Everyone has there story as to why you shouldn't buy this or that product. Many companies in the photo industry spread disinformation with little or no regard for reality or legality.  Product made for sale here versus product made for sale there. As if companies struggling with maintaining their existing market share are really investing in producing the same item in multiple configurations for sale in different parts or the world. The language on the package may vary, (Products for North American distribution generally have instructions in English, French, German & Spanish.) However the statement that products intended for sale in other countries are of lesser or lower quality is a vast smoke screen propagated by domestic photo industry.  In this day and age does it sound logical that these manufacturer's would be dividing their resources by operating a second production line to produce lower quality products!!! Reality seems to have little place when it comes to some of these statements. 

The other great fallacy is the buying from an unauthorized dealer. The simple truth is that most companies use multiple distribution outlets.  Some of their customers are direct and some are serviced by distributor's that are set up to sell to different markets or smaller accounts. Some dealers would have you believe that if you don't buy from them the product you are buying may not qualify for potential rebates and or warranty servicing. Warranty servicing is not driven by a warranty card but by proof of purchase. (your sales receipt.) Let's be realistic. People travel and often purchase photo items overseas. Most of the Photo manufacturing companies are foreign owned and operate company owned branches in North America. Of course they don't want you to buy product from another country because it is a lost sale to them. So they use the ultimate scare tactic of "We won't repair it if you have a problem" Does it seem logical that a company owned facility would tell you that they won't repair their own companies products? Of course not. When push comes to shove these same companies don't want the bad press or the potential loss of a loyal customer!!!!