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)