Topic: Nikon is no longer selling replacement parts to independent repair shops...

[Roger]

Like maybe your local camera store, or KEH.... I believe there is only one "non-Nikon" repair shop in the U.S. that is authorized....

http://fstoppers.com/petition-nikon-might-end-all-independent-repairs-but-you-can-help

[Tim]

That is disappointing to hear. Hopefully other manufacturers do not adopt similar policies. When you kill off competition, ingenuity and customer service tend to suffer. Let's hope this is not a developing trend.

[Jeff Fillmore]

That's too bad- especially since Nikon USA supposedly won't service "Gray Market" Nikon products even if you pay them.

[PolynesianMedic]

This is nonsense to me.  Doesn't this create a monopoly?  Isn't this against the law?

[Roger]

This is nonsense to me.  Doesn't this create a monopoly?  Isn't this against the law?

No, it isn't.  People are free to choose a different camera company.  Nikon isn't the only camera company out there.  As long as the company honors their warranty (which is still 5 years I believe on lenses!), there is nothing really illegal about this.  Don't like it?  Don't buy their products. 

[ELinder]

It may not be illegal, but it'll create a lot of ill will. Imagine GM suddenly announced they would only sell parts to dealerships. yea, that'd go over real well, too. The only difference is there won't be a loud enough outcry to make NikonUSA change their minds.

Erich

[mSummers]

What worries me more, and I didn't think of this until Scott Jarvie pointed it out, is that even if the other manufacturer's don't impose similar rules, this could kill all of the local repair shops since it would take away a large portion of their revenue. 

[ELinder]

As if the local brick and mortar stores need another nail in their coffins. :-( I try to buy locally when I can, and had a dropped lens repaired locally, but most of the time the price difference online is too good to pass up. I wonder if the locals make more on sales or repairs?

Erich

[Roger]

KEH just posted this on their FB page:

If you read the recent announcement either in our February newsletter or in our updates and news blog post about Nikon repairs, please be advised that 1- We ARE currently still repairing Nikon products. 2- If this Nikon repairs deal does end up going through, we still have a few months before it goes into effect. 3- We're still hoping the decision is changed. So if you have a Nikon product that is in need of a repair, YES, we are still currently doing them, so send them in!