Nikon Warns of Fake D800E Cameras in Circulation on Online Auction Sites

While I've certainly bought cameras and photo equipment on auction sites like eBay and Amazon in the past (and will continue to do so), Nikon Europe is warning that some sellers may be trying to dupe would-be deal hunters. Apparently, some devious sellers are taking the internals of a D800 and placing them inside the shell of a D800E to sell at a higher price.

According to Nikon Rumors, Nikon first discovered the issue when servicing D800Es to discover they were actually no more than repackaged D800s.

Below is an excerpt from the Nikon press statement:

We have confirmed that there are cases in which D800E digital SLR cameras were received for repair, only to find that the cameras were actually fraudulently modified D800 cameras whose covers had been replaced with D800E covers. It seems that these fraudulently modified products are in circulation via Internet auctions and the like. As the Nikon warranty does not apply to fraudulently modified 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 camera before purchasing one.

Identifying these fraudulently modified cameras

Display an image captured with your camera in the camera monitor. 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.  If "NIKON D800E" is displayed, your camera is an authentic D800E.  If any other name is displayed, your camera is a fraudulent D800E.

As with all things online, buyers beware; if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Do your homework, do your due diligence, and CYA by buying from reputable sellers.

The easiest way to verify the camera is by checking the menu (as pictured below) for the accurate camera model or by examining the metadata embedded in a picture taken with the camera in question. 

What things do you check for when buying gear from retailers like eBay and third-party Amazon sellers? Share your tips below!

[via Nikon Rumors]