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
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