Warranty Repairs

[asho]

I have a 18-200mm lens for my D50 and the lens is making a scary noise when I try focusing it but only at the 200mm end. Any way I know there is something wrong with it - no question but when looking on the Nikon website at support the list is different to the list on the warranty card that was included. Which is the more recent one, I know the website should be the most up to date and I prefer that list because it lists a South Australian company which would mean I wouldn't have to pay shipping.

So which is the most up to date list - or just contact the nearest Authorised Service Centre listed on the website?

Also is there an average turn around on warranty repairs - I am heading over to Phillip Island for MotoGP and would like my lens back by then (otherwise I might have to buy another lens - which I guess could be good )

[gstark]

When you say

when I try focusing it

what, exactly, do you mean? Are you saying that it makes these noises when you try to manually focus the lens, or does this occur during auto focus?

I think that there is a service centre in Adelaide, but why not call Nikon on their toll free number and ask?

As to timing, who knows? If parts are needed, the question of parts availability comes into play. The only way you'll find out is by asking the repairer, and the best they can tell you will only be an estimate.

But one other question arises - you're asking about warranty repairs ... how old is the camera? Being a D50, I'd be gussing that it's very close to the end of its warranty period, as these have been out of production for quite some time.

[asho]

When you say

when I try focusing it

what, exactly, do you mean? Are you saying that it makes these noises when you try to manually focus the lens, or does this occur during auto focus?

No when it is in auto focus - in manual focus it makes a similar noise

I think that there is a service centre in Adelaide, but why not call Nikon on their toll free number and ask?

9am I will do

As to timing, who knows? If parts are needed, the question of parts availability comes into play. The only way you'll find out is by asking the repairer, and the best they can tell you will only be an estimate.

That is what I thought might be the case - just thought I would ask

But one other question arises - you're asking about warranty repairs ... how old is the camera? Being a D50, I'd be gussing that it's very close to the end of its warranty period, as these have been out of production for quite some time.

Well the D50 is definitely out of warranty, but when I put other lens' on it the camera (a 50mm, 18-55mm kit, and Tamron 70-300) it doesnt make the same noise - it appears to be the lens only (fingers crossed). The actual lens is only 6months old.

[gstark]

The actual lens is only 6months old.

Ah yes, of course.

[Gripboy]

I for one am very impressed with Nikon. The recently fixed my 5 year old CoolPix 5700 with a new sensor. Part of a 'service note' for a problem on many coolpix cameras. I for one never expected a company to fix something so far out of warranty. Nikon won my DLSR business with that one.

[BullcreekBob]

I for one am very impressed with Nikon. The recently fixed my 5 year old CoolPix 5700 with a new sensor. Part of a 'service note' for a problem on many coolpix cameras. I for one never expected a company to fix something so far out of warranty. Nikon won my DLSR business with that one.

I can't say that I'm impressed. My wife's new Nikon D40X, 3 weeks old, bent pins in the USB connector, $480, not under warrantee because the service centre claimed it must have been "abuse".

[broadbean]

3 weeks old, bent pins in the USB connector, $480, not under warrantee because the service centre claimed it must have been "abuse".

Sorry to hear that, but while I sympathise, it's hard to conclude otherwise at times. A couple of years ago, I had a cracked LCD on my 7 month old Canon IXUS digital camera. Had to pay for the part, but they waived the installation charge after I voiced my disappointment.

[broadbean]

3 weeks old, bent pins in the USB connector, $480, not under warrantee because the service centre claimed it must have been "abuse".

Sorry to hear that, but while I sympathise, it's hard to conclude otherwise at times. Same thing on computers with Firewire, ethernet ports etc.

A couple of years ago, I had a cracked LCD on my 7 month old Canon IXUS digital camera. Had to pay for the part, but they waived the installation charge after I voiced my disappointment. Still ended up costing about a quarter the cost of a new one. Yours sounds more like a third.

[asho]

Forgot to come back and post - I rang the number on the nikon page - they just sent me to the local contact. He said I probably got dust in it - well it needs to be fixed - I can see I will probably have to pay for it, but I will be pushing not too. The guy at the repair place said if it is a VR problem it will have to go to Sydney because he doesn't have the equipment to fix a VR lens.

Well it looks like I wont have it for my trip to the Island for MotoGP - does anyone know where I maybe able to hire a 70-200 in SA preferably? I might just end up buying one yet - about to get a bonus at work