But apparently it was not just DOF, that was only part of the story. Just to help clarify things a little bit for the newcomers:
"Shooting two soccer games, one rugby game and over 60 track and field sequences (100m dash, hurdles and long jump) in full sunlight, with the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS set to f5.6, was nearly like using a different camera: the EOS-1D Mark III's tracking problems weren't eliminated, but they were muted and, for the first time ever with this model, we captured sequence after sequence in sunlight displaying nearly perfect focus from start to finish, plus fewer instances of the focus shifting to the front when the EOS-1D Mark III did commit a focus error."
"Stopping down from f/2.8 to f/5.6 increases the depth of field at the subject, and that's undoubtedly part of the reason why this workaround works. But it may not be the whole explanation. There are four bits of evidence that point to something beyond depth of field at work:"
I'm sure a good number of people here already read the details. But for those who still haven't:
I'm still testing mine. I have one that was just in for service, and one that was not in for this latest service. I'll be testing them head to head with a 300mm f2.8 lens.
Service Details on my returned camera: 1Ds MK III.
"We have examined the product according to your request, and, it was found the part was inoperative. The part was replaced. LEVER ASS'Y, SH CHARGE, SCREEN, FOCUSING, WASHER (SUS). Checked all, adjusted focus and exposure, cleaned to factory specs. Cleaned c-mos."
After I got it back during testing all my lenses for af (I own most Canon L lenses)
Not one of my lenses required a af micro adjustment and the camera no longer 'jiggles' the af!!!!!
Thanks Canon just 2 years late!!!!
No field testing yet but this looks VERY hopeful to fix the issues with these cameras.
Most stories are told in the original fix thread, probably a few lines down in this forum. They're quite positive by the way. Still awaiting the return of mine, due sometime this week & keeping my fingers crossed in the meantime.
3-4 weeks turn around is average in Canada, 1 Series or not.
ADL6AH wrote:
I had a major pronlem with my 1DsM3 with the mirror not fully positioning when shooting vertically(bottom of the frame was blacked out). I contacted Canon, got a ticket, and drove to Jamesburg NJ to get it fixed. The counter was very helpfull and verified that the camera was still under warranty. I then proceded to data dump on the service rep on how unhappy I was with the the 1DsM3 and that for all critical shots I relied on my 1DM2, a truly battle tested and reliable camera! The service rep apploigized for the problems and said that they would fix my problems. From my experienc my 1DM2 would focus significantly faster and better than the 1DsM3 and that the 1DM2 (keeper shots) were far and away better than the 1DsM3.
The counter rep stated that it woulld take 5 to 10 business days to make the repairs. My response was polite but to the point! I spent 8K on a 1D series camera and 5 to 10 business days did not work for me and that this was not a point and shoot camera or a Rebel, it was a 1D series camera!
Bottom line, took the 1DsM3 to Jamesburgh, NJ on Monday afternoon - All repairs and calibrations completed Wednesday evening, picked up the camera Thursday morming. I tested the camera outside with my 24-70 f-2.8L and what a difference. Focus was dead on. I took a shot of a parking sign and a high contrast shaddow under a tree and the lens popped right into focus. When I got home I set up my Profoto lights and took some test shots of my kids in my studio. WOW ! What a difference. When I zoomed in on a picture of my daughers eyes (photoshop) I could see the difference between the 60" (white) and 43" (silver) umbrellas in the reflections from her eyes.
All in all I was very impressed with the service that the Jamesburgh facility provided in repairing the 1DsM3. The camera performs noticably better than when I first got it. Time will tell if the 1DsM3 will replace my battle proven 1DM2 as the body of choice for critical shots, but it definatly looks promising..... ...Show more →
Mine is back. Haven't had subjects to really use it on. I tested all outer points. Two seemed to front focus a little, though I have to run more precise tests, but the rest were good (btw I have no idea how they were before I sent it in). They did do some calibration though as my 500 is dead nuts on MA = 0 (was +5) at MFD. I called and asked for details, since I needed to call about my 500 issue. The only detail they had on mine was calibration was performed. That is all. I expect because mine is a latter issue that it didn't need any new hardware.
My 500 is still intermittent on the focus issue - you saw it. It works for a day or so, then it can't lock final focus and ratchets back and forth in a narrow range. I am going to reluctantly send it to Irvine this weekend in hoping they can reproduce the problem or otherwise determine what the problem is and fix it. Will shoot a little short with the 400 for a while
Got mine back in 6 days, and it is definitely better. Took some shots randomly yesterday evening and was very happy. Canon sent paperwork back saying adjusted AF focus issue and upgraded firmware although I had already upgraded to most recent firmware. Overall I am happy and satisfied, Ben
globalkiwi wrote:
I guess you'd have to call that pretty inconclusive - unless the "same" category includes people who didn't notice problems but sent their cameras in anyway.
Online polls are inconclusive by definition since they are self-reported and prone to spoofing.
Got mine back Monday..
Well went out Tuesday and rattled off a couple of 100 shots of which I deleted 15 for being OOF. OK this was just one outing but that is a vast improvement for me.... Also seem to focus better on low contrast shots and the images are sharper out of the camera in raw needing less usm when developed in CS4.. So far for me it is a thumbs up to canon and to think I was happy with my camera before it went in
Got a chance to give mine a good workout at a spring training game in Florida.....the camera functioned flawlessly....AF was quick,accurate and spot on...everything felt snappier and just flat out better...now it is possible that it is the placebo effect at work but I am very pleased...I am away so I cannot post pictures but again..so far so good
Mind you I was a fan of the camera beforehand but today it just seemed to function a bit better...quicker,sharper..more responsive..whether it is my imagination or not I am quite happy......great camera IMHO
Had to vote "same" though I've got the feeling it's actually worse. Been shooting all morning; test charts and real life situations outdoors. Center point is OK, maybe better than before. The other AF points are a mixed bag: some perform very well, others are off. Especially the corner AF points lower-left and lower-right are front-focussing heavily. It's almost as if they replaced the hardware but forgot to calibrate all AF points. It's going back next monday ;(
Emile Gregoire wrote:
Had to vote "same" though I've got the feeling it's actually worse. Been shooting all morning; test charts and real life situations outdoors. Center point is OK, maybe better than before. The other AF points are a mixed bag: some perform very well, others are off. Especially the corner AF points lower-left and lower-right are front-focussing heavily. It's almost as if they replaced the hardware but forgot to calibrate all AF points. It's going back next monday ;(
Emile... sorry to hear the AF problems seem to continue. Did they perform a hardware fix on your 1D3?
My Mark III went to Virginia last week. UPS delivered the camera to Canon this past Monday. I haven't received any confirmation from Canon that they have received it. Is this typical or should I call them? Anybody have the number for the Canon center in Virginia? Thanks John
