larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I looked for an existing post where this could go without hijacking the thread, but did not find one, so here goes.

There's really a lot to be explored in the questions I'll ask below, but I'll try to keep it short here.

The focus is on the "10" surrounded by arrows, shown in more detail in the second photo. It is on a camera body probably made sometime around 2008 or 2009. It has not been supported by the manufacturer for quite some time. Parts are no longer generally available, except for some stashes here and there. It's a Nikon camera body, but not a Nikon symbol. This is not just a Nikon issue. I have seen reference to the symbol in a few threads, but never with any definitive statement around its significance. So I did some research.

Turns out that this symbol, based on the best and most reliable information that I have found, is supposed to signify a commitment to provide full support for the item displaying it for a period extending for 10 years after it was last sold as new. (And there is a little bit of "squishiness" around how that date is calculated.) In several countries, this time of support is required by law.

So I have just three questions:

1. If manufacturers are not going to honor the stated commitment, why are they displaying the symbol of that commitment?
2. If "US" product is so much different from other product and the commitment is not to be honored, why not just delete the symbol from the US labeling?
3. If the manufacturer does not honor the publicly stated commitment, why should we buy their product?

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Maybe the symbol was on a product that was fully supported at the time it was released. Obviously the symbol, not being "live" doesn't stop showing or delete itself when circumstances change over time. Not clear what you expect or who exactly you are 'blaming'. /Ralph

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

This symbol is on essentially all major pieces of photographic equipment made in the last 9 years or so. It is on a lot of other equipment also. It implies 10 years of parts and support. Manufacturers, importers, etc. are not living up to what they are advertising. They are discontinuing availability of parts and willingness to provide service long before the committed period ends. I don't think that is OK. I'm not saying that they have to commit to 10 years of support. But if they say they are, then they need to do what they say.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

1. Why are you bitchin' and moanin' about support for a model that's beyond the 10-year support period? Where's your supporting documentation that they refused service on D300's?

2. The US market bodies come out of the same molds as those for the rest of the world. They tried disappearing ink but that still showed up with UV lights.

3. We should buy from them because they're Nikon and you're an idiot.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

For one, we'd probably all be able to address a reliable response on a verification regarding the "10" symbol. Please, quote a reliable source.

Secondly, the D300 was released about 10 years ago.

Thirdly, the Nikon warranty as stated in their site, https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/ni/NI_article?articleNo=000003151&configured=1&lang=en_US ,

"11/06/2016

Nikon Warranty and Product Registration

Nikon products come with varying levels of registration and warranty cards.

Digital SLR Camera Bodies and Coolpix Cameras
No registration or "warranty" card is included or needed with a Nikon D-SLR or Coolpix camera. Keep your original, dated proof of purchase from the Authorized Nikon Inc. dealer in case warranty service is ever needed. These products do include either a mail-in form or a paper with a web link to our registration page:

Registration

It's advised to register your product with Nikon so that we can send you information about future updates or service issues that may arise.

Nikkor Lenses
Nikkor lenses come with a standard one year USA limited warranty + a 4 yr. USA Extended Service Coverage for a total of 5 yrs of protection.

* To register your lens for the 4yr extended service coverage, please visit www.nikonusa.com/register. Keep the Customer copy of the form as well as the original proof of purchase (sales receipt).

Nikon 2 Year Extended Service Coverages
Nikon sells Two Year Extended Service Coverages for most Coolpix and D-SLR cameras. ( Due to state law, Nikon ESCs are not sold in Florida, Virginia or Washington states.) These coverages extend your original Nikon warranty for two additional years. The ESC can be purchased any time within the original one (1) year Nikon Inc. warranty. Please contact your local Nikon dealer for more information.
It is always recommended that you retain your original sales receipt or copy of your credit card statement as proof of purchase".

Again, please find an authoritative source for the "10" symbol you reference.
--Bob

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Thanks OddJobber for your kind reply.

1. The D300 is nowhere near past the end of the 10 year support period. It was manufactured until 2009, 8 years ago. And yes, I tried to purchase parts for my repair from Nikon and from three local shops, but ended up having to get them from a junker body.
2. The pictured labels are separately applied. They are not molded on or otherwise an intrinsic part of the body.
3. I very clearly stated in my original post that this was not being presented as solely a Nikon problem. This symbol can be found on a lot of equipment.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

The D300 was introduce 8/23/07. 10 years and 7 days ago. Even if we believed your 10 year commitment story, you're still SOOL

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

The D300 was released in 2007, but was produced until 2009...only 8 years ago. And if we want to split hairs, parts are also no longer available for the D300s, which was manufactured from 2009-2011, far less than 10 years ago.

Support dates are based on end of production, never on beginning of production.

And this post has nothing to do with warranty coverage or extended warranty coverage. Just the ability to repair.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

The symbol has nothing at all to do with the warranty or support period, It does indicate how long before certain materials may leak and is a requirement of the Chinese Gov, for goods imported into China.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_RoHS

google is your friend

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I don't know WHERE you get your information, but you need to do much more research. This has NOTHING to do with warranty issues at all.
That is the "China ROHS" sign. It merely indicates that the item it is affixed to meets Chinese environmentally friendly material requirements in its manufacturing. (And we all know how lax Chinese environmental rules can be!)

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I stand corrected on the China RoHS symbol. However, there is a 10 year post production support requirement in other countries. Would have applied here also is we had been party to the Trans Pacific Partnership. I still have concerns over premature discontinuation of support. I will ask that this thread be deleted or moved.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

That symbol means that Nikon expects that this item will be thrown into the dump in 10 years. It's an indication of life expectancy. Has nothing to do with warranty/support.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Maybe you can quote some info as to this new claim? Even car manufacturers are only required to maintain parts inventory for 7 years.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I don't follow your logic (1)If there is a 10 year post production requirement in other countries why does it apply in the US.
(2)Since that symbol is a requirement for goods shipped into China, why are you expecting service on a gray market camera in the first place.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Hey. Folks.
I made a mistake here. Honest intent. Bad information.
Everybody just stop. As a group, we are too old for the stress.

I've asked that this either be moved or deleted.