spraynpray said:
How quickly we forget the extent of the damage and cost of the disasters in terms of human lives lost and go back to 'where's my new toy - I want it now'!

Amen!

How quickly we forget the extent of the damage and cost of the disasters in terms of human lives lost and go back to 'where's my new toy - I want it now'!

I am waiting a delivery too, but it isn't like placing my order stopped my old camera from working!

Maybe you should blame each other for going into a buying frenzy or blame Nikon for making such a great camera at such a low price. Nikon may learn from this or they may not. What are you going to do - buy a 5D mkIII instead?

C'mon guys, get a grip on yourselves.

Just my 2c reading this thread.

Beso said:

Nikon has admitted and apologized for the demand far exceeding the supply. Why not just let people know the difference between the two and how many weeks, or months, it will take to fill the backlog? As it stands now, neither the dealers nor the customers seem to have any idea about shipments, shipment size, or shipment dates. Absent production problems or additional natural disasters there is surely a predictable schedule of meeting current orders.

Honestly...my thoughts is that Nikon does not provide this level of transparency because they simply don't have to. We can accuse them of dropping the ball, we can accuse them of poor customer service. But at the end of the day Nikon knows they have a very hot product that consumers cannot wait to purchase. This is not the first time the new release of a Nikon product has been difficult secure, and it won't be the last.

Corporations like Nikon are motivated by consequences...consequences that can lead to loss revenues or profits that can never be recovered. Could the lack of available D800 units, or lack of information as to when the D800 will be available cost Nikon some potential sales? Sure...there will undoubtedly be some folks so upset they may purchase another camera. But Nikon knows that the folks who truly want all the goodness offered by their 36 MP sensor, will be there with cash or credit cards in hands the moment there is an available supply of D800s. Folks who desperately want their D800, will still purchase the D800 when they get a chance. They will purchase this camera despite the anger and frustration they may feel at the moment. What's the alternative? If you are heavily invested in Nikon glass chances are slim that you are switching systems. If you elect to pick up another Nikon model instead of the D800, Nikon still gets your money. The other option is to pick up an expensive medium format camera that costs significantly more than the D800. Obviously the final option is that folks elect not to make any purchase, but how long will that last once the availability of the D800 improves and a growing number of forum members are raving about the performance of this camera?

I'm not saying I support Nikon's business strategy, I'm not saying I like Nikon's business strategy, and I am not excusing Nikon's business strategy. Heck, I am waiting for a D800 myself. But IMHO Nikon does not specifically disclose when the back log of orders will be fulfilled because they don't have to...and more importantly...they know it.

TaoTeJared said:
The lack of people's patience has nothing to do with Nikon's customer service.
Expected ship dates never means "your camera will be shipped on this day."

I made no reference to peple's patience. I did make reference to frustration. While reading the various comments here and elsewhere can lead one to conclude there is both impatience and frustration, my comment concerns frustration exacerbated by Nikon's lack of transparency. Arguably Nikon created the demand by producing a superior product at an affordable price point.

There are many different viewpoints about how Nikon should have handled product release, distribution, etc. That is a different topic and one which is solely in Nikon's purview. It is also a source of frustration to many but so are many other things in this world.

Where Nikon dropped the ball in my opinion, and continues to do so, is in fostering an environment where expectations are high and rarely met. Nikon's website shows vendors such as B&H, OneCall, J&R, etc. as having the D800 in stock. Nikon also has posted on their D800 website forum statements about shipping the camera to their dealers and to check locally inplying some level of availability. In addition to placing several pre-orders and placing my name of several additional lists I have been checking regularly and no one seems to have any product. Meanwhile several "Nikon authorized dealers" are hawking the rare D4 and D800 cameras on eBay at princely prices far above MSRP.

Nikon has admitted and apologized for the demand far exceeding the supply. Why not just let people know the difference between the two and how many weeks, or months, it will take to fill the backlog? As it stands now, neither the dealers nor the customers seem to have any idea about shipments, shipment size, or shipment dates. Absent production problems or additional natural disasters there is surely a predictable schedule of meeting current orders.

I maintain that this secrecy constitutes poor customer service, both for Nikon's dealers as well as the end buyer. I am sure camera shops around the world are happy to have the business but I am equally sure they are tired of the incessant inquiries concerning the availability of the D4/D800/D800E.

And, I am not whining. It is what it is. It would just be nice to know what to expect from a company that has produced a superior product but declines to let their customers know when they can expect it to arrive.

Ebvette said:
I wish I had my D800, but also, I understand the production and supply and demand, but what I don't understand is the LACK of communication coming from NIKON. Its like they have no problem at all and go ahead releasing more new model Cameras when they can not even fill SIMPLE ORDERS...of existing cameras, or even orders of OLD STOCK.

I have had on order now for two months a 105mm F2.8 Macro Lens, PAID IN FULL, and still not a word from Nikon when I can expect delivery. Camera shop calls their rep every week to go over orders and it seems NIKON is shipping VERY LITTLE of EVERYTHING.

I understand it takes a lot to build photogrpahy equipment, especially high end, I understand the floods, and earthquakes, but that was over a year ago, and corporations like NIKON have RECOVERY PLANS and BACKUPLANS called Business Continutiy, Continuity being the key word, meaning it continues.

If only NIKON would speak instead of sandbagging, and telling the customers what is really going on, SILENCE in this case is NOT Golden, it is damaging.

SEE POST BELOW

I just got back from the grocery store. Who wants some cheese with their whine?

I'm waiting for my D800 like most everyone else, and I'm not thrilled about waiting, but not upset about it either. I agree with PB PM, the stores are responsible for pre-order info and not Nikon. Amazon has notified me that I can expect my camera between April 23 and May 23. They have changed this date once already, and may change it again. It could be worse, Nikon could have come out with a terrible camera that nobody wants and is readily in stock. What a terrible price we have to pay in waiting for an Amazing camera like the D800.

I don't recall any Nikon rep saying, "Every person who pre-orders (something Nikon never authorized, stores did this not them) today will have it on the release date." No, the date given was the day they start to ship. Goodness, people are so uptight.

The lack of people's patience has nothing to do with Nikon's customer service. Nor is comparing it to a purchase of a 35k+ car that is specifically made to order. You didn't custom order a camera.

Expected ship dates never means "your camera will be shipped on this day."
"Expected" Verb: Regard (something) as likely to happen.
"Likely" Adjective: Such as well might happen or be true; probable.
"Might" Verb: Used to express possibility: Used to express advisability

Nothing in that indicates any absolutism by any stretch of the words.

There was word floating around somewhere on here that production was slowed due to some issues and a few have had D800 sensors that were probably mounted off (one side sharp, other side not). Nikon has had some recent QC control issues so it would be hopeful they are more diligent in addressing any before cameras go out the door. That takes time, and I would think people would appreciate that they are looking out for the customer, as Nikon always has even if it means adding a bit more time.

I'm with msmoto and remember deliveries on items were never quicker than 1-2 weeks for the smallest simplest of things. People will be grateful for having a fantastic product once they receive it and will be glowing about it all over this site asking what lenses to buy etc. Meanwhile it will be a fleeing dream for most on here.

At the moment, I can't afford to even pre-order one due to other expenses. Quite frankly, people should feel damn lucky that they can order something that is more than most people's monthly income and get beyond their giddily anticipation. It will come soon enough.

msmoto said:

So, I say to the individual who is dishing NIKON, just be darn grateful that you are able to order a camera at all. And when you get yours, write a nice letter to NIKON telling them you think they can walk on water. Because when you use the new cameras, you will most likely think this! Worth the wait!

All well and good msmoto, but your post does not address the real issue; which is Nikon's lack of transparency. I believe most of the frustration (mine included) derives from the lack of information and not the delay in receipt of the product. I virtually always order my cars new and frequently there is a two to four month delay. That is not an issue because I am provided with production, shipping, and delivery dates shortly after the order is placed. In Nikon's case nobody seems to be able to get any information regarding shipment dates, expected quantities, place in the queue, etc. I think if that information were available and people were apprised of the expected delivery date there would be a lot more acceptance and a lot less irritation with Nikon. Instead Nikon continues to post the "product is shipping and check with your dealer" message full well knowing that the product is virtually non-existent in relation to the backlog of orders.

Nikon produces a world class product. It is unfortunate that they don't have world class customer service to match.

There are many factors most of us are unaware of. In shipping across international boundaries, a lot of things happen. Even to NIKON. All it takes is one person who has been elevated beyond their ability to mess around with things and shipments can be delayed. If the folks are anxious now, they should have been around back in the days when a lot of us who could not afford a new NIKON F body, ordered from some place like Hong Kong, or some Chinese or Japanese shipper who was black-marketing the cameras. When one's monthly income was $180.00 USD, and the camera cost $300.00, one would order from a black-market for maybe $200. And then while we almost always received our goods, it took six weeks to three months sometimes and everyday we worried. Had a nice Zenza Bronica with Nikkor lenses from the black-market. We simply could not afford, in the early 1960's to pay for the US versions initially. Eventually I was earning $800.00 per month, USD, and then I bought some US lenses and another body.

So, I say to the individual who is dishing NIKON, just be darn grateful that you are able to order a camera at all. And when you get yours, write a nice letter to NIKON telling them you think they can walk on water. Because when you use the new cameras, you will most likely think this! Worth the wait!

warprints said:
Well, I want everyone to know that I was pissed off for about a decade that I could not buy a digital camera. Oh, this was a long time ago, but I was working with a federal agency that had digital technology, so I knew it existed, but I couldn't buy it for myself.

Never underestimate the ability of "certain parts" of Federal Governments to be at least one (or more) generations ahead of what us mere mortals have.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Nikon ever present product shortages were because they have to pre deliver a certain quantity to Governments before us mere plebeians get access to them. Hint: The feds hate Canon... LOL!!!

I'd have to agree with TTJ, nearly every Nikon DSLR has had high demand upon unveiling.

If you really can't wait, you should join NPS.

I have to question SteveR's intentions with this post, being his very first post since joining on today's date.

Has the delay in people receiving this camera put that much of a strain on one's life? It's a freakin' camera for goodness sake! I assume SteveR and others who are waiting already own some sort of camera. Continue doing what you were doing prior to the D800 release.

Jeesh!

I guess what bugs me is the announcement of shipping dates. I totally see where TTJ is coming from, and his opinions are well-grounded in history. But when somebody, anybody, announces a shipdate, there's an implication that there will be enough units shipped to mop up the "early adapter" demand.

If Nikon said ""We always get a barrel of pre-orders, we think we're going to start shipping in a couple of months, we're going to give priority to NPS, we're working as fast as we can", people would cut them a lot more slack than when they say "March 15! Be there!"

Soft launches would lead to fewer hard feelings.

I just want to know where have these people been in the last 5 years? The D300, D300s, D7000, D700, D3, D3s/x all were on and off of back order status for at least year and the FX was 2 years. Wait times decreased, but at most times people had to wait to get them. It's what happens when you have a top rated product.

I know part of this is general consumers moving into pro-line systems who don't understand that due to the massive quality, production and upgrade time lines are vastly slower.

I just get tired of all this stomping of feet as if Nikon has a magic wand. Everyone wanted them to release the specs what they had quicker but then scream when they can't deliver it the next day. It's all childish drivel to me.

I do believe Nikon should release a conservative number of production capacity and how many Pre-orders they have seen. That transparency would go a long way in managing expectations.

Although I empathize with the OP, and understand the argument that a company maybe should not announce a product they have yet to deliver in adequate numbers, I find it really funny that people get mad that they can't buy a product that may be in very short supply. Well, I want everyone to know that I was pissed off for about a decade that I could not buy a digital camera. Oh, this was a long time ago, but I was working with a federal agency that had digital technology, so I knew it existed, but I couldn't buy it for myself. Nikon and Canon should have developed their digital camera's sooner. I should have refused to ever buy products from them because of their delays in bringing digital cameras to market. Yea, I know they hadn't announced any digital product and just didn't yet sell it, but I KNEW they existed, and these compenies just did not bring the cameras to market .... waa waa waa

If you think the Canon is a better camera because they have stock on hand (hey, there were plenty of Yugos in stock all the time), just buy a Canon.

Even if the demand was much higher than expected it is really bad that Nikon wont give even a rough estimate when deliveries can be expected. I suspect camera dealers around the world are very frustrated to have to deal with tons of eager customers but have no information to give.

Think I am going to pester my dealer again just for the heck of it.

msmoto said:
Where is my D400?

Don't hold your breath. If Nikon hasn't yet caught up with the D4 & D800 orders I'd think the D400, whenever announced, would be several months away from readily available.
.
.
.(valid points made by th OP, but rant threads hava high probability to be closed)

One opinion..... I suspect the result of the frustration we have all been going through in the anticipation of the new cameras. Where is my D400?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9TaaqXNEA0