Manufacturer issues advisory for Nikon Z6 and Z7 over in-body image stabilization concerns
Image: Nikon
Nikon has issued a Technical Service Advisory to alert customers of issues with its full-frame mirrorless Z cameras, and is offering free repairs for affected units.
The company has identified issues with the vibration reduction system – aka the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) – of the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7. While Nikon has not detailed the problems in detail, it has gone as far as to state that the IBIS in affected cameras "does not achieve its full potential".
Defective units impaired by this issue will be repaired for free by the manufacturer – even if the warranty has expired or is no longer valid.
Below is the official statement from Nikon regarding the technical issues. Follow the links to check if your camera is affected and get in touch with a Nikon service center if you need to pursue corrective action.
Technical Service Advisory from Nikon
Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.
It has come to our attention that the vibration reduction (VR) function built into some Z 7 and Z 6 mirrorless cameras does not achieve its full potential. We will repair affected cameras free of charge.
Identifying affected products To check whether or not your camera is one of those affected by this issue, click Affected Product Serial Numbers below and enter the serial number for your Z 7 or Z 6 as instructed.
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Your camera's serial number will be checked against those of affected products. If your camera is one of those affected, instructions for requesting repairs will be displayed. If your camera is not one of those to which this issue applies, rest assured that repairs to your camera are not necessary and you may continue using your camera without further concern for this issue.
Open the camera's monitor to locate the product serial number. It is the 7-digit number printed on a label affixed to the camera body as indicated by the red frame in the image above (the Z 6 is represented in the image).
Resolution Please contact your nearest Nikon service center if you own a Nikon Z 7 or Z 6 affected by this issue. They will keep your camera, inspect it, and re-adjust or replace components as needed free of charge, even if the camera's warranty has expired or is not valid in your region.
Requesting corrective servicing
Please direct enquiries regarding this matter to your nearest Nikon Service Centre or create a Free Service Returns Request. Nikon Service Centre’s will usually serve customers within 1-2 weeks after receiving products for servicing. For details we recommend you contact your local Service Centre.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this matter may have caused you.
Nikon will continue to take all possible measures to prevent issues like this from happening again.
Once again, thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.