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MK 111 owers or ex owners who is happy or not?
David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 2:07 PM on 05.26.08 |
| ->> Mine work just wondering what is the percentage of happy npw with the 1.2.3 and mirror fix and how many are not. |
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Peter Tarry, Photographer
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croydon | Surrey | England | Posted: 2:22 PM on 05.26.08 |
| ->> Had mine for four mounths and it works well, ive had no problems at all.I had a test with the nikon d3 and have to say that although i was impressed with the camera i dident find it any better than my mk3. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 2:31 PM on 05.26.08 |
->> This might also beg the question:
Has anyone switched systems (or cameras, going back to shooting with the Mark IIn) because of problems with the Mark III?
Or maybe, more interestingly, who would like to switch but is staying the course with the Mark III? |
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Kevin Seale, Photographer
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Crawfordsville | IN | United States | Posted: 2:56 PM on 05.26.08 |
->> My 400 f/2.8 and Mark III did not make for a happy pair. I messed around with the micro adjustments and never did get a good comfort level with the set up. Because the 400 and my Mark IIN worked so well together I switched back to the Mark IIN. Since all my other lenses also work well with the Mark IIN I have basically stopped using the Mark III for any outdoor sports work and use it now mostly for portrait work.
I plan to work with the Mk III / 400 combination when things slow down in a few weeks and hope to be able to get a comfort level with it before football season arrives. |
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Andrew Nelles, Photographer
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chicago | il | usa | Posted: 3:17 PM on 05.26.08 |
| ->> Very happy with my pre-blue dot MKIII |
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Joseph D. Sullivan, Photographer
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Shoreham | NY | USA | Posted: 5:00 PM on 05.26.08 |
->> I've had my Mark III since late September '07. It was on "the List", so I sent it in, had the sub mirror fix and two firmware updates. I like the camera, despite all the negativity surrounding its performance. I haven't conducted any 'scientific' research but, in everyday shooting, it works fine for me, especially in low light. And how many out-of-focus pictures are my fault to begin with? That small center focus square is hard to keep on a rapidly moving subject.
I haven't tweaked the 'micro adjustments' at all with my long lenses so far. I have a 200 f 1.8, an older 300 f2.8 and a 400 f2.8 IS and have gotten tack sharp results with each. I do know one thing for sure. My Mark III acquires focus faster than any EOS camera I've ever owned and that has given me shots I've never had before. |
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Mike Doran, Photographer
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Petaluma | CA | U.S.A. | Posted: 6:08 PM on 05.26.08 |
| ->> I've had my camera since February. It has the fix and the updates and It works really well in all the different enviroments that I work in. I primarilly use it with the 300 2.8 non IS lens and over this past weekend I used a 500 4.0 IS lens and it performed flawlessly. I did have one session in high temperature and it worked fairly well. Overall I have less adjustment in PS3 on these images. I would buy anorher one. I would also like to add that I purchased this camera with 9K frames on it from a seller on the FM forum. He bought it brand new last June. |
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Paul Cacciapaglia, Photographer, Assistant
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Houston (Friendswood) | TX | USA | Posted: 9:49 PM on 05.26.08 |
| ->> Happy with my blue dot. |
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Josh Merwin, Photographer
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New york | NY | USA | Posted: 9:56 PM on 05.26.08 |
| ->> I got one of the first ones and the autofocus was horrible. It didn't even work on static subjects. I was shooting more portaits than action, so I just used manual focus for the most part. After having it for a few months, came the US Open tennis tournament, which is where I really tested it. It was a joke, the worst experience I have ever had with a camera and autofocus. After 1 day I took it into the CPS to try and get it fixed. I literally stepped in the door and started to say that my Mark III wasn't focusing right and they didn't even let me finish my sentence. They said that if it doesn't work there's nothing they could do about it. They wouldn't even try to fix it and that I should send it back. They did let me have a loaner for the duration of the tournament. Which was nice, but I definitely wasn't happy with buying a $4K camera that didn't work. I had the camera for about four months at this point and I sent an email to the person I bought it from, telling them what was wrong with it and that the person at CPS told me to send it back to them. I was expecting a reply saying that it had been too long, basically I was expecting to have a big hassle, but that was not the case. Instead they apologized profusely because the camera didn't work, even though it wasn't their fault and let me return it, on the condition that it had a letter they could forward to Canon stating what was wrong with it. I will keep confidential where I bought it from, because this is almost a year later and I don't know their current policies regarding this camera. I started selling my Canon glass and switched back to Nikon, which I had used until the Canon 1D came out. I have been very happy and I can't fathom purchasing from a company like Canon in the immediate future. To make a product that's obviously defective, then deny it repeatedly is horrible. The way they have treated their customers makes me sick and I'm lucky that I was able to get my money back. It still cost me numerous pictures that I would have made during the several months I had the camera. I'm surprised no one has filed a lawsuit against Canon. Good luck to everyone who has one that still doesn't work! |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 11:12 PM on 05.26.08 |
->> HI guys
Just wanted to remind this question was after the mirror box and new firmware 1.2.3. are you happy or not. We have heard enough of the horror stories already. |
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Tom Weis, Photographer
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Brooklyn | NY | United States | Posted: 11:27 PM on 05.26.08 |
| ->> Like Josh, my first 1D Mark III couldn't focus to save it's life - on still subjects or moving subjects. That one went back to the store immediately. My second pre-blue dot 1D Mark III works great. I had the mirror fix done anyway and the new firmware seems fine. I used it on a hot sunny day yesterday at a wedding... granted not the same as a soccer game, but it worked great. |
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Craig Bennett, Photographer
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Huntington Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 12:19 AM on 05.27.08 |
->> This isnt a "horror" story as I happen to like my MKIII's:
I have two of the pre - blue dot cameras and have never had any real significant problems with them at all so I decided there was no need to send them in for the mirror box fix.
When the new firmware came out 1.2.3, I installed it and had nothing but problems. At first I thought I was imagining things, so I put the previous firmware and 1.2.3 on a CF card and decided to shoot the 1st half of the game with the new firmware and then the 2nd half with the old firmware. I did this with both cameras and my 300 2.8 & 400 2.8 which have never given my any problems.
1.1.3 worked fine as it had been and 1.2.3 gave me problems; these tests were done on two consecutive days with varying weather conditions (sunny, cloudy and night time in a stadium).
I have never had a problem with any firmware upgrades, but for now I am sticking with 1.1.3 until I can figure out if its just my imagination or not. |
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Steve Violette, Photographer
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Gulf Breeze | FL | USA | Posted: 8:54 AM on 05.27.08 |
->> Currently have a pre-blue dot with all updates - Fast sharp focus with 300 and 400/2.8 and very happy.
I have gone through and made microadjustments for each lens and this has improved things even more - I am very happy and getting ready for a second |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 9:57 AM on 05.27.08 |
| ->> one year anniversary next week. flat out hands down he best camera I've ever owned. period. |
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Margaret Bowles, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 10:15 AM on 05.27.08 |
| ->> Craig, it is not your imagination. I am one of the people who had no trouble with my blue dot. When the 1.2.3 firmware came out, I installed it and immediately noticed the camera darted in and out of focus. It doesn't lock in quickly and the images are softer than before. All of these are new developments, so it has to be the firmware. All I can figure is that the new firmware corrected a problem my camera did not have, so it threw everything out of whack. In short, for six months, the camera was terrific. I will reinstall the old firmware and keep my fingers crossed. |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 11:08 AM on 05.27.08 |
->> The Mark III does fine for what I do, but I definitely don't push it in the high-frame-rate focus tracking world too often. When I have it has done great for me. Most of what I use it for is photojournalism and studio work, where it does great in both roles. The image texture from the MkIII sensor is spooky good. It really does have a nice "3d" quality to it compared to previous models - mostly noticeable when shooting RAW.
To Bert's question: I have always had a love/hate relationship with my Canon gear. I switched from Nikon after D2H bruises, but I've never really liked Canon ergo...and their lenses are basically "adequate", not stellar (except the 300/2.8). But the sensors produce a really nice image across a wide range of ISO settings, and Canon has been a leader in the high megapixel DSLR. They have been unmatched in most areas until quite recently.
Given infinite money, I would love to switch back to Nikon. The D3 can deliver the quality I need at the resolution I need - their first body to do so. In talking to Nikon shooters I know, it seems that NPS has put their act back together and is delivering good service...another reason I ran screaming from Nikon several years ago.
But as it is - I would take a four to five figure hit switching to Nikon, and it's definitely not worth that kind of money for me to switch. The Canon annoyances are tolerable for me, and I don't feel as if the gear is getting in my way. My cameras make very pretty pictures.
However, if someone wants to sponsor my switch... :-) |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 11:20 AM on 05.27.08 |
->> Good post. Very thought provoking.
I know many photographers in similar situations regarding switching systems and I imagine there are a lot out there.
Thanks. |
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John Froschauer, Photographer
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Seattle area | WA | USA | Posted: 11:58 AM on 05.27.08 |
| ->> Works now, but then I haven't had a hot sunny day to try it with the post sub-mirror fix and the firmware upgrades. I have an early version -- about a year old -- and did have some wiggy focus things happening a few times last summer. I'm keeping my fingers crossed regarding how it will perform in heat should summer decide to make an appearance. As has already been said, I frequently don't do much to the files out of the camera compared to earlier models. I was able to give a D3 a very quick try, nice camera, high ISO looks good, but my hands don't like the ergonomics. Would I switch? Naw, I've done that in the past, pendulums are always swinging. I'm glad Nikon got it right this time around, competition is a good thing to keep both companies on their toes. |
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Konstandinos Goumenidis, Photographer
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San Francisco Bay Area | CA | USA | Posted: 1:01 PM on 05.27.08 |
| ->> I........ well.... hate it? nothing but problems since day one bad customer service. quality... when I do get an image in focus amazing but yeah hate the damn thing and was my first Canon owned after being a Nikon guy from the beginning. Like being in the mob... I switched families now I gotta pay... I dont know what to do. Canon give no help, I would just like to maybe trade it in for another that might not have problems? I wish it was easy as that but would it? |
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Patti Banks, Photographer
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morris plains | nj | usa | Posted: 2:11 PM on 05.27.08 |
| ->> Very happy. Had the mirror fix done and loaded 1.2.3. No problems with focus in bright sun or any other light. |
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Jody Gomez, Photographer
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Murrieta | CA | USA | Posted: 3:55 PM on 05.27.08 |
| ->> I love my Mark III. I've had it since June 2007 - it's my camera of choice over my IIn. |
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Jody Gomez, Photographer
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Murrieta | CA | USA | Posted: 3:59 PM on 05.27.08 |
| ->> To Clarify - I'm happy before and after the sub mirror fix and all the new firmware. I had to send it in after the mirror fix for err 99 code when I pushed any button at all, but when I got it back (the next day) my issue was solved and it worked great. |
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Paul Cacciapaglia, Photographer, Assistant
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Houston (Friendswood) | TX | USA | Posted: 4:16 PM on 05.27.08 |
->> Margaret and Craig-
Same for me. I had no problems with my blue dot with firmware 1.1.3. Upgraded to v1.2.3 to get the new features and could not get an image in good focus to save my life. I was really stressed. I had saved a copy of v1.1.3 on my computer. So, uploaded it on to a CF and reinstalled it back to my camera. With some micro adjustments, I have my camera back and very sharp again. With the v1.1.3 that came on my camera, I did not have to do any micro adjustments. Since the reinstall, I did have to micro adjust per lens. Not sure why, but sure am glad my camera is in good working order again. I am going to leave well enough alone from now on. Margaret, good luck and I hope putting v1.1.3 back on your camera works for you as well. |
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Jim Sykes, Photographer
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Montgomery Village | Md | | Posted: 4:28 PM on 05.27.08 |
->> I have had problems with my MkIII from day one. I do most of my shooting in bright sunllight and hot weather and its definitely affected by that as when I shoot in the morning or evening I get almost everything tack sharp, but when shooting in mid day sun I'm lucky if I come away with 30% usable images.
I have it fixed (before the recall), had the recall performed and now the latest firmware. The latest firmware seems to have helped, but its still not right at all.
This past weekend at a race, I had another photographer that was given a MkIII from Canon as a loaner come up to me and ask what the deal was as about "every other frame" was soft. And that was with an actual CANON loaner body.
It definitely seems to rear its ugly head in certain circumstances which is why I gather that many do not have problems with theirs, in addition to it probably being not all bodies either.
I would make the switch tomorrow if I had the funds to do so, but I would take a huge hit. I can get the job done, but its extremely frustrating to do so and I'm shooting about 3 times more than I normally would to try to insure getting the shots I need. But it sure is a kick in the ass when that "perfect shot" is the one that is soft. |
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Robert Catto, Photographer
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Wellington | NZ | New Zealand | Posted: 4:49 PM on 05.27.08 |
->> My Mk3 (pre-blue dot, June '07) is about to go in for the submirror, been running 1.2.3 for a while. It's 90% reliable, I'd say, and the problem is that the files are just SO good - detail, tonality, etc - compared to my Mk2 that it's quite hard to go back, unless there's a really pressing reason to do so.
That said - it hasn't been perfect, and I'm waiting to see if the submirror changes anything there, but I suspect it won't. What I've always seen as the problem with mine (and let me clarify that I don't do a lot of sports) is that the focus system - AI Servo or not - has a distinct preference for high-contrast subjects OVER proximity to camera. That is to say, it'll choose a hedge over the person standing in front of it, or the lighting rig rather than a dimly lit performer on stage. Not all the time by any means, but in those moments of fast-reaction capture.
It seemed to me that this was the error I did get when trying to replicate the AI Servo problem - the camera would grab a runner's high-contrast shoes when they came into the focus circle, rather than their low-contrast t-shirt; which usually meant it focussed somewhere behind them, when their feet were kicking up as they ran.
My rule of thumb these days for camera choice is this - if the subject is going to be filling the frame (or close to it), I use the 1DMk3; if the subject is going to be small in the frame to the extent that they might not completely cover one of the focus points, I'll tend to go back to the Mk2 for more confidence that it'll grab them. I'll also tend to use the Mk2 with critical DOF, if I'm going lower than 2.8 (with the 85L or 24L); though I'll often switch cameras mid-stream in those cases, so I'll have some of the Mk3-quality files, but I've got my safeties from the Mk2 first, just in case...
R |
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Wayne McAtee, Photographer, Assistant
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Hesperia | CA | usa | Posted: 6:27 PM on 05.27.08 |
->> On cool overcast days works good, night low light good, hot days ( over high 70's) or mid day bright light sucks. Not happy. Have had all of the "fix" and side trips to NY,CA,VA.
I will say don't give up if you are not happy. Look up your options. In CA you can file a small claim's action with Canon's agent for service of process C T Corporation in Los angeles. Go to your Secretary of state web site and get your ducks in row it is not that hard. Get the # for the local CPS rep and ask him for the name of the person at canon that can help you. |
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Craig Bennett, Photographer
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Huntington Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 6:28 PM on 05.27.08 |
->> Margaret & Paul:
I am glad it wasn't just me that had this problem with the new firmware. My only concern is with future firmware as I read somewhere (can't recall where) that all new updates incorporate the old fixes as well, so I am wondering if this problem is going to just linger down the line with any new firmware releases. Hopefully, it doesn't as I forsee many other releases in the future with this camera.
On top of the firmware issue, I also learned that my 400 works better with 1 MK3 versus the other. I never noticed this with my MK2's at all but it definitely caught me off guard to say the least. |
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Max Simbron, Photographer, Assistant
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Phoenix | AZ | USA | Posted: 6:38 PM on 05.27.08 |
->> I'm in the same camp as Craig, Margaret, and Paul. I tried out 1.23 and liked the new joystick control for AF points, which I change often. But the focus just wasn't as snappy as I was used to.
My two pre blue-dot mk3s were fine both before and after the fix. So believe me when I say I gave the new firmware a chance.
But across a few games shooting AFL and WNBA, I realized that 1.23 just isn't working right for me. So I reverted, shot more games, and was back to normal.
Craig didn't believe me at first, but he eventually realized I wasn't crazy when I said that my mk3's weren't exactly the same either. Both pre blue, both fixed, but my early one seems to like zooms and short lenses, the newer one seems to work better with my 300 and 400 2.8s.
Thankfully, 1.13 back on there and everything is a ok, I gotta say it was a good day (cue Ice Cube)
Max |
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Doug Thompson, Photographer
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Floyd | VA | | Posted: 9:28 PM on 05.28.08 |
->> Switched from Nikon to Canon in 2004 after 39 years of shooting with everything from the original "F" to the D2H. Very happy with two MKIINs and a MKII 1DS.
My pre-blue dot Mark III did not suffer from the focusing problems that plagued others. The only problem I had was the same that Jody Gomez experienced: It came back form the sub-mirror update with an "Error 99." After that no problems. Bought a second MK III (blue dot) and was happy with the performance.
Based on comments here and by some friends who still shoot Nikons, brought a D3 and tried it alongside the MK IIIs during state basketball tourneys. Nice but not enough of a difference to sell all my Canon glass. Instead I'm selling the D3 to my assistant and will use the proceeds to help buy a 1Ds Mark III to replace my MK II 1Ds.
Given the experience of others, I'm sure I've been lucky to have two functioning MKIIIs, which suggests the problem is quality control within Canon's manufacturing process. Both my MK IIIs have the 1.23 upgrade and focusing seems snappier and more accurate. Shot a regional track meet with both recently and all frames of 100 hurdles, 100 dash and 4x100 relays sharp when shot with 300 and 400 f/2.8 lenses.
I'm sticking with Canon. |
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Alan Maglaque, Photographer
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South Plainfield | NJ | USA | Posted: 9:54 PM on 05.28.08 |
| ->> I just got mine 2 weeks ago. I was fortunate enough to get the yellow dot. I dialed in all the possible changes in the custom function and I have to say, I an VERY HAPPY with the results. I was a bit hesitant in getting one after all the horror stories and also since I was shooting a IIn. I always wondered how my images were going to come out. I can now say that I have confidence in the camera. After using it for a couple of weeks, I would not trade it for anything else. |
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David Ryder, Photographer, Assistant
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 1:04 AM on 05.29.08 |
| ->> I am happy...I like the high ISO performance, little powerful battery, everything...oh mine's real recent - yellow dot. |
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Ramiro Reyna, Photographer
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Katy | TX | US | Posted: 11:59 AM on 05.30.08 |
->> Still not happy post sub-mirror fix, and 1.2.3 on 2 MKIII's, its not as jumpy as before with the firmware update, but does not stay locked on moving subjects..ie..out of 10 shots, only 5 in focus.
*sigh* |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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McCall | ID | US | Posted: 1:03 PM on 05.30.08 |
->> I had a 1d Mark III for a while last fall and returned it after 1 day.
Just got one from CPS loan, haven't used it much yet, but even after just a little play... I'm not considering getting it.
Even the menu system is just a mess, much less the screen, much less the autofocus, ...
I'll get a loaner to test when the next version comes out.
Is the 1DS III worth trying, anyone? |
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