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My Nikon Conundrum
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May 18, 2017 07:35:57   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
Nikon produces very fine and durable equipment. I've been putting their equipment through a lot since 1972. In 2010, I purchased my D700 and almost a year ago a D800e. I've never had any physical problem with any of them. I had a minor electrical issue with D700. Nikon repaired the issue and even told me how to send the camera back for a complete cleaning and still have that covered by warranty.

Now, to your issue supposedly with Nikon. Obviously, they are not going to cover acts of carelessness. Sure, you may have been careful with your equipment. However, they are smart enough to determine when something is a manufacturing defect and one caused by careless, or accidental, mishandling. They aren't trying to fool anyone. Send them a physically damaged camera and they will recognize that and charge you for fixing it.

Now, if you want to mount your camera securely to a shelf and use it for a room deco, that's your choice. I'd take it out and use it. But, don't leave it laying around for others to carelessly damage it.
--Bob

Just Fred wrote:
Bob, the first time it happened, the kit lens that came with it (a very nice 18-140mm) also had to be repaired. Although I never dropped it or mishandled it, I am willing to believe that someone cleaning my ship's cabin on a cruise may have accidentally bumped it. However, the second occurrence came about five months later, and no lens was (evidently) involved.

Part of my conundrum comes from Nikon's response to my issue: All repairs are said to be warranted for six months. Believing that my camera fell under warranty repair after less than that, I was a bit put off by Nikon's claim that "damage due to drops" is not warranted, and that I would have to pay for the same repair again. Since I have no way of proving a negative (that I didn't drop the camera), I had no choice but to pony up and pay again.

I won't pay a third time. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you. The best way to prevent a third occurrence is by not using the camera.
Bob, the first time it happened, the kit lens that... (show quote)

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May 18, 2017 07:37:33   #
d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA
 
ndncowboy wrote:
I hate reading things like this. I just got a D7100 and have wondered how robust it might be. I wanted to take it with me on my motorcycle where I sometimes see great photo opportunities. Used to do it all the time with a Minolta. Beginning to sound like my stupid camera phone is safer and just pamper this expensive thing. That kinda ruins the whole reason to get a good camera. Didn't realize these things are so fragile. Damn!!! :(


I bought a D7100 to backup my D300, and liked it so much that I bought another - then bought my wife one, as well. Hers is rarely used, but mine is in a backpack and regularly carried all over the freakin' place. The bag has rolled off of chairs and benches several times, although I have never dropped any of the cameras, themselves. I have never had a problem with any of them.

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May 18, 2017 07:48:47   #
littlebear76
 
I have been very pleased with the Magneseum bodies of the FX D700 and DX D300 the past 9 plus years; sorry that you cannot say the same with your D7100.

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May 18, 2017 07:59:21   #
sathca Loc: Narragansett Rhode Island
 
The 7100 ( full metal case ) is built better than a lot of other cameras. I had that fall off a tripod onto pavement with a five pound 80-200 and nothing happened. ( the lens didn't fair too well! ) same camera same lens onto a gravel drive way...nothing. I had my 610 ( partial metal case ) fall from the back of my couch onto a thick rug with the same lens on it and the case opened up right at the auto focus selection switch! Luckily I was able to fix it my self!

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May 18, 2017 07:59:30   #
WayneW Loc: South Carolina
 
The only thing I can imagine is that maybe Nikon missed some hidden damage. Then again, the camera could have suffered another fall without your knowledge AFTER the repair. Some folks talk on and on about how "pampered" their gear has been when they try to sell it. "100,000 shutter actuations and not a blemish anywhere." I can't say anything like that. I "use" my stuff. It gets tossed around, with all the occasional drops, bumps and bangs. I had a Nikon N80 (not a tough body) film camera w/35-70 that took a tumble down rip-rap rocks. When I got down to where it had finally stopped its travels, I picked it up and the only damage was that the lens got jammed a bit. I have a pair of D200s that never see any delicate touch, except for the occasional sensor cleaning. Neither have ever seen a service facility, and both work as well as they did when new. I can't see myself hiding a camera in a case or bag to protect it, or just not using it because it might break. With all the Nikons out there that don't have any issues, just figure you got the short stick. You might want to keep it for a spare and jump on a new or refurb 7200. Now that the D7500 is out, a 7200 is a good deal!
https://www.adorama.com/inkd7200r.html

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May 18, 2017 08:01:27   #
Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC
 
raferrelljr wrote:
I have been using Nikon's since the mid 70's and have never had any issues at all.

Hopefully this reply and others like it do not imply "Hmm, must be the user." What these say to me is that Nikon has been very reliable over time to many users and it is likely a very rare defect, like a rare error on a postage stamp. These things happen, though of course NEVER with Canon or Macintosh (just kidding.) I suggest finding a used D7100 body since you know it so well, or upgrade and have a good time with the rest of your lenses, etc. I don't own a DSLR, just old Nikons, but you might want to check that none of your lenses are causing damage to the lens mount. And, yes, do check your lens changing technique at the shop where you bought it, just in case. Maybe they will even swap out your with a proven D7100 and keeps yours to check out the cause.

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May 18, 2017 08:02:16   #
MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City
 
Just Fred wrote:
Thanks for all the quality replies, folks. Keep 'em coming!

I'm wondering if I could take it to the shop where I bought it (yep, brick-and-mortar, not online) and use it as a trade-in to a D7200. Or maybe even a D7500? I know they sell used cameras, so it might be the way to go. I won't know until I try, right? Thoughts?


Go ask them, for crying out loud already. This decision is NOT rocket science or brain surgery. No one will die - including you - if you make the "wrong" decision. Just decide already and then ACT!!! on that decision.

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May 18, 2017 08:03:36   #
MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City
 
Howard5252 wrote:
No matter what the responses have been, we cannot solve it for you. Look at what you have been told ... if you don't use it SELL IT / if you don't want to take a financial hit DON'T SELL IT / if you've lost confidence in it SELL IT. You are absolutely correct ... it is YOUR conundrum; YOU solve it.


Amen to that, Howard. My thoughts exactly.

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May 18, 2017 08:06:25   #
jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida
 
I watched a National Geographic photographer have his Nikon D5's serviced. One got eaten by a lion and another one got stepped on by an elephant. He got both of them repaired in the UK at Nikon service. Service department found his repairs interesting because it's always something that's not normal.

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May 18, 2017 08:07:29   #
sathca Loc: Narragansett Rhode Island
 
Just bought another 7100 on mpb.com for $494 with 7000 actuations. I had sold my first to step up to the full frame. But the 7100 does some things better. Put my 200-500 on it and it's a 750!

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May 18, 2017 08:18:57   #
Bird Dawg Loc: Georgia
 
I've had 5-6 Nikon cameras over the past 35 years. No problems. Never have sent one back to Nikon for anything. Also, I presently use the D7100 and have not had any issues. I read on the Hog you can not hold the camera by the lens. ( wondering if that may have caused it?) Good luck.

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May 18, 2017 08:37:33   #
RickL Loc: Vail, Az
 
Just Fred wrote:
About three years ago I decided to jump head first into the digital photography pool and purchased a Nikon D7100 and full complement of lenses, filters, flash, tripod, monopod, etc. It was light years better than the compact Nikon 1 J1 I had been using, which in itself was light years ahead of the Fuji FX45 pocket camera I had used before.

But, as some of you know, I suffered several unexplainable "breaks" that necessitated trips to Nikon and resulted in costly (~$500) repairs -- both times to the lens mount. I profess to be very careful with my camera equipment (and to other things I value: cars, guns, guitars, etc.), so these "breaks" concern me.

They concern so much, in fact, that I have become very reluctant to take my D7100 out of its carry case. I even went so far as to purchase a Coolpix P900, which I took on my recent cruise. If I have a gun I rely upon to carry every day and I lose faith in its ability to work reliably, every time, I might as well not carry it, right? I have the same feeling about my D7100.

So what do I do? I have a lot invested in said camera equipment. I suppose I could sell the body and replace it with some other Nikon (DX, I guess), or dump the whole lot and look at Canon, Sony, etc.

I've never been good on private sales. I'd probably take a big hit if I sold it to a shop, but I don't know anyone who I could approach to handle a sale for me.

This is my conundrum: Sell the D7100 and move on, or keep it and try to get over my angst about it (and if it goes "kablooey" one more time...)?
About three years ago I decided to jump head first... (show quote)


Sorry to hear about your problem. I suggest that you insure your camera. Take it out of the bag and use it. It is a good camera. If you still fear breaking it, get a refurbished D7200. I have Nikon film cameras and both D7000 and D810 and have not had that issue.

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May 18, 2017 08:41:47   #
Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
 
Just Fred wrote:
About three years ago I decided to jump head first into the digital photography pool and purchased a Nikon D7100 and full complement of lenses, filters, flash, tripod, monopod, etc. It was light years better than the compact Nikon 1 J1 I had been using, which in itself was light years ahead of the Fuji FX45 pocket camera I had used before.

But, as some of you know, I suffered several unexplainable "breaks" that necessitated trips to Nikon and resulted in costly (~$500) repairs -- both times to the lens mount. I profess to be very careful with my camera equipment (and to other things I value: cars, guns, guitars, etc.), so these "breaks" concern me.

They concern so much, in fact, that I have become very reluctant to take my D7100 out of its carry case. I even went so far as to purchase a Coolpix P900, which I took on my recent cruise. If I have a gun I rely upon to carry every day and I lose faith in its ability to work reliably, every time, I might as well not carry it, right? I have the same feeling about my D7100.

So what do I do? I have a lot invested in said camera equipment. I suppose I could sell the body and replace it with some other Nikon (DX, I guess), or dump the whole lot and look at Canon, Sony, etc.

I've never been good on private sales. I'd probably take a big hit if I sold it to a shop, but I don't know anyone who I could approach to handle a sale for me.

This is my conundrum: Sell the D7100 and move on, or keep it and try to get over my angst about it (and if it goes "kablooey" one more time...)?
About three years ago I decided to jump head first... (show quote)


I'm curious what exactly broke you never or I missed it explained what had failed!

I've been a Nikon shooter for years 1970 I've never had a mount break on any camera or lens , also I worked at a pro-line camera store in the 70-80's and I only saw one camera
Th at had the mount ripped off of the body and with the advent of plastic claws on the lens still haven't seen broken mounts I have however seen contacts broken or meter couplings but never the mount

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May 18, 2017 08:45:38   #
ggttc Loc: TN
 
oldtigger wrote:
7100's are built like the proverbial outhouse; i abused mine with 7 pound telephoto lenses
for 2 years and over 50,000 images before finally selling it in showroom condition.


I've had a 7100 for 2 years and I shoot wildlife with a Tamron 150-600 hand held and no problems.

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May 18, 2017 08:47:28   #
RatGMAN Loc: SE Pennsylvania
 
I've been a Nikon user for over 40 years. I've had exactly one lens mount issue and it was absolutely my fault. I was in a big hurry to switch lenses and didn't line it up correctly. That broke the small pin in the camera and required a repair that cost me about $100. I have been very diligent about lining up the lens and camera ever since.

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