If you have a Nikon camera, you might want to start taking even better care of it because according to the rumors, the company is apparently planning to kill off its authorized repair program in 2020 in the US. This means that in the event that your camera needs repairing, you will have less locations to take it to in the US and will have to most likely mail it in to get it fix.
As it stands, the company has about 15 authorized repair centers in the US, but the reports are claiming that in 2020, the company will be ending their contracts with these centers, which means that these centers will no longer be able to buy official parts and tools that are needed in order to repair Nikon’s cameras and lenses.
According to Cliff Hanks, parts manager for Kurt’s Camera Repair, “This is very big, and we have no idea what’s coming next. We need more information before March 31. We can make contingency plans, start stocking up on stuff, but when will we know for sure?” iFixit has also obtained a letter Nikon USA sent to authorized repair shops saying, “The climate in which we do business has evolved, and Nikon Inc. must do the same.”
Nikon USA has yet to officially comment or confirm the report so take it with a grain of salt for now, but if true, it will no doubt have an impact on customers’ decision on whether or not they want to buy a Nikon camera in the future due to a potential lack and inconvenience of aftersales service.