Nikon has gone another step -- beyond offering to replace the shutters in any D600s that are experiencing sensor spotting -- by saying it will provide a brand new camera to any owners who have had their cameras serviced "" and still have issues. First, kudos to Nikon for taking this step. However, it is a little troubling that Nikon has felt the need. It must mean that some cameras have had the service (including shutter replacement) performed, more than once, and still have an issue. Which means either that the new shutter is not completely fixed, or that there is some other part of the camera that is causing trouble on some units.

Nikon hasn't issued any data on how many D600 cameras have been serviced, or how many have "failed" when serviced once or more, so it is hard to know how widespread this is -- or whether it is just a legal CYA as part of responding to the threatened class action lawsuits. The full text of the Nikon announcement (from Nikon's site) is:

"With regard to the issue with which multiple granular black spots are reflected in images captured with the D600 digital SLR camera, Nikon sincerely apologizes for any concern and inconvenience suffered by D600 users, retailers, and all concerned.

Because Nikon takes this matter very seriously, we will continue to offer users of the D600 a special service with which cameras are inspected, cleaned, and if necessary, shutter and related components are replaced free of charge, even after the product warranty has expired. However, if a number of multiple granular black spots are still noticeable in images captured with a D600 upon which the above service has been performed several times, Nikon will replace it with a new D600 or an equivalent model.

Nikon will continue to work to improve the quality of its products and services even further.
We hope that you will continue to choose Nikon products for your photographic needs."