I have recently taken ownership of a Nikonos V, complete with original paperwork and several accessories (SB-103, 28mm, 80mm, close-up kit). Now I am looking for a place to have the gear maintained as the last time it was used was in 2002. I have seen on Nikon's website there are two authorized repair stations in the US: Southern Nikonos and Backscatter. What I am looking for are any comments/reviews/comparisons of these two companies on how they repair and maintain Nikonos equipment. Thanks in advance.
Nikonos V
- Thread starter rdjiv
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I used Southern Nikonos anf they are excellent.
reynoldsil
Guest
I have complete package, camera V, SB 103 case and extras. However, the last time I used this was 1994 of the coat of CA. Before I closed the case I made sure the camera was well lubricated and the batters were out of the flash. However: about a year ago I got the camera out and my kids ask me what it was Ha, Ha, Ha. I looked at the camera body and it was still in great shape, however, the SB had some acid build up in the battery chamber. I put in batters and it still worked. How much do you think something like this would go for now days?
I have had Southern do repairs for me on my III in the past.
And yes, you are right, all of the old time Nikonos users have given them up, digi is so easy and makes you feel like a cheap--------- also but then instant gratification is that way.
Nothing against the other company at all.
N
And yes, you are right, all of the old time Nikonos users have given them up, digi is so easy and makes you feel like a cheap--------- also but then instant gratification is that way.
Nothing against the other company at all.
N
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-conch-divers/321905-alone-solo-vandenberg.html heres link to some jan Nikonos vandy pics.
the owner of Brass Anchor dive shop in Fredrick ,Md still overhauls nikonos. he has a tank to pressure test them when hes done . I had him do mine before the Cocos island trip in 06 and unit is still working fine. "o" rings will go flat w/age if not stored seperately. and of course there's those you cant get too w/ out camera tools. Its the "o" rings w/age on them that can case failure. tell Terry that Wade sent you
He does a lot of mail order repairs. theres a Barss Anchor Scuba website
I use Dale labs in Hollywood fla for processing . spec pro proofing u/w and a disc as well. they had the Kodak Sea processing contract in the old days. thats why their developing is way better than the average lab.
that 80mm lens is tough to use u/w as it needs alot of light and the field of focus is extremly narrow. its great combined w/closeup lens for big blow ups of little critters
the owner of Brass Anchor dive shop in Fredrick ,Md still overhauls nikonos. he has a tank to pressure test them when hes done . I had him do mine before the Cocos island trip in 06 and unit is still working fine. "o" rings will go flat w/age if not stored seperately. and of course there's those you cant get too w/ out camera tools. Its the "o" rings w/age on them that can case failure. tell Terry that Wade sent you
He does a lot of mail order repairs. theres a Barss Anchor Scuba websiteI use Dale labs in Hollywood fla for processing . spec pro proofing u/w and a disc as well. they had the Kodak Sea processing contract in the old days. thats why their developing is way better than the average lab.
that 80mm lens is tough to use u/w as it needs alot of light and the field of focus is extremly narrow. its great combined w/closeup lens for big blow ups of little critters
Gilldiver
Contributor
This is from an email from Southern Nikonos a month ago:
For a yearly service - The current costs are $89.50 (Nike III) and $99.50 (Nike V).
New address as of 2007 (see below).
Bob Warkentin
Southern Nikonos Service Center, Inc
3119 Lazy Spring Drive
Houston, Texas 77080
713-462-5436
713-462-5449 (FAX)
Underwater camera repair by Southern Nikonos
nikonosrepair@aol.com
The Nike III is still the smallest camera with deep diving ability (I know of III's that have been to 350+). A Nik V dosen't like to be deeper then 230 and to go that deep and deeper you are looking at a much larger aluminum housing for a SLR.
For a yearly service - The current costs are $89.50 (Nike III) and $99.50 (Nike V).
New address as of 2007 (see below).
Bob Warkentin
Southern Nikonos Service Center, Inc
3119 Lazy Spring Drive
Houston, Texas 77080
713-462-5436
713-462-5449 (FAX)
Underwater camera repair by Southern Nikonos
nikonosrepair@aol.com
The Nike III is still the smallest camera with deep diving ability (I know of III's that have been to 350+). A Nik V dosen't like to be deeper then 230 and to go that deep and deeper you are looking at a much larger aluminum housing for a SLR.
SandyRobinson
Contributor
Another vote for Southern Nikonos. Also, I have an Ikelite SS100A if you need to buy another strobe
spoolin01
Contributor
You should be able to get a new SB-105 from Nikon for your 103 - there was a recall due to battery compartment design. I checked with Nikon a year or so ago and it was still on.
Backscatter is right there with you - if they still work on those, that should be handy.
Backscatter is right there with you - if they still work on those, that should be handy.
Lonely Boy
Contributor
I am still using it since 2001.
Welcome to my photo album by Nikonos V:
Underwater Photography Photo Gallery by H. M. Lai at pbase.com
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