Posts for: rwinch
Apr 12, 2015 09:25:27 #
I administer my town's Facebook (Walkersville: Our Town) page, and so I am constantly going around finding pictures to take that talk of the town. I took these yesterday...
Apr 7, 2015 19:34:07 #
Rick...OK, I bookmarked your page. I need to play around with the equipment I got back, and it seems OK, but I am still wondering about the 35-70 F2.8D lens that Nikon sent back without working on. Have you worked on these lenses?
Apr 7, 2015 09:18:07 #
I purchased the same items (D700, MB10, several batteries & charger, remote shutter release, etc.) from a fellow UHH member for $1000 in Dec. '14. Less shutter actuation as well. Price does seem high.....just trying to help you sell :)
Apr 7, 2015 09:11:54 #
RWR wrote:
Since there are no parts available, I think it is only natural that they did not waste their time (or your money) to check if anything was wrong.
Certainly I agree. However, they assigned the lens a repair code of B2, and thus suspected at least something was wrong. I am only asking that they share with me what they thought could be wrong. Knowing this, I could possibly find another lens and use it for parts to fix it.
In the end however, the lens works just fine, so I am not worried.
Note - I would have paid for a cleaning as I requested even though they would not/could not "repair" it.
I hope you read that overall I was satisfied with the experience. I now know what to expect in the future!
Apr 7, 2015 06:41:39 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
I wonder what service & repair $664 would buy at http://www.discountCameraRepair.com , owned by UHH member Rick Riggins, a well-trained camera repairman with an outstanding reputation.
Thanks for the recommendation on another repair option! However, for my first experience with having my equipment serviced, I wanted to use Nikon directly. I understand that Nikon no longer sells parts to those that are not "factory authorized", and I also was advised by a couple of professional photographers that I should send to Melville directly.
In the future, if it is only simple CLA stuff, I may consider your suggestion, but I think I have a couple years now before I need to think about this again (I hope).
Apr 6, 2015 18:54:08 #
Hello fellow hoggers. As promised I now report on my experience with my first camera service by Nikon (or anyone for that matter). This is a follow up to my recent post "Nikon Camera Repair - Melville doing all repairs?".
Two weeks ago, Monday March 23rd, I sent the following to Nikon Melville: D700, 35-70 F2.8D (push-pull version), 80-200 F2.8D ED MkII (second gen push pull version). I included some paperwork that was the printout of previous Customer Service Q&As (see below). I asked that focus be looked at, and to focus match the lenses to the camera body, as well as clean and adjust everything. They received the equipment the next day as reported from UPS tracking.
I sent this equipment in for two reasons; 1) I bought all used, so not really sure about the condition, and 2) I was having back-focus issues. Initially, when I contacted Nikon customer service, they requested I take some pics and send them to them. After reviewing, they suggested I send the lot in so that they could be looked at together. They knew what equipment I was using.
I had called CustServ to ask when I would hear something about the equipment. The reply...1-3 days in the form of an email estimate. Indeed, I got the email on Friday (3 Days). The D700 - $304, the 35-70 F2.8D - $165, the 80-200 F2.8D ED $224. I accepted all estimates. BTW - they were all classified as a "B2 Service Repair Rank B2"
Monday - D700 no word, 35-70 F.8D - in shop, 80-200 F2.8D - they raised the estimate to $420. I called CustServ to find out why. They could not find out why, except we did come to the mutual conclusion that the MkII version, which Nikon made an estimated 170,000 of these lenses, is NOWHERE to be found in their archives. I have looked as well online. Except for the repair shop, Nikon only "officially" recognizes the first push-pull version, and the third & fourth versions (the two-ring twist lenses), and then of course the VR's. OK, I accept that the estimate is based on the lens I selected on the website, which was the newer two-ring version...no issues really, I'm cool with that.
Tuesday - My 35-70 F2.8D has the estimate changed to $0, and it is in shipping. WTF? I call CustServ, and they say that the lens cannot be repaired as parts are no longer available. OK...(me) "Can you tell me what is wrong with it so I know at least????" (CustServ) "Sorry, it is Nikon's Policy not to disclose the repair issues found". Well, not happy about that, would like to know what they wanted to replace...maybe get a parts lens to use those parts.......anyway, whatever.
Wednesday - receive shipping notice that another item is being returned to me from the Brooklyn, NY area - company EISC????. I am guessing the D700. The D700 status is "In Billing" - but at a lower price of $224!
Thursday - Indeed, it was the D700 with a returned to GWO (Returned to Good Working Order - Nikon does not recognize the term I see here - "CLA"). Replace a bunch of rubber items, grips, etc. Cleaned sensor, adjusted focus/mirror/etc. Looks Good!
Friday - 80-200 F2.8D Shipped from "Island Camera Repair" in Farmington???
Monday - Recieved 80-200 F2.8D. Only seems to have thoroughly checked the lenses out...no "repairs" made. Cleaned the lens. Paper work states that lens was already "within standards" and was cleaned. $420 seems like a lot for checking and cleaning....I though service rank B2 meant parts had to be replaced from other posts I have read? I did get a nice handwritten note that the older lenses cannot be focus matched to the digital SLR bodies....nice touch.
OK - so now I put camera to the test. I got the D700 (from a local fellow Hogger) just because of the AF Fine Tune system. I put up my focus chart, and sadly, the 80-200 needs the full -20 and still slightly back focuses. The 35-70 is well in focus at -15. I also have a more modern AF-S 70-300 4.5-5.6, and it needs a -10.
Overall, I am happy with the process, but this is because all of the Customer Service agents were extremely helpful, not rushed, and tried to have all my questions answered. The equipment was returned in what I would say is an acceptable amount of time.
I do not think that they checked the camera with the lenses. If three different lenses backfocus, then maybe the focus adjustment was not quite right??
Everything does seem to worked well...even the 35-70 F2.8, so I am still wondering what they wanted to do with it!
My only advice to Nikon is more transparency in what is going on in the process of repairing the equipment. I know that if I took my truck to the repair shop, the mechanic would not do anything without saying what is wrong and what exactly will be replaced.
In the end---I am out taking pictures, I like my older equipment...and when I can start making a little money from it, I will think about buying new!
Two weeks ago, Monday March 23rd, I sent the following to Nikon Melville: D700, 35-70 F2.8D (push-pull version), 80-200 F2.8D ED MkII (second gen push pull version). I included some paperwork that was the printout of previous Customer Service Q&As (see below). I asked that focus be looked at, and to focus match the lenses to the camera body, as well as clean and adjust everything. They received the equipment the next day as reported from UPS tracking.
I sent this equipment in for two reasons; 1) I bought all used, so not really sure about the condition, and 2) I was having back-focus issues. Initially, when I contacted Nikon customer service, they requested I take some pics and send them to them. After reviewing, they suggested I send the lot in so that they could be looked at together. They knew what equipment I was using.
I had called CustServ to ask when I would hear something about the equipment. The reply...1-3 days in the form of an email estimate. Indeed, I got the email on Friday (3 Days). The D700 - $304, the 35-70 F2.8D - $165, the 80-200 F2.8D ED $224. I accepted all estimates. BTW - they were all classified as a "B2 Service Repair Rank B2"
Monday - D700 no word, 35-70 F.8D - in shop, 80-200 F2.8D - they raised the estimate to $420. I called CustServ to find out why. They could not find out why, except we did come to the mutual conclusion that the MkII version, which Nikon made an estimated 170,000 of these lenses, is NOWHERE to be found in their archives. I have looked as well online. Except for the repair shop, Nikon only "officially" recognizes the first push-pull version, and the third & fourth versions (the two-ring twist lenses), and then of course the VR's. OK, I accept that the estimate is based on the lens I selected on the website, which was the newer two-ring version...no issues really, I'm cool with that.
Tuesday - My 35-70 F2.8D has the estimate changed to $0, and it is in shipping. WTF? I call CustServ, and they say that the lens cannot be repaired as parts are no longer available. OK...(me) "Can you tell me what is wrong with it so I know at least????" (CustServ) "Sorry, it is Nikon's Policy not to disclose the repair issues found". Well, not happy about that, would like to know what they wanted to replace...maybe get a parts lens to use those parts.......anyway, whatever.
Wednesday - receive shipping notice that another item is being returned to me from the Brooklyn, NY area - company EISC????. I am guessing the D700. The D700 status is "In Billing" - but at a lower price of $224!
Thursday - Indeed, it was the D700 with a returned to GWO (Returned to Good Working Order - Nikon does not recognize the term I see here - "CLA"). Replace a bunch of rubber items, grips, etc. Cleaned sensor, adjusted focus/mirror/etc. Looks Good!
Friday - 80-200 F2.8D Shipped from "Island Camera Repair" in Farmington???
Monday - Recieved 80-200 F2.8D. Only seems to have thoroughly checked the lenses out...no "repairs" made. Cleaned the lens. Paper work states that lens was already "within standards" and was cleaned. $420 seems like a lot for checking and cleaning....I though service rank B2 meant parts had to be replaced from other posts I have read? I did get a nice handwritten note that the older lenses cannot be focus matched to the digital SLR bodies....nice touch.
OK - so now I put camera to the test. I got the D700 (from a local fellow Hogger) just because of the AF Fine Tune system. I put up my focus chart, and sadly, the 80-200 needs the full -20 and still slightly back focuses. The 35-70 is well in focus at -15. I also have a more modern AF-S 70-300 4.5-5.6, and it needs a -10.
Overall, I am happy with the process, but this is because all of the Customer Service agents were extremely helpful, not rushed, and tried to have all my questions answered. The equipment was returned in what I would say is an acceptable amount of time.
I do not think that they checked the camera with the lenses. If three different lenses backfocus, then maybe the focus adjustment was not quite right??
Everything does seem to worked well...even the 35-70 F2.8, so I am still wondering what they wanted to do with it!
My only advice to Nikon is more transparency in what is going on in the process of repairing the equipment. I know that if I took my truck to the repair shop, the mechanic would not do anything without saying what is wrong and what exactly will be replaced.
In the end---I am out taking pictures, I like my older equipment...and when I can start making a little money from it, I will think about buying new!
Apr 5, 2015 16:10:20 #
cjc2 wrote:
This is a very good lens. If you like it, I would have it repaired. If it is a USA model, and you can check that with Nikon, they will repair it.
I have one (D version) that I purchased from EBay from a reputable source. I really enjoy using it. However, I did recently return it to Nikon (Melville) to clean and to check focus. They gave it a B2 repair status, but them returned it the next day saying parts are no longer available for it....didn't even clean it. It seems to work fine still.....wish Nikon would tell you what they think is wrong with it, but Customer Service told me it is against their policy to give this info out. Now wondering where to send it.......
Apr 3, 2015 18:14:56 #
St3v3M wrote:
My assumption is that they are contracted by the major manufactures and therefore do not need a web presence. In other words, why be open to the public if you do not serve them directly? Following this thought, it is my assumption that Nikon farms out older lenses to those who specialize in them. All assumptions of course. S-
You may be very well correct. I also returned a D700 for clean and repair. It was sent back from "EISC", which I cannot find out what it is, except it s in Brooklyn, NY From the UPS tracking info. Could be Nikon is overwhelmed, and needs to utilize others to handle the workload.
More to follow in my complete timeline post when I receive my last lens back.
Apr 3, 2015 18:06:28 #
St3v3M wrote:
This may be an old listing, but is better than nothing -
http://www.ny-business-directory.com/services-state/food-entertainment-service/photo-video/camera-repair-company-285
http://www.ny-business-directory.com/services-state/food-entertainment-service/photo-video/camera-repair-company-285
Thanks.....did not see that link, but still strange that in this day and age, folks don't have a dedicated website.
Apr 3, 2015 17:50:36 #
OK, I did a search on this first....
Fellow Hoggers, I sent several pieces of equipment to Nikon (Melville) for general Check & Clean (The term CLA is not in their lexicon), and focus issues. I will post separately the entire process which I find amusing, but all-in-all satisfying...pending the return of one last piece of equipment.
However, it is this last piece that I am wondering about. It is a classic 80-200 F2.8 ED (MKII version push-pull) lens. Not much info from the website or talking with customer service directly, but the lens is being returned from "ISLAND CAMERA REPAIR INC", which seems to be just down the street from the Nikon Melville repair location. Do they actually farm out repairs?
I will get the lens back on Monday (4/6/15), but I am somewhat surprised that they do this! I am also somewhat surprised in that ISLAND CAMERA REPAIR INC does not seem to have a website, but the listing that show up do not have them as being a Nikon repair house.
Anybody have any info on this?
Thanks!
Fellow Hoggers, I sent several pieces of equipment to Nikon (Melville) for general Check & Clean (The term CLA is not in their lexicon), and focus issues. I will post separately the entire process which I find amusing, but all-in-all satisfying...pending the return of one last piece of equipment.
However, it is this last piece that I am wondering about. It is a classic 80-200 F2.8 ED (MKII version push-pull) lens. Not much info from the website or talking with customer service directly, but the lens is being returned from "ISLAND CAMERA REPAIR INC", which seems to be just down the street from the Nikon Melville repair location. Do they actually farm out repairs?
I will get the lens back on Monday (4/6/15), but I am somewhat surprised that they do this! I am also somewhat surprised in that ISLAND CAMERA REPAIR INC does not seem to have a website, but the listing that show up do not have them as being a Nikon repair house.
Anybody have any info on this?
Thanks!
Feb 2, 2015 19:53:55 #
RRS wrote:
You did very well with your new camera. My brother shoots the same camera and the colors are great, good focus too. Did you do any or much PP?
I process in Light Room 5. I have a pretty standard work flow I apply to most of my pics.
Glad you like!
Feb 1, 2015 18:21:18 #
OK..not a new new camera, but a new camera for me. Just upgraded to a D700, sold to me by Photophil (Thanks Photophil!!!). Its a lot of camera, moving up from a D90!
Spent most of the last couple of week learning about it, and I went out today to do some actual shooting. Love the increased capability of the camera. I was never really able to get the birds in flight really well with the D90, but the D700 made easy (relatively speaking) of it. Hope you enjoy!
Spent most of the last couple of week learning about it, and I went out today to do some actual shooting. Love the increased capability of the camera. I was never really able to get the birds in flight really well with the D90, but the D700 made easy (relatively speaking) of it. Hope you enjoy!
Dec 27, 2014 15:10:23 #
Photosmoke wrote:
with mb-10 & 4 batteries would like $1000.00 or close will consider all offers great shape 10 k shutter clicks US model orig. box & all paper work charger & cords
Interested.......Where in Maryland (I'm in Frederick)?
Dec 23, 2014 08:38:49 #
brucewells wrote:
I suspect your thinking is correct. Never used KEH, but Nikon made it good as new. My point is simply that the lens is certainly worth the effort.
Thanks! I know they are worth the effort! Especially since the new comparible lenses costing $1500 - $2500 are way more effort!
Dec 23, 2014 08:37:31 #
cjc2 wrote:
I just tried two of my D lenses, the 180/2.8 and the 105/2.8 Macro. Both exhibited a small amount of movement with just a little resistance. Since both continue to work perfectly -- I used the 180 a few nights ago -- I am unconcerned. I've got a fairly complete set of these, if you want me to try out more please contact me via direct e-mail. Cjc2photo@gmail.com. These were the professional lenses of their day and many still are! Stop worrying. Go out and shoot!
"Go out and shoot!" - Yes Sir!! I will. Your description above seems to tell me mine may have more play (zoom vs. primes?). Note - I am not concerned, and I will continue to use them...just now plan to have them looked at!