Wildlife Photography across the Water: Nikon 200-400 case

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

Nikon Mail for 200-400 owners

Received this today from Nikon-Check your cases to avoid a costly repair

Notice to users of the Semi-soft case CL-L2

Because you are a valued customer using a Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens, we wanted to personally write you to make sure you were aware of a recent technical service advisory issued on the Semi-soft case CL-L2 case included with the lens (and sold seperately).

It has recently come to our attention that select components incorporated in some CL-L2 Semi-soft cases may be compromised. This may result in cracking of the bottom of the case. In a worst-case scenario, the bottom of the case may fail. Should a failure occur, the case's contents would be subject to release and possible damage. Nikon has studied this issue thoroughly and steps have been taken to effectively correct this issue, assuring the quality of CL-L2 Semi-soft cases going forward.

Recognizing the possible problem that may affect some number of CL-L2 Semi-soft cases, Nikon will replace cases affected by this issue free of charge. In addition, Nikon will take what it has learned from this event, applying it to quality assurance measures that will contribute to the prevention of similar events in the future.

The CL-L2 Semi-soft case is supplied with the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED, and available separately for use with 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm AF-S or AF-I ED lenses.

This issue does not apply to CL-L2 Semi-soft cases with a "T" (in one of 2 variations) imprinted on the bottom of the case. These products meet Nikon quality and durability standards, and replacement is not needed.

To obtain a replacement CL-L2 Semi-soft case:
If you own a CL-L2 Semi-soft case affected by this issue (without a "T" imprinted on the bottom of the case), please follow the return information available from our website at: http://www.nikonusa.com/cl-l2 or contact the Nikon Customer Relations Department toll-free at 800-645-6687. Calls will be received Monday through Friday, between the hours of 6am-4pm, PDT.

A Customer Relations agent will confirm that your CL-L2 Semi-soft case is affected by this issue and arrange for its return to Nikon, at Nikon's expense. When the affected case is received by Nikon, a replacement CL-L2 Semi-soft case will be shipped to you free of charge. It may be necessary for the Nikon Service Relations agent to request personal information in connection with the CL-L2 replacement process. Such information will not be used for any other purpose.

Nikon thanks you for making our brand an integral part of your photographic system and regrets any inconvenience this issue may have caused.

Sincerely,

Richard Houghton
Senior Manager Customer Relations

Bio's

David Courtenay, a self taught wildlife and nature photographer, has been capturing images for over 30 years. He has had a passion for wildlife since early childhood and remembers being glued to the television whenever Survival, Wildlife on One and other natural history documentaries were shown. In the 2006 he swapped his established career for the life of a wildlife photographer, such a move demands a measure of uncompromising passion and commitment.

David has travelled extensively throughout Europe as well as spending more than 7 months in India working with local guides and trackers in search of Bengal Tiger, Asian One horned Rhino and Asian Elephant. He has also photographed Wildlife in Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sumatra, Africa, Canada and America. Working closely with Conservation companies he tries to raise funds to help Wildlife that has been put on the endangered list by poaching and habitation loss

Martin Dyer has had a passion for avian wildlife since childhood, particularly raptors. Photography was also another keen interest and it was with the specific availability and control of the whole process that digital offers that Martin was then able to combine the two in 2003. Based in the UK, Martin is a regular visitor to Scotland, specifically the Isle of Mull to watch the Eagles resident there. Other trips to Europe and around the UK are usually part of Martin’s agenda in a typical year.

However, as a firm believer on making the most of the local patch, Martin has spent a lot of time and hard work creating a wildlife garden which is reaping the rewards with many new species and varieties of wildlife. A keen member of a number of wildlife photographic groups, Martin is keen to expand his portfolio into other areas of wildlife, and has already established a wide portfolio of images of fungi.