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Lens Refurbishing
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Dec 12, 2019 07:44:32   #
Silverrails
 
I just bought a "Refurbished" Nikon Lens from a very well established Photography Dealer, although it has not arrived yet, just curious, what exactly is involved in a "Refurbishing" of a Lens. Do they completely rebuild the Lens? Do they just Clean the Lens? Does "Nikon" specifically Refurbish the Lens?
Refurbished to me sounds like, taking a leftover Meatloaf, adding more Ketchup, and Re-heating it,, it really never tastes the same. Just looking for a better definition of the word "Refurbished"!!

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Dec 12, 2019 07:56:02   #
agillot
 
probably a return / re boxed .

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Dec 12, 2019 07:56:06   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
The most likely scenario is a returned lens is verified with all packing material and put in a fresh box. There would be zero economic reason to add value to a product that is sold at less than the original sales price. Nikon will be the same as Canon. Here is Canon's explanation from their website. From Nikon I couldn't find a similar definition:

From digital cameras and lenses, to camcorders, printers, and more, our refurbished products showcase our dedication to product excellence. Shipped back to us as gently used or unboxed returns, our trained Canon technicians perform comprehensive quality assurance inspections, replacing any needed parts with genuine Canon equipment. Plus, all refurbished products are backed by our standard 1-Year limited warranty.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/refurbished-products-information?&campaign=hd19&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgKXx9ZOw5gIVT_DACh2kJwJ3EAAYASAAEgJFGvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

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Dec 12, 2019 08:07:38   #
bleirer
 
I guess it's the warranty that tells the tale, and the reputation of the dealer for fair trade.

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Dec 12, 2019 08:22:08   #
fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA
 
Every description of the refurbishing process that I've ever read (and I've read quite a few) says they check the item to ensure it performs like a new product. Period. A Cameta Camera sales person told me the same thing. I haven't had any problems with my refurbished items. They looked and worked like new. The dealer can tell you who supposedly refurbished the item, and you could call them for a description of their process. Maybe they'll tell you. I suggest if you're concerned about the quality of a refurbished item, make sure the dealer has a fair return policy before you buy. Or purchase an extended warranty with the product. Good luck!

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Dec 12, 2019 08:39:20   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
Both my D7200 and D500 I bought refurbished. Saved a nice chunk of money on two essentially brand new cameras.

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Dec 12, 2019 08:45:12   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
Best Buy Stores do it differently. When you return a camera or lens to them, because you didn't like it, or just couldn't figure out how to use it properly. Best Buy will sell that item as Open Box. Sold at a discounted price. But for all purposes, it is still new. I would imagine, that if that Open Box camera/lens is not sold, it is returned to Nikon to be sold as refurbished. It is tested to see if it works as it should. Put in a white box, and given a 90 day warranty. It is a misconception, that all refurbished cameras and lenses, are gone through with a fine tooth comb, and brought to standards better than New. There simply isn't time for that. If it fails before the 90 warranty, Nikon is obligated to repair it.

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Dec 12, 2019 08:50:46   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
Silverrails wrote:
I just bought a "Refurbished" Nikon Lens from a very well established Photography Dealer, although it has not arrived yet, just curious, what exactly is involved in a "Refurbishing" of a Lens. Do they completely rebuild the Lens? Do they just Clean the Lens? Does "Nikon" specifically Refurbish the Lens?
Refurbished to me sounds like, taking a leftover Meatloaf, adding more Ketchup, and Re-heating it,, it really never tastes the same. Just looking for a better definition of the word "Refurbished"!!
I just bought a "Refurbished" Nikon Lens... (show quote)


Check the with "well established Photography Dealer". B&H and Adorama define refurbished as "manufacturer refurbished" which means the individual piece of equipment has been thoroughly checked to meet all manufacturing specifications. Most new items you buy have not been through all of the tests. They have possibly been spot checked, but maybe not. I actually prefer refurbished over new. But you need to check with the dealer in question to find out.

Sad note for Nikon users, now that Nikon is doing away (in the USA starting early next yera) with certified service centers and will only use the two Nikon facilities, there may be less available refurbished Nikon equipment.

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Dec 12, 2019 09:27:41   #
Silverrails
 
dsmeltz wrote:
Check the with "well established Photography Dealer". B&H and Adorama define refurbished as "manufacturer refurbished" which means the individual piece of equipment has been thoroughly checked to meet all manufacturing specifications. Most new items you buy have not been through all of the tests. They have possibly been spot checked, but maybe not. I actually prefer refurbished over new. But you need to check with the dealer in question to find out.

Sad note for Nikon users, now that Nikon is doing away (in the USA starting early next yera) with certified service centers and will only use the two Nikon facilities, there may be less available refurbished Nikon equipment.
Check the with "well established Photography ... (show quote)


Very informative, thanks for the info, I hope to gain more confidence in "Refurbished" Photography cameras & Lens.

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Dec 12, 2019 09:34:06   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
agillot wrote:
probably a return / re boxed .




Thee's no profit to be made disassembling a reassembling a lens and then selling it at a lower price. Like refurbished cameras, they get a quick test and are re-boxed.

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Dec 12, 2019 09:44:15   #
Silverrails
 
jerryc41 wrote:


Thee's no profit to be made disassembling a reassembling a lens and then selling it at a lower price. Like refurbished cameras, they get a quick test and are re-boxed.


Well, I sure hope that "Quick Test" on my "Refurbished" Nikon 10-20mm 4.5-5.6 AF-P Lens had Positive Test Results and it will perform as "Perfect" as possible, and produce some really Great images. Although I realize I must do my part too.

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Dec 12, 2019 12:18:40   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
jerryc41 wrote:


Thee's no profit to be made disassembling a reassembling a lens and then selling it at a lower price. Like refurbished cameras, they get a quick test and are re-boxed.


That's exactly how it is done. To the disappointment to those who thought otherwise about refurbished camera gear. Especially Nikon.

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Dec 12, 2019 12:29:33   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
jerryc41 wrote:


Thee's no profit to be made disassembling a reassembling a lens and then selling it at a lower price. Like refurbished cameras, they get a quick test and are re-boxed.


It is a quick but thorough test that most new lenses never need to pass.

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Dec 12, 2019 12:37:15   #
Bill P
 
I have purchased one refurbished lens, a Nikon 24-120. I got it direct fro Nikon's own store. I've had it for about three or four years. It looks and functions like a new lens, and is indistinguishable for new. Andit cost about two thirds of the price of brand new.

I suspect a refurb gets a more careful check that a lens fresh off the line. But rebuild or repair? More likely it's stripped for parts.

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Dec 12, 2019 13:05:30   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
Silverrails I have purchased "Refurbished" Nikon Lens from Nikon USA.
All have functioned perfectly...
Absolutely no cosmetic damage or marks whatsoever...
All work flawlessly on all my Nikon bodies...

The only thing lacking was an "original" box with serial number...
And if as you indicate this is from a well established Photography Dealer then they will likely accept returns should there be any issues...

If you want/need and original box and the 5 year Nikkor warranty I would suggest you purchase new albeit I don't not feel that this alone avoids all issues... I recently posted about an AF 80-200mm f/2.8D which I purchased new from B&H which came with it's original box and 5 year Nikkor warrenty which sadly proved useless when the Nikon repair "official" facility in NY was unable to bring the lens into factor specs... and refused to honor this warranty... fact, not fiction... sold it back to B&H since it was beyond their return period... So buying new is not without issues... experience is a brutal teacher...

Hope this helps...

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