Hi, I have a D700 that I've been using professionally since it came out and it's been a work horse for me. I really haven't had any problems with it, but am getting ready for my upcoming photo season and was wondering if I should have it looked at before it starts.

Does anyone have any comments about this?

Thanks.

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Two theories:
-- If it ain't broke... don't fix it, or
-- A periodic health check up is good for photographers AND their cameras

If you are making money with one camera body, and you can have it away for a couple of weeks, sending your Nikon off for a general cleaning and check up may be prudent (I hate that word -- it usually means "politically correct")

Get a sensor cleaning, check up and update of any firm ware.

Now -- if you have several special settings, go into your menu and copy them onto a flash card. Nikon will reset your setting to "factory new" default settings when they work on it and you will have to restore your selected settings, which you can then upload from the flash card! Otherwise you will be in for a session of head scratching and trying to remember how your camera works.

I have two D700 bodies and they are on more or less of a health checkup schedule. I have never had a Nikon fail me in 40+ years, but if your general luck parallels mine, if you have one body and are at a critical money-making juncture, THAT'S when it will go belly up!

Alan
Waterloo, IL, USA
www.proimagingmidamerica.com

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the quick reply. I only have one D700 body and YES, if it's going to go wrong, it will with me too!

Where do you send your camera bodies? Nikon?

Thanks!

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Kathy -

Mine go to Nikon in Mellville, NY. But if you go to the Nikon USA web site they list Nikon authorized service facilities and I'd have equal confidence in them. They've got a pretty short leash on them! I am an NPS member though and use Nikon in NY. I can't speak for Nikon, but they will accept your camera and give you an estimated cost if you wish. That of course slows the process, but it is useful, especially if you are worried about controlling costs. I've not used authorized service providers, but you can of course call them and see how they do things. Realize, even having your camera serviced is not a 100% insurance against problems. I "flew solo" for sometime but finally took the plunge for a second body for just this reason. I make money with my cameras and cannot afford to be without. In fact, I'll likely pick up a 3rd D700, or maybe a D800 (probably the former - I am very satisfied with my D700s.)
FYI - The technical people at Nikon USA are super, IMO. They are there very long hours and can answer almost any technical question you may pose.

Alan
Waterloo, IL, USA
www.proimagingmidamerica.com

Visit my Nikonians gallery.