Nikon D700/600 why can't I spend my $$

willie_901 said:
Why did Nikon settle the class-action suites on three continents (US, EU, Japan) with new D610s for free if repaired D600s solve the problem,?
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I'm assuming it's because the class action suit was filed long before Nikon announced the shutter replacement program (at least in the US.) Those who signed on to the class action suit got an offer for D610 replacements as part of the lawyers and plaintiff's agreement with Nikon. Everyone else (those who didn't sign on to the class action suit) got the free shutter replacement service. So I imagine that the class action suit would have been kind of a useless settlement (especially for the lawyers egos) if they hadn't received something better than what all D600 owners were going to get anyway.

But despite all that, Nikon will still give you a D610 replacement if you're not happy with your D600 even if you're not part of the class action suit. They offered me one if I wasn't happy with the shutter replacement service (see my post above.) My D600 never had oil splatter (I bought it after the issue was discovered so it's a later production model), and after the service it's still been fine. I do get dust on the sensor but I also change lenses all the time and in rough environments. But dust doesn't seem much different than any other Nikon DSLR I've owned (and I also currently have the D800E.) I decided not to pursue any offers of a D610 replacement since they also offered me free sensor cleaning for the life of ownership of the D600.

My favorite Nikon (besides film Nikons) was the D3s. I had one during my tenure with the D700 that I had bought for a specific application. For me, it was the best Nikon has produced in the digital era (and very ergonomic.) But to be honest, the D600 gives me much better image quality than the D3s ever did (except under higher ISOs) and serves my current needs very well. Sensor and processor technology has definitely advanced since the D700 and D3/D3s era. If I ever need the build/ergonomics and speed again, I'd certainly consider the D4s. But I've been really rough with the D600 and it's still been admirable in performing for me. When it does finally die, I'll definitely have gotten a lot of value out of it and way beyond the purchase price.

If your biggest priority is excellent image quality, and you don't need high FPS or better AF or higher ISO, then I believe the D600 (or D610) is a great deal. It's also compact and light. I personally wouldn't call it a 'toy' (as someone said here.) In reality it's a very capable DSLR with 100% optical viewfinder and which can use just about any Nikkor lens, and will produce top quality images (and the same sensor as in the Sony A7.) But if you're concerned that you won't look 'serious' using a consumer camera, then that's another issue. :)
 
There is a mystique about the D700 that makes it a particular camera... It was in the Nikon lineup for years, it got a number of awards, it was a very popular FX camera... And it was an excellent product.

But like all things in technology, it also fell behind. I haven't checked used prices for this body, but I believe that eBay isn't the best place to buy something relatively current like a Nikon D700 used. I'd check KEH or the used departments of stores like B&H or Adorama... and keep looking for them in stores. The auction site isn't the best price index.

Best of luck in your search! :)
 
As long as a I had a D600 I was pretty happy with it. Mine was a late model, no oil issue and plenty resolution.

BUT the files were big and after a day of shooting I often had several hundreds of files to transfer to the Mac Mini and it was slow.

I traded it towards a D700 and cash, and I was blown away.
The 12MP sensor in the D700 outdoes the 24MP sensor in the D600 easily and transfer times were less than half. Plus, my customers didn't care for the 24MP files anyway since stuff I shoot hardly ever gets printed past 30x30 inches and the 12MP in the D700 can get that done very nicely.

Forget about people whining about the 95% viewfinder image in the D700, it's a non-issue. The remaining 5% can be cropped off the image should you really feel the need, or just leave it.

Happy shooting!
 
johannielscom said:
The 12MP sensor in the D700 outdoes the 24MP sensor in the D600 easily (...)
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Mmmh.

How ?

I have owned a D700 for a good while and whilst I have to admit that the build quality and general feeling of the D700 is way above what the D600 can offer, I cannot see how a 12MP 24x36 sensor can "outdo" a 24MP 24x36 sensor (but for noise at very high ISOs).

Unless you are using lenses which aren't good enough for the higher sensor resolution... another story indeed (look at the Df 14MP sensor... ;)).

As for the files weight : yes, the D700 ones are still in the "light" ballpark and having to manage NEF files coming from a 24MP chip should be something to consider.

Yet - the D700 is a large and quite heavy camera. A camera you can't carry around 24/24 because of this, generally speaking.

And this is when you have a camera with you all the time that you take your best pictures... ;)
 
I did manage to grab a D700, so far so good!

I've had the camera with me constantly since Friday. The weight is not an issue.

I'm extremely impressed with the IQ, and I'm glad now I went for the 12mp sensor, I DO NOT edit or do post at all. I have no computer or software, except an IPhone. So I really have no need for large files, or shooting RAW when I rarely print larger than 8x10.

There was literally zero learning curve when I picked this camera up.
I popped the battery in, adjusted a few presets through very clear and organized menus, and started making beautiful images within 10 minutes. (Half that time I was searching for my "lost" stash of CF cards, I eventually found)

I'm not looking back, nor forward, I think the D700 is right in my sweet spot.

Oh, and using my Nikkor manual focus lenses is easy and bright. Although I may invest in one of those cheap Chinese Split Image screens just out of curiosity.

Thanks everyone for your comments!
 
The D700 is a very nice, flexible camera. It should last a long time.

Avoid the cheap screens. Replacing the screen is not completely trivial. If you are going to the trouble of risking damage during the replacement and messing with shims, you might as well get a high-quality screen.

On the other hand you may be skilled at dealing with very small spaces near easily damaged surfaces. So, swapping screens would be trivial.
 
willie_901 said:
The D700 is a very nice, flexible camera. It should last a long time.

Avoid the cheap screens. Replacing the screen is not completely trivial. If you are going to the trouble of risking damage during the replacement and messing with shims, you might as well get a high-quality screen.

On the other hand you may be skilled at dealing with very small spaces near easily damaged surfaces. So, swapping screens would be trivial.
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Katz Eye makes a screen for the 700.
Screen calibration may be an issue B/4 or after replacement. NO NEED TO CHANGE SHIMS. Pro Nikons have an adjustment screw on the right side of the mirror box that takes a 1.5 mm hex loosely. It raises and lowers the screen. 600 and Df do not have it. D3 700 200
300 800 all have it.

These are not the screws that the mirror and sub mirror rest upon which you NEVER must touch.

I have made 11x17" prints at 1600 iso and they look fine. It is a very well made camera if a bit heavy.
 
"These are not the screws that the mirror and sub mirror rest upon which you NEVER must touch."

And I would almost certainly adjust one of these instead of the intended screw. But I am a klutz.

Katz-Eye includes shims with some kits si it's good to know which Nikon's only need the screw adjustment.
 
I have a D600 and sent it to Nikon for their free service offer.

FWIW, this was easy, painless, they paid everything, gave me good communications along the way, and I got the camera back in a week with a new shutter mechanism.
 
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