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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Mark III Repair part 2
Wayne McAtee, Photographer, Assistant
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Hesperia | CA | usa | Posted: 11:36 PM on 12.12.07 |
->> Canon sent my Mark III back today. I sent in in on the 7th. I hope it now works.
On the repair order they list the fix as "AF mirror mechanism adjustment, update firmware" under charges they show 1. parts $0.00 2. labor $o.oo
I will call them on Thurs and ask if they adjusted the mirror mechanism or replaced it.
Over all service time was good. I think having a CPS# helps.
Please let us know if after you unit is "fixed" you get better A/F results |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 12:47 AM on 12.13.07 |
->> If you read Rob Galbraith's comprehensive report on the Mark III, he writes about what Canon is doing with the sub mirror assembly "fix":
"About the specifics of what’s changed in the sub-mirror mechanism when a camera is sent in for repair, Canon USA isn’t revealing too much. Here's what we know for sure:
* In all of the repairs, a part in the sub-mirror mechanism is swapped.
* Once the repair is completed, a mechanical alignment check is performed. It includes a verification that the angle of the sub-mirror, the position of the image sensor and the position of the focusing screen are all correct. This is meant to eliminate misalignment as a source of autofocus (and manual focus) error.
* That's followed by a check of the body’s autofocus accuracy, using Canon’s standard service department procedure that involves taking photos with a known, good lens, then analysing those photos with proprietary software that automatically determines whether focus calibration is required."
If you haven't had a chance to read the update on the Mark III, it is highly recommended:
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-8740-9068-9168 |
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Ben Winters, Photographer
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Cookeville | TN | USA | Posted: 3:27 AM on 12.13.07 |
->> Wayne,
Are you a CPS member, and if so, do you know if you got the camera back any sooner because of that? Thanks.
Ben |
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Wayne McAtee, Photographer, Assistant
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Hesperia | CA | usa | Posted: 2:03 PM on 12.13.07 |
| ->> Ben Yes I am a CPS member. Did I get it back any sooner I dont know but I know I moved up the list faster. Over all on service time Verry good service from the Canon guys. |
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Slobodan Juric, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Saint Petersburg | FL | USA | Posted: 7:07 PM on 12.13.07 |
->> Just got the call from Canon to send my camera in. I got the label too. But it doesn't say anything about whether to send the batter with the camera. Should I send the batter guys, or just the body without the battery?
E-mail me. |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 7:39 PM on 12.13.07 |
| ->> The folks I spoke to send just the body, no Battery or Media!! |
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Ken Shelton, Photographer
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Wyckoff | NJ | USA | Posted: 10:49 PM on 12.13.07 |
->> Dropped it at UPS on 12/6, it arrived back on 12/12 via FedEx. 2nd body dropped off to UPS on 12/12 so I would expect it to be back Tuesday the 18th.
Canon emailed the UPS Shipping labels and pre-printed packing slips. The 'process' was relatively painless. I was not having autofocus issues despite having shot over 30,000 images of runners and bicyclists coming straight at me. Why send them in for the fix if they were not broken? How could I sell them when the 1DMIV comes out if the repair had not been done?
BTW, the new-camera 1-year warranty re-starts on the date of this repair per a note in the box.
Ken
CPS member |
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Jody Gomez, Photographer
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Murrieta | CA | USA | Posted: 11:33 AM on 12.18.07 |
->> I dropped mine off at UPS on Thursday the 13th for Canon's receipt Friday (the 14th). To my surprise, I got my camera back yesterday (Monday the 17th). That means that Canon received my camera, fixed it, and shipped it back on the same day.
Way to go Canon!
I can't wait to try it out. My camera initially had some problems, but I had it adjusted prior to football season and it seemed to do very well for me (translation: I could live with the oof frames I had). So I'm excited to see if my keeper rate has gone up.
:~)
Jody
PS - When you guys send your cameras in - only send the body and cap. No lenses, straps, batteries, or media. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 9:37 AM on 12.19.07 |
->> I am really torn on whether to upgrade to a MIII or wait. Rob's careful analysis indicates the MIIn is still better at autofocus.
But, some of the files I've seen from the MIII are spectacular. So my question to those who have both bodies - do you live with it - or wait for the MIV?
Any input would REALLY be appreciated. |
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Nick Doan, Photographer
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Scottsdale Phoenix Tempe | AZ | USA | Posted: 10:28 AM on 12.19.07 |
->> Michael,
Upgrade to a MarkIII? My advice would be to buy a D3.
I am disappointed in the performance of my MarkIII. The files at ISO6400 are fantastic, if they are sharp. However, if they aren't they're useless. So I have a bunch of clean useless files from all of football season...
Nothing like feeling you may have missed that double truck or portfolio shot because you can't trust your AutoFocus.
The Camera is Usable! I just have to take three shots of everything to make sure I get at least one frame usable. Honestly, in practice though, it isn't much worse than that of the Mark II. That one would go out of focus for no reason during a sequence too.
If you *can * wait, I'd wait for a MarkIIIn and hope they resolve all the issues. If you are shooting places that need you to shoot at ISO6400, then get it. Because a chance at a decent shot is better than no chance at all.
If I had to buy the camera again, IN THE SAME TIME FRAME, I probably still would. I needed the clean files at ISO6400. However, if somebody would have offered me the chance to trade all my gear in, and receive the same in the new NIkon gear; I'd do it. In fact, if anybody wants to make that offer...call me. |
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Nick Doan, Photographer
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Scottsdale Phoenix Tempe | AZ | USA | Posted: 10:29 AM on 12.19.07 |
| ->> Let me say though, I haven't received my camera back from Canon yet. If it comes back, and is perfect, I will post and say so. I just won't have an opinion until after the Bowl games. |
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Jeff Martin, Photographer
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wellington | OH | usa | Posted: 12:18 PM on 12.19.07 |
->> Am I the only one who thinks the focus system on my 1D is way better than the MkIIn? Faster, at least in decent light, and sharper.
Note to Canon...if it ain't broke... |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 12:38 PM on 12.19.07 |
->> Nick,
Thanks for your response. I've got to commit to a slightly used MIIn today with under 7000 actuations for $2600. It's in great shape.
I've really looked at the D3. I wouldn't mind going back, but the availability of used long glass (300 and 400 f2.8 AFS II) is almost nil and buying long glass new wouldn't be cost effective at this point.
In other words, buy the MIIn and wait for Canon to get it's act together with the MIIIn or whatever it turns out to be. Did I miss something or does that make sense?
Michael |
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Jody Gomez, Photographer
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Murrieta | CA | USA | Posted: 12:59 PM on 12.19.07 |
->> Michael,
I have both the IIn and the III. I have to honestly say that I grab my III over my IIn every time. The only time it was different was the first month I had it (and before I sent it to Canon for a focus adjustment). As a routine, I send every new body I get to Canon to be calibrated with my lenses, so sending in the III wasn't a big deal to me.
Jody |
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John Cheng, Photographer
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New Milford | CT | USA | Posted: 1:08 PM on 12.19.07 |
->> I went from 2 MKIIs to 2 MKIIIs and kept one of the MKIIs as a backup. Have to say that MKII hasn't seen any action in the last 6 months. Both MKIIIs are early models and haven't sent them in for the fix yet. If anyone is looking for a well care for MKII let me know... ;-)
-John |
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Michael Rogers, Photographer
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Kailua | Hi | USA | Posted: 9:24 PM on 12.19.07 |
| ->> sounds like Canon got a handle on the fix, my kit echcos John's, except that one of my MarkIII's had a came with a focus issue and was sent in (I pick it up tommorow from Canon Honolulu) and the other works as advertised. I only keep the MarkIIn for my waterhousing, the M3 won't fit!!? |
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Anantachai Brown, Photographer
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Jacksonville | FL | | Posted: 9:33 PM on 12.19.07 |
| ->> so with the camera's that have been returned.......do they work properly now???? |
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Samuel Freeman, Photographer
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Mukilteo | Wa | USA | Posted: 10:15 AM on 12.20.07 |
| ->> Canon told me they were taking cps members first on lists and giving them priority. My only complaint with the whole process was that their repair staus tracker doesn't properly update and my camera arrived back home before it said it shipped so I missed my camera and had to pick up at the fed ex hub. If it says it is fixed but hasnt shipped, call canon and ask for the tracking number to save possible headaches. |
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Matt Cashore, Photographer
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South Bend | IN | USA | Posted: 10:21 PM on 12.20.07 |
| ->> Just got mine back today. (12/20) Registered as soon as the announcement went out, got the call on Thursday 12/14, sent it in on Friday 12/15, so the turnaround was quite good. The weird thing was that although my custom functions were unchanged near as I can tell, many other menu settings were changed, such as auto-rotate, file naming, etc. Eh??? It'll get it's first real-world test Saturday at basketball, but it's not going to be hot and sunny in Indiana for a loooooooonnnnggg time. I'll just have to wait. |
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Slobodan Juric, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Saint Petersburg | FL | USA | Posted: 10:32 PM on 12.20.07 |
| ->> Same goes for me. Received a call from Canon last Wednesday. Sent it in last Friday. Got it today. File naming was changed - auto rotation was well. Haven't tested further. |
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Anantachai Brown, Photographer
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Jacksonville | FL | | Posted: 1:01 AM on 12.21.07 |
->> come'on folks........let a brotha know if the camera is fixed or not.......i've held off on buying one until a resolution of this problem is complete.
are the new camera working correctly??
i'm using my N for now. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 2:50 AM on 12.21.07 |
->> Just read Rob Galbraith's exhaustive, thorough report on the troubles with the MIII from pre-production model in April to now.
Then make up your mind if this camera is worth $4,500 of your money. |
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Ramiro Reyna, Photographer
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Katy | TX | US | Posted: 9:32 AM on 12.21.07 |
| ->> I received mine from the "repair" on Wednesday...and honestly, I dont think they did a thing! I tested the AI servo backlit and is full sun about 76 degrees outside. I had my son run at me full speed with both RAW+jpeg, and Jpeg along with changes in +- AI servo tracking. Now this was just a quickie so not fully tested using my 400mm/2.8 IS L. 1st test, out of 23 shots, 8 OOF(RAW+Jpeg small AI servo tracking set to standard), 2nd out of 23 6 OOF (RAW+JpegSm AI servo set one below standard), 3rd test 28 shots, 9 OOF (jpeg AI servo set +2). I am shooting the Texas State 5A high school finals this weekend and will use the "fixed" MKIII on my 70-200, and not the 400. |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 1:07 PM on 12.21.07 |
| ->> I was sent an email my camera is being sent back 2 day fed ex since my equipment is always sent back next day when dealing with canon repair in nj seems kind if cheap |
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Samuel Freeman, Photographer
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Mukilteo | Wa | USA | Posted: 1:52 PM on 12.21.07 |
| ->> Took mine out last night and shot high school BB with my 50 1.2. Previously it was impossible to focus on anything with my 50 1.2 and the mark III, always used my 2n. So I braved it and wow it worked better then my 2n. More keepers. There definately was a big improvement from before it went in. I set the micro-adjustment lens setting to -1. |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 2:10 PM on 12.21.07 |
->> A little OT but relevant...
Here's a list Canon wishes it had missed:
http://tinyurl.com/3493vb
Wired Magazine's "Top 10 Heartbreaking Gadgets of 2007" |
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Wayne McAtee, Photographer, Assistant
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Hesperia | CA | usa | Posted: 1:07 AM on 12.22.07 |
->> I used it on thurs for a night Bowl game. High ISO Rocks, I was off so it was had to tell how much o/f was me and how
much was the unit. I will know more next week. I will have to work with some of the C/f set up now. Over all I think it is better. |
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Wayne McAtee, Photographer, Assistant
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Hesperia | CA | usa | Posted: 6:58 PM on 01.13.08 |
->> I used it today 71F bright sun, It is not what I hoped for. only a few close to tack. most soft but would work for web/paper etc. not for larger prints. lots way soft to OF. Over all not happy.... same set up with 20d most of the shots same settings etc tack to good, few soft few O/f most of the of was on me not the set up...
Help any one?????? |
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Ben Winters, Photographer
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Cookeville | TN | USA | Posted: 12:56 AM on 01.14.08 |
| ->> Wayne, Rob Galbraith mentions that he got better results by setting the AF Micro-Adjustment to -1, as suggested by Canon. Said it's not a matter of using this feature as designed, but that it inexplicably improves results. You might try that. I'm going to. |
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Wayne McAtee, Photographer, Assistant
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Hesperia | CA | usa | Posted: 7:36 PM on 01.14.08 |
->> Ben I set up a test with the A/F Micro-Adjustment. It was cool to play with it gives you the best setting for ea lens. However it does not help on moving subjects. I did use the -1 at one of the night games I dont know if it helped now I get more back focus. On Robs last up date he used the 1.4 with his prime lens If use my 1.4 it is worse.
I took a pice of indoor/outdoor grass and marked off lines like on the side line of a football field. Then put the MRK III on a tripod picked one of the lines to focus on I used M/F and A/f (same setting for the most part) then set the Micro Adjustment from 0 to max + /- taking a photo at ea setting. I did the test with ea lens I have. Then looked at ea file at 100% by looking at the blades of grass you can tell what the best setting is. I have one set at 0 the rest are -1 to-2. Give it go it helped.
I get some shoots spot on the next kart goes by and it is crap or I will bang on at 7fps and get the first one out second one ok then hit and miss. I did a mobile rig shot on M/F and had some tack then one pops up O/F then back to tack. I dont get it.. I want Chucks MRK III. I have some on track test with Nascar soon I will test it out then.
If you had you Mark III updated did it help????? |
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Ben Winters, Photographer
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Cookeville | TN | USA | Posted: 11:17 PM on 01.14.08 |
->> The -1 suggested by Galbraith and Canon isn't really intended to be used the way it was designed. So basically, if your lenses seem to work OK without any adjustment, they're telling us to set it to -1 anyway because it seems to improve overall AF tracking for some strange reason.
I did send mine in and got it back, but I don't know what to make of it so far. I had major problems in the sun before the fix, but low light was top notch. After the fix, I'm getting a lot of random images that are focused way out in front of players when shooting indoor basketball. I didn't have this problem before the fix. I'm going to try the -1 adjustment for the first time tomorrow night. I also haven't had a chance to use it outdoors yet, and I don't foresee that happening soon. |
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Wayne McAtee, Photographer, Assistant
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Hesperia | CA | usa | Posted: 10:06 PM on 01.26.08 |
->> Shot a race today I will say it is better than in the past. Today was sunny and cool. I had to change some of my "stock settings" But I was up in the high 90% keeper rate. Would I buy one now no. It is not 2 1/2 times as good as a 40D. The A/f will hunt at over 5fps.
Wayne |
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Wayne McAtee, Photographer, Assistant
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Hesperia | CA | usa | Posted: 11:39 PM on 02.04.08 |
->> Back to most of the old soft to O/F. With more contrast in the lighting it was back to under 50% keeper's. Later in the day with good light Back to 80-90 %. Time to make the call it has to go.
Wayne |
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