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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
considering buying used Canon 1D MKIII, what to look for?
Fredrik Naumann, Photographer
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Oslo | Oslo | Norway | Posted: 5:51 AM on 06.05.09 |
->> I've read about various AF trouble people have experienced. I have also read some people are very happy with their MKIIIs. I am about to test a used Canon 1D MKIII, perhaps to buy it, hoping I can get my hands on a working specimen.
I would appreciate if anyone could describe typical problem scenarios, or ways of testing, that would expose the sort of AF problems you have experienced. Is it a simple matter of tracking a moving object to see how it performs or are there particualr settings, angles or situations that creates problems?
Thanks
F |
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Peter Buehner, Photographer
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Orono | ME | USA | Posted: 10:59 AM on 06.05.09 |
->> I would check AF sharpness when NOT using the center point since Canon has announced that this is a potential problem. I would also check AF accuracy in bright, hot, contrasty conditions (AI Servo) with a subject coming at you.
I love my camera (but honestly am a bit afraid to try a D3)even though CPS has it right now for the latest fix, along with a 70-200 2.8 IS that is sub-par in sharpness.
Good luck.
If it works, it is an awesome camera...just make sure you test it out thoroughly. I got mine for about $3,100.00 brand new and it has been worth every penny.
a disclaimer: my previous bodies were a 20D and a 40D. That is all I have to compare it against.
Peter |
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Margaret Bowles, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 11:25 AM on 06.05.09 |
->> There are lots of messages on the message board about the problems the bad Mark III's have had that will tell you what to check for. First, check the sharpness in general with a subject that is standing still. Blow up the image on your laptop, don't rely on your LCD. Mine was soft even on non-moving objects. Next, you have to test it on moving subjects. Try to find a soccer game or something you can test for a couple of hours. Notice how quickly it locks onto focus with the first frame. Mine would not lock in until about the third frame, and I would miss a lot of peak shots. Next, track the subject and see if it "hunts" even when you are tracking. Before mine was fixed, it would dart around, even when I was locked in correctly on the subject. See if it back focuses or front focuses a lot. Check your out of focus percentages. If you are getting a higher percentage than with your existing cameras, be wary.
You should also call Canon and see if the camera is one of the "recall" batch. They can tell from the serial number. If it is, has it been sent in for the fix?
While mine is much better now after the recall fix, I would not spend $3,100 to buy another one. |
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Fredrik Naumann, Photographer
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Oslo | Oslo | Norway | Posted: 4:31 PM on 06.05.09 |
| ->> Thanks all! With so much written on the subject it was great to get some pointers, rather than spend two days sifting through google results... |
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Todd Spoth, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 4:47 PM on 06.05.09 |
->> Just buy mine.
Its in great condition and like new!!! Blue dot and no AF errors!
$3100! |
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Dan Root, Photographer
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Portland | OR | USA | Posted: 4:56 PM on 06.05.09 |
->> One last thing I would like to add. Make sure you micro adjust all your lenses. That makes a big difference. Also, the camera needs about .5 to 1 second to lock focus. So anticipate. Canon has a nice article on the AF system on their webpage:
http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2866&fr...
I will tell you that since I got my "Yellow Dot" Mark III back from Canon it is better, but not great. The best I got was 72% in focus.
Also, and this is very important, the camera works better in flat light than it does on a sunny day. So be sure to test it under a few different lightning conditions.
Dan |
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