Identifying fake counterfeit MB-D15 battery grip

Yoksliv

New member
For those considering of purchasing, or have purchased, the MB-D15 battery grip for the D7100/D7200, please be careful of the counterfeit clones out there. Here are some highlighted facts about the differences.

Upon looking at them, it's really hard to tell the difference unless you have both of them side by side. The counterfeit one came in a retail box exactly like Nikon's with similar manuals and documents.

The first thing you will notice when you pick up the CF(counterfeit) is that it's made of mostly plastic material. However, when you weigh both of them, the genuine grip weighs 1.5 oz heavier (without batteries) due to the metal robust construction.
CF001.jpgCF002.jpg

The next thing you will notice is that the printed label on the CF does not have the grip's model #. The genuine reads "KCC-REI-NKR-MB-D15".
CF004.jpg

The wheel dials (both dials) on the CF is made up of flimsy plastic where as the genuine has some rubber texture feel to it. It's probably the same material as you will find on the D7100 wheel dials.
CF005.jpg

When you go around and look at the shutter release button, they're similar, but not quite. The CF shutter button appears to be clicky (similar as you would find in D3100/D5200 bodies). The genuine has the exact same feel as the D7100, which is a little spongy and doesn't have a noticeable click feeling to it. The white paint on the on/off switch is also a different shade of white. The CF has a slightly greyish/opaque white where's the genuine is a pure white color.
CF007.jpg

As you open the battery cover, you'll notice something else. The MB-D15 is made to be weather sealed, as with the D7100. In doing so, you'll find that the genuine has a rubber sealing gasket. If you compare that to a CF one, there is no rubber gasket.
CF013.jpg

Below are general pointers to the differences inside, but as you can see, there are many more. Look at the circuit board, wires, chips, connectors etc..

When you open the bottom covers, you'll notice that the CF screw holes are all plastic. The genuine has metal (or magnesium?) screw holes for better quality and stability.
CF008.jpgCF011.jpg

Looking at the bottom covers, they'll look similar on the outside, but when you turn them around, they're completely different in color (probably material too).
CF012.jpg

Looking inside behind the movement control knob, you'll find that genuine has a rubber piece behind it; the CF does not.
CF009.jpg

When you go to the metal mounting plate, it's a whole nother story. The CF wiring job is shitty to none where as the genuine is clean, straight and non obtrusive. Some of the screws on the CF are even different colors. I certainly wouldn't trust that CF grip when mounted on the Black Rapid strap.
CF010.jpg

As you can see, they're very similar. You'll just have to look closely.

Hope this helps. Happy shopping!
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Very likely, the counterfeit is made very near the genuine one. Possibly by some of the same people that produce the genuine ones, but without all of the tools and parts available at the licensed factory.

WM
 

Danno

Senior Member
That's why I am very reluctant to buy certain things on Ebay. A grip was one of them. I bought it at a brick and mortar retailer in Lexington. But I still gave mine a look after reading this post... It is like seeing a police car on the side of the road... you tap your breaks even if you are not speeding. ;) And yes, mine is genuine.
 

paul04

Senior Member
I was lucky, got my grip free, when I got the D7100 you got a free grip as well, so a very good deal.

I had to fill out a form and verify my purchase (by receipt) send the form to Nikon uk, and a few weeks later, a new grip was delivered.
 

carguy

Senior Member
I was lucky, got my grip free, when I got the D7100 you got a free grip as well, so a very good deal.

I had to fill out a form and verify my purchase (by receipt) send the form to Nikon uk, and a few weeks later, a new grip was delivered.
A friend just bought a new D750 here in the US during a 'free Nikon grip' program. Sweet deal :)
 

canuck257

Senior Member
I was lucky, got my grip free, when I got the D7100 you got a free grip as well, so a very good deal.

I had to fill out a form and verify my purchase (by receipt) send the form to Nikon uk, and a few weeks later, a new grip was delivered.

When was this "Free grip" deal active? I'm wondering if there was one in Canada and if I qualify.
 

seak.li1188

New member
I noticed this is a super old thread, but I just purchased a used MB-D15. I compared it to the pictures and comments here scrupulously. Everything on the one that I recieved matches the "real" ones pictured here except the silver sticker. My silver sticker is missing the model number. Has anyone else seen that?

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