Bad Nikon experience anyone?

Has anyone had trouble with Nikon repair? Did I make the mistake of going with their product and being stuck with their warranty repair service? Should I not sent it in in the future?

I'm not a member of their pro group, which I forgot the name of, so I'm sure I don't get top priority. I have a D5000 purchased about six months ago, and it just doesn't turn on… Seemed like the manufacturing defect that it was known for. However, its serial number didn't fall under the list of serials that had the typical D5000 problem, so I had to pay for the shipping like it's a normal repair.

The repair itself, however, was under warranty. So $20 shipping spent for something I didn't cause, and it's taking them weeks to send it back. They said they shipped back to me three days ago after the camera was sent in on the 21st (and reportedly received on the 28th), but UPS only got it today apparently. I'm thinking they forgot to return it to me, and only were reminded because I called and asked about it. (It should only take a day of shipping to get from Melville, NY to me in CT.) Is any of this normal?

What you are considering a bad experience is actually not bad at all.

Any warranty repair requires the owner to pay the shipping to the repair site.

Yes, being a member of Nikon Professional Services not only gives you priority service, but in some cases they give you a loaner.

Nikon products are what many pros use. We have been using them for decades.

I sent a camera in for a tune-up last year and it was back in only three weeks, looking like new. I have been very happy with the quality of service from Nikon.

My guess is you have some unrealistic expectations. Just relax. You have a service order number. If you are really concerned, call Nikon. 800. NIKON-SV