Jeff
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 p.29 #4 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken | |
Well, I finally heard back from Canon:
Mr. Xxxxxxxx,
Thank you so much for your patience in getting this matter resolved.
Your EOS-1D Mark III, Serial Number 50285x has been reviewed by a Canon Factory Trained Senior Camera Technician, who is also the Manager, Technical Service Support.
He reviewed the camera and the images you provided and some of his comments were:
"Issue/comment: Front focus on AI servo,One shot: Example shot: OX8H7661 (poor contrast for focus point), OX8H7660 (focus on neck area with good contrast resulting in best focus between helmet and glove. This appears to be front focus). In this case, the possible countermeasures might include: 1- Set Menu Item "AF Micro Adjustment" to compensate for front focus, 2- Send EF 70-200 and 1D M III to FSC for best focus matching.
Issue/comment: Non AI Servo focus: Test concluded some shots were taken and the AF sensors were not on. No auto focus points were illuminated (ie. 1D_07440), therefore, area of specific best focus is unknown. Otherwise, scenery shots were closely inspected and the area of focus was in focus as would be expected (ie. shot 1D_07515 focus locked on middle ridge and no problem seen).
Please be aware that AF sensors rely on contrast to "see" the subject and if the sensor is on a low contrast part of the shot, the result may be less than perfect focus. All tests made with the Factory Lens proved to be in focus.
All photographs were inspected using Canon ZoomBrowserEX Ver. 5.8."
Conclusion
I consider this camera to be a good unit. Most of the focus issues are due to photo composition which prevented the AF sensor the contrast needed to function.
My one comment was that the Non-servo, one shot (indicating front focus) may require the customer send the unit along with his lens to FSC to have the lens and camera adjusted for best focus match. The other action the customer can take is to use the camera Main Menu item "AF Micro Adjust" to compensate the front focus.
This EOS-1D Mark III is a properly operating unit and the customers lens may need to be focus matched to avoid front focus." ...Show more →
So, interestingly, the Senior Technician only commented on the few images where the AF point (admittedly) drifted off a contrasty part of the subject, and ignored the ones where the AF remained on a portion of the subject with good contrast. It's also interesting that the camera only front-focuses in AI Servo. I don't really get any of that, but...
As far as the 'ghosting' and 'focal plane' issues go, based upon the message I was forwarded, it would appear that they were ignored, with only that general comment about AF accuracy (in regard to the landscape image) which is effectively irrelevant, since the 'focal plane' issue was separate from the AI Servo/AF issue. The rest of the e-mail follows:
As I mentioned in our telephone conversation on Friday, January 18, I will be replacing your EOS-1D Mark III camera with a new camera. This unit is brand new and not a refurbished unit. I have spoken with Xxxx at Canon USA and he has agreed that there is no need for his involvement. I have asked that arrangements be made for a replacement camera to be ordered and I will provide you with additional information shortly.
I apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced.
Thank you,
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Program Manager, Customer Experience Management
Canon Information Technology Services, Inc.
So, at first glance, it would appear that they have chosen to replace my camera, even though the Senior Technician deemed it a 'properly working unit'. However, today I called Xxxxx to inquire about a tracking number (which I got), and told him that I thought it curious that the 'ghosting' and 'focal plane' issues were essentially ignored in the forwarded message from the tech. He acknowledged that, in fact, my "camera was now at the head office for further evaluation".
So, make of it what you will.
I'd just like to state (for the record) that, despite Canon Japan's corporate response to these issues, Canon USA has actually been excellent. Even though it has taken a few weeks to sort out, I trust that this will be resolved to my satisfaction, assuming my 'Blue Dot' that arrives Friday performs as many others have reported.
For those of you that have lingering issues with your 1D MkIII, I wish you all the best in getting them resolved.
Regards,
Jeff
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. Now we can concentrate on the picture taking part; well, after you have received the camera, that is 
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I'll report back in a week or so once I've put it through its paces...