To Fix or Not to Fix

[Scottwdw]

My beloved Nikon D700 no long talks with my lenses. I can only shoot it wide open. Works for high school hockey games so I have not been to bummed about it. But, since Nikon has nothing currently or on the horizon to replace it, I am considering getting it repaired. All the lenses work fine on the D7100.

I read this article about a place, besides Nikon, who are Authorized by Nikon. You can read it here: http://photofocus.com/2015/03/11/replace-or-repair-your-camera/

I requested an online repair quote after describing the problem with the camera. Will update as this process moves along.

Has anyone used this company before?

 

[ExploringWDW]

Anyone have any experience with repairs at keh.com? Flat rate for all DSLR bodies is $215. Sounds too good to be true but I think a lot of people here trust them.

 

[Scottwdw]

My only issues with KEH is how low the cost is AND they are not an authorized Nikon repair center.

I got feedback this is a good place, too: http://www.nikoncamerarepair.com/

Wonder if @ddindy has ever had any dealings with them since they are located in Illinois.

 

[ExploringWDW]

I wonder if the difference between non authorized and authorized makes any difference other than cost? Kinda like the difference between getting a tune up at the dealer vs. at the local garage.

Have you ever rented from lensrentals.com? A big outfit like that must have an opinion on a good repair shop, although they may do their own repairs. Might be worth an email to their support group though. (support@lensrentals.com)

 

[Scottwdw]

Oh, there is a BIG difference. Nikon will only supply Authorized Repair Centers with parts. It upset a lot of people when they made that decision back in 2012.

http://ifixit.org/blog/1349/how-nikon-is-killing-camera-repair/

There are only 23 repair centers in the US (there were 22 when that article was written).

Yes, I have rented from lensrentals.com many times. I probably told you about them. Even they can not buy parts from Nikon. I would guess they either use Nikon or an authorized repair center.

 

[ExploringWDW]

Oh yes, my local shop told me about that change regarding the parts a couple years ago. Forgot about that. I wonder how a non authorized repair center can possibly make repairs without parts?

As for lensrentals, I just figured they would have a very informed opinion as to a recommendation on a specific nikon repair center.

 

[ddindy]

I haven't had to get my dSLRs repaired, so I can't offer any suggestions. Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the body and lens? That solved a focus problem I had one time.

 

[Scottwdw]

I haven't had to get my dSLRs repaired, so I can't offer any suggestions. Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the body and lens? That solved a focus problem I had one time.

I have cleaned them over and over. Not one lens works unless it is set at the widest aperture. All the lenses work fine on the D7100. I can only assume, the D700 has the issue.

 

[ddindy]

Then maybe it's time to look for a refurbed body. I saw a couple of D700s in my local shop the other day.

 

[Scottwdw]

@ddindy I've been looking online. The cost of a good D700 looks to be between $900 and $1,100. I paid $1,200 for mine used. Amazing how they have keep their value. You'd think that would tell Nikon something!

I am still mulling it over.

 

[Tim]

Scott, sounds like....

<<ROCK>> (you are here) <<HARD PLACE>>

I would see what KEH has to say... you can't be any worse off than you are now. @gary raves about KEH.

 

[Scottwdw]

Scott, sounds like....

<<ROCK>> (you are here) <<HARD PLACE>>

I would see what KEH has to say... you can't be any worse off than you are now. @gary raves about KEH.

Not only that but I keep waffling. After reading my up-teenth review about the Canon 7D Mark II this month, I have decided to pass mainly due to the amount of investment in new lenses. At that cost, I might as well buy a used Nikon D4 or D4s. Though it would not get me the Wi-Fi capability I need without spending another $800.

Right now I am leaning towards the Nikon D750 (I can invision @ExploringWDW rolling his eyes at me). Though it only shoots at 6.5fps, I am currently using the D7100 for Crunch games and it only goes 6fps (7fps in cropped mode) so I am not losing much there. I would be gaining an FX sensor, updated processor, best Auto Focus Nikon has done to date, Wi-Fi capabilities, a DX crop mode when needed and being able to use my current inventory of Nikon mounted glass. A savings of over $1,300 with current used pricing on Canon glass.

I have until September to make up my mind (I was thinking June but have waffled again). Giving Nikon a few more months to come up with a better body in my price range.

I may yet fix the D700. Until I do get a new body, I can still use the D700 for high school sports and swap lenses for aperture changes. f/2.8 lenses for low light and the 80-400VR (3.5-5.6) for outside games in daylight.

Until I change my mind again...

 

[ExploringWDW]

Right now I am leaning towards the Nikon D750 (I can invision @ExploringWDW rolling his eyes at me).

I would fully support your D750 decision. Unless you went with a complete switch from Nikon to Canon, the 7D, in my opinion, would be silly given your current Nikon inventory. I also (personally again) don't think that the 2-3 more FPS is going to make a huge difference in catching significantly more "perfect moments", so the D750 will do the job for what you do on a regular basis. You will have a 30% chance of catching a better photo, but you will have a 100% chance of having your photo library grow 30% faster. (Still, the 5fps of the D810 sounds much less impressive than the 7fps of the D300s...)

Regarding the "waffling", I know what you are going through. Do it all the time. Then I end up having to overnight stuff two days before I need it.

Nikon has refurbs on sale for 10% off, unfortunately ending today. Their site is running slower than the My Disney Experience site at the moment so I cant get pricing, but thats an option to save a few bucks too.

 

[Scottwdw]

Nikon has refurbs on sale for 10% off, unfortunately ending today. Their site is running slower than the My Disney Experience site at the moment so I cant get pricing, but thats an option to save a few bucks too.

Thanks for the support, Dave! I checked the Nikon sale last night. Very good price on the D750 (which I assume are the ones they took in trade to fix the Flare issue). I could get pricing but, when I selected to buy, I was taken to a screen with a photo of the camera but no where to buy so I didn't That would have been an emotional buy which still might happen.