay from a highly ranked seller. My serial number starts with 31505

[wq9nsc]

It is probably a "grey market" body intended for sale in another country and if so you can't register it with Canon out of market.  Did you get paperwork with the camera including, most importantly, a U.S. warranty card?

Grey market cameras aren't counterfeit but were simply intended for sale in a different global market region.  Support "dollars" for the various Canon regions and the distributors are tied into the intended distribution for that region so when a camera is sold out of its intended region, typically from part of the world where less support/warranty is included thus the lower price, the serial number tied to region is used to prevent buyers from "free riding" by receiving services from the distribution network that wasn't compensated by the sale going through that network.

IF it is a grey market product, and I would reach out to Canon via their telephone contact line, you can find out what their current policy is regarding paid repair of non-market region items.  If Canon won't repair, there are some independent shops who will.

Rodger

[Kphoto]

Thanks for the reply. I’ll contact Cannon

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Everything my colleague mentioned is true.  To save time and expense, It would be best to contact Canon support. 

The decision to repair is ultimately up to the repair facility.  In cases where a grey market product needs service, you can fill out the following form and send that in with your camera.

Instructions and the address where to send are included.  It doesn't guarantee that your camera can be repaired or serviced, but this is the process and facilitates this determination.

Source: Canon Community https://share.google/gDutLyZa6vqt4usZj

We hope it helps.

[ebiggs1]

1 (800) 652-2666 is the number. Know, that even if you pay for a repair on a grey market camera Canon may refuse to repair it. You need to talk with them.

" I purchased this on eBay from a highly ranked seller."

If the seller did indeed sell you a out of market camera, I can't see him as "a highly ranked seller.". If indeed it is true and it is not mentioned on the seller's page report him to eBay.

[LeeP]

Because I am considering replacing my somewhat unreliable R8 with an R6 and in light of this thread, I pretended I didn't know that B&H Camera is a reputable store and googled the R6.

Another big camera store in NYC had the R6 for several hundred dollars less than B&H. I Googled the store and in my search query I asked if the store was known for selling grey market products. Bam! The response was (1) that they do and (2) that they have numerous complaints for doing so. I went to their website and wonder of wonders you can buy an aftermarket warranty for the camera. Massive red flag too. I won't say the store's name publicly.

I would NOT buy a new camera from Amazon or Ebay despite the fact that I do a lot of purchasing from both. Yes, you can buy US spec Canons from Amazon, but you have to dig to make sure.

I would buy from a reputable camera shop instead that specifically sells US-market warrantied products. Most big cities have reputable shops that will tell you up front that their products are US market spec.

Despite living in California, I purchase from B&H Camera because a colleague of mine grew up in NYC and knows the folks behind the operation at B&H personally. I even have a name of someone there I can call personally and mention that Dave Lastname is a friend if I need special attention.

Cameras are expensive purchases. Research the seller and protect yourself. 

[ebiggs1]

"I even have a name of someone there I can call personally and mention that Dave Lastname is a friend if I need special attention."

That's nothing special anybody can have a dedicated specialists to assist you. You will get their name and you can contact them as needed.  When I was more active I had one at B&H and Adorama, too. Henry at B&H and Helen at Adorama. Probably both retired by now.

" I won't say the store's name publicly."

I don't have a problem naming two stores I won't deal with and caution others to be very careful, Abe's of Main and 42nd Street Photo. Like most folks I was lured in by amazingly low prices but quickly found out I didn't like how they pressured you and the item was not as stated. I suppose if you know exactly what you want and are mindful and careful you can get cheap prices. Just beware.

There are other fine retail camera online stores besides B&H and Adorama and some are not in NY. Roberts and Best Buy come to mind right off. And, there is nothing wrong with Amazon as long as you buy from Amazon and not a marketplace seller.

Also nothing wrong with local photography shops. You might pay a bit more but you get hands on and feel in the moment.

[LeeP]

"That's nothing special anybody can have a dedicated specialists to assist you."

Well, as usual, you know best.

[ebiggs1]

Somebody has to tell "the rest of the story".

[LeeP]

I'm sure you know best.