Lens Repair, Recommendations on Repair Places

<p>Finally getting ready to send my Nikon 80-200mm 2.8/D in for repairs.<br>

After reading many posts about unsatisfactory service with Nikon repair centers, would like your suggestions on sending to other than Nikon.<br>

Note: it is not under warranty, so I will have to pay for repair. Problem is aperture ring slipping and now some focus problems.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I would suggest ignore those complaints about Nikon service. Every time it is the same few people who complain over and over. My Nikon equipment doesn't require repair very often, but the few times I needed their service both from Melville, New York and El Segundo, California, they have done a good job.</p>

<p>Otherwise, Authorized Photo Service in Chicago also does a good job. They are not inexpensive, though.</p>

<p>I also have used the service in Chicago, though like Shun said they are not inexpensive, the repairs were made satisfactory.</p>

<p>Roberta.... I have used the El Segundo Nikon Service twice. Both times VERY satisfied. I agree with Shun - you simply don't hear about the thousands who are happy, just the few who are disappointed and vocal. What you read online is by no means a true cross-section.</p>

<p>Roberta<br>

I have used Nikon Service in El Segundo quite a few times and never had any problems their work is first class. I use an independent repairer for my older MF lenses and cameras he is a expert on older Nikons, but I would send a newer lens like the 80-200 to Nikon for sure, much like I would have a 2007 BMW repaired at the dealer but I would take an older model to an independent shop.<br>

Steve</p>

<p>Roberta - I used the Chicago location (actually in the suburb of Niles) to clean a sensor for me...I walked in on a weekday. They accommodated me and had the camera back to me in an hour...they also checked all functions while it was there.</p>

<p>I have used Nikon Service in El Segundo several times for warranty and off-warranty work. No complaints--I always get more than I expected, e.g., cleaning, minor adjustments, complete checking of systems, and best of all--I've never had to pay anything but shipping! My only quibble is that their web tracking system is a wee bit primitive!</p>

<p>I have used Nikon over the years several times, never a problem. One repeat repair, I'm not sure we were on the same page with problem. You have a high quality Nikon lens, they made it, they know how to fix it.</p>

<p>Another supporter for Nikon - I've never had a problem with them. You might also try KEH camera repair. I've used them several times for Nikon gear. Their advantage was that they were very quick with turnaround, and still did first rate work.</p>

<p>In the menu above this page, Community>Member Recommendations>Camera Repair (<a href="../neighbor/subcategory-index?id=1">link</a> ) will give you some ideas. Also, once you find a likely place, Google™ them to see what the buzz is on line, always remembering that it is the squeaky wheel that you hear.</p>

<p>also look at a list of 1977 repair places that were in business until recently, at least (<a href="../neighbor/view-one?subcategory=1&neighbor_to_neighbor_id=329163">link</a> )</p>

<p>Another supporter of Nikon repair. Whenever I've sent in a camera (not a lens) for repair, they always do something extra, like cleaning the finder or the sensor at no charge.</p>

<p>Send your 80-200mm f2.8 D to Nikon. Unquestionably, they have the best equipment and expertise to repair and adjust your lens. I have been sending my equipment to Nikon for servicing and repair for 40 years without a problem.</p>

<p>For equipment Nikon will no longer handle because of age, I use <a href="http://www.nikoncamerarepair.com/?gclid=CNPutNmW4JwCFR4UagodySyIbw">Authorized Photo Service</a>. For my Nikon F2 bodies and meters, I use <a href="http://soverf2repair.webs.com/">Sover Wong</a>. There is no better than Sover Wong when it comes to restoration of Nikon F2 cameras. He is an artist.</p>

<p>Sover Wong recommends Pete Smith for older Nikon lens repairs, (pre AI through AIS). I have used Pete's service and have been happy with the work and cost. Mr. Smith is also a great communicator.</p>

<p>Pete Smith:</p>

<p>FOTOCAMERA REPAIR, INC.<br />3095 SO. MILITARY TRAIL #16<br />SILVER OAKS PLAZA<br />LAKEWORTH, FLORIDA 33463<br />PHONE (561) 433-8434<br />FAX (561) 433-8320<br>

nikonsmith@aol.com</p>

<p>I sent a Nikon 18-35mm ed f 3.5 -4.5 lens to<strong> KEH</strong>. It was dropped on to a sidewalk face first with a Nikon F100 attached. Some gears were stripped inside which locked the focus and zoom rings. It was gone for 3 weeks and was sent back to me in better shape than when new. The actually fixed a little hitch in the zoom ring that made the zooming action un equal.</p>

<p>I also use KEH. I've had them repair a 35 f/2, 28-105, and a D50. Each time my equipment arrived in perfect shape. I always look to them first for repairs.</p>

<p>With my experiences using Nikon repair services, I recommend them 100%.</p>

<p>I have had great luck with Nikon repair for Cameras but have never sent them a lens. Quick question. What does a CLA for an 80-200 F2.8D cost at Nikon?</p>

<p>In the midwest, I suggest Authorized Photo Repair, as Shun suggested also. I have used them to tune up my camera (F3 - approx. 1983 vintage), and a few older lenses that had dried up lube: 20 f/3.5 AIS, 24 f/2.8 AI, 50 f/1.8 AI, and 180 f/2.8 AIS. In every case, all of the equipment came back spotless inside and outside. I checked the lenses by looking through them with a light. They all have that wonderful smooth and silky Nikkor feeling again. Since I take good care of my equipment to start with, they looked brand new after the service. They also provide a 6 month warranty.</p>

<p>If you go in person and they're not too busy, they can even give you a tour, and show you on their test equipment what's wrong with it. In the case of my F3, the exposure was consistently off by 1/6 f/stop before the service due to the shutter blades traveling slower than spec.</p>