Refurbishing D5100: I have two D5100 bodies that have been very heavily used and are starting to show wear with lagging shutter actuations and irregularities in the camera brains and...

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

I have two D5100 bodies that have been very heavily used and are starting to show wear with lagging shutter actuations and irregularities in the camera brains and am wondering about having them refurbished because I simply HATE the idea of just tossing them because they've served me so well. Can anyone recommend someone who could do the refurbishing?

I'm thinking of giving those to my kids if they can be refurbished since I'm going to be getting a D7100 or 7200 soon and also a D750 more towards the end of the year.

Thanks!

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

Why not call Nikon, B&H or Adorana!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

There is a camera repairman right here on UHH. His name is Rick Riggins. You might check him out for possible repair or replacement of the parts. I don't know for sure so a call to Nikon would be advisable but it might be cheaper to just purchase a refurbished camera rather than have yours refurbished/repaired by Nikon.

Dennis

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

dennis2146 wrote:

There is a camera repairman right here on UHH. His name is Rick Riggins. You might check him out for possible repair or replacement of the parts. I don't know for sure so a call to Nikon would be advisable but it might be cheaper to just purchase a refurbished camera rather than have yours refurbished/repaired by Nikon.

Dennis

I knew there was someone on the Hog. Thanks for telling me who. And yes, I've considered purchasing an already refurbished D5100 but have this thing about throwing something away that can have a new life. My 2nd D5100 actually is a refurbished one. BOTH are now WAY past their expected shutter actuation life. Probably double that. Thanks for your input.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

dennis2146 wrote:

There is a camera repairman right here on UHH. His name is Rick Riggins. You might check him out for possible repair or replacement of the parts. I don't know for sure so a call to Nikon would be advisable but it might be cheaper to just purchase a refurbished camera rather than have yours refurbished/repaired by Nikon.

Dennis

http://www.discountcamerarepair.com/

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

PCity wrote:

http://www.discountcamerarepair.com/

Thanks, Lynn!

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Hi. My name is Rick. Im the owner and lead technician at Discount Camera Repair and a member in good standing here at the UHH. Ive been doing repairs for other members here at greatly discounted rates and would be glad to help.

I'd be more than happy to repair the cameras for you and keep the cost as low as possible. If youre interested, please respond by private message or simply reply to this post.

donnahde wrote:

I have two D5100 bodies that have been very heavil... (show quote)

JimEaco

http://www.sanfordcamerarepair.com/

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

donnahde wrote:

I have two D5100 bodies that have been very heavil... (show quote)

I bet the cost of refurbishing would be higher than the cost of a "new" refurbished camera. You have to decide on a cash value for your sentimental attachment.

An alternative would be to keep it as a decoration, incorporate it into a household ornament, or put it on ebay "for parts."

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

The D5100 doesn't seem to be on their list. It's on mine.

JimEaco wrote:

http://www.sanfordcamerarepair.com/

Tom S. Loc: Hillsboro, Ore.

donnahde wrote:

I have two D5100 bodies that have been very heavily used...

Look at the Ebay and Amazon listings. You're probably money ahead by selling these and buying a used, low-count replacement from a reputable dealer for appx $250-$270.

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

PCity wrote:

http://www.discountcamerarepair.com/

Nice to get. just sent him an e-mail. have a 35-135 Nikon lens I love but won't auto focus all the time.

WAL

My feeling is the skills that go into these cameras have left the US long ago. The net is full of complaints about having cameras repaired by official Canon and Nikon service centers in the US. If you believe any of what you read on the net there are many lenses sold new that are defective.

I would tell the repair person the maximum you want to spend. You may find they would not consider it worth while.

You should try using the menu resetting the camera to the original settings. Then take the battery and the memory battery that stores the settings. Wait a while then put them back, see if it improves any thing. If not try it with another
If it is usable a local high school could use them. You may even get a moderate tax deduction.

Let us know what happens. I recommended the service man on this site to a friend. The camera had a single specific problem. It was fixed and there was never another problem.

Let us know how things worked out.

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

donnahde wrote:

I have two D5100 bodies that have been very heavil... (show quote)

I think the key words here are, "heavily used" and "lagging shutter actuation's". I have an old pickup here for sentimental reasons. Putting much money in it is a waste of money. Every dog has it's day and every camera has it's season. I think I'd put it up and take it out now and then to say hi to it!

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Thank you all for your responses. I completely agree that I'm probably throwing good money after bad. I will continue using these until there's no life left and then will decide. I've heard very good things on this forum in the past about Rick Riggins's skills and integrity and I'm sure will be calling him in the near future. My company does repair our gear but it takes them a very long time which I cannot afford unless it's a piece I have a duplicate of or don't use much. Gotta go now. Have 11 hour assignment spanning two schools today!! Candids, baseball and softball. Lemme at 'em!!