Mishap

Jrkahuna · Jun 18, 2014

So last night at my boys swim meet which I have been waiting to use my D610 and 70-200, I went to grab my camera bag and it wasn't zipped. My 70-200 went crashing to the ground luckily I had already taken the camera off of it and the camera only fell onto the table.

I bought the lens used on eBay and it came with a Hoya filter attached that I have never removed. It looked like the front of the glass was cracked so I tried to take the filter off but it won't come off, but the front part of the lens screwed off instead. I have attached some pictures.

It appears it isn't the filter that is cracked

What the lens looks like after I screwed off the top part

Side view of what I unscrewed from the body of the lens.

I went on the Nikon website and before I send this in for repair, I want to make sure I understand how it works. The website says it is $600 to fix the lens (cheaper than buying a new one obviously). But, then it also says that there could be another amount. My question is this. Is the $600 a fixed number or could it be less? Anyone with experience dealing with Nikon for lens repair?

And on another note, I went on Nikon's website to register my D610 and it told me my serial number is not a valid serial number. The serial number starts with 60xxxxx. I bought it on Amazon from an Amazon dealer (maybe my first mistake). I know I can't get it serviced at Nikon USA, but does this mean I didn't get a real Nikon?

I have an email out to the seller.

All in all, not a perfect night, although I did get some great pictures.

paulski66 · Jun 18, 2014

Jrkahuna said:
The website says it is $600 to fix the lens (cheaper than buying a new one obviously). But, then it also says that there could be another amount. My question is this. Is the $600 a fixed number or could it be less? Anyone with experience dealing with Nikon for lens repair?

I imagine they can't give a final estimate for the cost of repair without seeing first hand what the damage is and how extensive it is. For example, upon receiving the lens, they may discover that there is something wrong with the AF, too, that needs repair. Obviously, that wouldn't be covered by the original $600.

Yes, it could end up being less that $600, but if you're correct in your analysis of the damae done, I wouldn't count on it.

ETA: Sorry for your mishap, and good luck with your repairs. I just got a lens back from Melville, and they did a great (and fast!) job on it.

thelenspainter · Jun 18, 2014

Sorry to hear about the mishap. I'm curious though - how long have you owned this lens that the entire time you have been using it with a CPL filter attached? Are you aware that this filter cuts a significant amount of light? You should always remove it for indoor and low light photography.

Jrkahuna · Jun 18, 2014

thelenspainter said:
Sorry to hear about the mishap. I'm curious though - how long have you owned this lens that the entire time you have been using it with a CPL filter attached? Are you aware that this filter cuts a significant amount of light? You should always remove it for indoor and low light photography.

Obviously too long LOL. That explains some indoor shots that didn't turn out as well as expected

To be honest I never really gave the filter a second thought when I got the lens.

thelenspainter · Jun 18, 2014

Glad I could provide some insight. Perhaps the mishap has actually turned out to be fortuitous

Jrkahuna · Jun 18, 2014

thelenspainter said:
Glad I could provide some insight. Perhaps the mishap has actually turned out to be fortuitous

Everything happens for a reason. Any thoughts on the Serial number on my D610? I assumed (always a mistake I guess) since it was on Amazon that it was legit.

I am still waiting to hear back from the reseller. If it is grey market, I am going to ask for a refund and return the camera to buy a legit one. Hopefully that will go smoothly and Amazon will back it up as we are Prime members

Jrkahuna · Jun 18, 2014

I called the reseller and while they didn't come out and say it was grey market they pretty much said it. I am kicking myself. They are allowing me to return it for a full refund. So I guess other good coming out if dropping my lens is finding out about the camera.

So next question. Does it make a difference buying from Adorama or B&H? I am assuming i would get US brand Nikon from either. I was going to buy from Amazon but they charge tax now and the camera is the same price. And they all offer free shipping. Just don't want to deal with anymore grey market stuff.

What a journey

thelenspainter · Jun 18, 2014

I'm not sure what the problem was with the grey market camera. Wasn't it significantly cheaper than retail? If it was I would just keep it. I own a grey-market D600 that has served me perfectly since I got it (less than 30 days after the D600 came out).

pavi1 · Jun 18, 2014

Jrkahuna said:
So next question. Does it make a difference buying from Adorama or B&H?

Adorama and B&H will list the camera as Gray Market. It is up to you to read the full description.

Jrkahuna said:
I am assuming i would get US brand Nikon from either.

Be aware of "US Warranty" Nikon USA warranty is not the same as a "US" warranty. Sometimes the "US" means just that, us as in me and you.

mais51 · Jun 18, 2014

thelenspainter said:
I'm not sure what the problem was with the grey market camera. Wasn't it significantly cheaper than retail? If it was I would just keep it. I own a grey-market D600 that has served me perfectly since I got it (less than 30 days after the D600 came out).

Physically - no different but you miss out on any Nikon warranty issue such as full refund due to sensor dirt, etc. If the price different is not significant - say less than $100 I'd stick with the authorised version - but that is me.

mais51 · Jun 18, 2014

Jrkahuna said:
So last night at my boys swim meet which I have been waiting to use my D610 and 70-200, I went to grab my camera bag and it wasn't zipped. My 70-200 went crashing to the ground luckily I had already taken the camera off of it and the camera only fell onto the table.

I bought the lens used on eBay and it came with a Hoya filter attached that I have never removed. It looked like the front of the glass was cracked so I tried to take the filter off but it won't come off, but the front part of the lens screwed off instead. I have attached some pictures.

It appears it isn't the filter that is cracked

What the lens looks like after I screwed off the top part

Side view of what I unscrewed from the body of the lens.

I went on the Nikon website and before I send this in for repair, I want to make sure I understand how it works. The website says it is $600 to fix the lens (cheaper than buying a new one obviously). But, then it also says that there could be another amount. My question is this. Is the $600 a fixed number or could it be less? Anyone with experience dealing with Nikon for lens repair?

And on another note, I went on Nikon's website to register my D610 and it told me my serial number is not a valid serial number. The serial number starts with 60xxxxx. I bought it on Amazon from an Amazon dealer (maybe my first mistake). I know I can't get it serviced at Nikon USA, but does this mean I didn't get a real Nikon?

I have an email out to the seller.

All in all, not a perfect night, although I did get some great pictures.

From the look of the broken element I would think that the lens is OK from any other damage. If I were you I'd try to remove the filter from the front element - now that the filter is separated from the lens and you could source a front element from the web and replace it yourself and save some serious money

Nikon Nikkor AFS 70-200 VR Lens Repair – Tarkan's BORED

I have always wanted to own the Nikon AF-S 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens, which is one serious piece of kit. It is legendary for its handling and sharpness. Not able to afford a new one, I opted for a cheaper slightly damaged secondhand model - read how I restored it to factory new condition ....

www.tarkan.info

I suppose you could order the front element directly from Nikon

Jrkahuna · Jun 18, 2014

thelenspainter said:
I'm not sure what the problem was with the grey market camera. Wasn't it significantly cheaper than retail? If it was I would just keep it. I own a grey-market D600 that has served me perfectly since I got it (less than 30 days after the D600 came out).

Actually the camera is phenomenal and I would venture to guess that if I put it next to one from an authorized dealer without looking at the serial number I would be hard pressed to tell the difference. The camera worked fine.

But..........

I am paying for a premium product and I believe I should get the premium perks that go along with it. My biggest concern is that three years from now if something goes wrong, where do I go to get it fixed? The closest authorized Nikon dealer to me is 30 miles if that closes the next closest is 80 miles.

luckily I bought it through Amazon so they are being great to deal with. They are giving me a full refund and waiving the restocking fee. I just bought an authorized D610 from Amazon itself so I know it is legit. In the end I have to return the 50 mm that was bundled with it, so I am spending about $200 more, but I think that is worth the piece of mind knowing I can get my camera serviced any time i need to.

i mean I already oroved I can drop my stuff and instead of having to pay $1600+ to replace my 70-200, it will cost me a few hundred to have it fixed.

mais51 · Jun 18, 2014

Jrkahuna said:
So last night at my boys swim meet which I have been waiting to use my D610 and 70-200, I went to grab my camera bag and it wasn't zipped. My 70-200 went crashing to the ground luckily I had already taken the camera off of it and the camera only fell onto the table.

I bought the lens used on eBay and it came with a Hoya filter attached that I have never removed. It looked like the front of the glass was cracked so I tried to take the filter off but it won't come off, but the front part of the lens screwed off instead. I have attached some pictures.

It appears it isn't the filter that is cracked

What the lens looks like after I screwed off the top part

Side view of what I unscrewed from the body of the lens.

I went on the Nikon website and before I send this in for repair, I want to make sure I understand how it works. The website says it is $600 to fix the lens (cheaper than buying a new one obviously). But, then it also says that there could be another amount. My question is this. Is the $600 a fixed number or could it be less? Anyone with experience dealing with Nikon for lens repair?

And on another note, I went on Nikon's website to register my D610 and it told me my serial number is not a valid serial number. The serial number starts with 60xxxxx. I bought it on Amazon from an Amazon dealer (maybe my first mistake). I know I can't get it serviced at Nikon USA, but does this mean I didn't get a real Nikon?

I have an email out to the seller.

All in all, not a perfect night, although I did get some great pictures.

You said it is your 70-200 but which version 2.8 vI, 2,8 vII or the new F4 ? Looking at the photos it doesn't seem that the glass is part of the original lens at all but it is part of the filter itself. The threaded metal ring behind the filter is just a front element retainer. I would try to remove it from the filter and re-install it back to the lens. Why don't you try to use the lens without that particular bit, if the element is still in place undamaged then your lens should behave normally.

Jrkahuna · Jun 18, 2014

mais51 said:
Jrkahuna said:

So last night at my boys swim meet which I have been waiting to use my D610 and 70-200, I went to grab my camera bag and it wasn't zipped. My 70-200 went crashing to the ground luckily I had already taken the camera off of it and the camera only fell onto the table.

I bought the lens used on eBay and it came with a Hoya filter attached that I have never removed. It looked like the front of the glass was cracked so I tried to take the filter off but it won't come off, but the front part of the lens screwed off instead. I have attached some pictures.

It appears it isn't the filter that is cracked

What the lens looks like after I screwed off the top part

Side view of what I unscrewed from the body of the lens.

I went on the Nikon website and before I send this in for repair, I want to make sure I understand how it works. The website says it is $600 to fix the lens (cheaper than buying a new one obviously). But, then it also says that there could be another amount. My question is this. Is the $600 a fixed number or could it be less? Anyone with experience dealing with Nikon for lens repair?

And on another note, I went on Nikon's website to register my D610 and it told me my serial number is not a valid serial number. The serial number starts with 60xxxxx. I bought it on Amazon from an Amazon dealer (maybe my first mistake). I know I can't get it serviced at Nikon USA, but does this mean I didn't get a real Nikon?

I have an email out to the seller.

All in all, not a perfect night, although I did get some great pictures.

Click to expand...

You said it is your 70-200 but which version 2.8 vI, 2,8 vII or the new F4 ? Looking at the photos it doesn't seem that the glass is part of the original lens at all but it is part of the filter itself. The threaded metal ring behind the filter is just a front element retainer. I would try to remove it from the filter and re-install it back to the lens. Why don't you try to use the lens without that particular bit, if the element is still in place undamaged then your lens should behave normally.

It is the 2.8 VR

I tried like hell to get the filter off but it won't budge. that front element that unscrewed is definitely what is broken. I can tell by running my fingers over it. Amazingly the filter isn't cracked. I did try taking pictures with the lens and everything appears OK. Focuses and zooms. I don't even know what that piece is called so I don't even know what I would look for. I am going to go to the camera shop that is 30 miles from my house this Friday and see if they can order a replacement part. If I can replace that piece and it still works then I am one lucky camper.

xtm · Jun 18, 2014

Nikon USA serial numbers start at 30xxxx. Canadian ones start at 5xxx, and other grey market start at 6xxxx.

It looks like only the front ring got unscrewed on your 70-200 along with the filter. (ie. no element went out with it) Try unscrewing the ring from the filter and put it back on the lens.

xtm · Jun 18, 2014

Jrkahuna said:
I tried like hell to get the filter off but it won't budge.

Try putting it in the freezer overnight, then put a rubberband around the filter and the ring and twist them by hand. The freezing makes the metal decompress and the rubberbands give you traction/grip.

Jrkahuna · Jun 18, 2014

xtm said:
Jrkahuna said:

I tried like hell to get the filter off but it won't budge.

Click to expand...

Try putting it in the freezer overnight, then put a rubberband around the filter and the ring and twist them by hand. The freezing makes the metal decompress and the rubberbands give you traction/grip.

Great idea. I will have the wife put it in the freezer. I am pretty sure the front ring is broken and the filter survived.

mais51 · Jun 18, 2014

Jrkahuna said:
mais51 said:

Jrkahuna said:

So last night at my boys swim meet which I have been waiting to use my D610 and 70-200, I went to grab my camera bag and it wasn't zipped. My 70-200 went crashing to the ground luckily I had already taken the camera off of it and the camera only fell onto the table.

I bought the lens used on eBay and it came with a Hoya filter attached that I have never removed. It looked like the front of the glass was cracked so I tried to take the filter off but it won't come off, but the front part of the lens screwed off instead. I have attached some pictures.

It appears it isn't the filter that is cracked

What the lens looks like after I screwed off the top part

Side view of what I unscrewed from the body of the lens.

I went on the Nikon website and before I send this in for repair, I want to make sure I understand how it works. The website says it is $600 to fix the lens (cheaper than buying a new one obviously). But, then it also says that there could be another amount. My question is this. Is the $600 a fixed number or could it be less? Anyone with experience dealing with Nikon for lens repair?

And on another note, I went on Nikon's website to register my D610 and it told me my serial number is not a valid serial number. The serial number starts with 60xxxxx. I bought it on Amazon from an Amazon dealer (maybe my first mistake). I know I can't get it serviced at Nikon USA, but does this mean I didn't get a real Nikon?

I have an email out to the seller.

All in all, not a perfect night, although I did get some great pictures.

Click to expand...

You said it is your 70-200 but which version 2.8 vI, 2,8 vII or the new F4 ? Looking at the photos it doesn't seem that the glass is part of the original lens at all but it is part of the filter itself. The threaded metal ring behind the filter is just a front element retainer. I would try to remove it from the filter and re-install it back to the lens. Why don't you try to use the lens without that particular bit, if the element is still in place undamaged then your lens should behave normally.

Click to expand...

It is the 2.8 VR

I tried like hell to get the filter off but it won't budge. that front element that unscrewed is definitely what is broken. I can tell by running my fingers over it. Amazingly the filter isn't cracked. I did try taking pictures with the lens and everything appears OK. Focuses and zooms. I don't even know what that piece is called so I don't even know what I would look for. I am going to go to the camera shop that is 30 miles from my house this Friday and see if they can order a replacement part. If I can replace that piece and it still works then I am one lucky camper.

Looking at the VR I photo on the net (I don't have one) I can see that the front element is much more recess than what you showed and don't forget the PL filter consists of two pieces of rotating glass, one of them must be broken and the second one is intact. The threaded metal ring attached to the back of the filter is definitely the front element retainer which can be screwed off from the lens. I would soak the combined ring with a liberal dose of WD40 and screw them off with a jar opener, similar to the car oil filter remover. The problem with the Polaroid filter is that the front ring rotate therefore you can not really remove it by holding to the front segregated ring but it must be held by the inner metal ring on which the word Hoyal is engraved. Whatever you do you must not damage the rear retainer ring. I would go as far as destroy the damage filter to save the retainer

Weiterleitungshinweis

Looking at the image you can clearly see the front element retainer attached to the front of the lens, proud off the hood bayonet mount

Snapshott · Jun 19, 2014

Since your lens was purchased used I'd give APS http://www.nikoncamerarepair.com/ a call and see what they can do. I've used them several times and like dealing with them a lot better than Nikon. They are much faster and can always get someone on the phone and get an update on your equipment at any time. Of the times I've used them I've received may equipment back one week from the day I shipped it to them.

Jrkahuna · Jun 20, 2014

Snapshott said:
Since your lens was purchased used I'd give APS http://www.nikoncamerarepair.com/ a call and see what they can do. I've used them several times and like dealing with them a lot better than Nikon. They are much faster and can always get someone on the phone and get an update on your equipment at any time. Of the times I've used them I've received may equipment back one week from the day I shipped it to them.

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