Video Vinny Loc: Pahrump

Shopping ebay showed listings in 1100-$1200 range new, body only, I began accumulating money up to $800. Seeing one for $794.95 made me believe 'Somebody up there likes me'. I (too) quickly reviewed listing, noted the 30 day seller return, rating, but missed one word under Mfg warranty ... 'no', that was it, no other disclosure.

40 days after delivery and several shoots for about 8k clicks, it began to act strangely. It would work well for the first 10 - 100 clicks then do things like, not letting me review images taken, not focusing as if the battery was low, could only get from 200-600 clicks on any of three batteries, top panel stays on for minutes after turning off, sometimes would not show in LV where the lens was pointed (showed up & to right about a foot from 8 ft back) but took images to where it was pointed. Stopped copying images on SD card B altho it showed both cards active... and more. It got progressively worse with each use.

I contacted the seller, Photos For Less, who would do nothing about it because they claimed, "...we stated that (it) was an import model". They recommended CPS Warranty Co who want an $85 diagnostic fee + $50 mailing up front (with $85 credited to the repair). I phoned them to try to find out "Should I have it repaired or toss it in the trash"(without investing the $135) and they would not help with that question.

Qs: 1. Should I invest the $135 to get a price, if so
2. At what repair price should I find the trash can, as I still have a 'Gray' camera
3. Does anyone know who else might repair it
4. Any other alternatives?

Thank you for any advice

Joe Blow

Where do you live? Check out local camera shops. Often they can tell you who, nearby, repairs cameras. Often they may even be able to repair it themselves. Beware though, they may try to just sell you a new camera.

Suggestion. Try factory reset. https://seventrumpet.com/nikon-d7200-factory-reset/ It may help.

Video Vinny Loc: Pahrump

Thanks Joe. Am 70 miles from Las Vegas, found two repair shops there, both said Nikon won't give them parts to repair imports.

350 miles from Los Angeles, that will be next try after exhausting this.

Will try the link, but knowing how Nikon has put 'the lock' on imports, makes me think it won't help

Thank you again. V

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I am one who does not believe in purchasing Gray Market cameras. Try the factory reset as suggested earlier. If that doesn't work, you are in a dilemma. You didn't know your camera was Gray Market, until the seller told you. A $135 repair starting fee, will definitely increase, once it is determined what the total repair will cost you. Even if you get it fixed, it's still a Gray Market Camera, and Nikon USA still won't fix it. Unfortunately, you did not check first for a D7200 refurbished, which you can buy from B&H Photo for $789. And with a Nikon USA 90 day warranty. I hope you find a solution. Good luck.

Kuzano

One good guy who used to be a Canon Tech and for a few years now is Steve at Camera Clinic. Don't know how he would help you, but his shop is in Carson City Nv. He's done excellent work for me a couple of times for excellent prices. He's worth a "talk to". I'm pretty sure on the location near Reno, but PM me if I need to look it up for you.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I have used this camera repair shop. He is a member of this forum. He does his work at his house, keeping the costs down. He has been in business over twenty five years. Give him a shout and he will tell you if he can fix it or not over the phone, at least he did with me. Good luck


http://www.discountcamerarepair.com/

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm sorry for your situation. I don't see a happy ending. With all the problems the camera is displaying, a repair could require talent that a non-Nikon tech doesn't have.

It's always good to check here before spending the money. You could have gotten a refurbished D7200 for $699.
https://www.cameta.com/index.cfm?fa=display.search&page=1&keywords=nikon%20d7200

I think having it repaired at this place would be a mistake. It would be expensive, and the repair would be questionable.

You can sell it on ebay "For Parts." The D7100 has sold for over $200.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&LH_ItemCondition=7000&_nkw=nikon%20d7100&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Now that's what I want - someone who can fix things over the phone!

Rick did a good repair for me - a Nikon SB-600 flash - but I had to send it to him. : )

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You already paid almost $100 too much for this camera. If you go anywhere for repairs, it will cost hundreds more, and you will still have a repaired camera with a lot of clicks on the shutter. How good will the repair be? A friend had the A/C in his car repaired for several hundred dollars. A week later, it stopped working, so be brought it back. The original repair was fine, but it had developed a new problem. He drove with the windows open in the summer from that point on.

I would bite the bullet, stop throwing good money after bad, realize that discretion is the better part of valor, try to think of a few more cliches, and sell it on ebay for parts. At some point, I would buy a refurbished from Cameta Camera.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Well said Jerry.. in addition to Cameta, I would also look at Adorama, B&H and KEH for used D7200's. All are reputable and have a pretty accurate grading system.

Jim Bob

Unfortunately, some members have wasted your time and made you feel worse with their sanctimonious "You should not have purchased gray market" rants. Personally, I would chuck it and if financially able, get a refurb from a place like Cameta camera which usually includes a 1 year warranty.

wkillham

Nikon will now repair grey market d7100’s. I would contact authorized repair centers and ask for help. Can’t hurt...

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/service-and-support/nikon-authorized-repair-list.page

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You are facing the serious problems associated with buying a gray market camera. As I can see Nikon has blocked the sales of parts for such cameras.
I know of Authorized Photo Service in Morton Groove, Illinois. They only repair Nikon cameras and they do work under warranty. I do not know if they could repair the camera but you could call them and ask. They do excellent work at reasonable prices and their customer service is excellent.
A refurb camera is a camera that has been through testings by the importer to make sure the camera works to factory specs. When Cameta sells those refurb bodies they offer a one year warranty. Cameta is a reputable camera store.
Anything wrong advising a person not to buy gray market products?

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Nice thing about Cameta is that they add 9 months additional warranty to the Nikon 90 factory warranty on certified, factory refurbished goods.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Although it might be very tempting, purchasing a gray market camera only supports those who continue to sell them. I'd advise against it. I'd check both B and H and Nikon sites, as they have used cameras for sale quite often and at very good prices.
--Bob