Repair or Refurbish: I have a question for MT Shooter, or anyone familiar with Nikon, and the terminology they use. I recently sent my AF-S 24-70 f2.8 lens, that I purchased used from...

jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

I have a question for MT Shooter, or anyone familiar with Nikon, and the terminology they use. I recently sent my AF-S 24-70 f2.8 lens, that I purchased used from a fellow Hogger, 3 1/2 years ago to Authorized Photo Service in Morton Grove, IL for repairs because it was failing to focus. They replaced the lens barrel, zoom cam ring, zoom roller/guide ring, and rear ring, and repaired the zoom mechanism. They also cleaned and checked the other parts. My question is this, because replacing the rear ring gave the lens a new serial number, will my lens now be considered "Refurbished"? The repair cost was reasonable, the lens now does work flawlessly, and looks like "brand new", and I highly recommend this company to anyone who lives in "fly-over country" like I do. Any comments or explanations will be appreciated.

Bill_de Loc: US

Sounds like they gave you a refurbished lens. I think I would contact Nikon and give them the details and ask them. What do you have to prove you own the lens with that serial number?

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MT Shooter Loc: Montana

jsmangis wrote:

I have a question for MT Shooter, or anyone famili... (show quote)

Its a bit unethical to replace the rear ring containing the serial number with a used unit that has a diffetent SN. An "authorized" repair center should have used a new replacement part which has no SN on it.
The GOOD news is that the actual SN of the lens is still embedded in the Exif data of every image taken using that lens so the actual SN has not been removed.

Bill_de Loc: US

MT Shooter wrote:

Its a bit unethical to replace the rear ring containing the serial number with a used unit that has a diffetent SN. An "authorized" repair center should have used a new replacement part which has no SN on it.
The GOOD news is that the actual SN of the lens is still embedded in the Exif data of every image taken using that lens so the actual SN has not been removed.

That is good to know. The OP should check that to confirm he got his lens back.

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billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

jsmangis wrote:

I have a question for MT Shooter, or anyone famili... (show quote)

When you go to sell the lens, state it was repaired. If it was a new lens you bought used, it is still a used lens that you had repaired. If you bought a refurbished lens then it is a refurbished lens that was repaired. Refurbished lenses usually are lenses that are worked on by the manufacture and come with a limited warranty.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

MT Shooter wrote:

Its a bit unethical to replace the rear ring containing the serial number with a used unit that has a diffetent SN. An "authorized" repair center should have used a new replacement part which has no SN on it.
The GOOD news is that the actual SN of the lens is still embedded in the Exif data of every image taken using that lens so the actual SN has not been removed.

Interesting. Two serial numbers. Good to know.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jsmangis wrote:

I have a question for MT Shooter, or anyone famili... (show quote)

Strange. Concerning "refurbished," I think any lens that has been checked and repaired by an authorized repair shop would be considered refurbished, and I think that's a good thing. If you were to sell it, I wouldn't use the term "refurbished" because that has a specific meaning to photographers. I would describe the repair/replacement work that was done.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

The simple answer is NO. Refurbished that I know only applies to optics with a very short life span that have been sent to the manufacturer who tests them to make sure they are to specs.
Refurbished does not mean repair.

dhowland

Some sellers do use the word "refurbished" in these kinds of cases, but I would stick to the word "repair" with some of the details that you described in your post. To me when someone uses the word "refurbished" loosely it's a signal that they're not a serious or knowledgeable photographer or photo shop and I tend to steer away from those unless I can get straight answers or feel like a gambling on a deal or something, but only if the stakes are low.

BebuLamar

jsmangis wrote:

I have a question for MT Shooter, or anyone famili... (show quote)

I used to live in Aurora, IL and I have used them and my experience was negative.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

jsmangis wrote:

I have a question for MT Shooter, or anyone famili... (show quote)

First off, I'm glad you got a satisfactory repair on your lens. And that the repair cost was reasonable. MT Shooter provided you information that I didn't know about. Refurbished Nikon lenses only come with a 90 day warranty. Whereas, new Nikon lenses come with a 1 year warranty, and a limited 4 year extension with registration. I have yet to read on this forum, of anyone having to send in a Nikon Refurbished DSLR camera. Or lens for repairs at any Nikon repair center, shortly after the expiration of the 90 day warranty. A chance you take. I still believe in buying Refurbished though.