Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
D3 FYI
Page 1 of 4 next> last>>
Jun 8, 2021 12:38:20   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
As you probably know, I have been enjoying using an old D3 I picked up. It needs a sensor cleaning beyond what I can do. Decided I would see if Nikon would do a CLA, since I plan to continue using till it "breaks".
Got a response this morning.

Thank you for contacting Nikon Support.

Does Nikon offer CLA for D3?

Thank you for contacting Nikon.
Nikon stopped stocking the parts for the D3 in 2016.

I suggest looking for a local, "mom & pop" type repair facility (one that will NOT try sending it to Nikon) to see if they can help you out.
I hope this helps.

Nikon Technical Support

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 12:47:08   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
The digital cameras of the past belong in the past.

But honestly, what tools / techniques are a mom & pop going to apply to a sensor cleaning beyond your own tools, beyond maybe experience and confidence?

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 12:48:23   #
charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.
 
quixdraw wrote:
As you probably know, I have been enjoying using an old D3 I picked up. It needs a sensor cleaning beyond what I can do. Decided I would see if Nikon would do a CLA, since I plan to continue using till it "breaks".
Got a response this morning.

Thank you for contacting Nikon Support.

Does Nikon offer CLA for D3?

Thank you for contacting Nikon.
Nikon stopped stocking the parts for the D3 in 2016.

I suggest looking for a local, "mom & pop" type repair facility (one that will NOT try sending it to Nikon) to see if they can help you out.
I hope this helps.

Nikon Technical Support
As you probably know, I have been enjoying using a... (show quote)



Google: Sensorklear Loupe

They will have what you need.

Reply
 
 
Jun 8, 2021 13:08:08   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
The digital cameras of the past belong in the past.

But honestly, what tools / techniques are a mom & pop going to apply to a sensor cleaning beyond your own tools, beyond maybe experience and confidence?


On the first point, we disagree, the camera still does a remarkably good job, and more important, I am having a great deal of fun with it. Who knows, I may get a D5!

On the second, there are things I can "fix" and things I consign to professionals. I have already got recommendations for a couple of Pro camera shops. I'll contact them and find out what is on offer.

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 13:11:26   #
Elias Amador
 
The B&H 'Sensorklear Loupe kit' consists of a fancy magnifier, a bulb blower and a soft brush, for $62 plus shipping plus tax. Maybe one can do the same with a bulb blower, brush and reading glass. Just open the camera and lift the mirror in a reasonably dust free room with a good light and a steady hand.

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 13:18:35   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
quixdraw wrote:
On the first point, we disagree, the camera still does a remarkably good job, and more important, I am having a great deal of fun with it. Who knows, I may get a D5!

On the second, there are things I can "fix" and things I consign to professionals. I have already got recommendations for a couple of Pro camera shops. I'll contact them and find out what is on offer.


I clean all my sensors. There's nothing to it and the risks are overblown. My DSLRs are the same age as this D3. Nikon, more so than me, is telling you that digital cameras of the past belong in the past...

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 14:06:03   #
Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
I clean all my sensors. There's nothing to it and the risks are overblown. My DSLRs are the same age as this D3. Nikon, more so than me, is telling you that digital cameras of the past belong in the past...


Well ya know so do narrow minded folks. Maybe he likes the camera and wants to continue using it. Maybe he shakes a little to much to attempt cleaning his own sensor. I believe though I have been WRONG many times in my life the point of the post was to show Nikons lack of simple cleaning support for a product made by them that requires no repair. I personally would not enjoy that answer from a company. Sounds like a bunch of crap to me. Why not clean and adjust to factory specs if no parts are needed. Why not just clean the sensor and ship it back? I have a D3s and it still out performs most DSLR and a bunch of mirrorless cameras in low light. Pretty sure my 2 cameras can perform more than most people even know how to.

Reply
 
 
Jun 8, 2021 14:23:29   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
Drbobcameraguy wrote:
Well ya know so do narrow minded folks. Maybe he likes the camera and wants to continue using it. Maybe he shakes a little to much to attempt cleaning his own sensor. I believe though I have been WRONG many times in my life the point of the post was to show Nikons lack of simple cleaning support for a product made by them that requires no repair. I personally would not enjoy that answer from a company. Sounds like a bunch of crap to me. Why not clean and adjust to factory specs if no parts are needed. Why not just clean the sensor and ship it back? I have a D3s and it still out performs most DSLR and a bunch of mirrorless cameras in low light. Pretty sure my 2 cameras can perform more than most people even know how to.
Well ya know so do narrow minded folks. Maybe he l... (show quote)


Actually you hit the nail on the head. I like Nikon, and have used their gear for more than 50 years. There is a reason, it always performs. Not annoyed that they wouldn't do a CLA on a camera that works perfectly, just surprised. The FYI was intended as just that for others who like and use the D3. I am steady enough, and frankly, it is so easy to remove the odd spot with a tiny tweak in post, it probably isn't important. I do have all the cleaning gear, and if it begins to annoy me, I'll give it another try, or send it to a reliable camera shop.

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 17:06:47   #
rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA
 
quixdraw wrote:
Actually you hit the nail on the head. I like Nikon, and have used their gear for more than 50 years. There is a reason, it always performs. Not annoyed that they wouldn't do a CLA on a camera that works perfectly, just surprised. The FYI was intended as just that for others who like and use the D3. I am steady enough, and frankly, it is so easy to remove the odd spot with a tiny tweak in post, it probably isn't important. I do have all the cleaning gear, and if it begins to annoy me, I'll give it another try, or send it to a reliable camera shop.
Actually you hit the nail on the head. I like Niko... (show quote)


CLA is more than just a cleaning of the sensor. It's a "clean, lubricate and adjust", which often requires taking the camera apart and in some situations, even replacing minor parts that have become worn or corroded over time. It doesn't really surprise me that Nikon would rather not deal with camera models which are over a decade old.

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 17:12:04   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
rook2c4 wrote:
CLA is more than just a cleaning of the sensor. It's a "clean, lubricate and adjust", which often requires taking the camera apart and in some situations, even replacing minor parts that have become worn or corroded over time. It doesn't really surprise me that Nikon would rather not deal with camera models which are over a decade old.


Yup, I knew that. Have had a few done down the years. You bring up a good point about parts, always a chance of breaking something while doing the work. Somewhere I read that Nikon Japan has an annual event where you can send virtually any Nikon for minor work. It is probably just an In country thing, but I'll look around a bit more. In any case, the camera works well for now. Thanks for the input!

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 19:29:34   #
kt72sf
 
Quixdraw
Thanks for your update information regarding the Nikon D3's, and Nikon's no parts and services to the D3's since 2016, which includes CLA.
About three months ago from DX, I purchased a Nikon D3 with about 98,000 actuation from a professional photographer off Craigslist. It's my first FX Nikon camera, and it's great. Purchased three-3rd party EN EL4a batteries at $25/each from different vendors-DSTE, Creabest, and Tectra, and they all work.
IMO, by Nikon not providing parts and services for their older professional cameras, they are effectively driving down the prices of not only their older DSLR cameras but also their Nikkor AF-D lenses.
For example, one can purchase an used mint condition Nikon D3 with the original box and accessories except for the cables, two SanDisk 16G CF cards, three-new 3rd party batteries, two BL-4 battery caps, and a RRS L bracket plus three (3) Nikkor AF 2.8D lenses, 35mm, 60mm, 105mm, for about $1,000.
New technology is great, ...but at 73, what is wrong with a Nikon D3 and the all the AF-D and AF-S lenses at affordable prices.
Kerry in San Francisco

Reply
 
 
Jun 8, 2021 19:43:22   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
kt72sf wrote:
Quixdraw
Thanks for your update information regarding the Nikon D3's, and Nikon's no parts and services to the D3's since 2016, which includes CLA.
About three months ago from DX, I purchased a Nikon D3 with about 98,000 actuation from a professional photographer off Craigslist. It's my first FX Nikon camera, and it's great. Purchased three-3rd party EN EL4a batteries at $25/each from different vendors-DSTE, Creabest, and Tectra, and they all work.
IMO, by Nikon not providing parts and services for their older professional cameras, they are effectively driving down the prices of not only their older DSLR cameras but also their Nikkor AF-D lenses.
For example, one can purchase an used mint condition Nikon D3 with the original box and accessories except for the cables, two SanDisk 16G CF cards, three-new 3rd party batteries, two BL-4 battery caps, and a RRS L bracket plus three (3) Nikkor AF 2.8D lenses, 35mm, 60mm, 105mm, for about $1,000.
New technology is great, ...but at 73, what is wrong with a Nikon D3 and the all the AF-D and AF-S lenses at affordable prices.
Kerry in San Francisco
Quixdraw br Thanks for your update information reg... (show quote)


Wonderful camera, sounds like you got an even better deal than I did! Keep having fun with it! I have Beaucoup old lenses having been with Nikon since '68!

Reply
Jun 9, 2021 06:33:42   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
quixdraw wrote:
As you probably know, I have been enjoying using an old D3 I picked up. It needs a sensor cleaning beyond what I can do. Decided I would see if Nikon would do a CLA, since I plan to continue using till it "breaks".
Got a response this morning.

Thank you for contacting Nikon Support.

Does Nikon offer CLA for D3?

Thank you for contacting Nikon.
Nikon stopped stocking the parts for the D3 in 2016.

I suggest looking for a local, "mom & pop" type repair facility (one that will NOT try sending it to Nikon) to see if they can help you out.
I hope this helps.

Nikon Technical Support
As you probably know, I have been enjoying using a... (show quote)


Lets look at it from their point of view. Suppose the camera has something wrong with it when it comes in, Nikon contacts you to let you know something is wrong and you claim there was nothing wrong outside a sensor cleaning. Now there is an issue. So Nikon just will not touch anything they do not stock parts for. Smart Nikon.
But, if you really want a sensor cleaning, contact Midwest Camera, they will except your D3.

Reply
Jun 9, 2021 06:53:52   #
ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA
 
I've been cleaning my sensors for over 10 years and haven't had any issues. Just get top quality cleaning tools and liquid - don't get the advertised gel stick (I bought one but have never used it - I keep it to remind me of stupid purchases that I've made). If you visit the Philly area, bring your D3 and I'll clean it for you!

Reply
Jun 9, 2021 06:55:18   #
RGreenway Loc: Morristown, New Jersey
 
I had gotten a smear on a sensor from somewhere that "normal" swabs with normal cleaning solution didnt work. I found this at B&H and it worked like magic! If you want to try it be sure the swabs are appropriate for your camera and the solution is too. But it is amazing on things like grease spots. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1318070-REG/visibledust_18512952_ez_sensor_cleaning_kit.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

Reply
Page 1 of 4 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.