So it only costs $500....

[sk66]

To replace the entire guts of a Nikon D3. Makes you wonder why the thing cost over $5k.

The insurance company let me keep the D3 so I sent it off for a repair estimate. It's now on it's way back to me with all new guts as a fresh refurb. I don't think I can insure it as it was an insurance write-off. (btw, I gave the insurance the option of sending it in for repair)

So, I won't be without a DSLR the entire time I'm waiting for the D4 release, which is a relief.

And now I have a new problem. Keep it or sell it? I'll have to wait for the D4 release to see which choice to make financially.
It would make a great/inexpensive backup body for me, but I have almost no use for a backup. I have no real intention of "going pro", and I feel "guilty" keeping unused equipment even if I don't "need to sell it."

[Izzy]

Good to know it was cheap (in light of it all) repair. Me I am a gear hog so I keep everything. But selling it once the D4 is released will seriously offset that out of pocket for the D4. As to if you explain why it was refurbed is totally up to your ethics.

[OsmosisStudios]

You can send it to me. I'll take care of it for you.

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

You can send it to me. I'll take care of it for you.

damnit you beat me to it!

[Xposurepro]

They said they were going to actually replace the entire guts for $500 .. That guys boss is going to rip him a new one LOL. We got quoted $400 on replacing one stripped screw and re-aligning the mirror box on a dropped body last year ... and there honestly wasn't anything broken about the camera .. just a tiny bit soft at 100% along one edge because of the stripped screw.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Xposurepro

They said they were going to actually replace the entire guts for $500 .. That guys boss is going to rip him a new one LOL. We got quoted $400 on replacing one stripped screw and re-aligning the mirror box on a dropped body last year ... and there honestly wasn't anything broken about the camera .. just a tiny bit soft at 100% along one edge because of the stripped screw.

This is cut and pasted from their service site.



Status code Serial No Description CAT Problem Charges
Shipped
07/29/2011 25434 2002039 Service Repair Rank C C • LIQUID DAMAGE
• DROPPED IN RIVER
• WATERDAMAGED REPL INSIDES
$471.52 USD

[sk66]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

You can send it to me. I'll take care of it for you.

Hah! Not likely.

[mosgood]

Originally Posted by sk66

To replace the entire guts of a Nikon D3. Makes you wonder why the thing cost over $5k.

Because it's a Nikon....that's why they charge so much & they get their asking price for it. LOL It's no different than buying a Mercedes Benz or a Porsche. You like the label, you shell out the dough. :-)

I guess the good news is that $500.00 later, you have a brand new camera (almost). Keep it for at least the short term. Once you get the new camera, you might even want your D3 as a back up.

Or you can pick someone on DPS & send them the camera.

[sk66]

Well, because it was insured and written off, I got a pretty good payment towards replacing it.

[gturner]

Hey, that guilt thing.... it goes away.

Not exactly a "detailed" job card. maybe they have a few of their own insurance claims that they are raiding for parts.