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Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #1 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

The lens can not have focus 1 foot in front of you, so that didn't happen of course. A few meters yes, a foot no.

But you didn't answer. Why don't you replace your camera ? Or get a refund and buy a new ? Do you belive every camera has the same fault or ?

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 06:49 PM

Garylv
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p.24 #2 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars, I was way past the return period by the time I figured out what was going on.

Remember, this is an issue that is difficult to figure out at first, because it goes against what most photographers would expect. Nobody expects a camera to have certain focusing trouble in only good lighting. So who suspected the camera?

You have great results in some sessions, poor results in others. Who would expect good lighting to be the trouble? That's why most people couldn't figure out what was going on at first. It makes you think maybe you just need to tweak the settings or get used to the camera.

That's when RG finally helped everyone see when the trouble most occurs. Once you know what to look for, then you can see the trouble easily. What we should have done, is heeded RG's warning about the preproduction model. I won't be an early adopter of new cameras anymore.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 06:50 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #3 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

The return period is one year if the camera has any fault. Good luck with your camera or the replacement.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 06:55 PM

Garylv
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p.24 #4 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
The return period is one year if the camera has any fault. Good luck with your camera or the replacement.

But isn't that Canon's return period? Not the vendor's.

I have quite a bit of confidence Canon will figure this out and correct it. If a replacement will correct the problem, then I'm sure we'll all know about it. And then I'll seek a replacement. The most recent production cameras appear to still have this Servo focus issue. That would be the replacement at this point in time.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 07:02 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #5 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

But you leave it to the vendor if you like to do that.

According to this poll and every other poll I have seen most cameras don't have this issue. And this poll say a lot more of the recent cameras don't have it

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 07:09 PM

Garylv
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p.24 #6 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
But you leave it to the vendor if you like to do that.

According to this poll and every other poll I have seen most cameras don't have this issue. And this poll say a lot more of the recent cameras don't have it

I think the poll is a topic in itself, and hence this thread.

Remember, again, this issue only occurs in a narrow set of circumstances, and with longer, fast telephoto lenses. I'm sure you know how a wider DOF can mask focus issues. And not everybody has the same lenses to work with. If you read RG's report, it's not as noticeable with the shorter lenses. I never see a problem using my 17-40, or when I'm shooting any other lenses under 200mm. Or if the trouble IS there, I'm not seeing it enough to notice it.

And with people living in all different climates, and using all different techniques and lenses, it's no wonder the poll results are all over the place.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 07:33 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #7 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

I would belive that a lot of people use this camera together with long lenses for shooting sport & wildlife in AI servo.
But I can't really see a lot of people using this camera ad the 17-40 in AI servo mood a lot

like they do with the long tele lenses

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 07:39 PM

Monique
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p.24 #8 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
So why don't you return the camera to the shop and get a refund. Like you do at B&H and a lot of other shops even if it don't have any fault that you can show them. And if you can show any fault, every shop will take it back of course.
Why do everyone here like to keep their faulty cameras

Or do you say that every camera has this fault

I'm not saying every camera has this fault, but there are lots of bad 1DMKIII's.
Refund, Canon must say ok to this to refund, otherwise, no refund. Saying ok is admitting there is a problem and they have to take ALL back. This is the way it should be done Canon!!
About short lenses, I have also lots of OOFpictures with the 24-104. So, long or short may not be a problem at all.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:02 PM

Curator
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p.24 #9 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Monique wrote:
About short lenses, I have also lots of OOFpictures with the 24-104. So, long or short may not be a problem at all.

When you are using the 24-105, do the focus issues occur in servo or one shot mode?

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:14 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #10 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

When I get a camera or lens with a fault, I just return it to the shop. To get another or the money back. It has never been a problem for me in any country that I have been buying Canon equipment in. And those shops have never needed any ok from Canon.

You can read every week in the FM forums about people that have got back or front focus and a lot of other problems with their new equipment. They return it all the time. Why don't the people with faulty MKIII:s like to return their cameras ? I'm sure that 90% here haven't even tried to return it.......

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:17 PM

Garylv
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p.24 #11 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
I would belive that a lot of people use this camera together with long lenses for shooting sport & wildlife in AI servo.

Very true. And many of those people have complained, outside of the FM poll also.

But the point I was trying to make is that a lot of people other than those have voted in this poll as well. The ones who don't use longer telephoto lenses in bright sun or utilize servo focus much. And of course it's good that they have. In a way that really IS helpful.

Also you see people post examples outside of the noted cicumstances and say they don't see any issues, you realize a good number of people don't really understand when the trouble mostly occurs. They're testing it in any circumstances they happen to be in.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:19 PM

Garylv
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p.24 #12 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Hey, I wonder how Ben is doing today. I just finished watching the Colts/Titans game on TV, very sunny & warm. He should be there shooting with his Mark III and 400 f2.8. He always shoots the Titans' games.

Then again, I wonder if he even took his Mark III, he said his original 1D performed much better in those conditions.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:22 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #13 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Garylv wrote:
Lars Johnsson wrote:
I would belive that a lot of people use this camera together with long lenses for shooting sport & wildlife in AI servo.

Very true. And many of those people have complained, outside of the FM poll also.

But the point I was trying to make is that a lot of people other than those have voted in this poll as well. The ones who don't use longer telephoto lenses in bright sun or utilize servo focus much. And of course it's good that they have. In a way that really IS helpful.

Also you see people post examples outside of the noted cicumstances and say they don't see any issues, you realize a good number of people don't really understand when the trouble mostly occurs. They're testing it in any circumstances they happen to be in.

Just as I can see a good number of people who don't understand when the trouble occurs. I can also see a good number of people reading so much about this problem that they belive every OOF shot is a fault in their camera........

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:23 PM

Garylv
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p.24 #14 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:

Just as I can see a good number of people who don't understand when the trouble occurs. I can also see a good number of people reading so much about this problem that they belive every OOF shot is a fault in their camera........

Yes, I can't disagree there, Lars. I guess it's yet another reason why the poll numbers have to be taken with a "grain of salt" as they say.
I wouldn't really base any purchase or return decisions on the poll results.

Gary

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:27 PM

LMRP
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p.24 #15 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
So why don't you return the camera to the shop and get a refund. Like you do at B&H and a lot of other shops even if it don't have any fault that you can show them. And if you can show any fault, every shop will take it back of course.
Why do everyone here like to keep their faulty cameras

Since the day I bought it ( end of may 2007 ) , there were problems with the AI-servo.
Camera was already at Canon's repair center . I have send a CD with pictures I had taken
from a car coming to me at about 30miles an hour : 60% was OOF. ( lens used : 300mm
f2.8 ) . So , after months of problems , I don't want to keep this faulty camera !! That's why
I send a letter to Canon for asking answers and to give me a new camera ( that works like it has to be ). You know what , AFTER A MONTH ( and I am even a CPS-member ), they don't even find it worth while to give me some answers !!!

greetz,

Edited by Jeff on Sep 17, 2007 at 09:54 AM GMT (Reason: quotes for clarity)

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:32 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #16 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
So why don't you return the camera to the shop and get a refund. Like you do at B&H and a lot of other shops even if it don't have any fault that you can show them. And if you can show any fault, every shop will take it back of course.
Why do everyone here like to keep their faulty cameras

LMRP wrote:
Since the day I bought it ( end of may 2007 ) , there were problems with the AI-servo.
Camera was already at Canon's repair center . I have send a CD with pictures I had taken
from a car coming to me at about 30miles an hour : 60% was OOF. ( lens used : 300mm
f2.8 ) . So , after months of problems , I don't want to keep this faulty camera !! That's why
I send a letter to Canon for asking answers and to give me a new camera ( that works like it has to be ). You know what , AFTER A MONTH ( and I am even a CPS-member ), they don't even find it worth while to give me some answers !!!

greetz,

I feel sorry for you. And I also think it's very strange when you are a CPS member. At least you are trying to do something and getting the camera fixed. Most people here with the camera don't like to do anything.

Good luck
I'm also a CPS member and I have very good experience with repair and returns from Canon Service Centers. And their service also

Edited by Jeff on Sep 17, 2007 at 09:54 AM GMT (Reason: quotes for clarity)

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:40 PM

Hrow
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p.24 #17 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars,

To answer some of your good questions. The return period from the dealer from whom I bought the camera is long past or I would return it. Mine will get sent to Canon for repair very shortly but I have waited because 1.) they don't seem to have a fix and 2.) for 90% of my shooting the 1DMkIII is producing great results. No, I am not happy to lose the 10% and I intend to deal with the problem but doing so in the height of my shooting season when Canon doesn't seem to have a fix doesn't make sense.

Should I have returned it? Probably, but I didn't. My bad. My consolation is that by not returning it I also got shots that I otherwise would not have gotten with my 20D.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:44 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #18 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Hi Henry,

1. This is the first time that I have seen a lot of people buying an expensive Canon equipment that they say have a fault, but they don't really try to return it. That's why I belive this thread is very strange compared to all other similar threads about faulty equipment.

2 The same people who don't have returned their cameras or tried to return it. They are of course angry at Canon because they haven't been saying anything or coming with a fix for their cameras.

3. But all those people also say "no problem that I haven't return it because I will do that when Canon have their hardware or software fix for it.

4. How can they be sure any fix is coming ? nothing has been done for months up to now. And then after waiting they will be sitting with their faulty cameras without any warranty left............

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 08:59 PM

Garylv
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p.24 #19 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

I think it's because many of the people believe all cameras have this issue, but for whatever reason, not all people have seen it. Those who believe that, feel they will receive another defective camera. I know that sounds odd.

Let's say there ARE a few good cameras in the chain. How many will I have to return to get a good one? I know we harp about the RG report a lot, but he tested 6 cameras and all were bad. I'm confident if I test 6, I'd find they all have the same issue too.

And no we're not going to wait until the warranty period is up. At least not me. If this next firmware update that is supposed to address the issue, actually doesn't work, then I will work politely but firmly with Canon to get a refund or a replacement. I think a refund is out of the question though.

Again, the previous firmware updates were not meant to address this issue everyone is complaining about. I don't think Canon had seriously even investigated it at that point. But according to RG, they are now. I'm hoping for the best outcome!

Gary

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 09:15 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.24 #20 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

But it's very risky to belive and wait for a hardware fix like many write about here. Why would Canon just keep on selling thousends of cameras every month if they have to take them back later for a big cost ?

And firmware fixes are very overrated for cameras, at least Canon cameras

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 09:26 PM

Monique
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p.24 #21 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Curator wrote:
Monique wrote:
About short lenses, I have also lots of OOFpictures with the 24-104. So, long or short may not be a problem at all.

When you are using the 24-105, do the focus issues occur in servo or one shot mode?

AI servo
Long lenses AI servo and one shot

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 09:33 PM

Garylv
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p.24 #22 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
But it's very risky to belive and wait for a hardware fix like many write about here. Why would Canon just keep on selling thousends of cameras every month if they have to take them back later for a big cost ?

Obviously, they wouldn't. Production rolls on because they probably haven't determined that a hardware fix is required. If they determine that, you will see a change.

Lars, another point I should have made earlier but forgot. Early on, several people posted they contacted the Canon service centers and were told to NOT send their cameras in because they were waiting for clarification from Canon Japan. They obviously were aware of all the complaints but didn't know how to correct it. As far as I know, that has not changed.

I think a lot of people remember that also.

At any rate, I don't think it will be much longer before we have the evaluation of firmware 1.1.1 and can actually test it ourselves.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 09:36 PM

Monique
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p.24 #23 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
Hi Henry,

1. This is the first time that I have seen a lot of people buying an expensive Canon equipment that they say have a fault, but they don't really try to return it. That's why I belive this thread is very strange compared to all other similar threads about faulty equipment.

2 The same people who don't have returned their cameras or tried to return it. They are of course angry at Canon because they haven't been saying anything or coming with a fix for their cameras.

3. But all those people also say "no problem that I haven't return it because I will do that when Canon have their hardware or software fix for it.

4. How can they be sure any fix is coming ? nothing has been done for months up to now. And then after waiting they will be sitting with their faulty cameras without any warranty left............

Well each day we are trying to get some reaction from Canon, but Canon is NOT responding.
So we are trying very hard!!
About waiting , I guess Canon keeps their lips sealed and wait when our warranty is over, this is not the way you tread your clients Canon, CPS member or not, this is so said!

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 09:48 PM

Alistair Watson
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p.24 #24 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Lars,

I agree with your point of view however the AF problem with the Mark 3 is so subtle it is indeed all to easy to question either the camera body or yourself for the out of focus shots, I know because I have been a Mark 3 owner for 4 months now. At first I put the problem down to learning a new body but after persistent oof shots I began to question the accuracy of the body. Sure, some don't experience the problem, part of this group don't expose the 1D3 to the environment it was designed, some don't care or remain unaware since they have just upgraded from a 400D and thus any improvement is just that, an improvement. For others, experienced sports photographers who are familiar with the 1D series range and know what it can and cannot do, the Mark 3 just seems to fail in some areas. I have experiemented at length, thousands of shots with each of the different custom functions, I cannot get a workable setup for people sports, though for motorsport the defaults work perfectly. Unfortunately the main 2 UK chain of dealers will only accept a Mark refund for a 'proven fault', everything else goes back to Canon and since Canon have no fix, where does this leave us? Nowhere. As of this weekend my 1D3 is in retirement for everything except indoor sports where I absolutely need the quality ISO 3200 gives and where the focussing does seem to work. For people sports I will now only shoot with my 1D2N since I know this can deliver the shots I need. My last hope until some kind of fix is announced and accepted by the sports photography industry is to send my gear, including the Mark 3, back to Canon for a calibration, this is the only thing I haven't done yet and I won't hold my breathe. I have learnt so much about the inner workings of the 1D Mark 3 with regard to focussing, Canon could offer me a job as a trainer!

My dealer will not accept my 2nd Mark 3 for return. As aforementioned, because this is not an acknowledged fault. The only options I have are to hope a) calibration (might help a little!) b) firmware fix or c) hardware fix. I don't mean to offend but is easy to wax lyrical about people's problems with the Mark 3 when a) you don't own one and b) you would have to go back to Thailand from Sweden for a refund!

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 09:52 PM

kazman442
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p.24 #25 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Sorry to hear that Alistair, My dealer gave me 2 cameras because of the focus issue and my brother is on his third one. We where told we could change them again if we choose or get our money back even though we had these for 3 months now. We are going to wait and see what 1.1.1 brings and if that does not fix it our dealer is taking these back and getting us some refurb mark2n"s.

Edited on Oct 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Sep 16, 2007 at 10:08 PM


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