Archive 2009 · CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
p.2 #1CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
firealam
Yes, I'll admit it, I got refused over here in the UK, don't know if our rules are the same as in the US. Was it because I owned up to being "semi-pro" or was it my kit list:
5D2, 40D, 24L, 135L, 85mm f1.8
I don't especially resent the refusal, I do resent the fact that you can choose kit from the drop down menu and that kit apparently doesn't qualify! IMHO if kit doesn't qualify then they shouldn't list it. That way no one gets their hopes up.
The email Canon sent me stated that my refusal was due to my equipment.
Yes, I'll admit it, I got refused over here in the UK, don't know if our rules are the same as in the US. Was it because I owned up to being "semi-pro" or was it my kit list:
5D2, 40D, 24L, 135L, 85mm f1.8
I don't especially resent the refusal, I do resent the fact that you can choose kit from the drop down menu and that kit apparently doesn't qualify! IMHO if kit doesn't qualify then they shouldn't list it. That way no one gets their hopes up.
The email Canon sent me stated that my refusal was due to my equipment.
Mar 09, 2009 at 04:17 PM
p.2 #2CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Okay, I can think of four categories of people here:
1. You were a CPS member and you will be accepted for current membership. No reason for complaints as far as I can see. You pay for extra services, and at the $100 level, 2 free clean and checks covers that easy.
2. You were a CPS member and you are denied current membership. People seem to be worried about this, but is there any previous member who has been denied?
3. You were not a CPS member and you will be accepted for current membership. Again, I can't see any reason for complaint.
4. You were not a CPS member and you are denied current membership. Oh well. Not sure exactly which 'type' of photographer this would cover, so I guess I'd want to hear the story.
Lots of complaints but it's unclear which of these four categories the compliants are coming from. The two-tier payment system should help separate the "true pros" from the other members, as $500 is pretty steep for the recreational shooter who finds his/her way into CPS. And if older equipment is keeping someone out of CPS, chances are good that Canon doesn't service that equipment anyway, so CPS membership would be of very limited value. It sucks that some very good equipment isn't covered, but I imagine it's unlikely that that alone will keep out pros who are likely to own a good deal more than those items.
I'll be interested to hear about real examples of: pros having to wait because pretenders stepped in the way; long-time members who deserve to be members being denied current membership; other relevant issues that actually occur (rather than mere speculation).
1. You were a CPS member and you will be accepted for current membership. No reason for complaints as far as I can see. You pay for extra services, and at the $100 level, 2 free clean and checks covers that easy.
2. You were a CPS member and you are denied current membership. People seem to be worried about this, but is there any previous member who has been denied?
3. You were not a CPS member and you will be accepted for current membership. Again, I can't see any reason for complaint.
4. You were not a CPS member and you are denied current membership. Oh well. Not sure exactly which 'type' of photographer this would cover, so I guess I'd want to hear the story.
Lots of complaints but it's unclear which of these four categories the compliants are coming from. The two-tier payment system should help separate the "true pros" from the other members, as $500 is pretty steep for the recreational shooter who finds his/her way into CPS. And if older equipment is keeping someone out of CPS, chances are good that Canon doesn't service that equipment anyway, so CPS membership would be of very limited value. It sucks that some very good equipment isn't covered, but I imagine it's unlikely that that alone will keep out pros who are likely to own a good deal more than those items.
I'll be interested to hear about real examples of: pros having to wait because pretenders stepped in the way; long-time members who deserve to be members being denied current membership; other relevant issues that actually occur (rather than mere speculation).
Mar 09, 2009 at 04:21 PM
p.2 #3CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
David Baldwin wrote:
firealam
Yes, I'll admit it, I got refused over here in the UK, don't know if our rules are the same as in the US. Was it because I owned up to being "semi-pro" or was it my kit list:
5D2, 40D, 24L, 135L, 85mm f1.8
I don't especially resent the refusal, I do resent the fact that you can choose kit from the drop down menu and that kit apparently doesn't qualify! IMHO if kit doesn't qualify then they shouldn't list it. That way no one gets their hopes up.
The email Canon sent me stated that my refusal was due to...Show more →
You need 2 pro bodies and 3 L lenses in Europe.
When I originally joined I think I had the 5D & 20D, but maybe I joined after I got me 1D4. I was over qualified in the L department though
firealam
Yes, I'll admit it, I got refused over here in the UK, don't know if our rules are the same as in the US. Was it because I owned up to being "semi-pro" or was it my kit list:
5D2, 40D, 24L, 135L, 85mm f1.8
I don't especially resent the refusal, I do resent the fact that you can choose kit from the drop down menu and that kit apparently doesn't qualify! IMHO if kit doesn't qualify then they shouldn't list it. That way no one gets their hopes up.
The email Canon sent me stated that my refusal was due to...Show more →
You need 2 pro bodies and 3 L lenses in Europe.
When I originally joined I think I had the 5D & 20D, but maybe I joined after I got me 1D4. I was over qualified in the L department though
Mar 09, 2009 at 04:44 PM
p.2 #4CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
el_hoppy,
How about some pictures of your 1D4......
How about some pictures of your 1D4......
Mar 09, 2009 at 04:46 PM
p.2 #5CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
firealam wrote:
el_hoppy,
How about some pictures of your 1D4......
1D3
Don't know where my mind was... I'm not even interested in the rumours or any other stuff regarding the next 1D
el_hoppy,
How about some pictures of your 1D4......
1D3
Don't know where my mind was... I'm not even interested in the rumours or any other stuff regarding the next 1D
Mar 09, 2009 at 04:51 PM
p.2 #6CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Russ Isabella wrote:
Okay, I can think of four categories of people here:
1. You were a CPS member and you will be accepted for current membership. No reason for complaints as far as I can see. You pay for extra services, and at the $100 level, 2 free clean and checks covers that easy.
2. You were a CPS member and you are denied current membership. People seem to be worried about this, but is there any previous member who has been denied?
3. You were not a CPS member and you will be accepted for current membership. Again, I can't see any reason...Show more →
Perfectly logical analysis, Russ. I concur wholeheartedly and I often thought that it was not in Canon's best interest have free CPS status in the past; they should have charged something from the beginning. The $100 "gold" fee is quite reasonable. The $500 level is also quite reasonable for the 60% discount off repairs and the extra cleaning/adjustments. I spend easily that much for clean & adjust a couple workhorse lenses and bodies each year so the platinum level is a wash. What people are complaining about is what has me bewildered. Too many people in this world want too much for too little...and ad infinitum at that,
.
Okay, I can think of four categories of people here:
1. You were a CPS member and you will be accepted for current membership. No reason for complaints as far as I can see. You pay for extra services, and at the $100 level, 2 free clean and checks covers that easy.
2. You were a CPS member and you are denied current membership. People seem to be worried about this, but is there any previous member who has been denied?
3. You were not a CPS member and you will be accepted for current membership. Again, I can't see any reason...Show more →
Perfectly logical analysis, Russ. I concur wholeheartedly and I often thought that it was not in Canon's best interest have free CPS status in the past; they should have charged something from the beginning. The $100 "gold" fee is quite reasonable. The $500 level is also quite reasonable for the 60% discount off repairs and the extra cleaning/adjustments. I spend easily that much for clean & adjust a couple workhorse lenses and bodies each year so the platinum level is a wash. What people are complaining about is what has me bewildered. Too many people in this world want too much for too little...and ad infinitum at that,
.Mar 09, 2009 at 05:27 PM
p.2 #7CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
When I joined I needed tear sheets, letters from art directors and magazine photo editors and a referral.
Mar 09, 2009 at 05:37 PM
p.2 #8CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Like someone else said, CPS is no longer concerned with actual working professional photographers and has been taken over by the sales department looking to offer another pretty shiny thing for people who buy new stuff. Like many others I don't have a bunch of new equipment, just the gear I have buying / using for 17 years. Also been a CPS member for 17 years (also NPS and the Mamiya Prof Services) don't really know if I will pass as I have not heard from them yet....
Now you don't need tear sheets, letters from art directors and magazine photo editors and a referral, you need receipts
Now you don't need tear sheets, letters from art directors and magazine photo editors and a referral, you need receipts
Mar 09, 2009 at 05:45 PM
p.2 #9CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Actually, you don't need receipts, just serial numbers. 
Mar 09, 2009 at 05:49 PM
p.2 #10CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
There should be a CPS for amateurs with lots of money and maybe a IAWWTSAINTGIDQ (I am working with this stuff and I need to get it done quick) for working pros.
Mar 09, 2009 at 05:54 PM
p.2 #11CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Oooh oooh, we get a free CPS ID card! Once I get one of those, then I'll really be a pro! That's definitely worth upgrading to the 400 IS.
Mar 09, 2009 at 06:22 PM
p.2 #12CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I'm a member.. However, I just went for the Silver membership for now. You can upgrade later online, and since I do not have anything that needs to go in for the next few months, it made sense to me to just upgrade prior. At least that is how I plan to do it...
Mar 09, 2009 at 08:23 PM
p.2 #13CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I'm a member and just purchased Gold. Perhaps it's because i have a previous CPS ID# but the web application was essentially a few checkboxes and selecting gear & entering serial #s. My previous application required documentation, letters, letterheads, etc. Sort of mind-boggling but i believe if canon usa can service everyone this is a win-win. I believe the gear will limit some people, older Ls like the 28-70L is not even supported, nor the 70-200/4 (not IS) but ironically the newer high priced ef-s lenses are.
Mar 09, 2009 at 10:03 PM
p.2 #14CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
My application went straight through, too. I'll keep it around even though I'm in the middle of switching to Nikon.
Mar 09, 2009 at 10:51 PM
p.2 #15CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Tony,
tonyhart wrote:
I want first rate support and I'm willing to pay for the privilege. It's annoying that there isn't a way in for me, a young, newly established professional who shoots on a 5DII and a 50D.
I'm with you on this one and I find myself in the same predicament - here in Australia, not only do you need to have two 1s and 3Ls, they have to have been
sourced locally and my gear which was acquired over a number of years,
does not make it - I had my previous membership cancelled because of this.
If only I could pay for it and show that I'll put my money where my mouth is, I'd happily do this, but it's not possible here.
Cheers,
Bonny
tonyhart wrote:
I want first rate support and I'm willing to pay for the privilege. It's annoying that there isn't a way in for me, a young, newly established professional who shoots on a 5DII and a 50D.
I'm with you on this one and I find myself in the same predicament - here in Australia, not only do you need to have two 1s and 3Ls, they have to have been
sourced locally and my gear which was acquired over a number of years,
does not make it - I had my previous membership cancelled because of this.
If only I could pay for it and show that I'll put my money where my mouth is, I'd happily do this, but it's not possible here.
Cheers,
Bonny
Mar 09, 2009 at 10:54 PM
p.2 #16CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Clearly it seems that it is much easier to get in now than before. When I joined a few years ago I had to have letters from 2 photo editors who accept my work (I'm freelance) as well as multiple tear sheets showing my work in print. Not a big deal if you are a regular shooter.
Now, simply allowing people in by virtue of equipment owned, and calling 30D and higher 'pro' bodies and multiple consumer lenses 'pro lenses', kind of waters down the mix. Doubtful they can enforce the 'full time professional photographer' requirement, so if you've got the cash you can get in regardless of whether you actually require the pro services, or are really a pro. CPS will more than likely morph into some kind of pseudo-status symbol rather than a beneficial tool for pros.
Now, simply allowing people in by virtue of equipment owned, and calling 30D and higher 'pro' bodies and multiple consumer lenses 'pro lenses', kind of waters down the mix. Doubtful they can enforce the 'full time professional photographer' requirement, so if you've got the cash you can get in regardless of whether you actually require the pro services, or are really a pro. CPS will more than likely morph into some kind of pseudo-status symbol rather than a beneficial tool for pros.
Mar 09, 2009 at 11:07 PM
p.2 #17CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
tonyhart wrote:
I work as a full time pro here in the UK but I don't shoot with any 1-Series bodies. The UK CPS requires at least 2 1-Series bodies and 3 L-Series lenses. So I can't have the benefits of CPS membership and that really sticks in my crawl. I wish they'd make it a paid membership. I'd happily pay up to £1000 annually to have CPS membership. Not everyone chooses to shoot the same way and the stupid CPS policies are a pain.
It's not at all like that. Canon UK like the rest of Canon CPS Europe don't require two 1 series bodies. Nearly every body qualify. Maybe you should read the rules before complaining here
I work as a full time pro here in the UK but I don't shoot with any 1-Series bodies. The UK CPS requires at least 2 1-Series bodies and 3 L-Series lenses. So I can't have the benefits of CPS membership and that really sticks in my crawl. I wish they'd make it a paid membership. I'd happily pay up to £1000 annually to have CPS membership. Not everyone chooses to shoot the same way and the stupid CPS policies are a pain.
It's not at all like that. Canon UK like the rest of Canon CPS Europe don't require two 1 series bodies. Nearly every body qualify. Maybe you should read the rules before complaining here
Mar 09, 2009 at 11:26 PM
p.2 #18CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I can't understand the people from Europe that are whining about how difficult it is to become a CPS Europe member
It's way to easy and I'm sure most of the members would not qualify if they had to show any proof or paperwork.
All you have to do to become a member is to fill in the application form on their website. There you say that you are a pro and that you own 2 Canon bodies and 3 L lenses. No proof or papers to send in. You just fill in the application
It's way to easy and I'm sure most of the members would not qualify if they had to show any proof or paperwork.
All you have to do to become a member is to fill in the application form on their website. There you say that you are a pro and that you own 2 Canon bodies and 3 L lenses. No proof or papers to send in. You just fill in the application
Mar 09, 2009 at 11:51 PM
p.2 #19CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I just joined at the Gold level. Rather simple and a GREAT value. And since I'm a working pro, I wouldn't be without this. It's kind of like equipment and liability insurance...gotta have them too.
Mar 10, 2009 at 12:17 AM
p.2 #20CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I personally hope they reigned it in stronger. It's crazy how easy it is to become a CPS member. It was put together for PROS, as the C(P)S name would suggest, but without a real way to verify pro shooters status, it seemed anyone could easily join with just a few published shots.
With so many shooters in America, especially since digital came about, it's no surprise they would try to reign in the amount of members with a new system. I just hope they increase the requirements and make it tougher to gain membership.
With so many shooters in America, especially since digital came about, it's no surprise they would try to reign in the amount of members with a new system. I just hope they increase the requirements and make it tougher to gain membership.
Mar 10, 2009 at 12:24 AM