Nikon makes good on D600 dust and oil issues...sort of.

Nikon has announced a Service Advisory for the D600 (which was replaced by the D610 a year later) due to the dust and oil issues mentioned here and elsewhere. While I believe this step was in the plans for a while, I also believe that Nikon felt pressure by Class action lawsuits being filed and wanted to look good to the customers of their product after the embarrassment and silent denial of these issues.

This is a good step, but I feel Nikon could have handled it better and quicker. I have had a camera for a year and a half that I have been reluctant to use due to this issue and fear of having my landscape photos ruined with dust and oil spots. The release of the D610 without a simultaneous recall or "Service Advisory" seemed like a slap to the face.

Using the link below you can send your camera to Nikon and they will inspect it, repair and ship it back to you, no charge, even if it is out of warranty. This is how the issue should be handled, and I applaud them for this, however, my applause is one you give for Honorable Mention instead of First Place.

Link:
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Service-And-Support/Service-Advisories/hs309y82/Technical-Service-Advisory-for-Users-of-the-Nikon-D600-Digital-SLR-Camera.html

Nikon D600 has sensor dust issues! Duh!

It appears that my decision to send back the D600 was a good idea as shown by this blog post by lensrentals.com: http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/10/d600-sensor-dust-issues  After my post about my issues with the D600 I was criticized for returning it and not knowing how or when to clean a sensor. At the same time I emailed all the major camera review sites with my issue asking them to check their test cameras to verify the problem. Of course, I received no responses. I also email Nikon tech support and got the standard how to clean a sensor email back. I replied stating the spots did not go away after multiple cleanings and they suggested I send them the camera to check. Really? I should send it to them and take a chance 2 months later they would say no issues found? My return timeframe would be gone. I don't think so.

So at this point I am waiting for more information or a resolution by Nikon before I make another purchase. Maybe I will look at the Sony or Canon options since I have basically sold all my camera gear and could start fresh. I really did like the look of the images I was getting from the D600 though.

Returning the D600

All was going good happy with low light, fps, AF, resolution etc. On a lark, I decided to test for sensor dust. Well, what a mess. Spots all over the place! But these did not look like dust spots. So I cleaned the lens and ran the auto sensor clean. Still there. Did it all again. No change. Tried a different lens. Still there.

At this point I know it is serious, but I really like this camera. So, I go to the local camera store and buy a sensor cleaning kit. I do a cleaning. Still there. Three tries later and no improvement.

So now I am in the process of returning the D600 and the 24-85 vr and looking to find a D600 without this flaw. You may me asking why the 24-85? Here's the rub, while in the camera store I tested the D600 with a 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 vr ii. Gotta have them!

Don't expect any gifts from me this year, I won't have any money!

D600 Dirt or Dust?