Anyone used Nikon's Kingston service centre?
Discussion
I've just bought a D80 this week. I love the camera (definately a step up from my previous Sony A-100 in terms of handling and build and the viewfinder is a relief) but I've noticed I've got a hot pixel - it really sticks out on dark backgrounds (bright red dot that can often be seen without zooming in). Ordinarily I'd send it back and replace it with another one, but I'm off on holiday in about a week so I don't want to risk the camera being in the post when I leave (plus no guarantee the new camera will be better - seems like hot pixels are common on the D80).
After talking to Nikon's cutomer support I'm planning to take it to their Kingston service centre on Monday. Has anyone used it before? Any idea if they can just remap it there and then or will I have to leave it with them and if so for how long?
After talking to Nikon's cutomer support I'm planning to take it to their Kingston service centre on Monday. Has anyone used it before? Any idea if they can just remap it there and then or will I have to leave it with them and if so for how long?
Not personally, though you may find you have an issue swapping a camra with one hot pixel - most CCD's will have several!
I'd use the camera as normal and take a couple of "dark frames" at different exposures, then subtract from the normal image using PS's Difference blending mode - Might need to invert the dark frame, can't remember and brain doesn't want to do the maths. THis is a trick used by astrophotographers to subtract Noise - but should help, as would cloning it out!
I'd use the camera as normal and take a couple of "dark frames" at different exposures, then subtract from the normal image using PS's Difference blending mode - Might need to invert the dark frame, can't remember and brain doesn't want to do the maths. THis is a trick used by astrophotographers to subtract Noise - but should help, as would cloning it out!
I have had warranty work done on an D2H a few years ago. Posted the camera to them and came back within a week with a detailed note as to what they had done. No quibbles at all with their resolving the problem and the time taken.
I would suggest if you are expecting same day turn around then you should speak to them first to see if they can do that,,,,I would guess that may not be the case....
I think that only applies to members of the Nikon Professional Service users and then you are reliant they have the right bits in stock
S
I would suggest if you are expecting same day turn around then you should speak to them first to see if they can do that,,,,I would guess that may not be the case....
I think that only applies to members of the Nikon Professional Service users and then you are reliant they have the right bits in stock
S
Agreed - I sent my D70 back under warranty, due to 'D70 doesn't like high altitude' issues and it was returned within a week, upgraded to the D70 s menu and thoroughly cleaned - bonus!
I thoguht it was okay and took some photo's on the Furkapass, when it failed miserably again - I had to keep turning it off to reset it (Grr!)
Now out of warranty, but obviously a problem, I sent it back again - I was kept updated by email, but was not happy with the £130 charge to fix the same problem, and waited THREE WEEKS for my camera
The service centre are very helpful - but please call them - it makes a lot of difference - I decided it was better to actually talk to someone and take their name than to email!
I thoguht it was okay and took some photo's on the Furkapass, when it failed miserably again - I had to keep turning it off to reset it (Grr!)
Now out of warranty, but obviously a problem, I sent it back again - I was kept updated by email, but was not happy with the £130 charge to fix the same problem, and waited THREE WEEKS for my camera
The service centre are very helpful - but please call them - it makes a lot of difference - I decided it was better to actually talk to someone and take their name than to email!
Edited by blondemoment on Sunday 22 April 21:54
Just thought I'd post an update incase anyone else needs similar work done.
I went to the Kingston centre this morning, only to be told that they can't remap on site - they have to send away for that and its usually a 10 working day turnaround
(not an option for me as I'm going on holiday in a week). Why they couldn't tell me that on the phone when I asked I don't know (the lady I spoke to on the phone just kept repeating send it in, send it in). The guy in the service centre this morning suggested sending it back to Warehousexpress but I'm not too keen on that (no guarantee that the next one will be better - it could be worse, or it might not get to me in time).
Thought I'd give Fixation in london a call, as they are an approved service centre. Turns out they're expecting the service software for the D80 this week (should have been today but hasn't turned up yet) which will allow them to perform the remap while I wait. I've got a week till I go away so fingers crossed they'll get the software before then otherwise I'll have to get it done when I get back. I have to say Fixation were a lot more helpful than Nikon UK. Any further issues in the future and I think I'd go to them before I call Nikon.
I went to the Kingston centre this morning, only to be told that they can't remap on site - they have to send away for that and its usually a 10 working day turnaround
(not an option for me as I'm going on holiday in a week). Why they couldn't tell me that on the phone when I asked I don't know (the lady I spoke to on the phone just kept repeating send it in, send it in). The guy in the service centre this morning suggested sending it back to Warehousexpress but I'm not too keen on that (no guarantee that the next one will be better - it could be worse, or it might not get to me in time). Thought I'd give Fixation in london a call, as they are an approved service centre. Turns out they're expecting the service software for the D80 this week (should have been today but hasn't turned up yet) which will allow them to perform the remap while I wait. I've got a week till I go away so fingers crossed they'll get the software before then otherwise I'll have to get it done when I get back. I have to say Fixation were a lot more helpful than Nikon UK. Any further issues in the future and I think I'd go to them before I call Nikon.
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