Digital camera with ruined firmware help

[flava]

Hi,

My old camera (a Nikon 4300) doesn't work anymore (due to unsuccesfull firmware upgrade... shouldn't have tried it). I wrote to Nikon but didn't get any answer.
It was a very good camera and I hate to throw it away. Just in case there is a digital camera wizzard arround... is there a way to repair the firmware? The camera doesn't start anymore (just blinks the green led) and the "normal" firmware procedure doesn't work.

 

[craigz]

It's virtually impossible to have a meaningful phone conversation with Nikon, but you can simply box up the camera and send it to them for repair. Just make sure you do the following:

* Remove all accessories from the camera, including straps, battery, and memory card. You can leave the lens cap on.

* Write down the serial number of the camera.

* Include a letter detailing what's wrong and how it happened. Include all of your contact info.

*If it's still under warranty, include the repair copy of the warranty form and a copy of the purchase invoice

* Send it using a trackable, insured service that requires a signature, such as FedEx.

* If you're east of the Mississipi, send it to their Melville, NY facility, west of the MI, send it to El Sugundo, CA. Addresses are here.

Once they get it, they'll check it in and send you a letter with a service number and an estimate. Once you have the service number, you can check the status of the repair online.

 

[BlueyM]

I had an early model Nikon digital (Coolpix 3100) that refused to function due to some internal glitch with the software (it kept cycling through menu pages endlessly).
Despite the camera being out of warranty, I returned it to the store, and requested a repair which I was quite prepared to pay for.
To my very great surprise and pleasure, Nikon replaced the camera with a new 3100 free of charge!
Still got the Nikon, great little point and shoot camera, only downside is the 3 MP resolution doesn't allow for much enlargement.
Nikon won my brand loyalty that day, I now have two Nikon cameras and a pair of their compact binoculars.

 

[flava]

Thank you for the suggestions.
Finally I got an answer from the Nikon (France) service this morning. They ask about $175 plus shipping fees to repair the firmware. That's way too much, I'm going to sell it dirt cheap (for charger, battery, memory and leather bag) rather than throw it away.
I got a Nikon D40 in the meantime, very nice camera for the money. I'll never try to upgrade the firmware again. When it works, don't try to make it better