Nikon Repair Service - Any decent alternatives?

[Traubrey]

I might just be an unlucky isolated case that has slipped through the net but I've had a terrible experience with Nikon Repair Service and I wonder if there are any alternative repair centres members could recommend?

My camera has been back twice to sort out a lens mount issue on the body of the camera but it's still not much better despite parting with the lions share of £250. The fault is not a subtle intermittent one but a really obvious one as it is tight to the point of crunching when you mount a lens after it had a low impact accident.

I've reached the stage now that I don't want to send it away again to Nikon for the usual 4 weeks+ and keep my fingers crossed. Ive tried complaining to Nikon directly and that's getting nowhere so now I see my options as being to either sell the camera with a heavy discount listing the fault or send it to someone who might actually sort it. My feelings are currently with the former as it's getting really irksome.

What, if any, alternatives are there other than sending it to Nikon when a camera/lens is out of warranty? Are there any independent repair shops others would advise or recommend using as I am not planning on using Nikon's dedicated service ever again if I can help it.

This whole episode, coupled with having to send back my D600 for a new shutter curtain as mine was affected with oily spots on the image, has severely knocked my faith in the QC at the company.

Thanks for any advice or tips you can give me.

Cheers

Raymond

 

[renu]

http://www.hlehmann.co.uk/ and
http://www.fixationuk.com/Fixation/Fixation - Home/Fixation - Home.html
.I have personal experience with Fixation when I sent my Nikon D700( Bought in Forum) 2years ago .Service was excellent.

 

[johnnypanic]

Have used Fixation in the past and pleased with their service.

 

[peterh_602]

Thumbs up for Fixation from me too!

 

[Mark twiglet]

And me! They been brilliant to me in the past! I ordered a mount surround plastic cover for my d7100 and on eBay they were £30+ ....... Phoned fixation and he said .......£18 ...... Pay me £20 and I'll post it and I had it next day!

 

[Traubrey]

There's a pattern developing here! I will drop them a quick line and hopefully others who look for an alternative to the shabby official service will give them a chance.

 

[69Bonni]

Yes Fixation were very fast and efficient, and they are a Nikon approved repair agent. Good communications too

 

[plamen_gb]

Fixation man here too, went straight to their shop in London, dropped the 5d mk2 that had CF card slot fault, I think they got it done in a week and it was only £120

 

[dandeakin]

Just used fixation and thought they were very good

 

[gary43]

Hi Ray

Given that Lehmann's are in Stoke-on-Trent (http://www.hlehmann.co.uk/) and that you are some where in Derbyshire (?) you might possibly be able to drop-off with them to avoid delay and cost ? Have used them a couple of times and they have been very good/helpful. Just a thought sine I am not a fan of putting stuff in the post.

 

[dandeakin]

If you do use fixation then you'll save a lot posting via UPS. My lens was £28 insured via Royal Mail, but Fixation returned it via UPS for £10

 

[StewartR]

If you do use fixation then you'll save a lot posting via UPS. My lens was £28 insured via Royal Mail, but Fixation returned it via UPS for £10

But if you use Royal Mail Special Delivery it will be fully insured, and if you use UPS it won't be. That might matter to you.

Also worth noting that RMSD is *much* more cost effective for parcels up to 2kg, which covers lenses up to about the size of a 24-70mm f/2.8 with plenty of packaging.

 

[twist]

But if you use Royal Mail Special Delivery it will be fully insured, and if you use UPS it won't be. That might matter to you.

Also worth noting that RMSD is *much* more cost effective for parcels up to 2kg, which covers lenses up to about the size of a 24-70mm f/2.8 with plenty of packaging.

Yup, RMSD is pretty hard to beat for fully insured stuff. Some couriers have glass clauses and usually only include up to £50 cover.

 

[dandeakin]

I don't know for certain but I'd be amazed if fixation would use an uninsured courier, particularly as they know the value of the item, and have responsibility for returning it to you

 

[dandeakin]

Interestingly the price difference with the Royal Mail for insurance for up to £500 vs up to £1000 was only one pound.

 

[StewartR]

I don't know for certain but I'd be amazed if fixation would use an uninsured courier, particularly as they know the value of the item, and have responsibility for returning it to you

I wouldn't. They'll be sending so much stuff out, they'll self insure.

 

[dandeakin]

I phoned them, and that's what they do - self insure.

I'd stick to the more expensive, but insured RM to get it to them though

 

[Swissglover]

Another vote for Lehmans here. Just had a mirror box replaced on a D700 and a sensor clean on a D3. Very quick and professional service with e mail updates on progress of repair.