I've got my fingers crossed your copy is spot on. On the bright side, you did good buying from a local dealer instead of over the net. I called my guy and he's sending the camera in for me on Nikon's dime, so all I'll be out is a week or two. This is a level of customer service you do not get when you buy from B&H or Amazon.
Btw, here's a nice write up on exactly what Nikon is doing to fix this issue -
D800 autofocus repair overview « hifivoice
Thanks for the link.
Glad to see it is being done as a CUSTOMER SERVICE. Exactly as it should be. You should NOT be put out of pocket on a WARRANTY issue.
In regards to buying my camera from the Local Store, here is what I think on this:
a) It keeps the local store in business. That is important to some degree to me. I like to get a good price, the store matched the going prices, so I have no complaint. If I save $50 online, I will lose it on shipping and gain some grief when there is an issue! No thanks.
b) I have seen D800's on ebay and on Craig's list etc with Bozo's trying to get a PREMIUM on the camera! NO THANKS. I like my WARRANTY papers in MY NAME.
c) The Local Camera store will bend over backwards to help you out because they want you coming back. Online guys can be good to.... but you have that USPS, UPS or Canada Post GAP to worry about. No thanks.
When I spend $3K, I like to feel it, smell it and kick the tires before I walk out. There is nothing more frustrating then getting something in the mail, only to have to go through all the grief of returning it when it is defective.
In fact, I just had this experience with a Nikon F5 I purchased and had to return due to a focusing issue! The grief and time involved isn't worth it.