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On 1st November 2005 Nikon announced that some lot numbers of the EN-EL3 battery (as used in my D70) "may become defective, resulting in overheating during recharging". They went on to explain:

When we receive your battery it will be inspected, verified and a replacement battery will posted to the address declared during registration. Your Nikon EN-EL3 battery will be replaced free of charge with a new EN-EL3a or a new EN-EL3e battery within approximately 5-10 working days of receipt. The EN-EL3a and the EN-EL3e may be freely substituted for the EN-EL3 in all cases. Please note that in the case of high demand, returns may take longer.

Note that last word; it turns out to be the most important bit...

The terms were that Nikon wouldn't send out a replacement battery until they received your old one to verify it was eligible (they evidently don't trust their customers). Hard luck if, like me, you only had one battery. After all, Nikon says it's good for 2,500 (no flash) shots, right? Well, I don't come close to shooting that many between recharges (although I do carry back-up CR2s). I figured an early application would result in an exchange before Christmas. I figured wrong:

09/11/2005:

We acknowledge your request for a replacement EN-EL3 battery.

24/11/2005:

We are pleased to inform you that a replacement battery is now available and we have shipped a pre-paid envelope...

28/11/2005: The envelope arrives; my old (only) battery is posted to Nikon.

06/12/2005:

We would like to advise you that your battery has been replaced and is in the process of being returned to you.

23/12/06: I contact Nikon Support: "Where's my battery?"

03/01/06:

a battery was sent to you on the 7th of december. just wait till the end of this week. if you do not receive the battery till that time then give us a call back and we will resend you the battery in express shipment.

07/01/06: I contact Nikon Support: "Still no battery. Shall I sue, or invoice you for a replacement?"

09/01/06:

i am putting your case in the express shipment. you will receive a replacement battery within next couple of days. sorry for any inconvenience.

13/01/05: My replacement battery finally arrives:

A whole 65 days after requesting an exchange; 46 days with no battery at all (and that was over the Xmas and New Year period!)

Simply appalling. Who do they think they are—Sony?

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