Nikon Z8 - Service Advisory

[Lance B]

Even though my Z8 has no issues with any of my Z lenses, I rang Nikon to see if I should still have mine checked. They advised me to bring it in and have it "repaired". It is with them now and hope to have it back by end if week. The parts are supposed to arrive today or tomorrow.

 

[RichF]

Even though my Z8 has no issues with any of my Z lenses, I rang Nikon to see if I should still have mine checked. They advised me to bring it in and have it "repaired". It is with them now and hope to have it back by end if week. The parts are supposed to arrive today or tomorrow.

Good idea to have the lens "repair" just in case there is a lens in the future that does not work on the Z 8

 

[BlackRockArt]

My “Z9” multi selector down button is ignoring when pressed. So I sent it in NPS to be fixed. I hope I won’t have to wait forever because its all hands on deck to fix the Z8.

Meanwhile my Z8 shows effected. It doesn’t show any signs of issues. Lenses lock properly. I can’t stay without a camera. I will wait until I get the Z9 back. But my question is, is it safe to shoot with it if the lens locks/clicks in? Or there is a risk the lens might fall off? I can’t take such a chance holding it above babies.

Joel, can you rent another Z9 from any of the local camera stores? I shudder at the thought of dropping the lens onto the babies.

Oliver

 

[Patrick M]

I’ve actually had this happen to me twice now. Both times I was questioning myself on how I could have pushed the release button. Both times I was very lucky to have caught the camera before it dropped. I then saw this thread and it suddenly dawned on me that it probably wasn’t my fault. Currently in remote Cuba and have been in limited internet access. Now back in Havana and back to the States on Tuesday. Leaving for Europe in two weeks. Wondering if they can get it fixed in time.

BTW the lens was the 100-400.

I had an “issue” with my D7500 a few years back when on two occasions the attached lens just fell off. Both times I caught it and there was no damage. When I walked around using a BR strap, I’d lightly hold the lens to stop it swinging too much. I’d hold the lens with my hand close to the camera body. I had, I think, depressed the lens release button enough to make lens unlock from the mount. Anyway. I don’t do that anymore!

 

[O]

My “Z9” multi selector down button is ignoring when pressed. So I sent it in NPS to be fixed. I hope I won’t have to wait forever because its all hands on deck to fix the Z8.

Meanwhile my Z8 shows effected. It doesn’t show any signs of issues. Lenses lock properly. I can’t stay without a camera. I will wait until I get the Z9 back. But my question is, is it safe to shoot with it if the lens locks/clicks in? Or there is a risk the lens might fall off? I can’t take such a chance holding it above babies.

Really sorry to hear your bad luck.

And now your stuck in the South Pole, $15,000 USD wasted, might as well stay on board warm and eat and drink all you can, 2 units down, missing all the wildlife, Polar bears, Seals, other wild life, should have brought a third camera like a D850 or Z7II as a back to the Z8 which is the back up to the Z9, maybe buy a second Z8 to back up the first Z8 LOL.

Look a lot of people are patient, understanding and very lucky and far more compassionate than i am, honestly Nikon should never get into building planes, or guns, ie: the last thing you want in the heat of battle for your life is find out due to a QC recall issue for your gun refill magazine that may get stuck, or your trigger may not respond at times, especially when your being shot at in deadly battle, Extreme scenario, yes.

Excuses, apologies, just don't cut it.

I think the last year has been horrible, and for some, extremely costly, Nikon has outsourced and cheapened things for margin..........i mean its not that hard to do things well or properly especially at the top end of the product range. Percentages, statistics, political rhetoric is no excuse. Sorry is only a word that has no meaning if its used often.

Some issues are minor some major but their still issues, yes Nikon fixes things i feel quicker better than most, they do stand by you well, that's been my experience.

Instead of building massive green head office complexes, raise the budget just 1 or 2% and really transform QC standards 10 fold its very easy to do and very effective.

The Z8 fix for Nikon no doubt will be covered by insurance.

If the issue effects you and costs you, it costs you especially emotionally through a loss of some trust or confidence.

Sorry, Nikon really needs to lift its game period. I mean the Z9 issue with the lens locking release mechanism should have been the canary in the cave.

Yes melodramatic unreasonable unfair yes i am, or am i really ? when is it going end and be peaceful, and somewhat issue free.

Only an opinion

 

[Alistair]

Interesting. The rear dial on my Z9 isn't functioning properly and I'll be sending it in. Have had it 18 months. I was thinking that without the mirror and mechanical shutter that maintenance would be minimal. But I do use that dial A LOT for scrolling through images on the rear screen, and with 15-20 fps bursts shooting birds all the time, I'm probably using it a lot more than I did on my D850s. So we're seeing wear and tear on some less obvious components.

Hopefully your new Z8 holds up for you if you send in the Z9 to Nikon. Are you close enough to the Nikon repair shop to drop it off?

My Z9's rear dial had to be replaced under warranty too. The multi directional pad had issues too.

 

[Lance B]

Really sorry to hear your bad luck.

And now your stuck in the South Pole, $15,000 USD wasted, might as well stay on board warm and eat and rink all you can, 2 units down, missing all the wildlife, Polar bears, Seals, other wild life, should have brought a third camera like a D850 or Z7II as a back to the Z8 which is the back up to the Z9, maybe buy a second Z8 to back up the first Z8 LOL.

Look a lot of people are patient, understanding and very lucky and far more compassionate than i am, honestly Nikon should never get into building planes, or guns, ie: the last thing you want in the heat of battle for your life is find out due to a QC recall issue for your gun refill magazine that may get stuck, or your trigger not to responding at times, especially when your being shot at in deadly battle, Extreme scenario, yes.

Excuses, apologies, just don't cut it.

I think the last year has been horrible, and for some, extremely costly, Nikon has outsourced and cheapened things for margin..........i mean its not that hard to do things well or properly especially at the top end of the product range. Percentages, statistics, political rhetoric is no excuse. Sorry is only a word that has no meaning if its used often.

Some issues are minor some major but their still issues, yes Nikon fixes things i feel quicker better than most, they do stand by you well, that's been my experience.
Instead of building massive green head office complexes raise the budget just 1 or 2% and really transform QC standards 10 fold its very easy to do and very effective.

The Z8 fix for Nikon no doubt will be covered by insurance.

If the issue effects you and costs you, it costs you especially emotionally through trust or confidence.

Sorry, Nikon really needs to lift its game period. I mean the Z9 issue with the lens locking release mechanism should have been the canary in the cave.

Yes melodramatic unreasonable unfair yes i am, or am i really ? when is it going end and be peaceful, and issue free.

Only an opinion

To be fair, if Nikon were building planes or guns, there would be very high QC parameters employed which they can charge for in the price which is very difficult to justify in a relatively low cost item like a camera with a very high technology quotient and in a competitive camera business in decline. Government safety mandates would apply in regards to aeroplanes and guns which are not required in cameras and is reflected in their pricing.

 

[O]

If Nikon were building planes or guns, there would be very high QC parameters employed which they can charge for in the price which is very difficult to justify in a relatively low cost item like a camera with a very high technology quotient and in a competitive camera business in decline. Government safety mandates would apply in regards to aeroplanes and guns which are not required in cameras and is reflected in their pricing.

I see what your saying.

What i mean is, despite the high level of mandates etc and standards required in guns and plains if you still got QC issues causing failure or potential failure it would be unacceptable.

Today's camera manufactures Nikon in this case, operate on much high margins by necessity due to lower unit volumes, that's also eluded to in their mission statement, along with that comes lower cost or production derived from highly competitive cost effective supplier sources, reduced weight, efficient design and type of material used. Its in their that QC standards should be raised for critical component or vulnerable areas, example testing one in a thousand should be one in 100.

In the case of flag ship cameras, the price point is relative and doesn't effect QC standards needed, procedure protocol does, the little extra budget to raise the QC standard is more than tolerable. Nikon can afford to tighten standards by a long way if they wish. The balance sheet reveals all.

Only an opinion

 

[philippe]

Deleted

 

[JoelKlein]

Joel, can you rent another Z9 from any of the local camera stores? I shudder at the thought of dropping the lens onto the babies.

Oliver

Lenses are lock in. Doesn’t seen effected. I’m still trying to see about a loaner or rental.

 

[RichF]

BTW I feel sorry for the UPS driver who delivers to Nikon. I imagine that there will be thousands of packages this week. I wonder if Nikon works with UPS on this to make sure deliveries proceed smoothly

 

[Don'sPhotoStream]

Hi I discovered this problem several days after receiving my Z8. I received the first batch sent out. It was ok until I tried to mount my 24-70 2.8. I brought it to Nikon Service in NY and they said they never saw this issue. They took the camera into the back and a tech did something and the lens mounted. I went home and tried my other lenses. All mounted ok except for my 85 1.8. I went back to Nikon Service and they asked if they could hold my Z8 to try to evaluated the problem. This was a Wednesday and was told had to wait for a part that would be there on Friday. On Friday received a call from Nikon service that part was received and that I could pick up camera. Since it was late I picked up camera on Tuesday (Monday was a holiday). Camera was repaired with Reason - "Elevation Adjustment Damaged/Broken"

#1 Only affects some lenses most of my S and F mount lens did not have a problem mounting.
#2 It was consistent with the affected lenses all other lenses were fine.
#3 The body is fime to use no issues - I used my 100-400 S, 500PF and 70-200 with no issues. If the lenses you use for Alaska work ok and mount without issues I would take the Z8 to Alaska and send the Z8 when you get back. Thats what I would do just make sure the lenes mounts fully on the camera every time you put it on the camera. Bob

Thanks, Bob !!

 

[Al Wyman]

I just checked and Nikon (NY) received my camera at 10:30 this morning (Monday). I sent it in last Friday afternoon. Hopefully the turnaround will be quick.

 

[ARClark]

If you want to save wear and tear on your rear dial, you can always use your finger to "swipe through" your images when reviewing them on the rear display screen. You can also use pinch and spread motions to zoom in and out.

Good suggestion! Old habits are hard to break, but I have started trying that method. Thanks. I'll probably send it in to Nikon when I get a second Z body.

 

[ARClark]

Service Advisory for Nikon Z 8 Mirrorless Camera

The official website of Nikon Australia

www.nikon.com.au

Nikon USA link

Nikon UK link

View attachment 64016
Nikon USA

For Nkon USA customers, has anyone received a new Z8 NOT subject to the advisory. Best I can tell, these would be bodies with serial numbers of 3010298 or higher. I'm interested in ordering one, but would like to get one not subject to the advisory.

Thanks, Alan

 

[andrewwx]

UPS was fast and delivered my Z8 to Nikon this morning. 3 hours later I received an email from them.

I will post when they have fixed it to give some idea how long it takes.

 

[John Woodworth]

For Nkon USA customers, has anyone received a new Z8 NOT subject to the advisory. Best I can tell, these would be bodies with serial numbers of 3010298 or higher. I'm interested in ordering one, but would like to get one not subject to the advisory.

Thanks, Alan

Yes. I wonder too. Are any early Z8 adopters not subject to the recall?

 

[ARClark]

Yes. I wonder too. Are any early Z8 adopters not subject to the recall?

I’ve started a similar thread on DPReview and a responder said he’d seen a couple new owners report serial numbers in the 302**** range. I’d also heard second hand that a SN in the 302**** range was reported at Fred Miranda. No details on when or where they were purchased in any of the above.

 

[O]

My Z9's rear dial had to be replaced under warranty too. The multi directional pad had issues too.

These are fundamental basic components having issues that are commonly found is mass produced lower end budget units, these components are, either poorly made, lack quality control standards, design change to suit cost savings or weight, sometimes if you screw suppliers to hard you may just get what you pay for.

If you building something and you mix in some third party software, or hardware like with different lens makers etc, it can often develop a synergistic performance clash or possible quality reliability issues.

Old is gold, they don't make things like they used to.

Sorry i have never experienced the kind of drama we have had or are having until mirror less came along, or manufacturing and design went hybrid.
Most manufactures do it right and well, some have occasional issues, some have consistent fundamental issues.

This issue with some Z8 units not locking lenses is nothing to panic about and yes keep calm, Nikon is excellent in their support, its written in history, its one of the major reason i am with them. The product is a nice product........but here is the but.......

If i was in the board room meeting, i would be focusing on why and how we can improve our flag ship products so they are more issue free and or market ready, before we get branded as being a problematic brand.

Excuses of being a high tech sophisticated product is a great excuse that sells well. Why are some other brands just doing it better.............why

Only an opinion

 

[Lance B]

I see what your saying.

What i mean is, despite the high level of mandates etc and standards required in guns and plains if you still got QC issues causing failure or potential failure it would be unacceptable.

Today's camera manufactures Nikon in this case, operate on much high margins by necessity due to lower unit volumes, that's also eluded to in their mission statement, along with that comes lower cost or production derived from highly competitive cost effective supplier sources, reduced weight, efficient design and type of material used. Its in their that QC standards should be raised for critical component or vulnerable areas, example testing one in a thousand should be one in 100.

In the case of flag ship cameras, the price point is relative and doesn't effect QC standards needed, procedure protocol does, the little extra budget to raise the QC standard is more than tolerable. Nikon can afford to tighten standards by a long way if they wish. The balance sheet reveals all.

Only an opinion

Well, I'm sure Nikon doesn't want the issues as it gives them a bad name with their users and it costs them dearly whether through the direct cost of the recall and repair or through higher insurance premiums if they do in fact have insurance against this sort of issue. The insurance company would also be putting pressure on them to not make mistakes. Whatever the case, I am sure they will address the QC issues and put plans in place to tighten it all up.

 

[O]

Well, I'm sure Nikon doesn't want the issues as it gives them a bad name with their users and it costs them dearly whether through the direct cost of the recall and repair or through higher insurance premiums if they do in fact have insurance against this sort of issue. The insurance company would also be putting pressure on them to not make mistakes. Whatever the case, I am sure they will address the QC issues and put plans in place to tighten it all up.

Yes well put,

I do feel many of the collective overall issue/issues to date largely stems more from the top of the pyramid............things need to change from there and flow down.

To offer reasons, excuses, justification........buys time but often does change the issues.

A few years ago transitioning to manufacture in China or other countries drawing components from China all saw massive QC issue across the industry, levels of 6% quickly, later rained in to around 3%, QC issues in the industry at that time was a new bad experience for everyone including consumers. Nikon stood by its customers better than the rest and it was evident.
Times have changed, settled, today the pressure to please share holders with profits and in particular growth is an enormous challenge especially in a declining industry.

I saw the same crisis occur with phone manufacturing, some brands reached up to 30% of units at times had some sort of issues, the consequence was that brand had to rebrand it self and quickly.

Again it was a time where moving into China for manufacturing was a learning curve and experience to remember, also necessary to survive as your competitors could under cut you on price at the retail front on line or back at home.

Slowly things have improved over time, i mean Apple and Samsung have it down pretty well, Siemens made their phones there and finally ended up even matching the QC standards that of Germany at times, this demonstrated the how was possible and it wasn't just a not the why.

That said, there are others doing it well or even better.
Features sell, performance differs, reliability brands you good or bad.

Manufacturing in China has come a long way and is moving into the next level, but if you shop around in a back alley for a cheap nuts and bolts maker to put in your Porch you often get what you pay for.

Only an opinion

 

[Activert]

Mine is affected! I am going on seven week vacation and I plan t take it with the Z9 on my trip. It is bad time for all of us. I am going to send it only after my trip. I hope I won’t have any problem with it.

 

[JoelKlein]

I’m curious how many Z8’s Nikon USA can fix in a day. And if the rush won’t ask for another recall…

 

[Activert]

I just called Nikon professional Service, Canada and they told me that they can picke up my Z 8 today
to be fixed. And I will get it home this Friday, a day before my trip. Good to know that the service is very quick here.
The first time I used my Z8, I tried to attached it to my Z 70-200 f2.8 and I could not turn the lens to get the clock. After trying 3 times it worked. I did not know at that time that there were issue with it and I thought it was me who did not do the job well. i tried yesterday with all my lenses except the 600 mm and works fine with all of them. I am going to send it just to have a peace of mind.

 

[coachjohn57]

I ended up sending mine back in even though I had only had it for four days. The only lens I had mounted on it to date was the 24-120 S; it went on fine, but there was an odd bit of hesitancy (for lack of a better word) inconsistent with my experience on other bodies. It will be interesting to see what it feels like when mounting and removing lenses when it returns.