My Z9 slipped through my fingers: Will I wait another 3 months? Sad story, I've had lenses and camera on back order for a few months at B&H like everybody else. I've also was scheduled...

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Will I wait another 3 months? Sad story, I've had lenses and camera on back order for a few months at B&H like everybody else. I've also was scheduled to have major back surgery April 27, out of town in Houston, TX.
Somewhere in these weeks of wait, I had the bright idea to order directly from Nikon, tired of BH backorder.

Two days before leaving, I get email from Nikon Store that camera was on its way, due to arrive 4/27. I think, no sweat, have the neighbor receive and sign. Uh-uh. UPS says Nikon has a no changes on delivery in force. I call UPS, they say they will attempt delivery and then hold one week at warehouse.

I get out of hospital yesterday and after a 4-hour drive home, talk dear wife into swinging by UPS so I can check out my new tool while recovering from surgery. Except it isn't there. Nikon will not allow a hold, so it shipped back immediately after 3rd delivery attempt. According to Nikonusa.com, I will now get a refund and have to purchase the product all over again. "Back of the line, buddy!"

Of course, I also canceled my B&H and Adorama orders. Oh well, live and learn. This better be one great camera when I finally do get one!

P.S. Surgery went well. Benign tumor removed at L1-L3, they were able to replace the bone and screw back onto my spine. I feel like somebody whacked me on the lower back with a baseball bat, but I am walking about half a mile today, without pain just soreness, only 4 days after surgery! Those neurosurgeons at UT Medical are fantastic!

Vector

Glad to hear your surgery went well. Sorry about the camera, but your health is the most important thing.

niteman3d Loc: South Central Pennsylvania, USA

Congrats on the success with the back!! I will paint you a rosy picture... your camera warranty will last longer, it may come with the firmware update already completed, you won't be tempted to mount a big lens and attach it to a tripod dragging around a heavy weight you should avoid, you get to keep your money a while longer... and you get to anticipate for a while longer. Have fun when it does arrive!

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

niteman3d wrote:

Congrats on the success with the back!! I will paint you a rosy picture... your camera warranty will last longer, it may come with the firmware update already completed, you won't be tempted to mount a big lens and attach it to a tripod dragging around a heavy weight you should avoid, you get to keep your money a while longer... and you get to anticipate for a while longer. Have fun when it does arrive!

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...bummer! But when you *do* get it rest assured it's a beast! That said, plan on a month to get familiar with it... ;0)

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

chasgroh wrote:

...bummer! But when you *do* get it rest assured it's a beast! That said, plan on a month to get familiar with it... ;0)

I know! Was supposed to be my month of home recovery while on medical leave!

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Sorry about your Z9 but very happy your surgery went well.

Don

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

Look at it this way.

The camera without the back is worthless. With the back you can do so much more with or without the camera.

Chin up. Your walking. Beats a wheelchair or walker any day. You can always re-order the camera.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

mikeroetex wrote:

Will I wait another 3 months? Sad story, I've had... (show quote)

While you were away could you not have someone at home or redirect the delivery address?

trackmag

Hooray on the surgery. Another success storyfor that wonderful medical facility. Boo on missing the camera.If you qualify, I suggest you become a Nikon Pro. Sure speeds up purchases and saves a few $. Love the new cameras.

trackmag

Hooray on the surgery. Another success storyfor that wonderful medical facility. Boo on missing the camera.If you qualify, I suggest you become a Nikon Pro. Sure speeds up purchases and saves a few $. Love the new cameras.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

traderjohn wrote:

While you were away could you not have someone at home or redirect the delivery address?

I tried, even paid $20 for UPS Choice to hold everything until my return. But Nikon had a no change order. Had to be signed by someone over 21 at my house. Thought I was in the clear when UPS said they would hold for a week. But because of value of package, Nikon would not allow.

gwilliams6

I am glad you are better. I myself have had two major back surgeries over the decades ,partly from being hurt while doing my job as a career photojournalist in all tough situations, including war.

Yes the lesson is NEVER cancel any pre-order elsewhere until you have the camera in your hand.

Though I do buy some things at the big boys B&H and Adorama, I found I do much better buying my major items like cameras and lenses from my local mom and pop dealer.

Easier to get at the front of any pre-order waiting lists, and I am never waiting behind hundreds of others ordering some new gear. It has worked for decades and I get my new gear in the first shipments every time.

Cheers to your better health.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

gwilliams6 wrote:

I am glad you are better. I myself have had two ma... (show quote)

eternal camper Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What an amazing story with such a happy ending! Walking for days after Major Surgery!! Now if that ain't amazing, what else is!! Tongue in cheek for this "amazing story".
I truly hope that by the time your back is strong enough to support your next Z9, it arrives at your door!

I think we should even make a movie of this! It truly can be the most happy ending to an awesome story! Nikon, don't miss this opportunity to produce this one!!

Steve