hi guys,

do you experience the strips on the d200 body and lens ring slip or expand and peel off?

i take care of my gear but i noticed the rubbers peeling off maybe because of my holding the gear but that should be expected right?

what do you do to repair it?

thank you guys

Paul

hi paul...

the rubber grip of my d200 has indeed peeled off.. and i can see the inside of the grip right under the sub command dial....

im having my camera sent to singapore for repair c/o nicholson ong of henry's.
(where i bought my camera)

called singapore.. the grip is still out of stock but will be in stock soon.

keeping my fingers crossed

This is alarming. I'll be keeping an eye out for this on my D200.

hmmm.... have to check mine. thanks for the heads-up.

@Francis

So yours during the Nikon EB, got worse eh? Hmmm, luckily mine is still intact. Will watch for it though... :)

hi francis.

i dont intend to send it out for repair as i will probably have separation anxiety. he he. it just looks bad as if we maltreat our gear. i asked some guys in the camera club here in davao and they said that its a nikon gear problem. i wonder.

its just annoying though

ive checked in other forums and they do have the same problem. one guy asked his service center to send him the replacement part. its actually only 16 USD and for him to send his camera would cost more than the part itself.

i have asked nikon sg if this would be possible for me too.

with fingers crossed.

Paul

Hmm... it can be a DIY repair.. just use small amount of contact cement, Rugby, both on the metal and the rubber... let them both dry before you join them... DO NOT USE super glue. It melts the rubber.

@rosale: yeah sad to say it got REALLY bad. hehehe

glueing it back on is a good idea.. the problem is the rubber itself has already expanded and is a bit larger than the recess of the body... not a good fit anymore..
hope to hear from you paul re the replacement rubber grip.
where did you read about the other user's problems online?

ow.. did i mention that my d200 has a CCD problem? (not banding) part of why im sending it over to singapore... (have to deal with separation anxiety myself... but that's for another thread

Naku, and I am planning to buy one soon. I just hope this problem will be solved in their current stocks. Just hoping.

hi francis,

i read the rubber grip issue in DPreview.

hope to be able to fix this soon but not yet as it is KADAYAWAN week in DAVAO!

time to get into guerilla mode. he he

To those who will order, maybe you can order some excess for those who may need it here.

Instead of going to Columbia Global and have them charge us more or less 6K for this.

:(

I've read in other forums that the rubber peeling/expanding is a known issue with Nikon.

- Some of the tips is a DIY method where you buy the rubber from Nikon(includes the glue) and just gain enough confidence to attach the rubber to the body
- if the rubber is expanding you may just need to trim some of it and glue the rubber back

a warning on the glue don't just use any glue...migthy bond or bulldog is a no-no since it will leave a residue on the body and is not good on the rubber. If you want to do this yourself you may need to search more on what type of glue is the best to use.

just my 2 cents.

*********
should this be on the nikon forum?

What I did for a friend's D2H before which had a similar perineal rubber problem is to clean the attachment area very well and then dry it... Do not use "Rubber Cement" or products like mighty bond, bulldog or loctite... These things leave residue and still allow sweat and moisture to pass through in an excessive extent. Try to use a Silicone Sealant (Black or colorless) The one used to glue the glasses of aquariums together, you can buy it in your local hardware store or any glass aluminum supply... Apply thoroughly and evenly on both joining surfaces. Let it dry and adhere well... Viola, guaranteed... water/sweat proof and strong. :)

Like I said, use Rugby or Contact Cement. It doesn't eat rubber and it has no problem with metal.

@Rolly

Good luck... I hope you get your D200 back right away... you still have to organize the D200 EB... hehehehehhe

i got the tip from some pros here in davao and they experience the same thing. trimming and glue would be their next step.

ill try it out next week.

thanks guys

shoot i just stumbled into this thread and am planing on getting a d200. is this stripping a sure certainty with all d200s? or are some unaffected?

Dindin,

I have my D200 with me... I was suggesting the DIY fix to those who are affected... :D

About that EB.. hmmm... I almost forgot about it... soon. :D

Any luck on the cheapest wired remote for our D200?

I think ALL D200s are affected given the right condition for the rubber jacket to react... but hey, the rubber jacket doesn't affect the photo quality... so I do not mind.

But for you, I don't know....

You may want to know that:

- Nikon D200s band. ALL of them bands. No matter what they say, it does. It's inherent to the design of the new sensor. But guess what, you have to work to make it band. :P

- Nikon D200 is noisy. Nosier than Nikon D50.

- Nikon D200 lacks the Vari exposure program that you see on D70/s, D50 and even on D80.

I can go on telling you what can turn you off from getting this camera. But why do we still use it? You figure it out. :D

shoot i just stumbled into this thread and am planing on getting a d200. is this stripping a sure certainty with all d200s? or are some unaffected?

But for you, I don't know....

You may want to know that:

- Nikon D200s band. ALL of them bands. No matter what they say, it does. It's inherent to the design of the new sensor. But guess what, you have to work to make it band. :P

- Nikon D200 is noisy. Nosier than Nikon D50.

- Nikon D200 lacks the Vari exposure program that you see on D70/s, D50 and even on D80.

I can go on telling you what can turn you off from getting this camera. But why do we still use it? You figure it out. :D

those are pretty big minuses

A colleague of mine had the same problem when his D200 reached 30,000 shutter actuations and it was serviced by Columbia. Surprisingly, he was able to have it repaired in less than 2 hours, just make sure that it is within the 1-year warranty period. Perhaps, Columbia has improved its services in some way. Inspite of some negative reviews of the D200, I'd still buy one because of its speed and robust body. It is also affordable compared to the Nikon D2Xs and uses a CF card unlike the D80 that uses an SD Card.

I believe hand sweat here is one of the main culprits... specially if you're acidic... it sweeps in between the body and the rubber and thus eating away the adhesive substance slowly over time. Probably the best thing to do is to practice good or extra hand and camera hygiene... :)

Like I said, use Rugby or Contact Cement. It doesn't eat rubber and it has no problem with metal.

My experience in construction is the opposite. Anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that is plastics based will, inevitably, shrink in volume when rugby or contact cement is applied. Better to use a water based adhesive. :)

eric, which problem are you referring to after 30k shots? the banding problem or the grip problem?

just curious on what columbia can do about these issues.

A colleague of mine had the same problem when his D200 reached 30,000 shutter actuations and it was serviced by Columbia. Surprisingly, he was able to have it repaired in less than 2 hours, just make sure that it is within the 1-year warranty period. Perhaps, Columbia has improved its services in some way. Inspite of some negative reviews of the D200, I'd still buy one because of its speed and robust body. It is also affordable compared to the Nikon D2Xs and uses a CF card unlike the D80 that uses an SD Card.

Use water based, and be prepared to hold the rubber grip to place it inside your pocket on yuor next shoot. :Grin:

Sir Reyes, the material is rubber. as in rubber. If Rugby doesn't melt my Tamiya Mini 4WD's rubber tires, it won't melt the rubber grip of the Nikon D200. :D I Rugby the tires to the plastic rim so the tire will not go flying on a high speed race. Oh, the rim is plastic and it doesn't melt.

Also, the plastic material that those Rugby boys use doesn't melt... hmmm... But do not use Rugby to join Styro.. you will end up with a liquid styro... which can also be used in patching roof leaks if it happens that you run out of Vulcaseal. :)


My experience in construction is the opposite. Anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that is plastics based will, inevitably, shrink in volume when rugby or contact cement is applied. Better to use a water based adhesive.

Use water based, and be prepared to hold the rubber grip to place it inside your pocket on yuor next shoot. :Grin:

Sir Reyes, the material is rubber. as in rubber. If Rugby doesn't melt my Tamiya Mini 4WD's rubber tires, it won't melt the rubber grip of the Nikon D200. :D I Rugby the tires to the plastic rim so the tire will not go flying on a high speed race. Oh, the rim is plastic and it doesn't melt.

Also, the plastic material that those Rugby boys use doesn't melt... hmmm... But do not use Rugby to join Styro.. you will end up with a liquid styro... which can also be used in patching roof leaks if it happens that you run out of Vulcaseal. :)

Sorry. I meant petroleum based anything. That includes rubber. And I did say shrink and inevitably. But, since it works for you, cool! Didn't mean any disrespect.
Also, since you're into mini4wd, drop by my indoor r/c track sometime. :)

Hi Francis,

The one I am referring to is the Grip Problem. I spoke to a representative of Columbia today and here is what he has to say. "Nikon Japan Gurantees that all Nikon D200 released by Columbia in the Philippines is free from banding problem."

All units from Columbia undergo the strict quality control in Japan. Some units that did not pass the quality control in Thailand usually end up in the grey market at a lower price tag. Even the units sold in the United States don't undergo the quality control in Japan due to logistics. Two Professionals in the wedding industry like Lito Sy and Patrick Uy both bought their D200s last December during the product launching at Php 106k. They didn't mind paying extra because said units will be serviced locally by the distributor. Patrick's D200 needed some adjustment when it reached 30,000 shutter actuations as well as the rubber grip when it slightly peeled off. It was repaired by Columbia within the same day.

Personally, I've worked with a Japanese company and the usual practice there is when a fiasco happens, one of the top officers either resigns or commits harakiri. I haven't heard anyone from Nikon Japan resigned due to a minor incident such as the rubber grip peeling off which is more of normal wear and tear and an isolated case. You see when we use our cameras, it's like a car that needs tune up every six (6) months. If we keep on shooting without maintaining the camera, it will indeed show some problems.

With regard to the noise, I don't agree with what Carlo Lopez said as well as the Vari Exposure Program issue. The Nikon D200 was designed as a Professional Camera. I've tried shooting with the Nikon D200 and quite familiar with the controls. Perhaps, this is just a slight oversight with regard to using the controls of the camera. I've spoken to my peers and I haven't heard any major complaints about the D200, sad to say only those who bought the units elsewhere are the ones experiencing some problems. Hope there is a real basis for the negative inputs said about the D200 because it is a great camera.

wow! thanks for the heads-up! i'll just take good care of my grip! :)

guys, nikon singapore will not send a replacement in but they will repair the cam if it is sent there. some guys I asked here say that they use a really sharp slicer to cut the expanded rubber.

now that Kadayawan is over, i guess i can try it.

Good news, Eric!

But it could have been better if we can hear Columbia say "We can handle Nikon D200 now!"... but they still can't. I am directly communicating with a tchnician. And as far as I know, technician fixes and his input on the matter counts more than what a representative's input. Mind you, they can't even handle Nikon D50.

My Nikon D200 was directly from Japan. It was bought there, I even have the manual in Japs, I even traced the serial number to be from Japan... it got banding on ISO other than ISO 100. But I do not mind. I can get away with bandless ISO 400. But I do not beleive they can issue a bandless Nikon D200. Why, the banding is a fact or let me say, built-in to the sensor they used. It has something to do with the newly used 4 channels capable sensor.

And it's not enough to hear that Columbia "CAN" release good Nikon D200... we want them to be able to handle them. It's easy to release, but supporting what you release is another thing.

I wonder what real basis are you looking for? But I will ask you.. what is your basis for saying otherwise? Handling and trying it once doesn't count. Please own one then tell us again.

Don't get me wrong. I am using a Nikon D200. I just want the facts straight. The banding you or anyone will be experiencing in ISO other than ISO 100 is normal if it is the short banding type. If the banding comes from end to end, then it has to be adjusted. And I hope.. no... I WISH, Columbia can handle it.

My point here is to tell everybody what to expect and may they evaluate themselves whether they still want it of not.

Cheers. :Grin:

P.S.

It's good to be paying extra if what you are getting is what you pay for. In the case of Columbia, you pay more but get a lousy service.

I gues you've realized by now, satisfied customer is quiet. Unsatisfied one are the loudest. AND I AM UNSATISFIED!

"Sad to say only those who bought the units elsewhere are the ones experiencing some problems." - I do not like this line. In fact, I hate it. Our very own Ken Go bought his Nikon D200 from Columbia. And he has a major focusing problem. Beat that huh? You can live with banding but not focusing problem.

Hi Francis,

The one I am referring to is the Grip Problem. I spoke to a representative of Columbia today and here is what he has to say. "Nikon Japan Gurantees that all Nikon D200 released by Columbia in the Philippines is free from banding problem."

All units from Columbia undergo the strict quality control in Japan. Some units that did not pass the quality control in Thailand usually end up in the grey market at a lower price tag. Even the units sold in the United States don't undergo the quality control in Japan due to logistics. Two Professionals in the wedding industry like Lito Sy and Patrick Uy both bought their D200s last December during the product launching at Php 106k. They didn't mind paying extra because said units will be serviced locally by the distributor. Patrick's D200 needed some adjustment when it reached 30,000 shutter actuations as well as the rubber grip when it slightly peeled off. It was repaired by Columbia within the same day.

Personally, I've worked with a Japanese company and the usual practice there is when a fiasco happens, one of the top officers either resigns or commits harakiri. I haven't heard anyone from Nikon Japan resigned due to a minor incident such as the rubber grip peeling off which is more of normal wear and tear and an isolated case. You see when we use our cameras, it's like a car that needs tune up every six (6) months. If we keep on shooting without maintaining the camera, it will indeed show some problems.

With regard to the noise, I don't agree with what Carlo Lopez said as well as the Vari Exposure Program issue. The Nikon D200 was designed as a Professional Camera. I've tried shooting with the Nikon D200 and quite familiar with the controls. Perhaps, this is just a slight oversight with regard to using the controls of the camera. I've spoken to my peers and I haven't heard any major complaints about the D200, sad to say only those who bought the units elsewhere are the ones experiencing some problems. Hope there is a real basis for the negative inputs said about the D200 because it is a great camera.

hi paul,

did nikon sing say how much it is to have it fixed, parts and all? also how long?

Hi Rolando,

I'm sorry to hear about your sad experience with the Nikon D200. First of all, the one who said that only the ones who bought Nikon D200 elsewhere are the ones experiencing problems is not me but the Sales Representative from Columbia. I may not own a Nikon D200 but I do use one for my shoot for free. I used it many times and I really can't figure out the problem you are saying. One possible reason is that you bought your camera the first time it was launched or even before the formal launching last december. A very reliable source told me that the best time to buy a digital SLR is 4 to 6 months after it is introduced to the market. By that time, all the bugs are already fixed.

I personally know Ken and I still have to verify with him the problem you are referring to since I don't believe data coming from only one person. I prefer to buy the Nikon D2Xs. Since you have the manual in Japanese, there is a possibility that you are doing something wrong with the controls or settings. Try using the manual in English. The basis I am looking for is a comparative analysis among the users world-wide. I base my decision on purchasing a camera based on its technical specifications, capabilities, handling etc. My basis in saying otherwise is the small percentage of people complaining like you. Complaining is not enough, you need to take alternative courses of action and not dissuade us from purchasing. Aside from Ken, who are the other photographers complaining in the Philippines? I know how pissed you are but please try to fix the problem of your camera by sending it to Singapore or demanding a replacement unit from Columbia. If you bought your camera at Hidalgo, there are good suppliers there that will replace it for a new unit that doesn't have the same problems you are complaining of.

Ken is one of my mentors and peers in the industry, have you tried asking him what type of lens he was using? You have to remember that Sigma hasn't fixed yet some of its bug problems. The Nikon D200 works well with the DX lens by Nikkor. Try using the 70-200mm f2.8 AFS-VR and let me know if the focusing problem still happens. I will never compete with Ken because I respect him. Whoever told you that the banding problem is built-in in the CCD Sensor? Nikon is not dumb to commit that mistake, otherwise, there is going to be a world-wide recall of units sold. If I were you, I won't talk to that technician at Columbia. Try talking to the head of Marketing or the President. Don't bark at the wrong tree mi amigo. As a wedding and events photographer, having a reliable camera is very important to me as well as focus and a lot of other things. Don't ever lecture me on something you don't do as a profession! That's the problem, you bought a camera that you don't know how to operate. Try using it first before you pay. Before I order any camera for my equipment upgrade, I make sure that I already know how to operate it beforehand by borrowing the camera of other professionals and shooting with the demo or actual unit I will buy. Hope you do the same thing as a hobbyist so that you will get good value for your money.

The thread is about Rubber Grip Problem, you are out of line and said a lot of unnecessary things and even accused a lot of people including me without having a sound basis except your own sad experience and personal opinion.

I wonder who's going to have the last word....and I thought this was a place I will not see skyhigh pride, arrogance and oneupmanship.

I need to walk away from the keyboard now...

I don't agree with what Carlo Lopez said .

what did i say mr. dino?

I wonder who's going to have the last word....and I thought this was a place I will not see skyhigh pride, arrogance and oneupmanship.

I need to walk away from the keyboard now...

i have a better idea, bring out the popcorn and sit back

i have a better idea, bring out the popcorn and sit back

do they know this popcorn thing?:D ...and the board doesn't even have a popcorn icon/smiley...

do they know this popcorn thing?:D ...and the board doesn't even have a popcorn icon/smiley...

theyl catch on soon:Grin:

:Grin: just enjoy your cams. :Grin:

D200... dream.... dream... dream...:)

:Grin: just enjoy your cams. :Grin:

D200... dream.... dream... dream...:)

psst...sabay tayo managinip (at least until next year):D

Sheez.. Chill out Sir Eric!

I am not complaining about Nikon D200... I am complaining about Columbia Global...

Whos accusing who? Aren't you accusing me of not knowing how to use my camera? Why on earth do I have to know what lens Sir Ken Go used when I heard it from him himself? His exact word was "I have to try it on Macro Lens" since the focus problem will not show on regular shooting. I heard that, like he is about two feet away from me and it was at the Metro Walk we were having dinner... are you also accusing me that I do not know what I am saying?

Enough said..

What I want to point out is that Coulumbia Global is bad whatever good you say about them. Like you, I do not just take what one say, I have to get more info. In fact, I have felt it myself. I have been there. I have not yet met anybody here who backed Columbia Global like you!

President, Owner, Finanancer whatever position other than the technician will NOT fix your camera. Sure you can speak to those people, they are policy maker allright.. but their policy is obviously not working in favor of the customers.

What's that song again? "Administration policy, itaas ang tuition fee.. sa state university... state university"... Yano song that, but that's beside the point.. I am just trying to be funny. :D

I guess Columbia Global is also singing that... Why are you telling us that they are fine when they are not? But anyway, I take offense when you said that I do not know my camera. Right, you do weddings... great. I vow.

I bought my Camera March of this year, after having My Nikon D70 for a year after being a hobbyist since Highschool with Nikon FM2. I never gone into considering becoming a pro because when you are a pro, you loose the freedom of doing what you want in terms of photography. Hey, have you gone into any EB with the non-pro? I doubt it... I do not want to be like that. Also, I have the english manual long before I had the camera.

Here are the post of Mr. Ken Go prior to actually speaking with him about the focus problem of Nikon D200...

http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showpost.php?p=5462&postcount=95 Here he was complaining... I tested with my camera using Nikkor 60mm Macro and I was thankfull that mine was working fine.

And then here is where he brought his camera to Columbia (your very dear dealer..)
http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showpost.php?p=5462&postcount=95

Now, you accuse me of not knowing how to evaluate? Have you actually talked to Nikon Japan, that they will indeed make sure that what they will release to Columbia are camera that are banding FREE? When in fact, Columbia doesn't even buy from them in container but in just few hand carry units? No? I thought you do not rely on info coming from just an individual... Oh, I get it, the whole management of Columbia Global told you so.. hmmm... I gues that counts, it is not from one person but from everybody that represent the company... you got me there. :D

Read...

Yes, this is about the rubber stripping problem and I too is guilty o being off topic because you insisted that Columbia Global is our friend! For taking this up to you, I am sorry. But they have to know.

Update!

Columbia Global and Columbia Cubao are not with the same owner. Columbia Cubao has taken my lens for cleaning at 1,990.00 versus the 3,500.00 of Columbia Global. The turn around time with CC is 3 days while CG is a month being the earliest. The lens was the Nikon D70 Kit Lens. You know the specs I pressume. You're the pro not me. :P

And guess what? I've spoken to the owner, I told him how bad is their reputation for Nikon Users.. he just replied, "Oh no! Not us.. that would be the Columbia Global"... He even added: "If you have problem with us with regard to Nikon, blame it on Columbia Global for NOT supplying us the parts and we have to resort to finding parts ourselves."

Definitely, this will be my last post regarding Columbia Global.

For the lastime Sir Eric, I am not complaining about the camera. I am complaining about NOT having a good support for my chosen brand. Is that so much too ask?

I mean no disrespect to you Mr. Eric.

Sorry guys... mind sharing the pop corn?

Sorry guys... mind sharing the pop corn?

had my fill already:) thank god we dont get to hide bogus usernames

Already? no more another round for pop corns?

IMHO, using real name is cool than hiding from nikcs... this will show who does have the b@lls to say what he feels and not what other feels.

Anyway, back to the topic, I have learned that when it is cold, the rubber grip's adhessive tends to loosen up.

had my fill already:) thank god we dont get to hide bogus usernames

I had my fill of popcorns also, but I have to join in this D200 thing because this is supposed to be the next item in the list...I called Mayer and talked to the owner, the Chinese guy, the name just slipping my mind at the moment. He told me that those problems were for the earlier production D200's and the later batches are problem-free already. But if I remember correctly in the previous posts, the item was just bought a few weeks ago, which was replaced in a week's time? So, is it an old stock or what. Anyway, he told me that if a problem is discovered within a month's time, then he will replace it with a new unit. Good enough, but for a hobbyist, like me, I might not be able to test it fully in a months time. Still, I am considering it seriously, although the 17-55mm f2.8 looks enticing as a better priority than the body...Lens lust again.

AAARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!
i heaved a huge sob after seeing that my d200 is likewise plagued with this rubber grip nuisance. it's still in it's early stages though as the peeling is limited to the topmost area directly adjacent to the front dial. guess i'll have to keep coming back to this thread. hehe.

Anyway, he told me that if a problem is discovered within a month's time, then he will replace it with a new unit. Good enough, but for a hobbyist, like me, I might not be able to test it fully in a months time. , .

likewise, malas nalang if you discover those problems say in 2 months. in my experience as a hobbyist a month is not enough time to full grasp all the features of a camera.

although the 17-55mm f2.8 looks enticing as a better priority than the body...Lens lust again


get one in the states youl be surprised how low these can be had for. as for lens lust, once it hits it hits hard!

Hi Rolando,

Let me clarify to you some things so you that you will be at peace.

1. I am not accusing you of anything. The things I mentioned are from Columbia, namely:
a. People who complain a lot are usually hobbyists who don't know how to operate their camera and have mishandled their gear.

b. Columbia Cubao operated without the consent and knowledge of Columbia Photo Main. The reason why Columbia Main does not service the parts or cameras purchased from them is that they are operating illegally. They blame Columbia Photo Main for the problems they have caused by importing units from the grey market.

c. All units that experienced problems with the Nikon D70 from Cubao have already been fixed by Columbia Photo Main due to the international warranty card.

d. People who are eager to use the latest camera in the market are usually the ones who don't read the instruction manual.

2. You are the one who accused me of not getting enough information before coming up with a conclusion and even looked down on me just because I don't own a Nikon D200. Owning a Digital Camera is different from being a Photographer. Not owning one does not necessariy mean that I don't know how to operate it. As what I have mentioned in other threads, we have to be resourceful all the time and not necessarily buy the most expensive equipment and camera in town. There is always the option of borrowing from your peers or renting out for a fee. If you feel that I accused you, well, you started it first and I am just giving you a taste of your own medicine so that you will learn a good moral lesson.

3. The Macro lens that Ken used is not DX. The only prime lens available in the DX series is the AF DX Fisheye Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8G ED lens.

4. Your problem is not actually banding. It is more on Chromatic Aberrations which normally occurs to lenses that are not designed for digital cameras. The same problem occurs if you use a Non-EF Lens with the new digital cameras of Canon.

5. If you insist that you have a banding problem, it is more of the algorightms of the camera and not the image sensor as what you suspected. You're the Technical Guy, I presume you know what I am saying. There is always a solution, you simply have to remove your multi-coated UV lens filter and use a lens hood. Try it first and let me know the results. This is what Edwin Tuyay and Rene Gaviola does.

6. I tried shooting with the new Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 Macro APO DG HSM Lens and it works really fast with the Nikon D200. No problem whatsoever in the focusing. I have an image taken less than 24 inches from the subject and it is still sharp. I just don't know how to upload it here at DPP but I can send you a copy if you need one to compare.

7. I have been doing Marketing Research in the banking industry for more than seven (7) years and I don't arrive at a conclusion without having the statistics and figures to show my meticulous Japanese boss at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi. The same thing applies to Photography. I only support Nikon Japan and Columbia has the certification from the land of the rising sun to substanstiate this. What else do you need? You have to do more research and homework before you even try to refute me.

I haven't bought a single camera from Columbia Photo Main here in the Philippines. I bought my Nikon D70 from Avenue Photo Supply and ordered my Nikon D200 from Watson Photo Supply. Said units came from Japan and Singapore that's why I don't experience any problems. I am simply relaying to you the side of Columbia because they don't even bother to write to you. I'm actually doing you a favor.

8. Why are you insisting that Columbia Main repair your unit? You know for a fact that they cannot fix it here. Why not ask for a replacement unit? You should assert your right as a consumer. If you are not happy with their after-sales service, you can always elevate it to the Department of Trade and Industry or demand a refund. Heck, you can even report them to BIR as possible Tax Evader for all I care and you get a Php 1 Million reward. You have a simple problem with a very basic solution. Don't let your emotions and anger consume you. Use your common sense companero.

9. Whoever said that I am arrogant should see me in the flesh and observe how simple and humble I am. I just hate it when some hobbyist think that they are superior over professionals just because they have a Nikon D2Xs or D200. I am still using my Nikon D70 and basic 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 AFS-DX lens and it delivers what the client wants. I don't even use a Tamrac bag but a generic Nikon camera bag. As the need arises, I only rent my other equipment and lens due to depreciation cost. I am not an impulse buyer but a prudent investor and enterpreneur.

10. As a professional, I beg to disagree with you that I cannot do freely what I want. I can do this by simply showing the client my preferred composition and angle. If they don't like it, I don't erase it, I just keep it to myself and give them what they want. Being a pro gives me the extra income needed to buy the equipment I need and there is the right timing to buy those things. I avoid joining a forum for hobbyists because many of them think that they are the best, there is little room for learning. I prefer to travel abroad with my family, shoot for demanding clients, learn from seminars and attend convention of WPPI and other organizations as well as improve my skills and craft by following international standards.

Off the record, there is some form of discrimination at Columbia. If you are a professional, you get special treatment and even get a service unit if you have the right connections. I also heard that you don't have to fall in line if you pay Php 2k extra. If you can't bet them, just look for ways on how you can get what you want. If you talk to them in a loud tone and start cursing them for their lousy service, nobody there will listen to you. You also have to develop some human resources management and negotiaton skills to get around. Columbia is not my dear dealer. I simply know how to get what I need from them. That's all. Hope you learned something from this. I have to go now and work while most of you are still sleeping.

aa back to the grip, nikon singapore did not advise how much and how long but they just asked to have it sent. ill just do a diy on this.

i believe the grip itself is less than 20 USD so it would be cheaper just to order it, make it a spare rather than ship the unit out.

just cruious, did nikon recommend an adhesive for the rubber grip?

9. Whoever said that I am arrogant should see me in the flesh and observe how simple and humble I am. I just hate it when some hobbyist think that they are superior over professionals just because they have a Nikon D2Xs or D200. I am still using my Nikon D70 and basic 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 AFS-DX lens and it delivers what the client wants. I don't even use a Tamrac bag but a generic Nikon camera bag. As the need arises, I only rent my other equipment and lens due to depreciation cost. I am not an impulse buyer but a prudent investor and enterpreneur.

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i look forward to meeting you in the next nikon eb. i have the same basic gear as you for what its worth

Those shots on your portfolio sir Eric were taken with a D70?

hi manny, no they did not give any specific adhesives but in the thread there have been a lot of suggestions. i believe the set comes with its own double back adhesive though. in dpreview, i read that they use the tape used for glass.

Sir Eric... Thanks for the clarifications... I should see you on the next EB so we can talk. And show you hand down what I see as the dreaded banding. You are right, it's not the CCD per se, it's the algo... But there's more to it.. I do want to go into details.

Still I hate Columbia Global... I see that you also source your purchase elsewhere, that's enough for me... :D Dealing with Mang Ramon of Mayers works for me.

Oh, thanks for the favor you are doing me. I do not see how it works right now, but I shall see in the future.

I am done, I've said what I need to say... I do not like the pop corn anyway...

So back to the topic...

The rubber on the other side of the D200 peels off as well, it starts at the bottom part of the camera. :(

I wish they sell this rubbers as an accessory and not a replacement parts so we do not have to deal with the repair center. We do know how to stick a sticker, don't we?

it just happened on my D50 =(

Hi Carlo,

Looking forward in meeting you guys in the next Nikon EB. You can buy an extra rubber grip if you want but make sure that Columbia or an Authorized Service Center installs it so that the warranty will not become void.

Sonny,

Yes, I used my Nikon D70 with the basic lens kit in my website portfolio. Those images are more than a year old and I will be upgrading my website probably by next month with better photos. I always strive to become a better photographer after every shoot because as soon as one thinks that he is the best, that is the end of the learning curve. Even the Masters in the United States like Kevin Kubota still improves his craft and learn from other photographers.

The Nikon D70 is an underrated camera. It is used by Cruise-Ship Photographers worldwide as well as National Geographic Photographers. Even CSI people use it in the United States. The D70 is even better than the Nikon D1X because the latter is only 5.1 megapixels and has a battery that is heavy and easily discharges. This is the reason why Master Jedi Ken Go sold his Nikon D1X. Its flash sync speed is even faster than the Nikon D200 and D2X. That's another reason why Ken still uses his Nikon D70s. By the way, I can also train you as one of my assistants since my other photographer has a conflict of schedule with another WPPP Member.

Rolly,

You're welcome. No problem or damage done. When did you buy your Nikon D200? I believe it is still covered by the warranty. On the next EB perhaps you can lend me your camera and I will bring it to Columbia myself and have them fix it or we can meet in Quezon City next week and I will accompany you there and make a formal complaint or get a new replacement unit. As what I have said, don't tell them that you are a hobbyist because they will only put you in line and not fix your gear.

Going back to the Rubber Grip. I was advised not to put any adhesives even Rugby. Columbia has to see the cause of the peeling off to determine if it is a factory defect or normal wear and tear. At any rate, you can wait while it is being repaired. Just let them know that you are a professional so that you will get special treatment. That's the secret. It is also best that you call them first, check their work-load and set up an appointment in advance. That's all you have to do. Let me share to you a quote from John Maxwell: " Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it." Just something to reflect on and apply in our lives.:-).

i think ill be sending in my d200 from davao too. ill get in touch with them via e mail. I have a problem with the grip as well as the 18-200 lens. (the rubber slides off too)

sir paul,

sending over to where? columbia manila?