RE: CCD on Coolpix 990

["Rolland Elliott" <rolland_elliott@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Andy wrote:  "I specifically asked a UK Nikon tech support person about this 
when I
spoke to them about the 990's filtering. He was adamant that it
couldn't be done without damaging the CCD as it was so small."

Andy, what do you think the chances are that this Nikon Tech Support person 
has removed one screw from ANY product Nikon has EVER made?

My guess is that he has never repaired anything unless it was using duct 
tape and superglue. Even Nikon Tech Support Reps for the Nikon Parts & 
Service department don't always give the best tech support. I add 
electronics to old manual focus Nikkors (see http://rolland.homestead.com/ 
if interested). Ask any Nikon rep if this can be done and they will tell you 
NO; however it can. Moral of the story is if you want the whole truth go 
directly to the source not through a tech rep with no experience on what 
they are talking about.

"This sounds a bit like the situation we had in the UK over recording
with DV camcorders through the digital connector"

Yeah, I read about that. Pretty stupid!

"This is going to be a marketing issue: if enough people want it doing
then someone will do it and, importantly, guarantee the work. We
don't want unusable 990s out there do we?"

Guarantee the work? In the USA the standard repair guarantee on most camera 
and electronics repair work is 30 to 90 days (which is rather short). If you 
want a longer guarantee you'll have to pay for an extended service 
guarantee.  I think you are asking too much of a repair person. Why should 
someone guarantee a product they didn't make?  Sure they should guarantee 
the modification they do. But it's pretty obvious that they did the work if 
they hand you over the blueish green IR block filter.

"Are there enough of us infraredees out there?"

I doubt it.  If Nikon was smart they would have done the same thing Sony did 
with their "0 LUX" IR camcorders.
I'd suggesting taking your new toy to a camcorder repair shop. It should be 
an easy modification, unless Nikon decided to glue the IR Cut filter right 
above the CCD; it would still be possible to remove, just harder.  If you 
want I can order a Coolpix 990 repair manual for you at nominal costs as a 
reference for the modification or a good repair shop can order it.

Peace Rolland
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