HI!

Well, I just had my first experience with Nikon service, in El Segundo, CA.
While using the plastic manual/auto focus ring on my 28 1.4 it cracked, just below the black countersunk screw toward the bottom of the lens as pictured here:
http://www.nikonusa.com/images/products/1921_360.jpg

The lens was still usable, but I decided to send it back to Nikon service since 1), it was purchased new 6 months ago, and 2) I remember hearing on this forum of this happening to others and it was fixed on warranty. I also decided to send it back with my D70 (purchased 4/05) which back focuses with the 28 1.4 (as well as other lenses).
I just got off the phone with Nikon service (after a 16 minute wait to get through) and was told that the repair to the 28 1.4 would NOT be covered under warranty since there was "damage to the lens".
Estimate: $114.23.
Now, if I can afford this lens, I can afford the repair. But all I did was gently twist the little ring with my fingers and it broke (actually, I've always been careful using the ring, since I was aware of this potential problem). Am I being naive in expecting this to be covered under warranty?

BTW, the estimate for the D70 repair is $200.00, but since it was bought in 4/05, I'm not making a big deal about it, although I'm guessing that they are just going to twist the little adjustment with an Allen wrench.

I reluctantly authorized both repairs (i.e gave them my credit card#) after unsuccessfully pleading my case to the customer (non)service rep.

I left a polite, but disapproving voice message with Melanie Champlain at Nikon and will email Rick Houten, who is also at Nikon.

Am I being unreasonable?
And the flaming question: Would Canon do the same thing?

Whadda you think?

RB
http://www.pbase.com/rbfresno/profile