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Archive 2007 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken

  
 
Jeff
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p.31 #1 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Red Grainger wrote:
Jeff,
Mind telling us how you know of "fast" and "slow" twitch muscle fibers?
Red


I'm a cyclist, and my wife (also a cyclist) has a minor in physiology...



Jan 24, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Jeff
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p.31 #2 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


My subjects have arrived, downloading now.


Jan 24, 2008 at 05:41 PM
mdurisseau
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p.31 #3 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


I know something about them, too, being a former long-distance runner...


Jan 24, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Jeff
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p.31 #4 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


OK, so here's the scoop:

I shot 7 buffer-filling sequences of both my kids running, biking, and scootering at me. Center-point, no expansion, AI Tracking Sensitivity at default (as well as everything else). My two sons were wearing very different clothes, one contrasty, the other not. There are three numbers; the first is the # clearly in focus, the next # reflects those that are marginal (i.e. could go either way), the last is the total # of shots in the sequence.

Seq. #1: 15-18/21 in focus, 71-83%

Seq. #2: 19/20 in focus, 95%

Seq. #3: 12-17/20 in focus, 57-85%

Seq. #4: 15-19/20 in focus, 75-95%

Seq. #5: 15-18/20 in focus, 75-90%

Seq. #6: 11/17 in focus, 65%

Seq. #7: 14-16/20 in focus, 70-80%
--------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 101-118/138 in focus, 73-86%

Now that I would consider to be acceptable, compared to the consistent 50-70% of my previous body. No consistent front- or back-focusing, and I didn't critically evaluate for AF point vs. point of focus (i.e. I eyeballed it, since I was using the center point). Since the results were basically good, I did take the time to throw out clear cases of 'user error', which would up the 'hit rate' a bit. For example, note that in Sequence #6 the hit rate is way down (for that particular 'contrasty' son), because I lost the subject, and the camera went grossly OOF to the front, but it was not able to recover (all the last 6 images), even after the point got back on the subject. This also happened in sequence #7 (dang squirrelly scooters!), but the camera did 'slowly' recover focus back to the subject over 4 frames.

Unfortunately, I am reserving the right to pass judgment on any potential 'focal plane' issues until I've had adequate time to test appropriately for that. Completely different issue, requires a different test; I shot a few out the back, and let's just say I have some questions.

Anyway, in my mind this is how this camera should perform, and I can say without hesitation that the AI Servo performance of this fresh-off-the-line Blue Dot (S#55886x) is at least an order of magnitude better than my early-production (S#50285x) MkIII. If my first camera had performed like this out of the box, I likely never would have noticed any of the secondary issues that I will now investigate, mostly out of curiosity.

Regards, to all.

Jeff

PS: Here are two examples, the first a typical 'in-focus' shot viewed at 50%, the second a typical in-focus shot at 100%:







Jan 24, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Jeff
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p.31 #5 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


#2:







Jan 24, 2008 at 06:42 PM
roberto1979
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p.31 #6 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


What kind of bike do you have Jeff? I see you're from the Denver area as well, where do you ride? I'm going to try for Mt. Evans this year.


Jan 24, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Alistair Watson
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p.31 #7 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Looks good Jeff!

If you get a 1D3 that works, won't your kids miss cycling at full speed towards a photographer camera in hand?



Jan 24, 2008 at 06:48 PM
jkurkjia
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p.31 #8 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Hi Jeff:

A 73-86% (new keeper rate) versus 50-70% (old keeper rate) does not equate to an order of magnitude improvement (keep in mind an order of magnitude is a factor of 10). From my perspective if the old camera gave you 30 losers out of a hundred shots an order of magnitude improvement would drive down the number of losers to 3.

I'm not trying to pick on your words. I clearly sense you are extremely happy (hooray) with the AF performance of the new camera. So, forgetting the numbers for a minute can you kind of describe what it is about the new camera that gives you a feeling it's ten times better than the old camera. Is there a "feel" or "sense of responsiveness" that has got you all excited?

BTW, I'm very happy for you!

Regards,

Joe Kurkjian



Jan 24, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Alistair Watson
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p.31 #9 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


drisley wrote:
See, I now wonder if there is a difference with these latest models with the 1.1.3 (not 1.1.4 as I said before) firmware vs the ones we are seeing in Canada that are coming out with the 1.1.0 firmware. I'm still hearing of focus problems with these, and they are in the 54xxxx SN range.


FWIW I got my replacement new 1D3 in November 545xxx loaded with 1.1.0. After reading so much on here about people getting their 1D3 fixed versus those who pushed for a replacement, I am so glad I did the latter.



Jan 24, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Jeff
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p.31 #10 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


roberto1979 wrote:
What kind of bike do you have Jeff? I see you're from the Denver area as well, where do you ride? I'm going to try for Mt. Evans this year.


2:41 up Mt. Evans last year on an S-Works Tarmac SL...

Edited by Jeff on Jan 24, 2008 at 05:15 PM GMT (Reason: image)







Jan 24, 2008 at 07:05 PM
roberto1979
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p.31 #11 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Nice!!!! I just started riding last year, so I just want to make it up. My wife has been a cyclist for a long time and got me a bike, but just last week I found an 06 S-works Tarmac. Not the SL, but still amazingly light. I've only had it out on one ride, but it climbs like a dream!!! The best looking bike on the road too!


Jan 24, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Jeff
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p.31 #12 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


jkurkjia wrote:
A 73-86% (new keeper rate) versus 50-70% (old keeper rate) does not equate to an order of magnitude improvement (keep in mind an order of magnitude is a factor of 10).


Joe, I fully realize that 'mathematically', I was referring to a 'qualitative' order of magnitude (which, I suppose, is a contradiction in terms).

To answer your question, I suppose that seeing a set of images more like RG's MkIIn performance was a pleasant surprise. Merely taking the camera from relatively 'unusable' for its intended purpose to absolutely usable, I guess, is the main point. Responsiveness seems the same, although oddly with this one I may need to tweak down the AI Tracking Sensitivity, where with the old one set one notch fast it still wouldn't 'switch' subjects. So maybe more responsive (AF-wise) would be accurate. Let me think more about it...

-Jeff



Jan 24, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Alistair Watson
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p.31 #13 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Alistair Watson wrote:
FWIW I got my replacement new 1D3 in November 545xxx loaded with 1.1.0. After reading so much on here about people getting their 1D3 fixed versus those who pushed for a replacement, I am so glad I did the latter.


drisley wrote:
And you've had no problems?


The only problem I have so far is a 'confidence in the camera' one after 7 months of battling with dodgy Mark 3s. I am hoping this will pass with time as the 1D3 is a great body and does everything that I need for sports and motorsport, even studio work. I have another rugby match this Saturday and will shoot with the 1D3 as a primary body on the 400/2.8 IS and the 1D2N will stay with the 70-200. Couldn't imagine myself saying this in August last year!



Jan 24, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Jeff
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p.31 #14 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


roberto1979 wrote:
Nice!!!! I just started riding last year, so I just want to make it up. My wife has been a cyclist for a long time and got me a bike, but just last week I found an 06 S-works Tarmac. Not the SL, but still amazingly light. I've only had it out on one ride, but it climbs like a dream!!! The best looking bike on the road too!


I love my bike! Up until last summer I was on a 14-year old first-generation Trek OCLV which was nice, but this thing is simply a fine machine, all around. BTW, two years ago was my first time up Mt. Evans at 3:23; it's a lofty goal, and well worth every calorie you'll expend getting to the top at 14,264' MSL. Go for it, you'll be glad you did!

-Jeff







Jan 24, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Bruce Sawle
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p.31 #15 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Alistair Watson wrote:
The only problem I have so far is a 'confidence in the camera' one after 7 months of battling with dodgy Mark 3s. I am hoping this will pass with time as the 1D3 is a great body and does everything that I need for sports and motorsport, even studio work. I have another rugby match this Saturday and will shoot with the 1D3 as a primary body on the 400/2.8 IS and the 1D2N will stay with the 70-200. Couldn't imagine myself saying this in August last year!



I have felt the same as you Alistair but everyday I feel a bit more confidence in my Camera. I went out and shot my first wildlife on Sunday to try out the MK III Servo with BIF and I have to say I was impressed.

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/608038



Jan 24, 2008 at 07:25 PM
bcaslis
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p.31 #16 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Jeff, glad you have a 1D3 that is working better. Hopefully any focal plane issues are resolved also. Sounds like a better percentage than I was getting from an early 1D3 and a "blue-dot" 1D3. Don't think I was ever able to get a burst at 80%. But my D3 is giving me a better percentage and other benefits so I've moved to that for me. Hope everyone gets a working 1D3.


Jan 24, 2008 at 07:29 PM
sivrajbm
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p.31 #17 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Man Jeff, so happy for you Dude...!!!
I'm almost ready for one, must hold out a little longer...



Jan 24, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Rob-Bob
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p.31 #18 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken




Bob



Jan 24, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Hrow
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p.31 #19 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


I have spent over an hour and half on the phone with Canon over the last two days but finally my 1DMkIII is now in return routing from it's second trip in. I asked for and got an explanation of the repairs done and the lady from Canon said they didn't replace anything but "adjusted the electronics" and it is repaired to "factory specs". Unfortunately, that is what they said last time as well.

The Canon lady said, if this doesn't work then I have to send in all of my lenses. When I asked how they adjusted each individual lens to intermittent focusing errors I was told that they have very sophisticated test equipment that can catch detect these things. I didn't ask why said sophisticated equipment failed to catch it the first time as I thought that that might be viewed as hostile. I'll give them a fair shot but I'm not getting that warm and fuzzy feeling from them.

Just pondering... If I still have a problem then according to their logic all my lenses are bad and need to be repaired. If they need to be repaired, adjusted, fixed, or whatever but they are working on my back up body won't that then mean that my perfectly functioning back-up is now going to have focus problems? Any guesses on why all of my lenses broke on the same day I bought a new camera? Were they pissed because they had a relationship with my old body or was it just really bad karma?




Jan 25, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Tom_W
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p.31 #20 · ['NEW Fix' UPDATE!] - MkIII AF still broken


Jeff - looks like you've got things sorted out. I know that you'll be a little skeptical of the body for a while but time will heal that feeling (providing it works right).

Henry, I hope yours' returns in good working order as well. I sounds to me as though the lady on the phone isn't very well-versed on the repair side of things. She was hired for her phone etiquette, not her technical knowledge. At any rate, I wouldn't send them the lenses because the problem is probably the body. IMHO, of course.



Jan 25, 2008 at 05:08 PM
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