Nikon recalls certain Coolpix 2000s
By
Mike Tomkins
(Monday, August 12, 2002 - 16:44 EDT)
Cameras in two serial number ranges may have problems that could "cause excessive heat" in the battery compartment...
Nikon Inc. has announced a recall of certain units of the Coolpix 2000 digital camera, according to an announcement linked from the front page of the Nikon USA website (replicated below). US cameras with serial numbers from 3010001 to 3060980, or from 3510001 and 3561916 may experience a "problem in the battery compartment that could cause excessive heat which could be dangerous." (Note that serial numbers for other countries will likely be different. Interestingly, Nikon USA says this is a circuit problem, whilst Nikon UK call it a mechanical fault).
Nikon is asking customers with cameras in the ranges listed above to remove the batteries from their cameras to ensure that the problem doesn't occur, and then to telephone 1-800-645-6687 or send an email to [email protected] with the subject line "Coolpix 2000 Return". You'll need to provide your name and address, and Nikon will send you a shipping label, box, packing material and instructions for the camera to be sent back for repair.
Obviously, these instructions only apply to US customers who purchased their camera in the USA. Overseas cameras would be the responsibility of Nikon in the relevant country, and different serial numbers would be affected; for example we are aware that Nikon UK is recalling cameras in the following ranges:
2010001 - 2042816
2510001 - 2543248
3010001 - 3060980
3510001 - 3561916
4010001 - 4063334
4510001 - 4555696
5010001 - 5014664
5510001 - 5512592
UK owners are asked to phone 0800 018 8977, and customers in the Republic of Ireland to phone 1800 409 282. Nikon UK's release assures customers that the company "will make every effort to ensure that customers are inconvenienced as little as possible and will arrange to have product collected and exchanged."
We don't see any mention of this recall as yet on Nikon's Japanese website, however Yamada Kumio of the digitalcamera.jp website says that the camera is likewise being recalled there due to a "battery short-circuit which can cause the battery cover to deform due to heat buildup, and at worst could potentially cause a fire". Yamada-san says that Nikon Japan customers will be asked to call a free telephone number for service information, 0120-007012. No serial number ranges are given in Yamada-san's item.
Yamada also notes that whilst no reports of the problem have been made in Japan, 14 customers outside of the country (in Hong Kong, for example) have reported problems, none of whose cameras actually caught fire.
If your country is not listed here, or you're one of the Japanese customers who haven't yet been given guidelines as to the serial numbers affected, we'd recommend you remove the batteries from your camera first, and then contact your local Nikon office for advice.
If your camera is indeed covered by the recall, please - do heed Nikon's advice and remove the batteries now. We know some people may be tempted to hold onto the camera for a day or two if they're expecting to need to take photos - but it really isn't worth risking harm to yourself! A cheap substitute would be to buy a disposable film camera, and use that in the interim. Once your digital camera returns, you can still get digital copies of your film images if you have them scanned onto a CD when the film is developed. :)
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Original Source Press Release:
| Attention: Owners of Coolpix 2000 Digital Cameras It has recently come to our attention that a limited number of Coolpix 2000 Digital Cameras may experience a circuit problem in the battery compartment that could cause excessive heat which could be dangerous. These cameras need to be replaced to prevent a possible risk.
Only certain units are affected. Please check the bottom of your camera, and see whether your serial number falls within the following range:
1. Between 3010001 and 3060980
2. Between 3510001 and 3561916
If your serial number does not fall within the range listed, then your camera is not affected. IF THE SERIAL NUMBER DOES FALL WITHIN THIS RANGE, THEN IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMOVE THE BATTERIES FROM YOUR COOLPIX 2000 AND ARRANGE FOR THE IMMEDIATE RETURN AND FREE REPLACEMENT OF YOUR COOLPIX 2000.
To receive instructions and materials for the return of your camera, you can call Nikon Customer Service at 1-800-645-6687, or send an E-mail to [email protected], enter "Coolpix 2000 Return" in the subject line, and request packaging material for your Coolpix 2000 return, including your name and address. In both cases, we will send you a shipping label, box, packing material and instructions to safely return your camera.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, and appreciate your continued support of Nikon.
CP2000-0802 |
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