UntamedImages Loc: Utah

Based on how I am responding to this I may be considered the same. Your post made me smile :lol:
Great idea on the "Lens Pen" I believe it's called!

PS - Thanks Wall-E, Good to know. Went and read the feedback. Although I will say I didn't take this particular comment to be negative.

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

I've been using Nikon (Nippon) since the mid-late 50s', and Had only ONE problem with my equipment in about 60 years. Everything from the rangefinders (S1, S2, SP) to the D7100 and D800E; was a software malfunction. Bet you can't say that about your "favorite brand"...

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Also sticking with Nikon. Have for many years.
Don

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

John, I have been using Nikon cameras and lenses for more than 50 years and during that time I only had a brand new camera that did not perform to my expectations. It was the Nikon 6006, a beautiful camera with a serious defect in manufacture (at least my sample) by which the camera was using juice as if there was no tomorrow. It got replaced by Nikon for a brand new 8008. Both film cameras.
Reliability has been the main reason why I have remained a Nikon user. My old Nikon F from 1963 still works like a champ and has never required repairs. I do not use my cameras and lenses day in and day out but I have never required service for any of them except for a routine check up.
The lenses are pretty sharp for me, including the kit lenses. Professional lenses are among the best in optical quality and construction.
In case you ask, I do not use Nikon when I need service I usually take my camera to a local repair station to a gentleman that worked for Nikon for years or I send it to Authorized Photo Service in Morton Groove Illinois. I had a 12-24 f4 AFS repaired by them when a friend dropped the lens to the floor and they did a good job and fast but that was years ago and I have not used them again, not that I needed service that badly.
It is obvious that I can only speak on my behalf but for as long as I live I will continue to use Nikon gear.

NoSocks Loc: quonochontaug, rhode island

This is a gross over-reaction.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Evidence supported none the less.....

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Oh yea Doc ? .....

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

We all have our biases and look for things that support them. Nikon is no better or worse than its competitors.

Nikon_Bill Loc: South Florida

I've used Nikon for about 30 years. The company is very good, but the individuals in some of the stores in the field may not be easy to deal with. If the manufacturer is doing the repair and your not happy with him, seek out another dealer. I won't throw out a line of cameras based on an individual's performance. The lenses by Nikon are reputable under test. They don't need me to vouch for them, but I can say that from my years of using their equipment, it has performed superior in the field. The same would be true for other brands including Cannon, Sony, or others. The dealers are just people, good and bad. The manufactured product is reputable and the commercial or pro line of their products have a reputation for decades as very good. Can't knock a company, because of one bad apple.
If it were a trend or the norm, that would be a different matter. :(

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

I agree, my first SLR was a Nikon 4004. Used it and loved the results. Upgraded to a 8008, and used for years, beautiful camera and results. Tightened the tripod stud to tight, and drove it to Morton Grove. Only issue with either one and it was my fault. Purchased a DSLR a D5000, and also no issues. Now shooting with a D7000, no issues, and I love it. For me it is Nikon or nothing.

Rbrylawski Loc: Tampa, FL

Another very happy and loyal Nikon user here. I've had nothing but great success and never needed service on any Nikon I've shot with. Any manufacturer can build a piece with issues. That would be true of Canon, Sony, Olympus, Fuji, Panasonic etc., etc.

Ernie Misner Loc: Lakewood, WA

This is the first I have heard a single bad word about the new 80-400. When you get it sorted out you will love this lens. Mine is razor sharp wide open and at all FL's. The VR is fantastic also, at least 4 stops worth. I can hand hold at 1/20th if necessary. Keep us posted.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hi Craggycrosser, thanks for you response and I appreciate your comments. I realise that a larger percentage of UHH members are Nikon owners so there is naturally going to be more problems raised than with less popular cameras.
This particular "Dust Issue" makes me wonder who's at fault, the manufacturer, the dealer or the owner, or is it that a mountain is being made out of a molehill!
I am considering buying a new camera and may want to change from M4/3 to DSLR, I am happy with my Olympus so that's the first hurdle to cross.
Anyway thanks for your offer and I will keep it in mind.
Cheers,
John.

Nikon_Bill Loc: South Florida

I've had photo equipment ruined from the salt air on board an ocean cruise. I've had photo prints, bleached out and faded seriously with one week while laying out on the table, due to an ozone emitting device in the home to freshen the air. Sand on beaches, lint from cloth, dust from hay, dust and pollution and smoke, all sneak into your equipment. Moisture after that forms electrical short out on the circuitry of the equipment and spots in the photos.
Like the chip in digital gets spots on it and needs cleaning from time to time. A lens can't 'self clean' like some newer digital cameras. With many causes, prevention and careful care seems to be all we have. Expect to get dust, mold, fungi, moisture, lubricants all in places you don't want them. The war in on, and we must be ready and willing to deal with the expected aftermath. :):)

UntamedImages Loc: Utah

John - I can only tell you this. I literally opened the Lens and connected it to my camera. i took about 20 shots or so and happened to turn the lens in a manner that the sun hit it just right and noticed the spots. I was in a cemetery on a windless, sunny day (grass, no dirt to speak of).

My honest opinion here is this was NOT a NEW lens, but a floor model or something. I don't think this is a manufacturing issue and I know I will get dust in my equipment over time.

I truly wish I would have taken a picture of what I was seeing. Large dust particles at multiple levels within the lens, very obvious to anyone, not just a perfectionist.

As I stated earlier, I have all the confidence in the world in Nikon and their products. Wehn I was deciding between Nikon and Canon I spoke with quite a few photographers befor emaking my decision and I have been happy ever since.

I really hope this doesn't sway you away from Nikon as I really believe this was a retailer issue, not a manufacturing issue.

Have a great day!