IDguy Loc: Idaho

Not sure what to call it but my concern is the soft grip material on the camera body. Mine has a couple of small tears on it that I suspect may have come from the auto seatbelt when I carry the camera on the seat.

It does not appear to peel off easily for replacement.

As an aside, my other Nikons didn’t do this so I wonder if they have changed the materials?

Anyhow, looking for suggestions on how to refurbish it short of sending the camera in.

Our local photography shops have all gone out of business.

I bought one of those silicon covers for the body. I should have known better as I’d tried one before. The major problem with it is you can’t identify the buttons. Plus some issues with getting at some things like the flash bracket.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

I found one solution. But I’m looking for a mostly cosmetic repair.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4494439

Also, this shows the problem and suggests it is a material problem on the Zs: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4339571

IDguy Loc: Idaho

No input. But I continued my research and came up with a solution that will work for my case, where the wear is on the lower corner.

A side note, when I took off the silicon easy case the wound seemed mostly healed from being under pressure a few months.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You can check with Nikon. They sell soft grip material, die-cut for accurate fit, along with a die-cut dual sided adhesive sheet. Or you can leave it alone and when you send in the camera for a CLA (clean/lube/adjust) they will replace damaged grips as part of the CLA fixed price - nothing extra.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Thanks!

Mine isn’t so bad so I’ll try the thing above and send it in when my cleaning fails to remove a spot.

This is another topic but I’m pretty sure my camera ignores the “clean on shutdown” command. But I implement it manually from time to time. That works and seeing it work is why I don’t think the “clean on shutdown” works. I also use blower and arctic butterfly if needed from time to time. So it may be a while before I send in.

rkaminer Loc: New York, NY

I always include a skin for any new camera purchase; it prevents any cosmetic damage and also adds a cushion in case it gets a bump. It will not prevent damage if it falls from any height but has prevented damage for minor mishandling of the camera. Besides it feel better in my hand (personal opinion) and I don't need to have a carrying case when thrown into a backpack. Just a suggestion to hide the blemishes on the body and is a cheap repair.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

You could try Flex Seal.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

I received the half case shown above. Unfortunately I ordered it for my Z50 instead of for my Z6. I like it! It covers the areas I am concerned about wear on while maintaining full visibility and access to the buttons.

So now the Z6 one is on order.