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Nikonā€™s secret marks: how to identify a reconditioned camera

When buying a Nikon camera or lens, thereā€™s an easy way to tell if itā€™s new or has been refurbished at the factory. Just look at their serial number and find the ā€œsecret marksā€.

Mirrorless Cameras

Photographer Paul Eichengrun talks about this in his blog, pointing out that Nikon physically marks any product that undergoes factory refurbishment and repair. If the lens, camera, or flash has previously been returned to Nikon, inspected, and then restored, then there will be round indentations on the sides of the serial number.

If there are no recesses, the product has never been repaired by Nikon. On the other hand, Eichengran notes that Nikon always strives to provide high quality standards and that refurbished products will be just as reliable as new ones.

This is what the tags on the serial number on the rebuilt Nikon DSLR look like:

Nikon

Nikon

Photo by Paul Eichengrun

Tags on the refurbished Nikon lens:

Photo Equipment

Photo lenses

Photo by Paul Eichengrun

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 9
  1. Delaney

    ā€œI found this article about Nikonā€™s secret marks that can help identify a reconditioned camera. Has anyone come across these marks before? How reliable are they in determining if a camera has been refurbished? Iā€™m interested in buying a used Nikon camera, so any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!ā€

    Reply
  2. Finley

    Iā€™m curious to know if there are any telltale signs or specific markings that can help me identify a reconditioned camera by Nikon. Is there any information or hidden details that I should be aware of when purchasing a Nikon camera to make sure itā€™s brand new and not refurbished?

    Reply
  3. Marigold

    Are there any specific markings or signs on Nikon cameras that can help us identify if they have been reconditioned? I want to make sure Iā€™m not buying a refurbished camera without knowing it.

    Reply
  4. Marigold

    Is there a way to easily identify if a Nikon camera has been reconditioned? I want to ensure that Iā€™m purchasing a brand new camera, and Iā€™ve heard that Nikon has secret marks that distinguish reconditioned units. Can anyone shed some light on this and help me make an informed decision before buying?

    Reply
  5. Serenity

    Can anyone help me in understanding Nikonā€™s secret marks and how I can identify if a camera has been reconditioned or not? I want to make sure Iā€™m buying an authentic and brand new camera. Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
  6. Ember

    How can one easily spot Nikonā€™s secret marks and identify if a camera has been reconditioned?

    Reply
    1. Ember

      To easily spot Nikonā€™s secret marks and identify if a camera has been reconditioned, there are a few key things to look for. Firstly, check for any hidden serial numbers or marks that Nikon may have placed on the camera body. These marks are often located in discreet areas like inside the battery compartment or under the memory card slot cover. Secondly, inspect the overall condition of the camera. A reconditioned camera may show signs of wear and tear that are inconsistent with its claimed age. Look for scratches, scuffs, or any other apparent damages that seem unusual for a camera of its supposed age. Lastly, verify the legitimacy of the cameraā€™s warranty. Reconditioned cameras often come with a different warranty than brand new ones, so contacting Nikon or the seller to confirm the warranty details can help determine if the camera has been reconditioned or not.

      Reply
    2. Magnolia

      To easily spot Nikonā€™s secret marks and identify if a camera has been reconditioned, one can follow a few steps. Firstly, examine the camera body for any visible signs of wear or scratches. Next, check for any tampering or inconsistent labeling on the cameraā€™s exterior, such as variations in the font or logo positioning. Additionally, look for the presence of original Nikon serial numbers and ensure they match the ones provided on the camera box or documentation. Another clue can be found inside the cameraā€™s menu. The presence of additional settings or customization options that are not typically found on the specific camera model may indicate reconditioning. Lastly, consider seeking the assistance of a professional camera technician or contacting Nikonā€™s customer support to verify the authenticity of the camera if any doubts persist.

      Reply
  7. Anthony Stewart

    Can anyone provide insights on how to identify a reconditioned camera by revealing Nikonā€™s secret marks? Iā€™m curious to know if there are any specific markings or indicators that could help me differentiate between a brand new camera and a refurbished one from Nikon. Any tips or information would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
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