D600 in need of repair

All

 

I have the opportunity to purchase, at a substantial discount, a D600 that is need of repair. What has been told to me is that there is a

problem with the shutter firing (I have seen a frame, and it looks like half the frame is exposed properly).

 

The other issue is that running under the Nikon logo overhang, running above the lens mount and then repeated on the other side, is a

crack in the body housing.

 

Now, the problem with the shutter could be a result of this crack in the body, because the pentaprism housing could be unstable.

 

The camera has the warranty card.

 

So, I have questions. I am willing to pay for the repair, so long as at the end of the process I might have a D600 obtained at a discount.

The current owner just wants to be rid of it.

 

Given the issues I have mentioned, how much is the body worth?

 

Might those issues be covered by warranty, if the warranty is available?

 

KEH will fix any digital camera for a flat fee of $230. My plan is to buy the camera and send it off to KEH to get fixed, and then either keep

it or sell it, depending on the total investment.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Chris

<p>That sounds like misuse/abuse, and it is unlikely to be covered under the warranty. Read the terms of the warranty carefully: usually it's manufacturing and design flaws and defects. A lack of care by the owner is not going to be covered.</p>

<p>It's likely the current owner knows the cost of the repair, plus the sale price, is more than the camera is worth. Call KEH and discuss the situation with them. </p>

<p>If you read the KEH info, you'll find that it says this on the Repair Prices PDF:</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Prices listed below include labor and standard parts. If major parts are needed we will re-estimate the price and contact you for approval.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>A new housing would likely be a major part. I'd run away. There's no such thing as a free lunch.</p>

<p>No way that's going to be fixed for $230. Unless Nikon is doing the work, I'd probably prefer not to use that body going forward. Sounds like it took a real hit. A new D600 isn't cheap, but a factory refurbished one (from Adorama or B&H, etc) is a very good deal.</p>

<blockquote>

<p><em>"Might those issues be covered by warranty, if the warranty is available?"</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>Absolutely NOT. Non-transferable warranty issues aside, without a shadow of a doubt any warranty claim will be DENIED. The crack is blatantly obvious evidence of external impact damage (intentional or accidental abuse) and the warranty covers manufacturing defects only. External impact damage is also generally indicative of hidden internal damage (above and beyond the obvious shutter problem)</p>

<p>What's a "substantial discount"?</p>

<p>Unless you have a written estimate from Nikon as to the full anticipated cost of repairs, I wouldn't touch this with a barge pole unless you are looking to acquire a body as a parts source. Because without knowing the extent of internal damage (and trust me, there WILL be other internal issues) that's all this body is worth in its present condition. It sounds like the shutter is toast, and who knows what else has been knocked senseless.</p>

<p>But, it's your money ... and gamble. :-)</p>

<p>I'm with Matt and Gary on this. Considering the hit that this rig took, it's really difficult to tell what the full bill will be to get the camera to bring it back to a *working status*. Considering that you can pick it up refurbed unit for >1600....I'm not so sure you want to deal with this quagmire...and it could be a real stinker.</p>

<p>One more thing, and you already witnessed it, when you do get a camera....warranty or not....get this thing insured. My insurance covers me even if I dunk my camera into the lake, though I wouldn't think of doing some such....just saying.</p>

<p>Les</p>

<blockquote>

<p><em>"...running under the Nikon logo overhang, running above the lens mount and then repeated on the other side, is a crack in the body housing."</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>That suggests to me a possible impact on the end of a mounted lens at some point. Which usually means enough torque occurred to deform the lens mount, crack the plastic shell, and perhaps damage the chassis underneath. This of course can be repaired, but at what cost?</p>

<p>I'm with Matt. $230 for a repair is pure fantasy. This body has significant problems.</p>

Please run away from this deal. It is not a good idea to pay money and buy yourself a major problem.

<p>Unless you are the patron saint of lost causes I would run away and run fast.</p>

<p>-O</p>

<p>How much would you be buying the body for?</p>

<p>It's called a rifle target or a "will it blend?" subject. Run as fast as you can ... :-)</p>

<p>After considering the matter for some time I have come to the conclusion that the advice given so far is sound.</p>

<p><em>"This body has significant problems"</em><br /> <br /> No way of knowing for sure until the camera is examined by a qualified repair facility. KEH does have set fees and is a very reliable company. Per their web site:<br /> <br /> <em>"To help the repair process flow smoother and to get our technicians working on your equipment faster, KEH Camera Repair is moving to a Flat Rate pricing system. Our Repair form has been modified to reflect this change. That’s right, no more estimates! Price is now all-inclusive and will include parts and labor combined."</em><br /> <br /> KEH is a VERY reliable company. You can't go wrong with them!<br /> <br /> So if the body was dirt cheap, and KEH could repair it for the flat fee they list, it could be a good deal. It all depends on the price being paid.<br>

<br /> Considering that D600s are selling as low as $1000 or less, the purchase price would have to be very, very low to make this a worthwhile endeavor.</p>

<p>Adding to my post above, '<strong>used </strong>D600s are selling as low as $1000 or less" <strong>on eBay.</strong></p>

<p>Don't touch it! Somebody just wants to pass the trouble (and expense) along to someone else.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>

<p> </p>

<p>If the seller can't afford to repair before selling, then you shouldn't touch it.</p>

<p>About KEH's flat rate, you could call them, describe the situation and see if it's covered. If so, then you might consider the camera at the right price. I'd expect a discount way larger than the cost of repair; otherwise, the seller should pay for that himself.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Adding to my post above, '<strong>used </strong>D600s are selling as low as $1000 or less" <strong>on eBay.</strong></p>

</blockquote>

<p>I am a firm believer that when a deal is too good to be true, it usually us. Therefore, I would run away from those eBay deals as well.<strong><br /></strong></p>

<p>Concerning KEH's flat repair rate, if, for example, your camera is run over by a bulldozer, would they fix it back to like new, working condition for that flat rate, even though the parts and labor cost to fix it will far exceed the cost for a new camera? Or KEH may decline to repair it (because they would have lost money on that repair).</p>

<p>I tend to think that if the seller could fix this camera at a reasonable repair cost, most likely he/she would have done that already. Maybe that seller is unwise, but most likely there is a good reason they just want to dump it.</p>

<p>I cracked the top of my D7000 housing- $250 repair bill.</p>

<p>Step away from the corpse and move on please....!</p>

<p>As I have said before, sometime a good deal is just a good deal. Ebay's feedback system and buyer protection program, along with Paypal's buyer protection (the best way to buy safely on Ebay) can insure a smooth transaction IF you understand the system.</p>

<p>A bargain from a seller with high feedback and paid with Paypal is absolutely 100% risk fee - I have made several purchases in this manner without incident.</p>

<p>Purchases from KEH are also 100% risk free. And they stand by their warranty (I had to use it on one lens I bought a few years ago). It seems like the body the seller is interested in might quality for this flat rate. He should verify in advance...</p>

<p>A good friend of mine once had his camera fall off a table. It had minor damage, including a cracked rear monitor. Although he could easily afford to fix it, he didn't want to be bothered and he basically gave it away on eBay (it sold for a very low price). </p>

<p>Regarding KEH's flat rate. I had a D2X which recently died. Mort. Nada. Nikon wanted $450+ to fix it so I contacted KEH. They said that in all probability it was a bad main circuit board and that the parts would be expensive and that they would be in excess of the flat-rate they quote. </p>

<p>I would be very surprised if you can find an affordable repair for this camera and echo what most everyone else has said. Run from this one. </p>

<p>I'll give him $300 for it.</p>

<p>And yes, warranty covers faults in manufacture, not damage from misuse. If the shutter was working when he got it, well you are entitled to know what happened.<br>

Just about all here treat their gear with respect and when you see a banged up one you have to wonder what the story is.</p>

<p>The votes are in... keep saving your money you'll find a deal sooner or later</p>

<blockquote>

<p>So, I have questions. I am willing to pay for the repair, so long as at the end of the process I might have a D600 obtained at a discount. The current owner just wants to be rid of it.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>How could you possibly be willing to pay for a repair when you don't know how much the repair will cost?</p>

<p>Please write back and say you've absorbed the wisdom of the crowd on this matter.</p>