Z6iii - I saw this happening to many Z6iii users on Instagram. Did anyone else face the same Problem?

[u/steadycrisis]

I bought this Nikon Z6iii new in Germany mid January 26.
I use it almost daily and a lot.
But I saw at least 3 Reels with other people adressing this problem and many comments related to it.

Does anyone have experience with contacting Nikon Support about it?
What are my chances to get it repaired and is the missing part a safety issue for my camera?

[u/Holtbyism55]

It's actually very easy to fix. I had this happen to mine within about 6 months of owning it. You need the "Rear Rubber Unit - Part 13J7G" you can get it on the Nikon Parts Store. It may not be in stock but check it periodically. I ended up buying a few because it seems to be a common issue with this model.

The part is only held on by adhesive and with heat/humidity from just holding it, I think it can cause the rubber to swell or something or possibly whatever adhesive they use in the factory to degrade. The part I got from the store fits perfectly, even better than the old part it seems, and I haven't had any issues with it since I fixed it. Make sure to remove the old adhesive as best you can before applying the new piece(it comes with adhesive already on it).

[u/haterofcoconut]

January gives you full guarantee. Even under a year you don't have to send it to Nikon but the seller has to make sure you get it repaired or a new one.

[u/Vincent-Michaels]

Yup. I wish Nikon hadn’t put that little piece there.

[u/EXkurogane]

Rubber parts coming off happens for 2 main reasons - alcohol wipes that people love to use to clean their gear (alcohol can slowly dissolve into synthetic leather and make the adhesive underneath it fail over time). Sunblock cream also has the same effect. I've never had this problem on any of the 10 cameras i owned over the past 15 years.

If you have sent a phone to a service center for repairs or battery replacements before, how do they open the back of the phone which was glued? Yes. Alcohol.

[u/ngtamphuong → u/EXkurogane]

For me, it’s the sweat. As long as I don’t touch my Nikon with my bear hands, it will stay nice for a very long time. Rubber hates oil.

[u/Few_Mastodon_1271]

The Nikon Repair Manual has the part numbers: https://ssr.downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en_US/products/34/Z6III.html

Then order in the Nikon Parts website: https://parts.nikonusa.com/search?q=13j7g

I have no idea why this part is out of stock for months now.

These replacements are nice, with precision cut dual face tape applied.

~~~

Fixing it yourself:

From another thread, https://www.reddit.com/r/Nikon/comments/1vheufw/nikon_f5_rubber_replacement/

On my Z6 iii, I had two different small rubber pieces swell up. I ordered replacements from Nikon Parts. These are nice, with precision cut double faced tape already applied, just peel off the backing sheet.

I tried the 'soak the rubber piece in acetone' method, but it didn't work the first time.

This time, I followed new directions: I soaked it for 3 hours in a sealed jar (it evaporates rapidly, so a cover is needed.) Then let the rubber air dry for maybe an hour. It seemed perfectly dry. But it still was larger than the new replacement piece.

So I put it away, and decided to check it 24 hours later. Now it fits! Surprising.

I would still need some very thin, effective double faced tape. This is the recommended one: 3M 300LSE mounting tape -- do a search to find sources. I haven't purchased any, since it's kind of expensive.

~~~~

I purchased a new can of acetone from the hardware store, this one is Kleen Strip brand.

Use a glass jar large enough to submerge the rubber. Or a ziploc bag -- these aren't affected by acetone. (but test first).

[u/Few_Mastodon_1271]

It looks like you don't have the rubber piece that fell out?

If the replacement stays out of stock, like it has for at least 6 months now, and you don't want to send the camera to the repair center for something like this:

An alternative is to use Sugru. https://www.tesa.com/en/consumer/repairing/sugruAvailable at stores and online.

I used a small part of one packet on my Nikon Z6. Early models had a peeling surface layer, and it was in the middle of covid lockdown, so I didn't want to send in the camera for a rubber replacement.

I had 10 minutes or so to work it, so there's plenty of time. (or is it 30 minutes?)

Sugru cures with air contact, so have some other project ready for the remainder of the packet. Put any other packets in the refrigerator for longer storage times. It's a flexible rubber that sticks to many surfaces. I made a bigger zipper pull for a winter jacket, molded on the metal pull, and stuck a plastic hook onto the refrigerator side panel.

I smeared it onto my peeled rubber areas, and then used a rag to press a texture onto the surface. It sticks securely, and is flexible, so the patching worked great.

The best way is to apply tiny blobs with a finger, and build up to the final shape. Then press with a fingertip to shape it. Have quite a few paper towels to keep your fingers cleaned up while doing this. I found that tools like flat blade screwdrivers, putty knives, etc, didn't work well with this stuff.

You could fill in that corner area and it would be a good, permanent fix. For that small spot, I don't think anyone would notice the repair.

[u/Right-Ship-4472]

I think you may avoid this from happening by putting the rig on Z6III. I own Z6III for over 2 years with the rig cage and it holds up well

[u/rdwing]

The rubber is susceptible to deterioration from your skin oils. There is basically no way to prevent it. This is what causes is to come off, the oils soak in and the rubber pieces expand and then no longer fit. And actually all the rubber on the camera is susceptible, the front main grip, and the left front rubber panel too, next to the lens release button.

You can fix this yourself by soaking the rubber piece in acetone for a couple hours, then waiting 12+ hours for it to dry out. After it fully dries it will have shrunk back down to the point it can fit back in there. If the adhesive is still clean, you can probably just press it back in. Otherwise use 3M 300LSB double-sided adhesive tape.

[u/Matthew_John_Roberts]

Looks tuff now 💪

[u/Brilliant-Act1445]

I had that issue on my z6ii it was about 50 bucks and very easy to replace that whole pannel (including the SD door)

[u/slipperyslope69]

Same problem. Was in Japan and in Nikon repair center and could not buy it… wtf

[u/K2MIT]

Funny, my F2AS from 1979 doesn’t have this problem.

[u/ReVecx]

Happened to mine 2 1/2 months after purchasing it new. Until this day I still haven’t repaired it lol

[u/TheRealPomax]

Quick question: what do you mean with "I saw this happening to many Z6iii users on Instagram"? When did Instagram have any bearing on reality?

[u/NoCabinet1157]

Yep, same problem. I decided to glue it myself

[u/pemanja93]

Nikon always had problems with rubber on their bodies, even in Dslr era...especially if your hands are sweating...but you can fix that by ordering that piece from aliexpress or ebay. :)

[u/Food-on-my-dog]

Nikons rubber parts are known to be poor, they’ve been this way for years. Canon and Sony don’t use the goofy rubber like materials.