Should I be concerned?

[Photostudent]

Hello All -
I am the proud owner of a new Nikon D90 purchased from Amazon in December. Having got the f-- error several times when the camera was switched on - I have had to either remove the lens (std kit 18-105) and put it back or rotate it slightly and the error goes away. Anyway the error came up enough times to prompt me to call Amazon and have them send me a replacement D90 - (they were great in doing so).

However, the replacement shipped out of Kansas via USPS on the 1/6 and has a delivery date of 1/14 (8 days) I am concerned that the camera may suffer lasting damage from being bumped around in the back of a truck for 8 days in some of the coldest weather we have had in a while. Should I be concerned?

My original order got shipped to me from the Pennsylvania warehouse and it got to me in two days via UPS.

thanks - Looking forward to being part of this community.

[Sterling]

How do you know it will be sitting in the back of a frozen truck? What if it sits in a nice warm warehouse for most of that time?

[Big Nick]

I live in Denver and I recently had to have canon replace a sensor (their facility id in Newport News, VA) and when I got it back it was fine. The main thing you have to be concerned about with the cold is the battery which you should remove prior to sending off anyways. You should be fine.

[Photostudent]

"How do you know it will be sitting in the back of a frozen truck?"

I don't - the concern is that because it is a replacement, Amazon may have shipped it via the scenic route (read cheapest route) overland to Pittsburgh. Hence the extended delivery time.
The last tracking update on the 7th said that the package has left Cofferville, KS and the next update will be in three days. Tracking update now says that it does not have a record of that item..... Just adds a little more fuel to my paranoia

So I guess my real question is - could there be any permanent damage to the camera if the package was exposed to the cold for an extended period?

Thanks for your replies.

[kirbinster]

How do you know that the first one was not sitting in a 100 degree warehouse for months before you bought it. Relax.

[Dennismc]

I had my d40x shipped from texas to illinois parcel post, right before xmas, took 14 business days to get here.

No problems. If the box seems rather cold when it arrives, let it sit in the box for a few hours to aclimate to the warmer temp. Just as you would if shooting outside, if you are concerned.

otherwise if packaged good, it will be ok...

[Photostudent]

Thanks for the reassurance - Will have to keep it a secret from my wife tho' to avoid an "I told you so!"

[sk66]

No, and the problem might not have been the body, it might have been the lens. Or more likely, that lens and body together. It's a contact/alignment issue and had nothing to do with temps. And a frozen camera body/lens will thaw fine.

But, if the package is very cold when you receive it...let it warm up before opening.

[BioSpark]

I wouldn't worry to much about it, though, I was just like you when I bought my camera. Heck, it's a pretty big investment, and you've already had your fair share of problems with the first one. Either way, it's out of your hands. I wouldn't worry to much about it sitting in back of a truck, because your camera should be fine even if it is.

I left my camera in my car one winter in Washington state. It got below freezing, and I freaked out. I mean, my camera was in a backpack, but still. I ran out and brought it inside (first mistake, I should have put it in a zip lock bag in the car, brought it in and let it warm up) and tested it. It worked like a charm.

I've also left the camera in 110 degree weather here in Arizona. Needless to say, it works fine. Try to remember that a lot of camera companies try to compensate for weather, cause if they didnt, they would have a ton of refunds on their hands.

But as someone said, let it warm up. Place it in a zip lock bag (if you have a large one) in the location where it's cold, then bring it inside. The air in the bag will prevent the lens/body from cracking when it meets with the warm air inside. Wait about 15-20 minutes, and open it up.

[bstock04]

I wouldnt worry to much it originally made the journey on a ship from china in a container bouncing through waves and stuff. probably cold and hot zones.