Fujifilm decided to file lawsuits against several grey market retailers… just like Canon did last year for the same reason (read more at CanonWatch)

The news broke first at worldipreview, later on reported also at phoblographer… here is what they say:

“Fujifilm contents that in many cases these imports can differ from the correctly imported products in many ways and are likely not up to the same standard. […] The issue lies in that consumers are purchasing these grey market imports and in many cases they are unaware that they have one. […] So if something breaks, is defective, or if the product is a knockoff and not real Fujifilm is the company they go for answers, and it is Fujifilm reputations that is hurt because of it.”

[…] According to Fujifilm, the cameras physically and materially differ from products authorised for import to and sale in the US.

“Defendants’ importation … and/or sale within the US of grey market cameras intended for markets outside of the US is likely to result in consumer confusion and stymie FNAC’s [Fujifilm North America Corporation’s] quality control efforts, causing irreparable harm to FNAC that will continue unless such conduct is enjoined,” said the suit. Fujifilm explained that in order to maintain quality control over genuine Fujifilm X and Instax-branded products, it sells them only through a channel of “specifically authorised local dealers and distributors

The camera manufacturer alleged that the products are different in terms of the geographical warranties, the packaging and product labelling, serial numbers and tracking codes, and accessories.”

Now, in the past, here on FR, I’ve occasionally linked to grey market X-series gear. Of course I clearly informed you that these were import models and I linked only if the seller was top rated on ebay and the grey market item had at least one year seller (not Fujifilm) warranty. And so far, at least to the retailers I’ve linked here on FR, I’ve never heard a complaint from customers.

Some of the deals these retailers offered, were just insane… unmatched also by the best official Fujifilm deals.

But what worries me now, is that Fujifilm claims that some grey market cameras/lenses can “physically and materially differ” from the ones sold via official Fujifilm distributors and also seem to have counterfeit serial numbers.

I’d like Fujifilm to publish the name of those retailers, so that we can be aware of which stores avoid.

FYI: Fujifilm US has a clear list of authorized Fujiflm dealers here.

Tony Northrup Video: Grey Market – Should You buy it? – youtube

Some store already have the Fujifilm Instax Mini Monochrome Instant Film available. In USA you can find it via third party at AmazonUS, while in EU it’s available at PCHstore.