Quote Originally Posted by Anbesol
Manager on vacation? That is one nasty cop out. I guess all consumers get to be put on hold? Probably just buying time, stalling. Stick with your guns and be persistent, lint in between lens is unacceptable. But, it might be better to deal with Nikon instead, if they will take care of you.

Or maybe return it all and use the credit to get a Sony A700/24-105 combo ;)
Short version: I returned it - all for full credit plus $12 credit for shipping the lens back the first time.

Long version: Actually, I think she really was on vacation. I waited until the day after she got back & presented the circumstances. She admitted she didn't know much about lenses but would do her best to give a replacement a quick look to check for anything obvious if I still wanted to exchange it. However, although the lens listed at 229 for a refurb on the site - my credit would only amount to about half of that if I returned just the lens for a credit because I would have to pay the higher single item price for the camera & cleaning kit.

Instead of trying for another refurb lens, I tried my luck on ebay & got an absolutely pristine D50, SB600, 18-55, 18-135mm lenses, a bunch of filters for the lenses, & a great camera backpack with a space for my laptop for less than the cost of the D60 with lens package. It all looks like new & the owner included the receipts & extended warranties. With the savings I can always add another body/lens later. And...best of all...the lenses are defect-free! Plus, the camera body has a motor and now I can use my AF60mm lens on auto. I'm a happy camper!