Nikon Z9 TSA Personal Experience (Resolved): As mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a brand new Z9, got it home and registered the serial number at Nikon USA website. I never...

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

As mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a brand new Z9, got it home and registered the serial number at Nikon USA website. I never took the camera body out of the box. It never had a battery in it. Zero clicks on the body. A week later I received an unsolicited email from Nikon saying my camera might fall under a TSA for replacement of the lens release button. I checked and my camera serial number was indeed listed under the TSA. As it turns out it is a very low number of cameras within the serial number range. Luck of the draw.

I preceded to go through the online TSA Service Request process and because it was such a new issue the website apparently was swamped with people checking and I got kicked out of the system when I tried to print the free shipping label. I called Nikon Service Line and determined that the Nikon Service Center in Signal Hill, California (West Coast repair site) was accepting walk-ins. So, I opted to hand deliver my Z9 and avoid a parcel carrier from throwing my camera around.

When I arrived at Nikon Service Center the place was quiet with 1 customer ahead of me. The front counter tech was EXCELLENT! He took his time with the person in front of me and went out of his way to help him. When my turn came, I felt very confident because of the way the previous customer was taken care of. Truly sincere and knowledgeable customer service!

After a brief discussion regarding the TSA and confirmation of my camera serial number, my camera body was taken to the back to technicians and I was given a receipt. I was told the camera would be finished 1-2 days later and they would call me to pick it up if I opted to do that. Of course, I did!

On the early morning of the second day, I received a phone call saying the camera was ready for pick up. I immediately drove the 60 miles to pick it up. When I arrived the camera was ready, no line, same gentleman at counter. He went over the "good will" work that was performed on the camera at no charge. I am providing a redacted copy of services performed by Nikon (their paperwork) and a photo of how the camera body was packaged and sealed for my pick up.

Things happen and I understand it was an inconvenience, BUT I am VERY PLEASED at how Nikon has dealt with the issue in a timely and professional manner. I am not a professional photographer but they treated me like I was one. I feel as though my camera is better than off the shelf because the techs at the service center went over the camera with a fine-tooth comb. They even "zeroed out" the clicks they put on the camera for diagnostic purposes. So, the first shot I take with the camera will be 001.

I felt so good about how things went with the Z9, that on the drive home I detoured to Samy's Camera and I treated myself to a new Nikkor Z 50 MC f/2.8 lens.

Can't wait for the battery to finish charging so I can set the Z9 up and take these new tools for a spin.

Thanks for listening and sharing,

Jim aka RealNikonLover

PS - I found this Nikkor 50mm lens to be of interest because when I opened the box, I discovered how unique the lens hood is. Amazingly tiny! (See photo)

(Download)

Bill_de Loc: US

Real Nikon Lover wrote:

As mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a brand new Z9, got it home and registered the serial number at Nikon USA website. I never took the camera body out of the box. It never had a battery in it. Zero clicks on the body. A week later I received an unsolicited email from Nikon saying my camera might fall under a TSA for replacement of the lens release button. I checked and my camera serial number was indeed listed under the TSA. As it turns out it is a very low number of cameras within the serial number range. Luck of the draw.

I preceded to go through the online TSA Service Request process and because it was such a new issue the website apparently was swamped with people checking and I got kicked out of the system when I tried to print the free shipping label. I called Nikon Service Line and determined that the Nikon Service Center in Signal Hill, California (West Coast repair site) was accepting walk-ins. So, I opted to hand deliver my Z9 and avoid a parcel carrier from throwing my camera around.

When I arrived at Nikon Service Center the place was quiet with 1 customer ahead of me. The front counter tech was EXCELLENT! He took his time with the person in front of me and went out of his way to help him. When my turn came, I felt very confident because of the way the previous customer was taken care of. Truly sincere and knowledgeable customer service!

After a brief discussion regarding the TSA and confirmation of my camera serial number, my camera body was taken to the back to technicians and I was given a receipt. I was told the camera would be finished 1-2 days later and they would call me to pick it up if I opted to do that. Of course, I did!

On the early morning of the second day, I received a phone call saying the camera was ready for pick up. I immediately drove the 60 miles to pick it up. When I arrived the camera was ready, no line, same gentleman at counter. He went over the "good will" work that was performed on the camera at no charge. I am providing a redacted copy of services performed by Nikon (their paperwork) and a photo of how the camera body was packaged and sealed for my pick up.

Things happen and I understand it was an inconvenience, BUT I am VERY PLEASED at how Nikon has dealt with the issue in a timely and professional manner. I am not a professional photographer but they treated me like I was one. I feel as though my camera is better than off the shelf because the techs at the service center went over the camera with a fine-tooth comb. They even "zeroed out" the clicks they put on the camera for diagnostic purposes. So, the first shot I take with the camera will be 001.

I felt so good about how things went with the Z9, that on the drive home I detoured to Samy's Camera and I treated myself to a new Nikkor Z 50 MC f/2.8 lens.

Can't wait for the battery to finish charging so I can set the Z9 up and take these new tools for a spin.

Thanks for listening and sharing,

Jim aka RealNikonLover

PS - I found this Nikkor 50mm lens to be of interest because when I opened the box, I discovered how unique the lens hood is. Amazingly tiny! (See photo)

As mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a br... (show quote)

Nice to hear a good news story. Enjoy your new gear.

---

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Don

alvin3232 Loc: Houston, TX

Enjoy
And great customer service.

Al

SteveInConverse Loc: South Texas

Real Nikon Lover wrote:

As mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a brand new Z9, got it home and registered the serial number at Nikon USA website. I never took the camera body out of the box. It never had a battery in it. Zero clicks on the body. A week later I received an unsolicited email from Nikon saying my camera might fall under a TSA for replacement of the lens release button. I checked and my camera serial number was indeed listed under the TSA. As it turns out it is a very low number of cameras within the serial number range. Luck of the draw.

I preceded to go through the online TSA Service Request process and because it was such a new issue the website apparently was swamped with people checking and I got kicked out of the system when I tried to print the free shipping label. I called Nikon Service Line and determined that the Nikon Service Center in Signal Hill, California (West Coast repair site) was accepting walk-ins. So, I opted to hand deliver my Z9 and avoid a parcel carrier from throwing my camera around.

When I arrived at Nikon Service Center the place was quiet with 1 customer ahead of me. The front counter tech was EXCELLENT! He took his time with the person in front of me and went out of his way to help him. When my turn came, I felt very confident because of the way the previous customer was taken care of. Truly sincere and knowledgeable customer service!

After a brief discussion regarding the TSA and confirmation of my camera serial number, my camera body was taken to the back to technicians and I was given a receipt. I was told the camera would be finished 1-2 days later and they would call me to pick it up if I opted to do that. Of course, I did!

On the early morning of the second day, I received a phone call saying the camera was ready for pick up. I immediately drove the 60 miles to pick it up. When I arrived the camera was ready, no line, same gentleman at counter. He went over the "good will" work that was performed on the camera at no charge. I am providing a redacted copy of services performed by Nikon (their paperwork) and a photo of how the camera body was packaged and sealed for my pick up.

Things happen and I understand it was an inconvenience, BUT I am VERY PLEASED at how Nikon has dealt with the issue in a timely and professional manner. I am not a professional photographer but they treated me like I was one. I feel as though my camera is better than off the shelf because the techs at the service center went over the camera with a fine-tooth comb. They even "zeroed out" the clicks they put on the camera for diagnostic purposes. So, the first shot I take with the camera will be 001.

I felt so good about how things went with the Z9, that on the drive home I detoured to Samy's Camera and I treated myself to a new Nikkor Z 50 MC f/2.8 lens.

Can't wait for the battery to finish charging so I can set the Z9 up and take these new tools for a spin.

Thanks for listening and sharing,

Jim aka RealNikonLover

PS - I found this Nikkor 50mm lens to be of interest because when I opened the box, I discovered how unique the lens hood is. Amazingly tiny! (See photo)

As mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a br... (show quote)

You may not be a "professional", but Nikon needs to treat everyone walking in the door as if they are. Their cameras are damned expensive (to me anyway) and they need to be thankful for their customers. I'm glad you had a positive experience..that's the way it should be!

gwilliams6

I am happy Nikon treated you professionally, even if you aren't a pro. That is the way it should be.

In the four-plus decades I shot Nikon as an amateur and a pro, in my experience Nikon has always been one of the best for customer service.

Enjoy your new gear and please share some of your fav shots with us.

Cheers and best to you.

User ID

Real Nikon Lover wrote:

As mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a brand new Z9, got it home and registered the serial number at Nikon USA website. I never took the camera body out of the box. It never had a battery in it. Zero clicks on the body. A week later I received an unsolicited email from Nikon saying my camera might fall under a TSA for replacement of the lens release button. I checked and my camera serial number was indeed listed under the TSA. As it turns out it is a very low number of cameras within the serial number range. Luck of the draw.

I preceded to go through the online TSA Service Request process and because it was such a new issue the website apparently was swamped with people checking and I got kicked out of the system when I tried to print the free shipping label. I called Nikon Service Line and determined that the Nikon Service Center in Signal Hill, California (West Coast repair site) was accepting walk-ins. So, I opted to hand deliver my Z9 and avoid a parcel carrier from throwing my camera around.

When I arrived at Nikon Service Center the place was quiet with 1 customer ahead of me. The front counter tech was EXCELLENT! He took his time with the person in front of me and went out of his way to help him. When my turn came, I felt very confident because of the way the previous customer was taken care of. Truly sincere and knowledgeable customer service!

After a brief discussion regarding the TSA and confirmation of my camera serial number, my camera body was taken to the back to technicians and I was given a receipt. I was told the camera would be finished 1-2 days later and they would call me to pick it up if I opted to do that. Of course, I did!

On the early morning of the second day, I received a phone call saying the camera was ready for pick up. I immediately drove the 60 miles to pick it up. When I arrived the camera was ready, no line, same gentleman at counter. He went over the "good will" work that was performed on the camera at no charge. I am providing a redacted copy of services performed by Nikon (their paperwork) and a photo of how the camera body was packaged and sealed for my pick up.

Things happen and I understand it was an inconvenience, BUT I am VERY PLEASED at how Nikon has dealt with the issue in a timely and professional manner. I am not a professional photographer but they treated me like I was one. I feel as though my camera is better than off the shelf because the techs at the service center went over the camera with a fine-tooth comb. They even "zeroed out" the clicks they put on the camera for diagnostic purposes. So, the first shot I take with the camera will be 001.

I felt so good about how things went with the Z9, that on the drive home I detoured to Samy's Camera and I treated myself to a new Nikkor Z 50 MC f/2.8 lens.

Can't wait for the battery to finish charging so I can set the Z9 up and take these new tools for a spin.

Thanks for listening and sharing,

Jim aka RealNikonLover

PS - I found this Nikkor 50mm lens to be of interest because when I opened the box, I discovered how unique the lens hood is. Amazingly tiny! (See photo)

As mentioned, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a br... (show quote)

Carl Zeiss and (German) Voigtlander also provided hoods like that, at a significant extra $$ acoarst !! Sony has their own quirky version.

Much thanks for the pix and I will now google that 50/2.8 :-)

Sonys quirky hood for pancake lens

(Download)

tramsey Loc: Texas

I'm glad Nikon representatives treated you so well and that you are more than satisfied with their work.
The only question I have is why didn't you charge the battery while you were waiting for your camera?

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

As a farmer, many years ago I realized that the most important reason to buy one piece of equipment over another isn’t color or fancy features, but the dealer network, availability of parts and service personnel.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

Hey, good job by Nikon. I have Nikon equipment through a back door, i.e. a Kodak DCS Pro 14nx in my Kodak collection, but if I ever wound up with FF equipment it would be Nikon mirrorless. Too bad they didn't include a Z adapter for free with their new cameras...

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Bill_de wrote:

Nice to hear a good news story. Enjoy your new gear.

---

Bill you are not kidding! I hope to make this camera last a long time. Probably be the first and last top-shelf camera I ever buy unless I win the Lottery. :)

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

PAR4DCR wrote:

Don

Thanks Don

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

alvin3232 wrote:

Enjoy
And great customer service.

Al

It was really red-carpet service. I was pleasantly surprised.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

SteveInConverse wrote:

You may not be a "professional", but Nikon needs to treat everyone walking in the door as if they are. Their cameras are damned expensive (to me anyway) and they need to be thankful for their customers. I'm glad you had a positive experience..that's the way it should be!

You got that 100% right. I think they know they have to work harder.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

User ID wrote:

Carl Zeiss and (German) Voigtlander also provided hoods like that, at a significant extra $$ acoarst !! Sony has their own quirky version.

Much thanks for the pix and I will now google that 50/2.8 :-)

I was pleased with the very first shot out of the camera today using the new lens. Here it is. My spouse staring at me and wondering what the price tag was.

(Download)