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Archive 2012 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

ZoneV_Nikon
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p.1 #1 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

Hi,

I'm looking for all the comprehensive info and threads that talk about the 1D mark III AF issues. Is there a master thread somewhere that has links to all the other threads on this topic? Because I'm trying to educate myself about this. I'm not sure where to start, though.

Long story short: I might in the future purchase a 1D Mark III as my first Canon DSLR (I'm currently a Nikon digital/film and somewhat of a Canon film systems user). Actually, I purcahsed an original 1D recently, but it had major AF issues so I was forced to send it back to the dealer. I want to learn about the specifics of the 1D Mark III AF issues. I really don't wish to revisit Rob G's page on this topic; it's offputting to read when so many have had good luck with cameras that were serviced by Canon.

For a while I was thinking of going 1D Mark II, but they aren't serviced by Canon any longer, and still use the NiMh batts (I'm getting tired of these on my old Nikons). So I'm rethinking and considering the 1d mark III.

The Mark III is a good deal in the used market. I just wouldn't want to get stuck with one with issues that would not be repaired by Canon pro bono.

Finally, what is the story with the 1Ds mark III? I've heard conflicting information about whether or not is has the same AF issues at the 1D mark III.

Thanks!

Jul 06, 2012 at 08:51 PM

eeprete
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p.1 #2 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

I recently went from a 1DMK2n to a 1D MKIII (my primary body is a 5DII), and I have a lower serial number III body, and have not experienced any issues. Here are some images shot with the 1D III and 24-70 just a couple of days ago. I think the 1D IIs and the 1D IIIs are both very good values right now. Canon stopping service on the IIs was a little bit of a sore point with me.

Jul 06, 2012 at 11:23 PM

katakefalos
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p.1 #3 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

Well i have the camera since it was released and i bought one of the first 5 pieces that landed in Greece.My job is specially weddings and other kind of photography except sports.My camera is inside of the defected s/n and i didn't made a repair at AF sensor.In reality i never trusted the Canon official service in Greece to do this job.Also i have never experienced problems with the af. Im still using this camera thinking to upgrade with one DX.I made almost 300.000 shots and im still very happy with my choice. The noise is very low and acceptable even at 3200.Its enough for almost everything (if you have fast lenses). Its a good deal if you buy one used piece at good price.If you want to see photos i can send you my site link.

Jul 07, 2012 at 01:50 AM

melcat
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p.1 #4 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

Wikipedia says the affected range is 501001 to 546561, and gives as reference a Canon support URL which now redirects to Canon support home. Mine is above that range and has no problems. It's a truly excellent camera if 10Mpx is enough.

Jul 07, 2012 at 02:19 AM

ZoneV_Nikon
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p.1 #5 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

I want to add to my post: The 1d Mark IIN seems like less of a value compared to a (properly functioning) Mark III. For one thing, the IIN is around twice the price of a Mark II, and there isn't enough difference to justify it. For another, it still uses the NiMh batts. Finally, I would guess that Canon won't service the IIN much longer. These companies are supposed to provide at least ten years of guaranteed service from the introduction date, and preferably ten years from discontinuation date. Canon did neither with the Mark II, or the original 1D/1Ds. Hopefully the 1D Mark III and the 1Ds mark II will be supported longer.

And is the 1Ds III affected or not? I hear highly conflicting information.

btw, I'm still seeking links to discussion on the dot colors, serial numbers, issues, etc, if anyone knows where they're hiding. Thanks.

Jul 07, 2012 at 11:39 AM

Gregory Edge
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p.1 #6 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

Jul 07, 2012 at 11:48 AM

Joe Warren
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p.1 #7 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

Canon has resolved the tracking and focus issues effectively with updates so just make sure the camera is either outside the affected serial # range or has the changes made. It is a fantastic camera and clearly a bargain now.

Jul 09, 2012 at 08:03 PM

ICee
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p.1 #8 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

A white dot in the battery compartment means the sub mirror fix was done. A box with a blue dot on has had the fix done by the factory.

Hope that helps.

Jul 10, 2012 at 07:31 AM

melcat
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p.1 #9 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

I found this on the Canon web site by Googling "Canon 1D Mk III recall":

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/digital_slr_cameras/eos_1d_mark_iii?pageKeyCode=prdAdvDetail&docId=0901e0248004cd3d

That page says it affects *some* cameras with serial numbers between 501001 and 546561 and *no* cameras with higher serial number. The link on that page gives a PDF with a list of cameras in the range which are not affected.

Only cameras in the range got the dots, not the ones above the affected serial number range.

Edited on Jul 10, 2012 at 08:23 AM · View previous versions

Jul 10, 2012 at 08:08 AM

morganb4
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p.1 #10 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

I had all my mods done and it never screwed up after that.

Jul 10, 2012 at 08:16 AM

Jon_Doh
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p.1 #11 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

I love my 1D Mark III. Canon began manufacturing the design change that corrected the autofocus problems beginning with serial numbers in the 55XXXX range and higher. Also, the camera box had a blue dot. There was a later fix for leaking oil on a few of the cameras. There was a fix made and I think those cameras have a green dot (may have the color wrong). Anyway, I have a letter from Canon saying that there is a lifetime warranty on the autofocus and oil problems.

Autofocus has a lot of settings and you an set something wrong and think you have a problem. For example, I thought setting the surrounding autofocus points to aid in autofocus would help me track birds in flight, but discovered that it didn't. So, if you get one play around with the settings, including changing tracking speed, etc and find what works best for how you shoot.

As for 10 mp, I find I can make prints at the same size and detail as 12 mp cameras. This is due to the sensor and mp size and near gapless lens design.

The 1D cameras have a great feel to them, are highly customizable and are workhorses. I think the best bargains in Canon cameras today are the 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III.

Jul 10, 2012 at 08:33 AM

OntheRez
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p.1 #12 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

ZoneV_Nikon wrote:
I want to add to my post: The 1d Mark IIN seems like less of a value compared to a (properly functioning) Mark III. For one thing, the IIN is around twice the price of a Mark II, and there isn't enough difference to justify it. For another, it still uses the NiMh batts. Finally, I would guess that Canon won't service the IIN much longer. These companies are supposed to provide at least ten years of guaranteed service from the introduction date, and preferably ten years from discontinuation date. Canon did neither with the Mark II, or the original...Show more →

Hi ZoneV,

I've owned and shot extensively every 1D series camera except the original. They have all served me superbly. I'd say the only difference between them (and it is a major one) is rapidly evolving technology within each up grade.

The 1DIII focus problem (which after quite a bit of controversy Canon stepped up and fixed) has nothing to do with the 1DIIn. It is hard to advise you as to whether or not it represents good value as I don't know what you want to do with the cam and how much you are willing to pay. The IIn has superb AF, creates a very malleable and nice RAW file, has excellent FPS. I used one for about 3 years professionally. It never blinked. It remains one of my all time favorite cameras. It's drawbacks are all new tech related. It does use NiCads (which are widely available at about $40@), it is useable up to about ISO 1600 though 800 is a much more reasonable place to shoot, and yes Canon will drop "official" support for it one day though that is probably at least 2 years away. (Wild ass guess as I have no inside info on Canon's policies.)

I went to the 1DIII for higher ISO performance. It functioned perfectly. Yes it has some nice upgrades: slightly more pixels, usable ISO 3200, micro focus, li-on batteries, and an early live view. I recently replaced it with a 1DIV as I needed even more ISO headroom.

At each level from 1DII thru 1DIV (assuming you get a camera in reasonably good shape) you get superb AF performance, excellent throughput, and an indestructible body. Each step forward - of course - costs more. Where the price/performance balance is, for you, I can't say. I certainly loved the 1DIIn and still think it had the best IQ of the bunch. My current 1DIV is a delight: AF that really can't be beat, throughput, li-on batteries, and all the new tech goodies.

In a nutshell, a 1DIIn has the lowest price and superb IQ up to 800 and sometimes 1600. The 1DIII (with the fixes in place if necessary) is more expensive, but has better batteries and a generous step maybe step and half in headroom. The 1DIV frankly is only matched (or bested) by the mythical 1Dx or the Nikon pro equivalent. (Don't know Nikon model numbers.) Price range: 1DIIn - nice copies at ~ $800USD, 1DIV nice copies ~$3500. It all depends on how much you expect to use it and what you want to do with it. They are all excellent cameras given their technological life.

Robert

Jul 10, 2012 at 01:08 PM

jamach
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p.1 #13 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

I had the 2n and have the 1d3, the 1d3 does a better job with delivering pics, imho, tho the 2n never stopped impressing me, especially at low iso

The 1d3 is good through iso 3200, imho 6400 is a stretch. The bodies are going for about $1700 in LN- condition at KEH. That is a steal. Also, the 10fps burst capability is real, and does come in very handy - makes some shots possible.

From what I have read, the 1ds3 is a primo picture maker, but is a iso 3200 max camera. However, if you really need higher than that, especially with the 50mm f1.2, and the other 1.2 and 1.4 and 1.8 lenses, well, I don't know, maybe that is stretching it a bit. Those bodies are running at about $3300 and up. Those that have them seem to love them. And it is 5 fps machine.

The next step up is a 1d4, they go for about $4500 if you can find one in any condition. Otherwise, the best sports machine, IMHO, is the 7d, hands down. The feature set, accessories, advanced af system, etc. Oh, and the grip and the viewfinder. With the saved money there is a lens purchase.

Joe

Jul 10, 2012 at 01:32 PM

jamach
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p.1 #14 · Summary of 1D Mark III focus issues, serials #s, repairs, and dot colors?

I used the phrase 'next step up' not intending any literal significance. But after considering whether to edit it, delete the post, or leave it, I thought that I was making an unwittingly good statement.

Is not the 1d4 the king of used Canon cameras ( not counting 1dx and 5d3 'used' models ) ?

Joe

Jul 11, 2012 at 12:29 PM


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