Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Digital Cameras & Shooting Techniques => Topic started by: Mark F on April 05, 2009, 07:06:38 pm
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Now that I have had my 1Ds3 back from Canon for a week after sending it in under the Autofocus Accuracy Adjustment program, it seems to me that there is a noticeably increased lag time between pressing the shutter and the body beginning to autofocus. Has anyone else noticed this?
On the good side, it seems that the AF accuracy has been improved. Also, the total turn around time from when I dropped off the camera at UPS until it arrived back was only 9 days. Not bad, taking shipping time into account.
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Now that I have had my 1Ds3 back from Canon for a week after sending it in under the Autofocus Accuracy Adjustment program, it seems to me that there is a noticeably increased lag time between pressing the shutter and the body beginning to autofocus. Has anyone else noticed this?
On the good side, it seems that the AF accuracy has been improved. Also, the total turn around time from when I dropped off the camera at UPS until it arrived back was only 9 days. Not bad, taking shipping time into account.
Now there is a conformed auto focus accuracy defect in some 1DS3's?
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The latest recall included the 1Ds mkIII.
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The latest recall included the 1Ds mkIII.
OK that's old info. My camera was made after that problem and has the new mirror. But I did have to get the err 99 problem fixed.
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Wonderful. Where do I get information on this?
Dear <Customer>,
Thank you for using Canon products.
Please be advised of two important Service Notices and a firmware update for the EOS 1D Mark III and EOS 1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras.
1. We have learned that some EOS 1D Mark III and EOS 1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras have a problem in the accuracy of the AF (auto-focusing). If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft. For more details, please click here. (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=215&modelid=15710&keycode=2112&id=56399)
Free AF accuracy checks and adjustments will be provided for affected products.
2. We have discovered that abnormal mirror operation occurs in some EOS 1D Mark III and EOS 1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras where the mirror does not operate even if the shutter button is pressed and the following message appears frequently on the camera's LCD monitor, see below. For more details, please click here (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=215&modelid=15710&keycode=2112&id=56398).
"Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to <OFF> and <ON> again or re-install the battery."
Free repairs will be provided for affected products.
3. <snip>firmware update information from Tuesday</snip>
Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience these phenomena may have caused. We appreciate your kind patronage and support.
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you reside in the U.S.A. or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
Contact Information for Inquiries:
Customer Support Center
1-866-207-9570 (toll free)
8:00 a.m. - Midnight, EST - Monday to Friday
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., EST - Saturday
E-mail: carecenter@cits.canon.com
CPS serviced my 1DS MK3 as above a few weeks ago - and I have noticed AF is now absolutely outstanding - but I never had any complaints before hand - mine was always excellent.
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CPS serviced by 1DS MK3 as above a few weeks ago - and I have noticed AF is now absolutely outstanding - but I never had any complaints before hand - mine was always excellent.
Same here.
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I went through all that when I purchased my 1DS3. So I got a serial number that had the problem already fixed. So just out of curiosity, I logged on the Canon website and there was a new firmware update. Of course I downloaded it and installed it, and then when it was finished, I chose OK and the camera turned off. Now it won't turn on! It's totally dead. I mean TOTALLY dead. Took the battery out and reinserted it. Took the cards out and reinserted them. Did it all and it is Fing dead.WFT? lol It just never ends. I'll be glad when someday my 1DS3 is my "backup camera"! I can't believe this.
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Where can you find the affected serial number list?
I bought my 1Ds3 used a few weeks ago and the AF is fine, even if I use an off-center point or all points. Also, I have not yet seen an error 99 issue in about 1000 frames. I have installed the latest firmware and it installed flawlessly, and overall I am happy -- and therefore reluctant to send it in for a repair it doesn't need. I did however have to adjust all of my lenses for best AF using the lens micro AF adjust feature, some by only 1 or 2 points, but others by as many as 15 points. Any advice is welcome!
Cheers,
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Where can you find the affected serial number list?
I bought my 1Ds3 used a few weeks ago and the AF is fine, even if I use an off-center point or all points. Also, I have not yet seen an error 99 issue in about 1000 frames. I have installed the latest firmware and it installed flawlessly, and overall I am happy -- and therefore reluctant to send it in for a repair it doesn't need. I did however have to adjust all of my lenses for best AF using the lens micro AF adjust feature, some by only 1 or 2 points, but others by as many as 15 points. Any advice is welcome!
Cheers,
Jack,
Just call Canon and have your serial number handy. They can tell you if yours is in the range that needs to be returned. I don't know of any published serial number lists that you can check on your own.
Ted
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Jack,
Just call Canon and have your serial number handy. They can tell you if yours is in the range that needs to be returned. I don't know of any published serial number lists that you can check on your own.
Ted
Thanks Ted:
I called and they told mine was in the serial range, but then asked if I had tested the outer points. I said I had and they all seemed to work fine, and the tech recommended I not send it in. He said that this type of recall does not expire, so I can send it in any time if I experience problems.
Cheers,
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Update: I wrote Canon and told them I loaded the new Firmware and now my camera won't turn on. Once again, they said I'd have to return it to the factory for repair. This is twice in 7 months. It's a good thing it's still under warranty or I'd have to pay for it.
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Update: I wrote Canon and told them I loaded the new Firmware and now my camera won't turn on. Once again, they said I'd have to return it to the factory for repair. This is twice in 7 months. It's a good thing it's still under warranty or I'd have to pay for it.
Its very odd that it wont turn on - clearly the firmware did not load properly.
May sound like an obvious question - but did u make sure the battery was charged before starting the firmware update?
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Based on the replies it seems that no one else has experienced the AF lag problem that I now have. What's really strange is that it is intermittent and goes away once the power has been on for a while.
It sounds like you may have a bad copy. I'd make a stink, especially if you're a member of their pro group.
Update: ..... This is twice in 7 months. It's a good thing it's still under warranty or I'd have to pay for it.
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Its very odd that it wont turn on - clearly the firmware did not load properly.
May sound like an obvious question - but did u make sure the battery was charged before starting the firmware update?
Yes and it won't let you load it if it detects a low battery.
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Based on the replies it seems that no one else has experienced the AF lag problem that I now have. What's really strange is that it is intermittent and goes away once the power has been on for a while.
It sounds like you may have a bad copy. I'd make a stink, especially if you're a member of their pro group.
You mean to get a new camera back? I could rewrite tech support and ask if that is a possibility.
I just emailed them back asking if that were a possibility. I also have a problem with the viewfinder right hand, vertical EV control. When I choose an EV setting, the marker will bounce up and down a couple of seconds before settling on the EV I chose.
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Now that I have had my 1Ds3 back from Canon for a week after sending it in under the Autofocus Accuracy Adjustment program, it seems to me that there is a noticeably increased lag time between pressing the shutter and the body beginning to autofocus. Has anyone else noticed this?
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Based on the replies it seems that no one else has experienced the AF lag problem that I now have. What's really strange is that it is intermittent and goes away once the power has been on for a while.
I also have a problem with the viewfinder right hand, vertical EV control. When I choose an EV setting, the marker will bounce up and down a couple of seconds before settling on the EV I chose.
Settles it... No way I'm sending mine in until it is really broken!
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Settles it... No way I'm sending mine in until it is really broken!
My 1DsMKIII went in at 1 month old for a problem with a bad sensor and live view. I was not happy but I had it fixed and its been great. I did not suffer any viewfinder problems like some other had. I just sent it in again for the AI servo update. They get the camera tomorrow. I'm not a big AI servo user but thet few times I did use it for some fun stuff of the dogs playing its was a mess, very low keeper rate. Other than that it has been bullet proof and I really love the camera, much better than the 1DsMKII it replaced.
I'll pass on the results when it returns in a few days.
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Settles it... No way I'm sending mine in until it is really broken!
LOL--yeah and don't update the firmware either unless you absolutely need to. Like I said, I'll be glad when I can call the Canon 1DS MKIII my backup camera. I haven't heard of any problems with the Nikon d3X.
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LOL--yeah and don't update the firmware either unless you absolutely need to. Like I said, I'll be glad when I can call the Canon 1DS MKIII my backup camera. I haven't heard of any problems with the Nikon d3X.
Well I am defiantely at the other end of the spectrum. I have my 1DSMK3 since january 2008 - so a year and a bit now and have shot more than 15000 frames and havent had a single issue.
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Well I am defiantely at the other end of the spectrum. I have my 1DSMK3 since january 2008 - so a year and a bit now and have shot more than 15000 frames and havent had a single issue.
Well that is good to know. I feel like I can't rely on this camera any longer. Everytime I go to a shoot I worry about it breaking down.
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Just got the response back from Canon:
Dear Mr. Dallam:
Thank you for your reply.
The warranty carried by your camera is a repair warranty, not a
replacement warranty. Unfortunately, we cannot replace your camera with
a new unit.
We apologize for the inconvenience that this has been for you. Please
write to us again if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Erik
Technical Support Representative
To which I say: Have you ever heard of Nikon?
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Well that is good to know. I feel like I can't rely on this camera any longer. Everytime I go to a shoot I worry about it breaking down.
How many times has it actually ever let you down?
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I would call - the several times I have called to ask a technical question about one of the functions, or this time re the repair, the guys at the other end were very professional and cordial. Try telling them in a nice way your history of problems ( I remember your posts from months back) and the current problems and get them either to give the entire body a thorough testing or ask for a replacement. If that doesn't work try asking to speak to a supervisor, and then his (her) supervisor, etc. You just might get a better response by speaking to someone. Also, if you use your 1Ds3 to make a living you should be part of their professional group and I've read that pro's get speedier and better treatment than nonmembers.
Personally, I couldn't deal with an unreliable camera even as a backup. Murphy's law - you know when it will fail.
You mean to get a new camera back? I could rewrite tech support and ask if that is a possibility.
I just emailed them back asking if that were a possibility. I also have a problem with the viewfinder right hand, vertical EV control. When I choose an EV setting, the marker will bounce up and down a couple of seconds before settling on the EV I chose.
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Also, if you use your 1Ds3 to make a living you should be part of their professional group and I've read that pro's get speedier and better treatment than nonmembers.
Yes. CPS Australia turned around my 1DSMK3 in 24 hours for me for the service call.
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Yes. CPS Australia turned around my 1DSMK3 in 24 hours for me for the service call.
It took a week for UPS to get my 1DsIII back to Virginia but it was delievered to them today. This morning I got the email from Canon saying that they received it. Their website updated this afternoon and said the work was completed. I'm miffed that I had to wait 2 days for Canon to get UPS to send me a mailing label, and then once I had it was UPS normal slow service. If I had known that I would have just taken it to the post office and sent it priority mail. I told the guy on the phone that I was CPS but he either missed it or it doesn't mean anything for the method they pay for to ship it back for the AF fix. But once they got it they claim to have repaired it the same day. With luck they'll ship it back a faster way.
Fortunately I have no horror stories with Canon, they have always treated me very well. Knock on wood it will stay that way.
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How many times has it actually ever let you down?
Twice in under 7 months.
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Yes. CPS Australia turned around my 1DSMK3 in 24 hours for me for the service call.
How much does the professional Canon thing cost?
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It took a week for UPS to get my 1DsIII back to Virginia but it was delievered to them today. This morning I got the email from Canon saying that they received it. Their website updated this afternoon and said the work was completed. I'm miffed that I had to wait 2 days for Canon to get UPS to send me a mailing label, and then once I had it was UPS normal slow service. If I had known that I would have just taken it to the post office and sent it priority mail. I told the guy on the phone that I was CPS but he either missed it or it doesn't mean anything for the method they pay for to ship it back for the AF fix. But once they got it they claim to have repaired it the same day. With luck they'll ship it back a faster way.
Fortunately I have no horror stories with Canon, they have always treated me very well. Knock on wood it will stay that way.
I have no problem with their service either.
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How much does the professional Canon thing cost?
CPS (http://www.canon.com.au/cps/home.aspx)
And here is the PDF application Application (http://www.canon.com.au/CPS/cps_membership_application_final.pdf)
Make sure you meet all their criteria and attach all the documentation they require or it will be rejected.
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CPS (http://www.canon.com.au/cps/home.aspx)
And here is the PDF application Application (http://www.canon.com.au/CPS/cps_membership_application_final.pdf)
Make sure you meet all their criteria and attach all the documentation they require or it will be rejected.
Thanks Josh.
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It's even easier here in the states. Go to this site http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controll...amp;keycode=CPS (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=StandardDisplayAct&fcategoryid=111&keycode=CPS) and simply do it all on-line. YOu'll need the serial numbers of your lenses and cameras as that's the basis of their determination of whether one is qualified for CPS or not. But you'll get your number immediately and the welcome package in about a week.
Ted
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It's even easier here in the states. Go to this site http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controll...amp;keycode=CPS (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=StandardDisplayAct&fcategoryid=111&keycode=CPS) and simply do it all on-line. YOu'll need the serial numbers of your lenses and cameras as that's the basis of their determination of whether one is qualified for CPS or not. But you'll get your number immediately and the welcome package in about a week.
Ted
Wish Canon Australia were that organized.
We have to fill in actual paperwork and submit - online would be very nice indeed.
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I called Canon on a Friday late afternoon, and got the UPS mailing label by Monday morning email. Sent to a site in Virginia. Had the camera back the following Monday by Fed Ex.
It took a week for UPS to get my 1DsIII back to Virginia but it was delievered to them today. This morning I got the email from Canon saying that they received it. Their website updated this afternoon and said the work was completed. I'm miffed that I had to wait 2 days for Canon to get UPS to send me a mailing label, and then once I had it was UPS normal slow service. If I had known that I would have just taken it to the post office and sent it priority mail. I told the guy on the phone that I was CPS but he either missed it or it doesn't mean anything for the method they pay for to ship it back for the AF fix. But once they got it they claim to have repaired it the same day. With luck they'll ship it back a faster way.
Fortunately I have no horror stories with Canon, they have always treated me very well. Knock on wood it will stay that way.
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Well I am defiantely at the other end of the spectrum. I have my 1DSMK3 since january 2008 - so a year and a bit now and have shot more than 15000 frames and havent had a single issue.
Again I'm with Josh! I received the first customer MkIII to arrive in Sydney in Dec 2007, and apart from having the v/f level adjustment done (next day turnaround) it has been faultless since (over 20000 frames). The turnaround for this AF firmware install was under 24 hours. As I said I wasn't experiencing problems before the new firmware and all has been fine since.
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I took my DsIII's in for the update and then when I got home dropped one on the cement of the driveway - the 35 1.4 sheared off at the mount and busted in half further up the barrel and the body took quite a hit.
I went straight back to Canon (Australia) and they had it back to me all together calibrated and check in 24 hours.
CPS Oz rocks..
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Good news on mine. As I mentioned earlier I called Canon on Friday but didn't get a shipping label till Tuesday. I immediately boxed it up and took it to a UPS drop off point that same day. It didn't get to Virginia till the following Tuesday (yesterday). I received an email yesterday morning saying they had it, I checked yesterday afternoon saying it was complete, and this morning I checked and have a FEDEX overnight tracking number which shows that I'll have it back in my hands today. Aside from the time spent with UPS this is amazing service.
Ted
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I had 2 1d mk 111 and 1 ds mk111 for the latest correction . I know have a pinpoint accurate focus with my 300 2.8 the lens that Galbraith had the most trouble with. also I can now use center point with assist from the points around them I moved the focus to normal focus speed. I amhappy. Also on one of my cameras the shutter was replaced. I highly recomend the upgrades. David
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Good news on mine. As I mentioned earlier I called Canon on Friday but didn't get a shipping label till Tuesday. I immediately boxed it up and took it to a UPS drop off point that same day. It didn't get to Virginia till the following Tuesday (yesterday). I received an email yesterday morning saying they had it, I checked yesterday afternoon saying it was complete, and this morning I checked and have a FEDEX overnight tracking number which shows that I'll have it back in my hands today. Aside from the time spent with UPS this is amazing service.
Ted
Mine went to UPS on Friday afternoon last, it was received by Canon on Tuesday, work completed on Weds, and shipped. Due back home on Friday. Thats pretty good service if you ask me. According to Canon they replaced a washer, adjusted the camera and updated firmware. I'll report on the actual performance this weekend
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Mine went to UPS on Friday afternoon last, it was received by Canon on Tuesday, work completed on Weds, and shipped. Due back home on Friday. Thats pretty good service if you ask me. According to Canon they replaced a washer, adjusted the camera and updated firmware. I'll report on the actual performance this weekend
Let us know if you see any difference. I'll call Canon next week…
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Let us know if you see any difference. I'll call Canon next week…
Well, the camera is back in my hands. Its been raining all day so I can't really test. I did check the sensor and it is quite clean except for whatl ooks like a small fliud spot at right at the edge of the sensor. All of my setting were the same as when I sent the camera in, except date, time and frame number.
Checking the microadjust on all my lenses found them all still very close. I did change a few, one or two points, but that could have just been user error from the last adjustment.
Visually the autofocus seems superb, and the few snaps I took around the house were spot on. I'll test more tomorrow when the weather clears.
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Well, the camera is back in my hands. Its been raining all day so I can't really test. I did check the sensor and it is quite clean except for whatl ooks like a small fliud spot at right at the edge of the sensor. All of my setting were the same as when I sent the camera in, except date, time and frame number.
Checking the microadjust on all my lenses found them all still very close. I did change a few, one or two points, but that could have just been user error from the last adjustment.
Visually the autofocus seems superb, and the few snaps I took around the house were spot on. I'll test more tomorrow when the weather clears.
Ran some AI Servo test today at the park, Tennis players, joggers and cars on the street. 300mm F4is. Only about 2 percent out of focus, inner points, outer points, all fine. OOF may have been camera movement.
I'm quite happy with both the service and the repair.
Now for the real test, my Pom at the dog park LOL!
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Ran some AI Servo test today at the park, Tennis players, joggers and cars on the street. 300mm F4is. Only about 2 percent out of focus, inner points, outer points, all fine. OOF may have been camera movement.
I'm quite happy with both the service and the repair.
Now for the real test, my Pom at the dog park LOL!
Craig,
Thanks for reporting, this is encouraging!
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I sent my 1DsIII in for the auto-focus fix a few weeks ago. The camera now focuses extremely well, whereas before I was lucky to get half of my pictures in focus. I'm very impressed, and the turnaround was only a week.
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I sent my 1DsIII in for the auto-focus fix a few weeks ago. The camera now focuses extremely well, whereas before I was lucky to get half of my pictures in focus. I'm very impressed, and the turnaround was only a week.
Thank you for the info. I contacted Canon this morning and I'm awaiting a shipping box.
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Thank you for the info. I contacted Canon this morning and I'm awaiting a shipping box.
Wow! they send yoiu a box over there? Here I only got a shipping label Good luck on your repairs.
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Wow! they send yoiu a box over there? Here I only got a shipping label Good luck on your repairs.
At least that's what they said but I can remember that Canon and Nikon have struck some agreement with the Swiss postal service.
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Just thought I'd add an update. At the gentle urging of a friend here on the forum (thanks David!), I bit my lip and called Canon service and initiated the warranty repair. Within a few hours I had the email with the shipping label. I boxed my camera up, attached the label -- UPS Ground -- and shipped it off. This was Tuesday last week, and I confirmed delivery to Canon on Monday morning of this week, California to Virginia. Canon did the repairs and shipped the camera back to me on Wednesday via 2-Day FedEx, an interesting combination of shipments I thought... Anyway, it arrived today and according to the sheet, the AF work was done AND the firmware was updated. That part is really interesting, because I had already installed the latest firmware update(???)
Whatever, the result is the camera focuses immensely better, locks on moving targets and stays locked on. It may be just my inner glee being overly stimulated, but it really seems even the single-point, single mode AF is much more accurate.
So, +1 happy camper!
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Hi Jack
I am glad it worked out for you. I am very into the feel of a camera and the mk 111's defitnley are much better after this last upgrade. David
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My experience is very positive. Contrary to what Canon Switzerland told me, I didn't receive the box and/or shipping label and had to send my 1Ds Mk3 via standard post service. The whole process (shipping to Canon, adjustments, shipping back to me) took 5 days (Saturday & Sunday included). I didn't have the opportunity to stress the AF system extensively but I can say that tracking is definitely improved. I also agree with Jack's comment about the single point AF, single mode. Firmware update was also mentionned with the wrong version (for the 1D Mk3 and not for the 1Ds Mk3). My firmware was already up to date…