Robyn's Travels

My new Nikon D7000 Battery Grip!

As I continue with my photography, I am always trying to find ways to perfect my technique or maximize my comfort from shooting and carrying gear all day.  In the last few years, I never considered a high-end DX-format DSLR. Why, you ask? I assumed that the camera body itself would be too big for my hands. I also felt that the camera would be too heavy to carry for long periods of time.  That was basically the reason I was hesitant to upgrade from my first DSLR, a Nikon D70, to Ben’s Nikon D300.

Ultimately, I didn’t end up getting Ben’s hand-me-down camera. I purchased the Nikon D7000 instead, staying close in size and weight to my old D70. But over time, I have built up more strength in my arms and shoulders (thanks to kung fu) to withstand a little more weight.  Also, I realize that taking photos in portrait orientation can be awkward and unstable after a while with my camera.  As a result, I started researching battery grips. 

Battery grips are ideal for many reasons. First, they provide the photographer with an extra battery to use, therefore extending the battery life of the camera before having to recharge.  Another benefit is the ability to have a side grip to better hold the camera in portrait orientation. There are vertical camera controls on the grip to achieve this.  Another use is that the grip may help balance the camera better with heavier lenses.  With my Tamron 70-300mm lens being over 1 1/2 lb., the grip may help with hand stability. 

I compared multiple battery grips, including the Nikon MB-D11.  Although this grip is made by Nikon, I could not justify the price of $220!  Again, I try to be budget-minded with this expensive hobby, and try to purchase third party and used Nikon lenses.  So I settled on the Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip.  This is sold directly from B&H Photo, one of my favorite photography stores.  The grip received positive reviews, and the vertical controls operate in the same direction as the Nikon body (many third-party grips have reverse direction for turning, which would drive me nutty).  And the price - only $70!  Even used Nikon grips on Craigslist aren’t that low.  With B&H’s 30-day return policy, and the product’s one-year warranty, I figured I’d try it out.

And the verdict…. it’s a keeper!  It takes a little getting used to, but the grip does make a difference in taking vertical shots.  This will be put to the test for indoor concerts where I want to take photos in very tight, crowded spaces.  The grip is tight and flush with the camera body (many complaints exist about grips being loose and having to use tape or a washer to fix the problem).

Do I have any gripes?  Well, it does weight a little more, adding half a pound to the overall weight of my camera. Not a big deal, because I can manage it better compared to a couple of years ago.  My other complaint is that the grip attached to my camera results in the camera taking up more space. You don’t fully realize that until you try to pack it in your camera bags.  I have to position the camera differently now in my Think Tank Retrospective 5 bag, but thankfully it barely fits and I don’t have to buy the next size up in camera bag. Whew! 

The coolest thing about this grip?  It makes the Nikon D7000 look like a pro camera. When shooting with this combo of camera body and grip, I look like a professional photographer. Pretty sweet!

A happy ending…

Finally, after numerous phone calls and emails, not to mention the help of my amazing husband, I was able to get a replacement Nikon D7000 body sent to me today.  The serial number is a good distance away from my previous camera.  This evening I tested various apertures using continuous shooting mode to try and duplicate oil spots.  All I could find so far is a dust spot, which was quickly and easily removed.  I may finally have my happy ending with this camera, or rather a happy beginning.  I can now focus on my photography again!

Lost my patience with Nikon and my D7000

So, continuing from last time, I got my Nikon D7000 back on Thursday, May 12. The next day, I test my camera and instantly an oil spot appears.  So much for my camera being “fixed” again.  I had Ben do a wet sensor cleaning to remove the spot.  And yet today, when I was taking photos of my crazy cats, three new oil spots surfaced.   Let’s just say I’m beyond fed up.

I called Nikon Support on Friday, May 13 to complain about the lack of repair and to finally get my question answered: “What is causing the oils to appear on the sensor?” Apparently no one at Nikon can answer this supposedly simple question.  

The customer service rep said that if I sent out the camera again, it would be reviewed by a manager for replacement.  I told her that I was promised that the last time and it was ignored, with only a sensor and shutter curtain blade cleaning done. Even better, I didn’t receive my UPS shipping labels since that phone call on Friday.  Fast forward to today.  I call Nikon Support AGAIN, to complain that I didn’t get my labels and that I had no trust in this situation anymore.  The customer service rep I got this time seemed helpless and probably regretted getting me on the phone.  He promised that a supervisor would get back to me within 24 hours.

Then Ben, sensing my frustration and disgust, called Nikon Support to reiterate everything that has occurred with this camera, the customer service department, and the service technicians in NY.  He demanded that I be sent a replacement by Wednesday to remedy the fact that I am without a working camera for my class and trip.  So supposedly the service rep is working with a manager to see if that can be done.  I am expecting contact by noon about the situation.

The reason I am documenting this is to show how painful it has been to resolve this issue with Nikon.  I have been a loyal customer and have not had any problems with their products up until now.  And honestly, I am having more of a problem with their customer service and the service technicians than the actual camera. I work in a field where customer service is vital and keeping promises with your customers is most important, without taking them for granted.

All I am asking for at this point is a replacement camera.  I will not settle for anything less.

The camera has returned… again.

My Nikon D7000 is back in my possession again. So this time on the invoice, in addition to the sensor being cleaned, the shutter curtain blade was cleaned.  Is it possible that there was too much oil lubricant on the assembly of the shutter curtain blade? Will removing the oil there finally solve the problem?  Since I still have no answer to that, I am waiting for an email back from Nikon to explain if this is the case.  In the meantime, I will test my camera this weekend to see if I can duplicate the spots.  Oh joy…  

My letter to Nikon Service Repair regarding my D7000

May 4, 2011

To Nikon Product Repair:

This letter is in regard to my dissatisfaction of my Nikon D7000 camera body and the servicing of it.  I purchased this camera on January 11, 2011 as an upgrade to my Nikon D70.  Both my husband and I have owned Nikon cameras over the last 5 years and are loyal customers.

On April 3rd, I noticed multiple ring-like spots on my photos. These spots were unlike the typical dust spots that I am accustomed to.  Doing some online research,  I determined that they were oil spots from lubricant of the shutter/mirror mechanism.  Cleaning with a blower and using the built-in “clean image sensor” did not solve the problem.

I brought my camera to Sanford Camera Repair, who is listed as a Nikon factory authorized warranty service location in Massachusetts.  I explained the problem and gave photo examples displaying where the spots were located.  The company did a sensor cleaning, charged me $68, and brushed off the issue as dust spots, despite my explanation and experience with Nikon DSLR cameras.

The second occurrence took place on April 22nd.   Multiple oil droplets appeared again, mostly along the right-hand side if you hold the camera normally. However, 16 spots could be seen in the photos.  The same lens was used on the camera during these occurrences, eliminating the possibility of dust getting into the camera from lens swapping.  The spots occur with apertures of f/8 and higher.  Two different lenses were used during these occurrences: a Nikon 35mm f/1.8G and a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 lens.

Examples were posted to Nikon’s service site and I spoke with Gabriel (Rafael), who ensured me that that the camera would be given top rush priority, and would be fixed. I had to pay for shipping out of pocket, and I had to argue forcefully that this repair was definitely covered under warranty.

Although the camera was “serviced” in a promptly manner, I received the camera back on May 2 with an invoice that only a sensor cleaning and general check was done.  I was not pleased with this and emailed Nikon customer service for an explanation on what was actually “repaired or fixed” with my camera.  At this point, I still do not have an explanation of why the camera is developing spots or how it can be fixed.

This leads me to today, May 4, two days after receiving my camera back from Nikon repair , During my photography course, using the same lens without switching, at least 3 major ring-like spots appeared in my photos, along the right hand side if the camera is held horizontally.  I was extremely upset and angry because obviously the camera was not fixed and all my efforts were in vain.  

I uploaded today’s photos that display the spots to the Nikon website and spoke to Manny in customer service, who was very sympathetic to my continuing situation.  I explained to him that oil-like ring spots on my sensor occurring THREE times within ONE month after being brought for service twice is unacceptable.  I have invested a lot of money into this camera, along with the cost of sensor cleaning and shipment to Nikon for this “repair.”  I have been greatly inconvenienced by the flaw of this camera and the supposed repair job by Nikon to fix this problem. I have yet to be told me what the problem is and how it should have been fixed. Again, this is unacceptable from such a reputable company.

As a result, I am demanding a replacement D7000 body.  I have lost patience, time and money with these ring-like spots ruining my photos and resultantly being without a camera during my photography class and professional work over the last couple of weeks.  

In addition, I need my D7000 replaced no later than Friday, May 13.  One of the main reasons I purchased this camera is for my trip this month to Northern Europe.  I do not have a backup camera, so I need this camera functional and in my possession for both my photography course AND my trip.  A rush delivery is required.

The reference number listing all the communication and photos documenting this problem is #xxxxxx-xxxxxx.  Manny has assured me that this problem will finally be resolved in my favor and I sincerely hope that he is right.  Included in the package are the following:

• Nikon D7000 camera body with body cap

• Proof of purchase for the camera

• Receipt of initial cleaning by Sanford Camera Repair

• Packing list of second spot occurrence

• Service order, and

• Invoice repair.

Should you have any questions, please let me know.  I hope that this problem can finally be resolved and that I can move on to enjoying my D7000.

Sincerely,

Robyn Alman

The Nikon D7000 repair job - No good.

Apparently my camera is not fixed.  During my photography class this evening, the oil ring-like spots REAPPEARED.  Totally unacceptable, since I just got it back on Monday!  I emailed photo examples, spoke to customer service and explained how upset and angry I am.  I am now shipping it back for a replacement body, since this current body apparently cannot be fixed.  I am going to post to my blog my letter to Nikon explaining my issue and my disappointment. Hopefully this is the last time I encounter any problems with this camera… will keep you posted!

The return of my Nikon D7000

So without any email notification, I randomly checked my repair status on Nikon’s website and found out that my camera shipped.  I received it this morning, which made me happy.  What made me not as happy was to read the invoice, which made it seem that all that was dones was a sensor clean, a firmware upgrade, and a full check of the camera body.  I still have no idea what the spots are, how they are surfacing, and if the problem is permanently fixed.  All I can tell is that the sensor is clean again and my camera has no spots in the photos.  

I emailed Nikon to ask them what was specifically done with my camera and to provide an explanation of what was done to fix the problem. I am currently waiting for their response. In the meantime, I ordered a wet sensor cleaning kit from Copper Hill, in the protection that should this happen again, Ben and I can try wet cleaning the sensor before having to ship it back to Nikon again.

Oh the drama… but at least my camera is back.  Time for more photography! :)

The retirement of my ol’ Nikon D70

Today, I no longer own my first DSLR camera - the Nikon D70.  I bought it used from Newtonville Camera on April 18, 2008, not knowing if photography would be a passing fad or a true passion.  I have owned the camera for three years and it has helped inspire me to think more outside the box and be creative.  Despite its age, the camera has served me well and has taken amazing picutres over the years.  I now pass that torch over to my father, in the hopes that he will get the same enjoyment from that camera as I did.

(Now all I need is my D7000 back in my hands, fixed and ready to work some magic!)