Lens repair other than Nikon USA: Does anyone have experience to get lens repaired in place other than Nikon USA? I contacted both B&H and Adorama for the possible future repairs in...

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Does anyone have experience to get lens repaired in place other than Nikon USA? I contacted both B&H and Adorama for the possible future repairs in case there is something wrong if I buy grey market products. I was told that they can do the similar service repair or they provided me the reputable repair shops (One is just cross from B&H). Any input is really appreciated. Thanks!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Go to Ken Rockwell's site where he gives a couple places he deals with - he has good experience in this area ....

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Several UHH members, including myself, have positive results dealing with Rick Riggins in Denver CO. Rick used to be a Certified Nikon repairman, before NikonUSA restructured the way they do business with the public, making life so much more difficult. He is now completely independent, quite good and expedient with most camera brands. Give him a call: http://www.discountcamerarepair.com

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks for the information!

imagemeister wrote:

Go to Ken Rockwell's site where he gives a couple places he deals with - he has good experience in this area ....

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thank you very much for the information!

Nikonian72 wrote:

Several UHH members, including myself, have positive results dealing with Rick Riggins in Denver CO. Rick used to be a Certified Nikon repairman, before NikonUSA restructured the way they do business with the public, making life so much more difficult. He is now completely independent, quite good and expedient with most camera brands. Give him a call: http://www.discountcamerarepair.com

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Richard HZ wrote:

Does anyone have experience to get lens repaired in place other than Nikon USA? I contacted both B&H and Adorama for the possible future repairs in case there is something wrong if I buy grey market products. I was told that they can do the similar service repair or they provided me the reputable repair shops (One is just cross from B&H). Any input is really appreciated. Thanks!

You can't be assured your lens will be repaired with Nikon parts, since parts are only sold to Nikon Authorized Repair.

Bob Boner

I had a grey market nikon 500mm f/4 lens that needed repair. Nikon would not repair it. They also got the serial number and would not sell the independent repairman the necessary parts so it could not be repaired without sending it back to Japan. Having used Nikon for 24 years, I switched to Canon. Have never regretted the switch.

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks! Good point!

Gene51 wrote:

You can't be assured your lens will be repaired with Nikon parts, since parts are only sold to Nikon Authorized Repair.

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thank you very much! Experience tells all.

Bob Boner wrote:

I had a grey market nikon 500mm f/4 lens that needed repair. Nikon would not repair it. They also got the serial number and would not sell the independent repairman the necessary parts so it could not be repaired without sending it back to Japan. Having used Nikon for 24 years, I switched to Canon. Have never regretted the switch.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Bob Boner wrote:

I had a grey market nikon 500mm f/4 lens that needed repair. Nikon would not repair it. They also got the serial number and would not sell the independent repairman the necessary parts so it could not be repaired without sending it back to Japan. Having used Nikon for 24 years, I switched to Canon. Have never regretted the switch.

Can't blame you. However, the vp of Customer Relations lives here in Long Island. When I had to replace a $24 part on a lens hood for my 600mm F4, something I had done before (due to crappy design), I was told I could not order the part any longer because Nikon only provides parts to it's authorized repair network. They said I could send the lens in. I told them it was the lens hood that needed a part and that the lens was fine. I asked who would pay for the shipping and insurance both ways - of course I was responsible for that. I then asked if it made sense to pay for $700 in shipping and insurance both ways for a $24 part that I have been able to order and install myself in the past. All I got was, this is our new policy.

I went on a couple of blogs that I know were read by the VP, sent him a few poison pen letters, and lo and behold, the repair part in question became available on their retail parts list. I like Nikon gear - and I have far too much invested in it to switch - which is why I pushed hard. As a result I am now NPS which offers a few perks at no charge and it's working for me at least for the moment.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Bob Boner wrote:

I had a grey market nikon 500mm f/4 lens that needed repair. Nikon would not repair it. They also got the serial number and would not sell the independent repairman the necessary parts so it could not be repaired without sending it back to Japan. Having used Nikon for 24 years, I switched to Canon. Have never regretted the switch.

Bob, sorry to tell you that you should not blame Nikon. They are protecting those lenses originally imported by them from China, Thailand or Japan and I am quite sure they pay a significant amount of money to be the sole importer of Nikon gear. I would have never bought the gray market lens.
A few dollars extra could mean a good peace of mind when it comes to repairs.

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

I am not sure the price difference is small or quite big. The price of Nikon 200mm micro/F4 for the Nikon USA model is about USD$1799 while the price for the one from gray market is USD$1399. I can afford for the full price of US model but I just do not feel to pay for the quite old model. I own the fairly new Nikon 800mm/F5.6 with the cost about $18,000. Thanks!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

imagemeister wrote:

Go to Ken Rockwell's site where he gives a couple places he deals with - he has good experience in this area ....

If you can trust anything he says . . .

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 camera equipment for you and keep the cost as low as possible. If youre interested, please respond by private message or simply reply to this post.

Richard HZ wrote:

Does anyone have experience to get lens repaired in place other than Nikon USA? I contacted both B&H and Adorama for the possible future repairs in case there is something wrong if I buy grey market products. I was told that they can do the similar service repair or they provided me the reputable repair shops (One is just cross from B&H). Any input is really appreciated. Thanks!

Lou37 Loc: Long Island, N.Y.

When I brought my SLR into Nikon's Melville facility on Long Island last Thursday the lady at the counter was able to tell it was not a gray item by just looking at the serial number on the camera. I found it rather odd that she was able to do that without looking at a list of serial numbers. I worked in Manhattan for 34 years before I retired and remember dealing with a gentleman by the name of Ken Hansen who was very reliable, but I believe he may have relocated to Florida. We also have a new Canon headquarters here on the Rte. 110 corridor, but they do not do repairs. One still has to send Canon equipment to Cranberry N.J. I have sworn off Canon products many years ago.