How can I tell if My A7II is factory sealed?

[Superquark]

Hi there,

 

Apologies if this belongs somewhere else.  I had a look for an existing topic and didn't find one.

 

I've just received my new A7II, bought for a very nice price due to the release of the lovely (but currently unjustifiable) A7III.  Or at least it should be new, but I'm not sure it is.

 

The box is legit (if a little battered due to being sent in only a courier bag), but it was sealed with a great big ugly silver tab, which didn't strike me as Sony quality.  Also, I found a couple of small dust patches on the camera, and the LCD didn't have a protective film on it.  All the manuals and accessories seem present and correct, but having owned lots of Sony gear, I find it hard to believe that it would come from the factory in that state.  It was sold as new and factory sealed, but I'm thinking B-Stock.

 

Can anyone give me any info on how these are usually sent out?  Seals?  Protective Films?

 

Cheers

[Username]

`   

   

Maybe a shelf display/demo ?  

   

The LCD panel should have

the usual plastic sheet over it.

[Guest Jaf-Photo]

Sony seals their boxes with bright tape printed with several Sony name logos. The last few Sony cameras I bought didn't have any protective film on the screen. So, there's not necessarily a problem with your copy. If you want to make sure, watch an unboxing video on the tube.

 

Essentially, Sony's packaging is very boring as it's made from recycled and eco-friendly materials.

[tinplater]

My a7IIII did not have a protective screen.  Purchased from B&H not gray market, box was sealed, don't recall how.

[ron777]

I have purchased several Sony A7 cameras (U.S.) over the years, including a brand new A7rIII, along with numerous lenses.  Not a single Sony box was sealed in any way, shape or form.  The A7rIII did not have any protective plastic covering the LCD.

[Guest]

All my Sony cameras (A7ii, A7Rii, A7Riii) had a white seal with several SONY text on it, but not any of the Sony lenses

[ron777]

All my Sony cameras (A7ii, A7Rii, A7Riii) had a white seal with several SONY text on it, but not any of the Sony lenses

 

I wonder if the seal that you are referring to is a characteristic of Sony cameras sold outside of the U.S.  All of my Sony cams and lenses have come from B&H Photovideo (have dealt with them for over 35 years) and while there have not been any seals, it did not appear that the boxes had been opened (the box top tabs were perfectly intact, plastic bags around camera and accessories were sealed with tape and were not wrinkled, like they might have been if someone had removed them and then repacked).

[Guest Jaf-Photo]

Sony doesn't put the pearly tape on all boxes. Typically, you'll find it on most camera boxes and some lens boxes.

 

I asked a Sony rep why they were inconsistent. He said he'd never been given an explanation.

 

A few years back the tape was black.

 

I don't believe the tape boxes are re-sealed though. The gear I've bought with tape was obviously new.

[ron777]

FedEx just delivered a brand new Sony 90mm F/2.8 G Macro OSS from B&H and there are no seals whatsoever on the outer box.  Several weeks ago I received, from the same reseller, a new 24-70mm F/2.8 GM and its box did not have a seal either.  Both lenses were manufactured in Thailand, but I'm not sure that has any bearing on the absence of seals.