I was visiting the toronto photographic and imaging expo the other day for just a couple of hours and stopped by the canon booth where i was able to take a gander at many of the various lenses offered by canon. Mind you most of them show general wear and tear and such but i got to play with a few nice lenses. Particularly the 50 1.2L it's actually pretty nice but the 85L just blew me away. None the less comparing my 70-200L to one on the floor further solidified my stance that it is indeed defective and needs to be sent into canon. A canon rep confirmed that it is probably an element out of allignment and that they should fix it to be perfect. But i mentioned that i cannot send it in until november. He told me to try to get it in before then throw a sob story and apply for CPS membership.
I talked to the guy responsible for CPS in canada and he seemed kind of harsh but he was to send me an application by email for me to print and fill out. The one rep said send the application in go to the service desk and tell them that you applied you're awaiting a response but need to have a copy to use and hopefully they'll issue a loaner to me.
But i'm curious as to what is required for me to be eligible for cps membership. I have done a few jobs and i have a new client right now that is the reason i can't send out the 70-200 until november. He mentioned business cards, letter heads, registered business (which i'm going to be doing soon to tax deduct my equipment) and proof from clients that i have done services for them as well as a website with a portfolio. Any other information that i need? Equipment lists etc...
The guy likely seemed harsh because every Tom Dick and Harry amatuer wants a free ride for a extra little service that is aimed at full time professionals. The requirements will be listed on the form are just stuff to separate such people from the coveted target market of professionals. I can't really tell you what the magic questions are anymore because I joined in 1988. Nothing too trickey dicky just a vetting to see that you are legit and not a hustler. Best wishes Steve
It's supposed to be for "full-time professional photographers". I just tried applying even though I'm not full-time. I work every couple weekends doing event work. Anyways, I sent in my certificate of incorporation, financial documents showing my sales, a business card, my equipment list, etc. Haven't heard back yet.
"CPS (Canon Professional Services) is a service designed to support Canon Professional Users. It is currently a free service designed to provide busy professionals with information and support to help them in their work. Because this service is designed for Professional Users there are some entry qualifications. In general you should own at least 2 Professional Canon AF bodies and 3 Canon L-series lenses."
