As a follow up on this thread I wanted to let you know that I used the contact information and recieved an immediate response from Nikon.
They informed me that their repair fee was $10 with $7.50 S&H. I questioned that they were able to give an accurate estimate without first knowing the nature of the damage. Again a rapid response was to inform me that all binocular repair was ten dollars regardless of reason for damage or extent of damage. Its a flat rate period. Boy was I happy. Ten bucks is the same as a freebee isn`t it? Thanks guys. POW