Buying a Nikon?
Jan 16, 2012 13:42:56 #
rjriggins11
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
If you are thinking about buying a Nikon, you may want to consider this:
Nikon announced today that it will no longer provide repair parts to independent repair facilities in the U.S. This means that if anything goes wrong with any of their products it will have to be sent to one of their Authorized Repair Facilities. This effectively gives Nikon a monopoly on equipment repairs and they can charge whatever they want.
The repair community is outraged over this and are challenging this action through whatever means necessary.
What this means to the Nikon consumer is higher repair prices and longer delays in getting items repaired. You will no longer be able to take your camera equipment to your local camera repair shop for even simple repairs.
This decission will adversely affect all Nikon users.
Nikon announced today that it will no longer provide repair parts to independent repair facilities in the U.S. This means that if anything goes wrong with any of their products it will have to be sent to one of their Authorized Repair Facilities. This effectively gives Nikon a monopoly on equipment repairs and they can charge whatever they want.
The repair community is outraged over this and are challenging this action through whatever means necessary.
What this means to the Nikon consumer is higher repair prices and longer delays in getting items repaired. You will no longer be able to take your camera equipment to your local camera repair shop for even simple repairs.
This decission will adversely affect all Nikon users.
Jan 16, 2012 14:51:22 #
rjriggins11 wrote:
Nikon announced today that it will no longer provide repair parts to independent repair facilities in the U.S.
Can you provide a link to the news release for this announcement?
Thanks.
Jan 16, 2012 16:03:29 #
rjriggins11
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
This announcement came in the form of a letter sent by FEDEX and UPS, overnight, mailed on Friday the 13th. I'll attach a copy of this letter for all tto see.
Jan 16, 2012 16:08:38 #
iresq
Loc: Annapolis MD
rjriggins11 wrote:
What this means to the Nikon consumer is higher repair prices and longer delays in getting items repaired. You will no longer be able to take your camera equipment to your local camera repair shop for even simple repairs.
This decission will adversely affect all Nikon users.
What this means to the Nikon consumer is higher repair prices and longer delays in getting items repaired. You will no longer be able to take your camera equipment to your local camera repair shop for even simple repairs.
This decission will adversely affect all Nikon users.
Unless the facility is an authorized repair facility. But still, your correct. This will limit choices of it's customers.
Jan 16, 2012 16:24:32 #
The key here is "Authorized" repair facilities as opposed to "factory" repair facilities. Thats any repair facility that has passed Nikons rigorous standards for making proper repairs. This assures the owner of a camera needing repair that the facility has the knowledge to make that repair, rather than any Joe Blow claiming to make repairs in his basement for less than the authorized facilities charge.
Jan 16, 2012 16:55:47 #
rjriggins11
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
Nikon Has 2 Factory repair facilities. East coast and West coast. The independent repair shops are going to be hit hard by this and in turn, Nikon consumers as well.
Most all repair shops are thoroughly trained in Nikon repair. You may have had a bad experience with someone less qualified to do Nikon repairs, but let me assure you, The majority of independent repair shops hire good, qualified technicians.
Most all repair shops are thoroughly trained in Nikon repair. You may have had a bad experience with someone less qualified to do Nikon repairs, but let me assure you, The majority of independent repair shops hire good, qualified technicians.
Jan 16, 2012 17:12:11 #
rjriggins11 wrote:
This means that if anything goes wrong with any of their products it will have to be sent to one of their Authorized Repair Facilities.
I live in Long Beach CA, not far from the official Nikon Inc. Factory Service in El Segundo, CA. Their service is terrible! And the internet is full of stories from dis-satisfied camera owners using the El Segundo facility (like me).
I support independent repairman, like Mister Riggins, who offer personal service, and can be held accountable for their work.
But just in case, is there a list of Nikon Authorized Repair Facilities? I could find no such list in a GOOGLE search.
Jan 16, 2012 17:13:10 #
konica135
Loc: Ormond Beach, FL
rjriggins11 wrote:
This announcement came in the form of a letter sent by FEDEX and UPS, overnight, mailed on Friday the 13th. I'll attach a copy of this letter for all tto see.
In the letter, Nikon states that they will not send parts to repairers who have not been certified by Nikon. The letter also states that repair facilities must be up to date on their outstanding debt. Sounds more like a housecleaning project to get rid of fly-by-night repairers.
Jan 16, 2012 19:42:04 #
rjriggins11
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
The probelm is not a matter of house cleanning but rather Nikons lack of ability to provide repair parts. They have been affected by desasters both natural and man made and cannot provide repair parts on a global scale.
Suprisingly enough, while there may be some disreputable repair practices, the majority of independent repair shops are good, honest people with many, many years of experience providing service to photographers, both professional and amature alike. I for one have been a repair technician for over 20 years and have repaired thousands of Nikon products. I may not be a large corporate entity but I do provide a quality repair service.
Suprisingly enough, while there may be some disreputable repair practices, the majority of independent repair shops are good, honest people with many, many years of experience providing service to photographers, both professional and amature alike. I for one have been a repair technician for over 20 years and have repaired thousands of Nikon products. I may not be a large corporate entity but I do provide a quality repair service.
Jan 16, 2012 19:53:05 #
iresq
Loc: Annapolis MD
Just out of curiosity, how often do you need parts vs being able to adjust or repair on your own.
Jan 16, 2012 19:56:14 #
rjriggins11 wrote:
The probelm is not a matter of house cleanning but... (show quote)
I cannot help but notice this letter is to a repair shop in Illinois and not your shop. Did you get a letter to you specifically? Are you an authorized Nikon repair facility? Have you been buying your parts from Nikon or through this Illinois shop? Just curious as I have never used your services and am not questioning your ability or work in any manner. Truth is, I have only had to have one Nikon repaired in over 30 years of shooting them and that was in the CA factory facility and cost me nothing. Just trying to get a handle on the big picture is all. Thanks.
Jan 16, 2012 21:13:20 #
rjriggins11
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
These letters were sent to all independent repair shops. Some of us haven't received ours yet. (I feel slighted). This is just a copy of the letter posted by on of my associates.
I've been buying Nikon parts directly from them since 1988. They've only recentlybecome a problem.
I belong to a network of professional repair technicians called SPT (Society of Photographic Technologists). This has been a major topic of discussion today. How it will affect the repair industry and photographers in general.
Most repair shops are part of a larger business that also sells cameras. Many of these businesses will no longer sell Nikon products which will severely limit the resources available to the consumer for Nikon equipment.
I've been buying Nikon parts directly from them since 1988. They've only recentlybecome a problem.
I belong to a network of professional repair technicians called SPT (Society of Photographic Technologists). This has been a major topic of discussion today. How it will affect the repair industry and photographers in general.
Most repair shops are part of a larger business that also sells cameras. Many of these businesses will no longer sell Nikon products which will severely limit the resources available to the consumer for Nikon equipment.
Jan 16, 2012 21:24:12 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
quote=rjriggins11 This means that if anything go... (show quote)
http://www.nikonusa.com/Service-And-Support/Nikon-Authorized-Repair-List.page
The Denver shop (Metro Camera) is very good. They had a 2 day turnaround on a Nikon point and shoot that needed a new lens assembly.
Jan 17, 2012 06:38:22 #
tomfr
Loc: Brevard N.C.
Just for curiosity, I went over to"Nikon Cafe" and did not see any mention of a limiting of parts to specific repair facilities. I checked all posts in general discussion and not a thing.
tomfr
tomfr
Jan 17, 2012 06:44:41 #
KeithF199
Loc: Frisco, Texas
Without inserting my nostriles too far into this issue, perhaps a reply letter (Suggest Certified Return Receipt) to the author of the Nikon Letter and inquire as to the definintion of a " Authorized Repair Center" and whether or not your operation qualifies. I am inclinded to think, Nikon took this step after some consideration. Perhaps issues other than supply and demand of parts and turn around time has been introduced into the equation and caused the change. Since there is a repair organization in place perhaps a letter from the head of the organization might also gather some higher level attention at Nikon. Nose is now backing out. Best of luck in this matter.
rjriggins11 wrote:
These letters were sent to all independent repair ... (show quote)
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.