I am a high school newspaper photographer and I am a member of CPS. I sent my 1D in for maintenence in February without CPS, came back in 8 days. Sent it in 2 weeks ago for tons of problems with CPS, came back in 72 hours. Canon has been great. However, I know a lot of people who "know" pros, and the pros allow them to use their CPS numbers for their personal usage, which I don't think is a responsible thing to do.
HA! I was just joking but I was correct! That is comical.
If I remember correctly (and I do because it's right here in front of me) there is a Q & A sheet that accompanies the CPS Application.
Q: What is the purpose of the Canon Professional Services Program an can anybody becaome a member?
A: CPS is a complimentary benefits program designed for 'Professional Photographers' Only............
Q2: What constitutes a 'Professional Photographer' ?
A2: A professional photographer is defined as someone who derives at least 51% of his or her annual income from photography.
No offense intended to the highschool newspaper fellow, you could be a prize winning photographer for all I know, but idea of this really bums me out as a professional who is making a living at it (or at least trying). CPS sounds like a joke of a program. I have been a CPS member for a while and I have borrowed equipment probably about 10x. Only once was I ever turned down due to availability issues with the piece I was requesting. But to know that there are pro's out there that rely on CPS to come through in a pinch really gives me some distaste towards the Canon Program.
What gets me even more is the idea of CPS pro's 'loaning' their number out to others for equipment loans.
When a photographer recieves a loan from Canon, there is a yellow sheet you have to sign. It states that you will pay Canon for the cost of the item if destroyed or lost. They make you pay MSRP!!! Can you imagine loaning your CPS number to a buddy who takes off with lens or loses it. Your name is on the CPS loan app, so you are responsible. What a nightmare that would be, but it's also unprofessional in my opinion.
To give you an idea of MSRP is ....I once borrowed a 300/2.8 while mine was in the shop. The price Canon gave me for replacement (if I lost that baby) was $7300.00 !!!
NM
Edited by Nowhere Man on Jun 30, 2004 at 05:22 AM GMT
It is strange...that the pro cameras cost 3x to 5x what they used to (1V compared to 1DmkII and 1Ds) but the service has "changed" to be friendly. I have a couple newsy friends that have felt "a disturbance in the service" after long and accomplished careers of smashing and screwing up Canon cameras.
Let's hope a Canon Marketing person with clout (and the good taste to be reading my pithy posts) sees this!
My 5p worth, I recently had reason to return my since departed 10D for focusing issues,but on the advice of my local photo store( who i know the owner personally) don't send to Canon but send to Lehmanns who are a service agent for canon. My 10D was returned in 4 days with tack sharp reults. They also serviced my 28-70 F 2.8 L Lens again with superb results. I would not hesitate to recommend them to all. If you're in the UK give them a whirl....
I sent one of my 10D's into Canon "NJ" for service on the focusing plate. (spots on it that would not come off). Not only did I talk to a service person twice, but I also sent in a detailed picture of the problem. Three weeks later I got it back with the same annoying spots!
When I called Canon NJ pissed, because all they did was "clean the sensor" as stated by the return sheet. I was told I could send it in again. By, I might add a person that could care less.
My major gripe is "these are not cheap consumer grade camera's" I spend a LOT of money on Canon equipment and expect a certain level of professionalism from the repair centers. I also expect a phone call if they can not figure out what was "obviously" wrong with the camera before it is sent back.
rebel300 wrote:
Thanks Antje...All I was offering was a history lesson...
I think there is a phenomenon like 1-series envy we 10D owners suffer from. Together with a focus issue trauma this can lead to harsh responses.
I got some super results from my 10D...selling it and buying a 1Ds was in my game plan for a long time...sold the 10d, 300/2.8/is and a 500/4.5 to pay for the camera and that marvelous hitachi cf card...rofl
The sane thing to do if one can afford it... I'd switch to a 1Ds plus 1D2 in a heartbeat if I could afford it even though I love my 10D dearly.
and yes...i'd put your 10d bird pics against anyone, any camera, any lens.
I sent my 1D in for maintenence in February without CPS, came back in 8 days. Sent it in 2 weeks ago for tons of problems with CPS, came back in 72 hours. Canon has been great. However, I know a lot of people who "know" pros, and the pros allow them to use their CPS numbers for their personal usage, which I don't think is a responsible thing to do. 
Together with a focus issue trauma this can lead to harsh responses. 
