p.1 #1 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
We know the problem that plagues the D800's initial batch, the left focus issue. Now the D600's dirty sensor is gaining ground. The story claims the D800 also had dirty sensors and was later corrected in later shipments. What is going on here? My D300s was flawless when I got it the day it was released. I've never had to clean the sensor for any reason so far. Nikon's two flagship DSLR's that came out this year has one major problem and one potential major problem. Has their quality control standards dropped or is it something else?
p.1 #2 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
Lots of camera and lens models have problems, this is not the first time. The D70, for example, was not my friend... the D70s fixed a lot of its issues. And if you've never had to clean your sensor, you are either extremely lucky, never take your camera out of the house, or you're shooting primarily in large apertures where the dust isn't so visible. That's like saying you've never had to wash your car.
My answer: there is no way to know, yet, why all this happened. It could be a one-off thing. It could be that some things got done half-assed while attempting to recover from quakes, tsunamis, and Thai flooding. It could be a drop in QC standards as well. It could even be partly inaccurate or overblown information... only Nikon knows what percentage of D800 cameras faced a left-AF issue, and I've never heard of anyone complaining about a serious dirty-sensor problem.
If you believe there's an additional risk, then factor that into your purchase decisions. There's not enough data to really try to determine the cause of what you're seeing so far. I, personally, have never had a problem that Nikon couldn't fix, so I'm comfortable that even left-AF or other major issues will not be a big problem if/when they happen to me. I see no need to adjust my personal choices, but others may well choose differently.
p.1 #3 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
It is alarming. Wasn't there an issue with the early D7000's as well? My early D7K had some very off focus but they fixed it and I was happy. Beyond that I personally haven't experienced anything. I guess I'm glad I'm not in the market for a D600 or D800 for a few more months.
Nov 14, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Andre Labonte Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #4 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
hmmm ... I think it's more like people have short memories. Nikon has occasionally had quality issues that required recall and the competition is no different. I just think they did a poor job of handling this one. Nikon USA is clearly starting to cut corners and make life harder for customers by not selling parts.
p.1 #5 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
That's a good point. I'm really surprised by the parts thing. Have they always been this way? Their silence on the D800 focus issue and their decision to stop selling parts really has to be rubbing customers the wrong way.
p.1 #6 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
My D80, D300 and D300s never needed sensor cleaning. When I bought the D700 it needed cleaning every month. My D800E needs cleaning once in a while, but hasn't been a disaster. Don't think there is a manufacturer in the world that doesn't have some kind of issue surface with their products sooner or later. Look at Toyota's announcement today. The problem with Nikon is not the problem that surfaces, it's their lack of response (from what I've read) and now the parts and service gouging.
Nov 14, 2012 at 10:39 AM
mshi Offline • • • • [X]
p.1 #7 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
I had one of the first batch of US D800s received in Feb, and had to wet clean the sensor four times in the first week of use. But no biggie tho.
p.1 #8 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
I've had to clean my D700 a bunch (and I'm as careful as possible with lens changes), but it isn't a big deal to me. Unfortunately, a friend of mine and new D800 owner, gets a small anxiety attack when cleaning a sensor So far he has been ok with it, though he hasn't shot a ton so far.
p.1 #10 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
Of course QC is dropped. Nikon is a company, just like any other. They are in the money-making bussines. The problems with the D800 and others can be (and should be) avoided, but the costs were too high.
p.1 #11 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Nikon is suffering from way more QC issues than they have in a long time. Who knows what the source of the problems are, but these are big problems when your company is in the business of precision optics.
p.1 #12 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
I think it all relates to our ability to communicate to the world easily plus we expect more from all manufacturers whether its a car or a camera.
Even if one person has a problem, they can announce it to the world and get others searching for the same.
So, I feel we've always had problem cameras in the past but now everyone can spread the word to the world. I feel sorry for companies.
Nov 14, 2012 at 06:28 PM
jim allison Offline • • • [X]
p.1 #13 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
"Back in the day" there were very few issues with Nikon cameras. I was one of their first tech reps and bought an original F when it first came out. In those days companies like Nikon and the people who worked for them, had great pride in their products. With the end of the photo equipment industry that is sadly no longer true. Today, cameras are nothing more then a pimple on the ass of the electronics industry. There is no pride and I might add precious little judgement,in the people who work for them, or the company itself. In those days we were all photographers.Today these companies would be happy to switch to making kinishes if the camera business doesn't generate enough profit. There is no longer any pride or love left in the business and that is the sad truth from a 55year veteran of the industry.
p.1 #14 · Is Nikon's quality control standards severly dropping?
The smudge bunny had certainly paid a visit to my D600 sensor (about 20 smudges) and the focus adjustment on my new lenses was also off, returning to Nikon NZ they cleaned the sensor & reset the focus for the 24~120 & 80~400 under warrantee at no cost while I waited (30min) and now I'm a happy camper
So far he has been ok with it, though he hasn't shot a ton so far.