A genuine Nikon D800

Nikon has blamed ‘internet auctions and the like’ for the circulation of ‘fraudulently modified and imitation products’, which it has refused to inspect or repair.

Nikon also warns that its warranty does not apply to such products, for which Nikon accepts no responsibility.

The models affected are the D800, D7100 and D4.

The outer covers of D800 cameras have been fraudulently replaced with ones from the D800E.

The name plates of D7100 DSLRs have been swapped for ones from the D610.

And D4 models have been fraudulently modified to resemble D4S cameras, said Nikon in a statement.

Nikon UK has yet to respond to Amateur Photographer‘s request for comment.

Nikon Europe issued the following statement:

Notice regarding fraudulently modified and imitation Nikon products

Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

Nikon has confirmed that fraudulently modified and imitation products have been received by Nikon Service Centres for repair.

It seems that these fraudulently modified and imitation products are in circulation via Internet auctions and the like.

As the Nikon warranty does not apply to fraudulently modified or imitation products, Nikon will not inspect or repair such products.

In addition, Nikon cannot be held responsible in any way regarding the use of fraudulently modified products. Please take all necessary precautions to ensure the authenticity of a product before purchasing it.

Examples of the fraudulently modified products that have been brought to Nikon Service Centres

a) D800 cameras fraudulently modified to make them look like D800E cameras
These are D800 cameras with which the outer cover has been fraudulently replaced with a D800E cover. When the “overview” display option is enabled in full-frame playback mode, the name of the camera used to capture the image is displayed in the top-right corner of the monitor, allowing users to confirm the true name of their camera. If “NIKON D800E” is displayed, your camera is an authentic D800E.  If any other name is displayed, your camera is a fraudulent D800E.

b) D7100 cameras fraudulently modified to make them look like D610 cameras
These are D7100 cameras with which the name plate, and/or other identifying feature, has been fraudulently replaced with that of a D610.  This can be checked using the same “overview” display option as described above. If “NIKON D610” is displayed, your camera is an authentic D610. If any other name is displayed, your camera is a fraudulent D610.

c) D4 cameras fraudulently modified to make them look like D4S cameras

For more information regarding this matter, contact Nikon Customer Support or your nearest Nikon Service Centre.