Hi Sean. I sent my Z8 in for the first recall around our 4th of July holiday and it was gone for 12 days including weekends. I sent it off to my closest Nikon Service Center (near the Long Beach, CA area) about 3 weeks ago and this time it took 9 days until it returned. Nikon, of course, paid for the shipping, service and parts, and thankfully, Nikon appears to do a very nice job of inspecting the camera and cleaning it. I had my Nikon Z9 to use while the Z8 was in the shop. I've always been an auto enthusiast, and as such, I'm certainly familiar with recalls (or service advisories), and find that this is par for the course when you buy technology that can only be subjected to so much product testing before release. (I know you alluded to this case when you mentioned the exposure to the mass market would sooner or later find any glitches in the design.) Would I buy the Z8 again? Absolutely! Between the two cameras this past weekend at a regional dog breed specialty show I shot almost 15,000 frames in two days, with about 3900 of them shot with the Z8. And, yes, contrary to your recommendation, I use Peak Design Slide straps with one end tethered to the tripod attachment point and the other tethered to one of the notorious strap eyelet. Perhaps I have more money than brains. 🙂 Good shooting, Sean!
A really balanced and sensible piece John. I think Nikon have reacted really well over the two recalls and I think that your comparison to the motor industry is a perfect analogy.
Wondering if you have found that the size and weight difference between the Z9 and your Z8 has made a significant positive difference for your shooting. I often shoot with the Z9 and 500mm PF, having an acceptable overall weight but have just added the 180-600mm lens, adding an additional pound to my combined weight. I would value your opinion in this matter.
Hi there Icador9. It's interesting. I notice it most when I'm packing things up, when I go hiking, and when I just grab a camera to shoot something on a whim, those times I always seem to grab the Z8. When I'm shooting at dog shows, I usually have the Nikon battery grip attached to the Z8, so it's actually a bit taller (3/8"?) than the Z9 with its integrated battery grip. I strap on both cameras, one on my left side and one on the right with Peak Design Slide straps, perhaps with the Nikon Z 24-120mm f4 on one and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 on the other (usually the Z9). I really don't notice much difference ergonomically when shooting that way. For the most part, I like the form factor of the Z8 sans grip, but the Z9 is the one I grab for serious shoots because of battery life and because it seems like a beast in comparison. The battery life on the Z9 is truly amazing. By the way, I have had the Nikon Z 180-600mm on order since the 2nd day of pre-orders, but I haven't received it yet. It makes sense that the Z9 will balance better with the Z 180-600mm, but my first real shoot once I get the Z 180-600mm is planned for a local California Condor preserve at a small national park near me. I've only thought about using the Z8 for that trip, but it involves a bit of hiking so the size/weight of the Z8 makes it my obvious choice. I've seen several UA-camrs using the 180-600mm with the Z8 without issue. @@lcador9
Hello Sean, I know not many people read these comments. But when I got my Z8 it was on the list of cameras to be checked. I was about to go to Goodwood festival for the first time, when I got the call from Nikon say they were about to pick up my Z8. But I sent to Nikon on the Monday and had it back one Thursday of the same week. As I live in the midel of the North Yorkshire moors i was very happy.
I finally got around to sending in my Z8 for the two needed repairs. Thankfully, I got notified it should be back tomorrow while only being gone for four days. Glad I waited, instead of shipping it off sooner. I bought the D800 at launch also, and it had the focus problem on the left side, and at that time I was old school and worked around it and waited a long time before sending it in. Thankfully they honored it and it got fixed. Seems like we have to go with the flow and except that sometimes new products can have issues and at least Nikon fixed these issues without any charge, and was only just an inconvenience. By the way, this is the best do all camera I have ever owned and have gotten some shots that I would not have been able to with my slower D800.
The Z8 lens problem seems to only effect the 35mm Z lens. I only have dozen or so Z lenses, and I didn't see either Z8 problem but I sent my Z8 in anyway. The problems I had with the Sony A7 never were admitted by Sony until much later when the new model came out. I'd rather the company were over careful than ignore any potential problems ... 🦘
That's interesting Roy, I'd not heard that. How long was the camera away for? You are absolutely right, Nikon have been very honest about this, as they always are
Just for good measure, and it needs to be mentioned… there isn’t a single tripod mount in a camera, meant to hold the weight of the camera, when then camera is at any other angle than right side up…. Nearly never when you walk around… I’m nearly certain that not a single camera company will consider your warranty to be valid, if you drop a camera from this arrangement, and they shouldn’t …
It's a good point but given the option of trusting my camera and lenses to the thick thread and the small pin that holds the camera lug, I'll stick to my harness. The camera warrenty may not cover it but my insurance company will do.
I’ve used the same harness as Sean for years and they are extremely good. I’ve never had any problems with using the tripod mounting point to hold the camera and lens. It works extremely well. The another added benefit of the system is you can carry two cameras at the same time with each ready for instant use. The third benefit is they are very comfortable. You can carry two cameras with easy. If they were round your neck you would struggle and it would be very painful. @mortenthorpe I’m curious, if your saying not to use it, what would you suggest as a workable alternative for an action photographer?
@@JamieWhitehorn I am saying that the designed intent of a tripod mount is not to hold the weight of the camera body and lens in a non upright situation… so don’t be surprised if using these, damages the camera, and warranty will be considered void. It probably is currently the best option, but it does not meet the designed use of the tripod mount. One more workable option, when/if using bigger lenses, is to use the strap on the tripod mount of the lens (the big ones often have these), I usually strap both the camera and lens to two separate mounting points, to distribute weight, and minimize risk of losing either or both to falls
@@mortenthorpe if the tripod mounting point of the camera isn’t designed to take the weight of the camera and the lens, then neither is the one on the lens. And I’ve literally never heard of the tripod mount being damaged by the use a BlackRapid harness. If it was something that happened regularly BlackRapid would have been sued out of existence. Plus the tripod mount ARE designed to be used in portrait orientation not just vertical.
@@JamieWhitehorn vertically, yes, but upside down isn’t vertical… the very best solution would probably be a cage, with support all around the camera, but this is not practical… so once again, yes - the harnesses are probably the best workable solutions, but the producers of cameras would be well within their rights to deny warranty if damage occurs as a result from failure
My camera was affected by both recalls and Nikon took care of things perfectly. Was I bummed initially? Absolutely. Did Nikon take care of their customers? Absolutely. Old news.
It might be old news to you but it’s still happening. If you watched the whole video I think you can agree that it pretty much reflects your feelings and views.
Basically because this is a channel about Nikon equipment, I spend most of my videos extoling the virtues of my equipment, this occurred and for balance I wanted to talk about it. The second part of the video was saying how well Nikon had dealt with it.
Typical for Nikon, unfortunately! They began ebbing lax with quality control for the first releases of the DSLR D750, and for some other models afterwards, there were odd errors as well, clearly caused by poor production.
@@seancameronphotographic3740 well … I don’t consider Sony to be a valid camera producer for professionals - their policies on repairs and warranty are not convincing
Hi Sean. I sent my Z8 in for the first recall around our 4th of July holiday and it was gone for 12 days including weekends. I sent it off to my closest Nikon Service Center (near the Long Beach, CA area) about 3 weeks ago and this time it took 9 days until it returned. Nikon, of course, paid for the shipping, service and parts, and thankfully, Nikon appears to do a very nice job of inspecting the camera and cleaning it. I had my Nikon Z9 to use while the Z8 was in the shop. I've always been an auto enthusiast, and as such, I'm certainly familiar with recalls (or service advisories), and find that this is par for the course when you buy technology that can only be subjected to so much product testing before release. (I know you alluded to this case when you mentioned the exposure to the mass market would sooner or later find any glitches in the design.) Would I buy the Z8 again? Absolutely! Between the two cameras this past weekend at a regional dog breed specialty show I shot almost 15,000 frames in two days, with about 3900 of them shot with the Z8. And, yes, contrary to your recommendation, I use Peak Design Slide straps with one end tethered to the tripod attachment point and the other tethered to one of the notorious strap eyelet. Perhaps I have more money than brains. 🙂 Good shooting, Sean!
A really balanced and sensible piece John. I think Nikon have reacted really well over the two recalls and I think that your comparison to the motor industry is a perfect analogy.
Wondering if you have found that the size and weight difference between the Z9 and your Z8 has made a significant positive difference for your shooting. I often shoot with the Z9 and 500mm PF, having an acceptable overall weight but have just added the 180-600mm lens, adding an additional pound to my combined weight. I would value your opinion in this matter.
Hi there Icador9. It's interesting. I notice it most when I'm packing things up, when I go hiking, and when I just grab a camera to shoot something on a whim, those times I always seem to grab the Z8. When I'm shooting at dog shows, I usually have the Nikon battery grip attached to the Z8, so it's actually a bit taller (3/8"?) than the Z9 with its integrated battery grip. I strap on both cameras, one on my left side and one on the right with Peak Design Slide straps, perhaps with the Nikon Z 24-120mm f4 on one and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 on the other (usually the Z9). I really don't notice much difference ergonomically when shooting that way. For the most part, I like the form factor of the Z8 sans grip, but the Z9 is the one I grab for serious shoots because of battery life and because it seems like a beast in comparison. The battery life on the Z9 is truly amazing. By the way, I have had the Nikon Z 180-600mm on order since the 2nd day of pre-orders, but I haven't received it yet. It makes sense that the Z9 will balance better with the Z 180-600mm, but my first real shoot once I get the Z 180-600mm is planned for a local California Condor preserve at a small national park near me. I've only thought about using the Z8 for that trip, but it involves a bit of hiking so the size/weight of the Z8 makes it my obvious choice. I've seen several UA-camrs using the 180-600mm with the Z8 without issue. @@lcador9
Hello Sean, I know not many people read these comments. But when I got my Z8 it was on the list of cameras to be checked. I was about to go to Goodwood festival for the first time, when I got the call from Nikon say they were about to pick up my Z8. But I sent to Nikon on the Monday and had it back one Thursday of the same week. As I live in the midel of the North Yorkshire moors i was very happy.
That's amazing service isn't it
I finally got around to sending in my Z8 for the two needed repairs. Thankfully, I got notified it should be back tomorrow while only being gone for four days. Glad I waited, instead of shipping it off sooner.
I bought the D800 at launch also, and it had the focus problem on the left side, and at that time I was old school and worked around it and waited a long time before sending it in. Thankfully they honored it and it got fixed. Seems like we have to go with the flow and except that sometimes new products can have issues and at least Nikon fixed these issues without any charge, and was only just an inconvenience. By the way, this is the best do all camera I have ever owned and have gotten some shots that I would not have been able to with my slower D800.
I think they're doing a fantastic job of dealing with the situation
The Z8 lens problem seems to only effect the 35mm Z lens.
I only have dozen or so Z lenses, and I didn't see either Z8 problem but I sent my Z8 in anyway.
The problems I had with the Sony A7 never were admitted by Sony until much later when the new model came out.
I'd rather the company were over careful than ignore any potential problems ... 🦘
That's interesting Roy, I'd not heard that. How long was the camera away for?
You are absolutely right, Nikon have been very honest about this, as they always are
I had a z6 that i still have but the z8 is something else. The footage off the z8 looks extremely beautiful.
It is an excellent camera and the images straight out of the camera are incredible
Make it be a lesson to you. Never buy a first or second batches of any camera. Always wait until the production number is above 2000.
Just for good measure, and it needs to be mentioned… there isn’t a single tripod mount in a camera, meant to hold the weight of the camera, when then camera is at any other angle than right side up…. Nearly never when you walk around… I’m nearly certain that not a single camera company will consider your warranty to be valid, if you drop a camera from this arrangement, and they shouldn’t …
It's a good point but given the option of trusting my camera and lenses to the thick thread and the small pin that holds the camera lug, I'll stick to my harness. The camera warrenty may not cover it but my insurance company will do.
I’ve used the same harness as Sean for years and they are extremely good. I’ve never had any problems with using the tripod mounting point to hold the camera and lens. It works extremely well. The another added benefit of the system is you can carry two cameras at the same time with each ready for instant use. The third benefit is they are very comfortable. You can carry two cameras with easy. If they were round your neck you would struggle and it would be very painful.
@mortenthorpe I’m curious, if your saying not to use it, what would you suggest as a workable alternative for an action photographer?
@@JamieWhitehorn I am saying that the designed intent of a tripod mount is not to hold the weight of the camera body and lens in a non upright situation… so don’t be surprised if using these, damages the camera, and warranty will be considered void. It probably is currently the best option, but it does not meet the designed use of the tripod mount. One more workable option, when/if using bigger lenses, is to use the strap on the tripod mount of the lens (the big ones often have these), I usually strap both the camera and lens to two separate mounting points, to distribute weight, and minimize risk of losing either or both to falls
@@mortenthorpe if the tripod mounting point of the camera isn’t designed to take the weight of the camera and the lens, then neither is the one on the lens.
And I’ve literally never heard of the tripod mount being damaged by the use a BlackRapid harness. If it was something that happened regularly BlackRapid would have been sued out of existence. Plus the tripod mount ARE designed to be used in portrait orientation not just vertical.
@@JamieWhitehorn vertically, yes, but upside down isn’t vertical… the very best solution would probably be a cage, with support all around the camera, but this is not practical… so once again, yes - the harnesses are probably the best workable solutions, but the producers of cameras would be well within their rights to deny warranty if damage occurs as a result from failure
My camera was affected by both recalls and Nikon took care of things perfectly.
Was I bummed initially? Absolutely. Did Nikon take care of their customers? Absolutely.
Old news.
It might be old news to you but it’s still happening. If you watched the whole video I think you can agree that it pretty much reflects your feelings and views.
Reason i still use a D610 and a 750, reliable and proven!
I have a similar problem with FTZII - intermittent failure of the bayonet lugs to engage with the body.
Those Recalls were a Non Event !!! Why bring it up !!
Consider Poor Canon with their Toaster R5
Basically because this is a channel about Nikon equipment, I spend most of my videos extoling the virtues of my equipment, this occurred and for balance I wanted to talk about it. The second part of the video was saying how well Nikon had dealt with it.
Typical for Nikon, unfortunately! They began ebbing lax with quality control for the first releases of the DSLR D750, and for some other models afterwards, there were odd errors as well, clearly caused by poor production.
For balance, Canon has a recall for some EOS R10 cameras and Sony have had their embarrassments too.
@@seancameronphotographic3740 well … I don’t consider Sony to be a valid camera producer for professionals - their policies on repairs and warranty are not convincing
Canon have had FAR WORSE problems R5 overheating Deluxe !! >> I have been using Nikon Hassle free for 52 Years >> Lets cut all the drama
No drama here Peter
Not made in Japan anymore
Canon's are and they have their own problems 😁