Nikon D7100 Service Recommendations: Thinking about sending my D7100 in to Nikon for general inspection, cleaning and tune-up. What have you UHH folks experienced with Nikon Service?

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Thinking about sending my D7100 in to Nikon for general inspection, cleaning and tune-up. What have you UHH folks experienced with Nikon Service? And, are there alternatives that might be more affordable? (Camera is way out of warranty, so I will be footing the bill. Budget is tight.)

Over the past week, I have taken a lot of photos and my keeper rate is the lowest ever. Problem is mainly focus-related, but other issues have popped up as well. I have set the focus-adjust using a focus chart, but that was a long time ago, maybe I need to redo it? I see there is a mystery lens in the list... only have 3, but the list shows 4. Maybe I need to purge all that and start over?

And, to top it all off, shooting in manual mode... the camera would somehow change the shutter speed and other settings after each shot. Not sure what to make of that... Perhaps related to auto-ISO? But, I would have to reset all before proceeding, even it was of the same shot, just seconds later.

Maybe the camera has lost its mind? Or, maybe I have? Or, that I will! Any help is appreciated.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Maybe you left a setting you don’t want. The changing settings in M mode suggests bracketing is on? With some Nikons it persists through camera off cycles till you turn it off.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Save your money. You likely should retune, with a computer-added tool such as FoCal, if not already using.

Also a free action is to review your D7100 manual and find the Nikon setting(s) that overrides the minimum shutterspeed settings. Although the camera is a small function-specific computer, it is not prone to bugs nor corrupt code. Unusual behavior is most likely caused by the operator and the settings they make to the camera. The camera doesn't do anything by itself. You might post an example JPEG straight from the camera, storing the original file for download. We can dump the EXIF and identify camera settings to consider / investigate further.

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

And, to top it all off, shooting in manual mode... the camera would somehow change the shutter speed and other settings after each shot. Not sure what to make of that... Perhaps related to auto-ISO? But, I would have to reset all before proceeding, even it was of the same shot, just seconds later.

Sounds like bracketing might be turned on in the menu.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

rodpark2 wrote:

And, to top it all off, shooting in manual mode... the camera would somehow change the shutter speed and other settings after each shot. Not sure what to make of that... Perhaps related to auto-ISO? But, I would have to reset all before proceeding, even it was of the same shot, just seconds later.

Sounds like bracketing might be turned on in the menu.

Just checked that... not sure if it was on, but it is off now. Thanks for the suggestion.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

CHG_CANON wrote:

Save your money. You likely should retune, with a ... (show quote)

Thanks... maybe I'll get the FoCal unit instead of the Nikon service! Actually, I've been thinking about FoCal for a while, this might be the time to get it.

I'll get some photos posted... just went out to try again. I was on the tripod, but left the VR on... oops! Doesn't look like it made a huge improvement, but did some. Back to the focus-adjust using FoCal. Thanks for your help!

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

You send a request to Nikon for wanted repairs on camera, they then send an Estimate for repairs. They normally highball the estimate so you don't get sticker shock when paying, but realize it can be at the top of the estimate. You can always include a Note, asking if more than estimate to please contact for your approval. This has been my experience.....

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Maybe resetting your camera and updating your firmware would be a good place to start and you can do that for free and eliminate some guesswork.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

DaveO wrote:

Maybe resetting your camera and updating your firmware would be a good place to start and you can do that for free and eliminate some guesswork.

Good idea... thanks! I'm pretty sure the firmware is current, but I will check.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

martinfisherphoto wrote:

You send a request to Nikon for wanted repairs on camera, they then send an Estimate for repairs. They normally highball the estimate so you don't get sticker shock when paying, but realize it can be at the top of the estimate. You can always include a Note, asking if more than estimate to please contact for your approval. This has been my experience.....

Thanks! Appreciate the input.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Gitchigumi wrote:

Good idea... thanks! I'm pretty sure the firmware is current, but I will check.

Good luck!

BTW, it has been my experience with Nikon cleaning and inspection service that they automatically upgrade the firmware. They also, on my three occasions, cleared my settings and restored them to factory presets which may not be pleasing to some. Some may recommend that you copy your setting and restore them when the camera is returned, but then you risk returning settings that created issues for you in the first place.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Gitchigumi wrote:

Thinking about sending my D7100 in to Nikon for ge... (show quote)

I would start the online with Nikon and see if you can get a price estimate. The D7100 goes back a few years, and a "tune-up" wouldn't hurt. Let us know how this works out.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

jerryc41 wrote:

I would start the online with Nikon and see if you can get a price estimate. The D7100 goes back a few years, and a "tune-up" wouldn't hurt. Let us know how this works out.

Estimate is $335 for sensor clean and focus adjustments... About half the price of a new D7100. Not worth it... I'll keep working with mine for now. If I want to spend some cash later, I'd rather apply it toward a new D500.

gmsatty Loc: Chicago IL

I had the camera mind of its own problem when I bought my D7200. Sent it back to Nikon and they fixed it.
It was still under warranty. I have used a company outside Chicago for years and they do great work.
It is easy for me because I can drive there, but here is the url: w.nikoncamerarepair.com

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If you have owned the camera for a long time I am sure it is up for a tune-up. Nikon or any other authorized repair station will check metering, shutter speeds and focus and adjust accordingly. The leather covering could need replacement and obviously the sensor will be cleaned along with the mirror mechanism.

If you use Nikon that is perfectly fine. Authorized Photo Service out of Morton Grove, Illinois, only repairs Nikon gear and they are an authorized repair station with very good reputation. They can give you a quote on the phone.

Addendum: I saw the estimate price you got from Nikon and unfortunately that is what keeps us away from repairing old gear that we love. That price could be lower but you will never know it until the repairs are done.