Where to send Nikon lenses for a CLA?

[neal_vaughan]

I've sent stuff in the past to APS in morton grove, IL, but after

hearing quotes of $300+ each for an 80-200 2.8 and a 17-55 2.8,

I'm thinking twice. Nothing really "wrong" with them, save for a

sticky aperture on the 80-200 and slight misfocus on the 17-55.

Can I get some suggestions for reliable, reasonably priced

places to send to with a fairly quick turnaround time?

[douglas_green1]

Sounds like something is VERY wrong with them. Sticky apertures and misaligned focus are two of the worst problems a lens can have.

[dottie_cain]

Get a free on line repair price at KEH.com. I have used them several times. The are reputable and fast.

[robert_hooper1]

Those are fine lenses you have, Neal. Just as I would not take a Boxster to Mister Good Wrench, I would not send my Nikon equipment to a generic camera repair facility. A slight misalignment or maladjustment can severely effect lens performance.

 

Send them to Nikon for servicing.

[ShunCheung]

APS is not some generic repair shop. They used to be part of Nikon USA's repair facility in the Mid West but was spun off. However, they are still authorized by Nikon USA to do repair work and AFAIK, services Nikon equipment exclusively.

 

APS received a lot of recommendations here but recently got a bad one too. I have a one-time experience with them and that was positive. But they do seem expensive to me, and so is Nikon USA service. See this thread for some details:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00BxJs

[robert_hooper1]

I stand corrected, Shun. However, although APS is "authorized" to repair Nikon equipment, the operation is completely independent of Nikon. My suggestion is still the same:

 

Neal, send those very excellent lenses to Nikon.

 

A professor of mine at Brooks Institute once told me years ago, "The School of Hard Knocks, though not the easiest school around, is a fine learning institution. Go ahead and knock yourself out, Mr. Hooper."

[constance_cook]

I take my cameras and lenses to NCS, which is also an authorized Nikon repair facility in Morton Grove, IL. I have always been pleaseed with the work, speed and price as have those I've recommended the service to here on photo.net. Their phone number is (847)470-0678.

 

Conni

[neal_vaughan]

"Neal, send those very excellent lenses to Nikon. "

 

 

I'm looking for a turnaround time of less than 6 months and a

repair bill less than my car loan. Even with an NPS

membership, I can't count on Nikon for that.

 

I'll check out the last recommendation. Thanks. Other

suggestions are still very much appreciated.

[photo5]

I've known Glen Lindsey at Alpine Camera Repair since he opened his business in 1988. He had the same location in Issaquah, Washington from then until 2002 when he moved to Spokane, WA. He works on most all equipment you can think of and has Nikon factory grease on his bench. I trust him with all my equipment and he is fast and will communicate via email or phone. His website is http://www.alpinecamera.com and his phone is 877-892-6645. I'd give him a call and see what he thinks. He does free estimates too.

 

Dave