[Leica] A bit OT, but I need advice

[Howard L Ritter Jr]

Thanks to Don, Brian, and Frank. I know that the cost of pro-level repair and cleaning of a seven-year-old DSLR might ordinarily approach the price of a used one, but this situation is different. The D810A is a limited-edition modified version of the D810 made for astrophotography, with an IR-cut sensor filter that is less restrictive to deep-red visible wavelengths. That makes the camera more sensitive to the deep-red hydrogen-alpha emission that is so important in imaging many emission nebulae. 

The model is no longer made, nor is there a replacement model, and it it highly prized among astroimagers. This has driven prices for used examples, on eBay at least, past $3k to near what it cost new. Curiously, there’s a retailer I’d never heard of in NJ that claims to have 9 new bodies in stock – for $4500.

So paying for even a Nikon repair will probably be well worth it rather than replacing it. But first, I suppose I can’t do worse harm by blowing out the camera, cleaning the sensor, and seeing what happens. Worst case (I hope) is that a contaminated shutter curtain soils the sensor again, and I have to send it off after all.

—howard

> On Sep 5, 2022, at 6:36 PM, Frank F via LUG <lug at leica-users.org> wrote:
> 
> Nikon repairs are $$$.  Before sending it in, know what it might cost to
> replace it.  Check Nikon refurbished for price. OTOH, squished bug is a
> organic material. Dry out the missing body ( air plus time) and remove
> whatever you find. Then clean the sensor. If it does work you saved
> yourself bouquet bucks. If not then send it in for service.
> 
> On Mon, Sep 5, 2022 at 12:20 PM Brian Reid <reid at mejac.carlsbad.ca.us>
> wrote:
> 
>> I agree with Don. Send it to Nikon.
>> 
>> On 2022-09-05 13:50, Don Dory via LUG wrote:
>>> Normally I don't recommend Nikon USA service but for this bit of tear
>>> down
>>> and rebuild I would send it to Nikon.  The shutter will have to come
>>> out
>>> and possibly the sensor and then there is the alignment of the focus
>>> sensor.
>>> 
>>> You have a pro level camera that needs to be put back to factory specs.
>>> 0.02
>>> 
>> 
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>> 
> -- 
> Frank Filippone
> BMWRed735i at gmail.com
> 
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