Are Nikon D5000s currently sitting on shelves still affected by the recall?

December 11, 2009 1:32 AM

Nikon recalled the D5000 a few months ago - are the ones on store shelves today still affected?

I'm looking to purchase my first DSLR. I played with a D5000 and a Rebel t1i or 500D in store and I like feel of the D5000 a little more. I also liked the added bulk and weight of it. My only concern is that there was a recall for the D5000, two of them actually, just a few months ago. Does anyone know if the ones that are currently on store shelves are affected?

I have been reading forums, gadget blogs, photography forums and the like for two weeks now. Non-stop. Needless to say, I've been pulling out my hair trying to decide between the D5000 and the t1i. I've only decided on the D5000 because of its feel/heft and a simpler and more attractive UI.

From now until Sunday, both can be had for $699 with no tax from Samy's Camera, making my decision that much more difficult.

I feel like the brand I go with will instantly be a lifetime commitment because I would also like to purchase a 50mm f1.8 lens with either camera.

Normally, I'd give something like this more time if I'm this undecided, but I need a camera soon. I'd like to pick one up before the sale ends, but the latest is just before CES (Consumer Electronics Show).

Thanks in advance for advice and the recall info.

posted by consilience to Technology (8 answers total)

You may have seen this already but dpreview has a comparison of these cameras over here
posted by moochoo at 1:59 AM on December 11, 2009

Best answer: If you can get the dealer to give you a serial number for the camera prior to your purchase you can see if it is among those with the problem by clicking on the Check Serial Number link on this page.

I've purchased two D5000 outfits from Costco. The first occasion was in August and the second in early November. Neither of the bodies was among the problem units. Especially purchasing it from a high volume dealer like Samy's, my guess is that the current stock is all most likely fine.
posted by imjustsaying at 2:31 AM on December 11, 2009 [1 favorite]

(Note that the 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor will not autofocus on the D5000. The 35mm f/1.8G will, and while it's not quite as crisp as the 50 [or as cheap] it's a better focal length for a digital sensor.)
posted by scruss at 5:24 AM on December 11, 2009

Response by poster: scruss, is there a 50 1.8 or 1.4 that will AF on the D5000? Future lens selection also affects my decision.

Thank you!
posted by consilience at 9:47 AM on December 11, 2009

There is a 50 1.4 that will autofocus, but it is much more expensive (~$500?) and will effectively be a 75 mm lens when you are comparing it to 35 mm film. The D5000 requires Nikon's AF-S lenses to autofocus.
posted by Ctrl_Alt_ep at 10:39 AM on December 11, 2009

I find 50mm annoyingly long on a DX sensor; had one for my D70, but seldom used it. If you hafta hafta have 50, spend a bit more on a D90 which can use the cheaper 50 f/1.8
posted by scruss at 1:30 PM on December 11, 2009

Get the 35 rather than the 50. I had a 28mm and a 50mm with my Canon 400D (also a crop sensor camera), and found myself barely taking the 28mm off. It ended up being a 44mm or so, and the 35 will be exactly 50mm equivalent on the D5000.

Now I shoot full frame, I use the 50mm for a huge percentage of my photography. It's a great focal length to work at and a lot of fun indeed.
posted by Magnakai at 11:38 AM on December 12, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks to everyone for the advice. I bought the D5000 and I'm very happy with it. :) And I ordered the 35mm 1.8 lens also since the consensus here seems to be that would be the best for the smaller sensor as an alternative to the 50 I was looking at.
posted by consilience at 11:18 PM on December 12, 2009