You might try gaffer tape, can be acquired from various vendors. I usually buy from eBay. Available in many different colors. Sticks like duct tape but can be removed without any residue, in case you want to change the use of a bag. You can cut the tape to any size and/or shape. Some photographers use it to cover brand name on case. Works for me.

The same outcome has hit most all hobbies . The coming years will whittle down the number of participants in hobby clubs and they will eventually close. The younger generation wants less in the process and more in the reward. They have little thought of the sense of accomplishment and pride in learning how to do something that rewards the craftsman.

You might look at the Nikon p2000, p3000 if you really want a long reach. I have the 2000 and the results are satisfactory to excellent, depending on your capabilities. IMO

Go on to ebay and search for filter wrench. I bought several (they come in sizes) I bought two sizes (covers most all of the normal sizes) and two sets, one for each camera bag, and I think the cost was less than $10.00. Shipping was free. Received in about a week or less. Hope this helps. If the filter is really deformed take a jewelers saw with a fine blade CAREFULLY cut part way through, and then use a flat blade screwdriver slipped part way into the slot and twist. this works but the worker must be very careful. Hope this is helpful.

Go to youtube and do a search on "Midsonmer Murders".

I cannot understand how so many camera users (might even be photographers) beat themselves up over what might happen if (heaven forbid camera/lens/etc.) is damaged, fails to operate properly and the manufacturer will not repair it, warranty or not. I have bad news for you. Even though you act as a good customer, jump through the hoops, do everything you are told to do, there will still come that day when your wonderful camera manufacturer tells you "we no longer support your model, but come in and take a look at all of the wonderful new models we will sell you." I have never ever thought of repair of the camera as being something impossible. In this day and age where we can send a message to the far ends of the earth at light speed, or send a package to the same ends of the earth in just a few days. Some where on this dirtball is a photo repairman who will be more than happy to repair your piece of photo equipment and possibly at a much lower price than you would pay in the US. I have bought new Leica Photo equipment from Europe at a price about 50-60 percent of the US price. If I need a Leica photo item repaired (or replaced) I send an email (or phone call) describing the problem. It will cost about $75.00 to send a camera to Europe and return (each way) and about 2 days each way, and the cost of the repair (might be under warranty). Many ways to skin a rabbit! Food for thought.

Bob Newnan, I am very interested in buying your Nikon D750. I do not need the Lenses (I shoot only Nikon FF regular (No "G" Gelded Lens). I Would take everything else including battery and charger for $850.00 including Shipping and Insurance USPS, FedEx, UPS (last choice). I am located in Corpus Christi, TX. What form of payment do you accept? I prefer PayPal, but can do most anything legal. My email is hankswan@sbcglobal.net .I currently (last 18 years I used Leica M3 film (sold) D100 (sold) D200 (2 sold) and now I have my trusty D700 that I will keep as my backup to a D750. I have currently 17 FF lenses and various accessories. Now I just need more time to go and take photographs! I await your reply.

Hank

I really have a hard time finding justification for the repair policies of several of the leading camera makers. It is easily within the realm of possibility for a camera user to purchase a camera in a country that is not his home country. Suppose you are traveling either for pleasure or business and your camera is lost, stolen, damaged beyond repair, or just quits working and it is absolutely necessary to have a photographic record of your travels. You find a camera store and buy a replacement. You now have a camera that is new but not covered by the manufacturer. How wonderful to spend thousands of dollars on a camera that You cannot get repaired under warranty or in some cases not at all unless you send it to be repaired in a country that is not your own. This is not service to the customer. A big knotty problem. It should not be this way.

Married to my best friend, lover, partner, and companion for 59 years (60 years on 3 Oct 2019) It is what you make of it. A strong marriage should be worked on, tolerant to each others good and bad things, giving and taking with reasonable measure on each side. And don't forget it is a work in progress for the whole time of the marriage. YOU MUST WORK AT IT from both sides of the marriage vows. You do remember those vows? You might want to re-read them from time to time.

I do not understand the problem of finding someone to repair a camera no matter where it was purchased. I purchased a brand name camera from the Netherlands and saved over $700.00. Since it was a new camera and if I detected a problem with it, I would send it back to the dealer for warranty work. If not warranty item, I would still ship it back to the European dealer. The shipping cost when I bought the camera was $70.00 and I received it in three days. Ordered it on Monday and received it on Wednesday! I have bought photo equipment, personal items, household and kitchen items, optical items (binoculars, range finder, telescope, mineral specimens, gemstone rough, etc.) from China, Japan, Europe, Australia, South America, England, India (never again, takes forever to receive an item.) Cyprus and others that I cannot remember, right off hand. All it requires is what the lawyers call "Due Diligence". Also, if you do not know how to find an answer to a problem, find someone that does. This computer world has completely changed how we do things. There is an unlimited amount of knowledge available right from the keyboard of our computer(s).

Take a look at the Leica TL2, greatest info and items that you use regularly and can change with the end of your finger. Plus you will be using some the very best glass around! Take a look on Youtube for reviews and hands on use of these cameras. These cameras are not for the folks that want to set a couple of dials or buttons and let the computer in their hands do the thinking for them. Worth taking a look even if this is not the camera(s) for you. Also they are lighter than DSLRs although not as light as some of the very small (sensors) cameras. Good luck with your search.

Take a look at the Nikon P900. It covers the requirements that you asked for and can now be purchased for about $450. It will do a lot of nice things if you take the time to get to know it well. I like the fact that the LED can be rotated so when traveling the led is turned to the camera and protects both the LED and the back of the camera. Take a good look and you might find that this will take care of your photography needs. In cool and some what cloudy South Texas.

Folks. you might want to look at the videos on youtube about the QXD cards and the Z6 and the Z7 Nikons. It was an eye opener for me. See for yourself.

I know that it is always the idea when looking for a camera to check the new offerings and see what fits. I use a Nikon D700 with a D200 for a backup body. All of my lenses are FF and none of them are "G" (Gelding) lens. I guess most of my attention to camera equipment is "old school" but it works for me. Take a look at the D700 (some used D700s have very little use and are in what appears to be excellent shape. Go on Youtube and watch the videos on the D700. It is one of the best DSLRs that Nikon has produced and is exceptional in low light. People seem to be so concerned about the pixel count of their processor and lose sight of the fact that 95% of the pictures taken are every enlarged to giant size. I have seen any number of prints made from 6mp and printed at sizes up to 30x40 and sometimes larger. Folks seem to forget that large and very large prints are to be viewed from greater distances than our usual small prints. Remember that when this digital photography started, Six thousand dollar cameras came with 3mp sensors! Just remember that there are a lot of great bargains out there in senior equipment (don't like the word older!) both in cameras and lenses and accessories. Some things we need to buy new but houses, cars, and photo equipment are not necessarily required to be new. I refuse to buy a brand new car, get in drive it off the lot and thereby lose $5000 to $10,000 (and maybe more) of its value. Also I really do not want to buy photo equipment that in one year may lose half of its value. Well I guess I have rambled on enough. Just don't restrict yourself to the latest and greatest when and oldie but goody may be just the ticket. Of course all of this is my opinion and subject to change from time to time.

I have used Nikon for 40 years and same as you, I have never needed to repair a camera, or a lens. One problem that you did not ask about is the language that the enclosed printed matter uses. As far as repairs are concerned you can use a Japanese Camera dealer for repairs. I bought lenses and a couple of bodies from Japanese dealers in Japan and I have always been well satisfied with the transactions. I have received the purchased items quickly and many times faster than purchases made from a vendor here in the US. Mostly I purchase used equipment and have been well pleased with the item. Go on eBay and find an item you might be interested in that shows a Japan source and send an email to the vendor with questions such as Nikon (or other brand equipment) authorized dealer. I know from experience that Japanese Photo bugs are very careful with their photo equipment. If you see a group of Japanese tourists I guarantee that just about every one of them will have camera equipment. I usually receive an item in 5-7 days and once received it in 3 days. I really wonder if Nikon would refuse to repair an item because it was from another part of the world. What happens when a tourist breaks a lens or camera does he really have to wait until he returns home to get it fixed? Anyway to answer your question I would not hesitate to buy a grey market (foreign sourced) item if it is a major brand. Hope this has been helpful.