Nikkor Lens Repair

Hi,

Today I took a nasty fall while carrying my D700 and 200-400 VR. The camera appears to be fine but the lens won't focus either on auto or manually. It's wobbly just in front of the ft/m numbers. It will take a clear photo if I look around for something that's at the distance the focus seems to be stuck at. The focus ring does turn but doesn't do anything.

I doubt this will be solved thru the warranty. Has anyone else had a damage issue and how was it resolved? I did have a similar problem with an 18-70 mm Nikkor that hadn't been dropped but never bothered to have it repaired because I'd just picked up a 24-70.
I guess I should take comfort in having the worst possible day of the year out of the way so soon.

Thanks,
Cliff

I had a similar problem on my 55-200mm lens, except I didn't drop it, it just stopped focusing/metering properly. The problem was the metal "pin" that locks the lens into the camera which was stuck. Not sure if it's the same problem, but it could be something similar. Fortunately for me the lens was under warranty, so it was free of charge. . . but I can't imagine it would cost too much to fix, it was basically just a spring that got stuck.

- Luke

I've used Nikon repair in Los Angeles to test and adjust a 600mm Af-s lens I had. They did a very good job and it was done as quickly as I could expect. They were also easy to communicate with when I had any questions or need an update.

Thanks for the input. I've heard that sometimes Nikon is lenient when it comes to adding up the figures for the repair of a pro level lens. I wonder if they'd like some cookies? There is a funny side to this story. I've had a few responses from different places and no one has asked how I came out of the tumble. All thoughts are on the lens. As they should be. I have a sore wrist but it isn't my TV remote hand. Brad Hill had one repaired under warranty here in Canada and I don't think it took too long.

Thanks again!!!
Cliff

Well, we just all realize that you Canadians are going to fall down every now and then. No worries. You'll be fine.

Ah, man. Sorry to hear about your fall, but better the lens damage than damage to your own body.

Go directly to the Nikon web site and use the process there for dealing with repairs. It asks you to send them an email describing the problem, and they'll respond by email with a mailing address, a case # and a pdf for a mailing label. Follow the instructions. Once they receive your lens they'll assess the damages and send you a message regarding the nature and cost (if any) for repair. If you agree to go through with it, they provide a link for authorizing and paying for the work.

I've heard horror stories of folks simply mailing their gear for repair without prior communication, but we've always received stellar service when "playing by the rules."

I'll bite, how'd you break the lens?!

You should check the camera too. I bent the lens mount on an F4 by falling with it mounted on a long lens on a tripod. I could still change lenses, but there was an alignment problem which was fixed by replacing the mount (pretty cheap, considering...).

Pete D.

Thanks for all the GREAT help !!! I tried the camera with a different lens and it seems fine. It's time to start grovelling to Nikon. At least the glass is OK and there aren't any dents, cracks or scratches. I just wobbles at the join.