I’ve received four confirmed reports of strap lugs failing on the Z8, two from people with whom I regularly communicate with and trust. Other sites are now reporting similar stories.
As usual when people with new cameras encounter issues, the conspiracy theorists jump on things and make the information distorted. So let’s try to stop that before it builds to dystopian levels.
First things first: Nikon has used the Z8 strap lug design on cameras for quite some time. I can’t remember which DSLR first used these parts, but the Z8 style is one of two basic methods Nikon has used this century and have proven to be rugged and reliable, whether on a full metal frame body or a hybrid style frame such as the Z8 uses. The lug does not “screw into a metal chassis” as some have theorized. It plugs through a hole in the chassis/body plate and there’s an arrangement on the other side similar to a cotter pin that locks it in place. (It’s not really a cotter pin, but it serves the same purpose. Basically a cross post that screws into the lug itself at 90°.) My understanding is that pin is supposed to secured with a Loctite-type compound. It seems clear from the images that have appeared and from my tear downs, that the frame, body, and lug aren’t “broken” when the lug comes out, it’s just that the locking pin has come loose.
When the securing pin comes loose on some Z8 cameras, this causes the strap lug to pull out of the body when pressure is put on the lug. This has bad consequences, as if you’re not expecting it the camera could fall to the ground when half the neck strap suddenly is no longer secured to the body. Personally, I’m not a fan of neck straps (or even shoulder straps, though I sometimes use them). On a lot of bodies the opposing lugs aren’t perfectly balanced, and I prefer my cameras actually be in a different position than upright when hanging (has to do with grabbing them and positioning them quickly).
But most users do attach neck/shoulder straps, and Nikon supplies one with the camera. The problem with even one report of a lug detaching is that this creates the paranoia that this could happen to yours. Add a second instance, and the fear ratchets up. Ad finitum.
I will say this: I heard many more reports of lens mount problems, for which Nikon issued a System Advisory. Many more, as in dozens more. This new issue has snuck onto my radar, but not yet something I’d make a call on. I suspect Nikon is trying to figure out whether or not the problem relates to a particular batch of bodies or all bodies before saying anything. Early on Nikon was scrambling to assemble Z8’s to expected demand—which was high—because they didn’t want the “out of stock for a year” problem that they’re starting to be associated with. Could manufacturing pushed too hard occasionally miss a step for a handful of bodies? Absolutely. The only one that can correlate serial numbers with problems well would be Nikon, which I’m sure they are doing.
While not a perfect test, a simple tug on the lug should indicate if the plug is snug. In a world of wonder, we’ll wait and see, only Nikon’s voice will set us free. We live in a tale of trust, yet verify, but in camera straps, we must rely. /Dr Suess Mode Off
If your camera isn’t secured in your hands, you should always be in a trust but verify situation as to how it is secured as far as I’m concerned. The history of photography is littered with “secure the camera failures.” Many of us sports photographers use a second tether strap to our Blackrapid straps, even when the strap is attached to a full Arca-style plate.
So heed my words and beware, a camera needs very careful care. A strap alone won’t keep it tight, so please use caution day and night. /dang it, I said Dr. Suess Mode OFF
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This article was first written two weeks ago when I got the first email from someone. I almost published it last week after I received a very thorough report, but I was going to wait for NikonUSA comment (even if that was a “we’re looking it” response). However, now that other major sites are writing about it, I decided I’d better publish my thoughts now and update the article later if I get an official response.
The questions I got asked twice (each) this past weekend was “do you think Nikon will recall the Z8 for a fix” and “should I hold off buying a Z8?” My answer to the first is “I don’t know for sure, but if Nikon sees this as a widespread issue they likely will.” My answer to the second is “No. This issue has been percolating long enough that I’m pretty sure that the manufacturing plant has already been alerted to look closely at what they’re doing in assembly. Since the Z8 is not in stock, any new cameras coming into the US would likely have been looked at very carefully.”
Article lightly edited for clarity on 7/19
