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Broken backup camera suggestions
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Apr 7, 2014 19:48:11   #
acellis Loc: Charleston, SC
 
I use a Nikon d5100 as a backup. Something is wrong as it will not adjust the aperture or shutter. You can spin the dial and nothing happens. I've reset everything, changed batteries and lenses but it doesn't allow for setting the A or S. I've had this camera repaired once for about 200 and this one is going to be the same or more.

Should I get the D5100 fixed, buy a new D5100 or should I buy a used (D7000) as a backup?

Your thoughts?

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Apr 7, 2014 20:05:07   #
Tom S. Loc: Hillsboro, Ore.
 
I carry a Canon 7d for my main camera and a bridge camera (FZ200) for backup. It saves some weight and each camera serves a purpose.

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Apr 7, 2014 20:06:54   #
Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana
 
What is your primany camera?

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Apr 7, 2014 20:26:42   #
acellis Loc: Charleston, SC
 
Nikon D7100.

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Apr 7, 2014 21:09:20   #
Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana
 
acellis wrote:
Nikon D7100.


If you have already had to have the D5100 fixed once, it may be time to retire it and get the used D7000. I use it as my primary and a D3100 as my backup. the D7000 is a great camera.

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Apr 7, 2014 21:11:42   #
lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode
 
I know you have probably tried this, but have to tried "reset to factory defaults"?

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Apr 7, 2014 22:29:49   #
acellis Loc: Charleston, SC
 
Thanks for the comments. I did reset -- nada. It's weird. the programmed modes and auto work ok. it's manual, A and S that do now allow for adjustments. No error codes or anything. I might ask Nikon if they've heard of this issue before I do anything. I hate to put more money into it.
My primary camera is the D7100. I treat them well too. like eggs in their shell. DRAT!

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Apr 7, 2014 22:33:32   #
Moles Loc: South Carolina
 
And/or re-install the firmware. Worth a try and costs nothing.
lighthouse wrote:
I know you have probably tried this, but have to tried "reset to factory defaults"?

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Apr 7, 2014 22:41:59   #
mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)
 
Best suggestion is get another D7100. If it's really a backup and not an alternate, that is. A real backup is a camera you take along in case your primary craps out, or as a camera to keep a different lens on for quick reaction to a different situation. The best possible backup camera is one that is the same as your primary because it can be set up the same way and there is no hiccup with controls or buttons when you switch. An alternate is a different camera that you use on different occasions because it is lighter, smaller, waterproof, etc, etc.

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Apr 7, 2014 22:49:48   #
acellis Loc: Charleston, SC
 
Didn't think of reinstalling the firmware. That is an interesting suggestion. Forgot how to do this one. You are right it is worth a try.

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Apr 7, 2014 22:51:33   #
acellis Loc: Charleston, SC
 
Mcveed, Great idea. might be hard to convince the CFO of our house(Da Wife!!) of this one. I was thinking a used (refurbished d7000). I might get this one if I am really a good boy.

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Apr 8, 2014 05:43:50   #
bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.
 
I shoot a sony a-850 as my main camera, if I was making my living with it, I would get another a-850 on the used market.

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Apr 8, 2014 06:04:20   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
mcveed wrote:
Best suggestion is get another D7100. If it's really a backup and not an alternate, that is. A real backup is a camera you take along in case your primary craps out, or as a camera to keep a different lens on for quick reaction to a different situation. The best possible backup camera is one that is the same as your primary because it can be set up the same way and there is no hiccup with controls or buttons when you switch. An alternate is a different camera that you use on different occasions because it is lighter, smaller, waterproof, etc, etc.
Best suggestion is get another D7100. If it's real... (show quote)

I agree that the optimal backup is the same as the primary, but as Arthur said, that may not be the right financial decision.

Don, your description of "backup" seems to fit two different uses, one I would call the backup ("primary craps out" ) and the other would be "second body" ("different lens" ).

Perhaps, Arthur, it might be time to submit a budget proposal to the CFO for a new camera which would make the D7100 the second camera. Looking at the variety of photography you present on your SmugMug site, a FX body like the D610 would serve some of your needs very well especially the areas where you seem to be marketing yourself strongest: "Private portraiture, individual portraits, families, newborn, infant, annual children's photos, senior pictures, pets, and commercial". The two main advantages the FX camera would have is the option for shallower depth of field (when adjusting focal length or distance to get the same field of view) and better high ISO performance, allowing for faster shutter speeds or deeper depth of field when you need it.

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Apr 8, 2014 06:53:17   #
chip94 Loc: Massachusetts
 
I had the same problem. I sent it to the Nikon repair facility in NY and they fixed it in about a week. Cost me $168.00

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Apr 8, 2014 08:10:14   #
barryb Loc: Kansas
 
Not to disagree with Amehta, but to upgrade to FX brings a completely different set of questions, starting with what lenses are you shooting with now, because if they are DX lenses, they will work, but they will crop your picture, and the main problem you will have on that will be sports pics. I did upgrade, and I LOVE my D800, but I ended up upgrading some of my DX lenses because of the cropping. Unfortunately, the good FX lenses are also a major step up in price also. It will definitely be worth it in the long run if your CFO would buy into it, but it would probably be a good idea if she knew everything upfront. If you haven't met MTshooter yet, he would be and excellent source of info, and he might even have a used body to sell you as well. One final note, and this is good news/bad news, the file size on the full frame 800 can be 18meg to 27meg per pic in jpeg, (40-50meg in raw) and while the resolution is incredible, at that time you have to get a 1-2 terabyte hard disk to store your files. Good luck

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